FALLelujah! Let us rejoice and be glad!

I know somewhere there are beach bunnies dying by the herd.  They are spending all three wishes begging the genie to extend summer three more months and they’re complaining of being cold when it’s 75 degrees outside.  It’s very difficult for these summer babies to make the transition to cooler weather.  I understand.  I feel the same way at the end of spring.  I know I won’t be sleeping well for three months because even with the air conditioner on, my bedroom is still hot in the summer months.  

But something happened this year that made even this die-hard fall fan take notice.  It seems like A LOT of people started the countdown to fall in early August – with plenty of summer left!  Fall themed commercials started airing early this year.  Starbuck’s unleashed the Pumpkin Spice Whatever earlier than usual.  I started smelling cinnamon at the entry to the grocery store.  It was still 300 degrees outside when I saw suede boots in the shoe store!  People were unmistakably announcing their desire for fall to…well…fall.

So today, September 22, 2016 at 10:21 am, fall will arrive for all of us waiting for all the things that come with the season.  The time will finally come for crisp days and cozy nights.  We can now wear lightweight sweaters and drink silky smooth and deliciously warming (and slightly over priced) gourmet beverages.  It’s the time of year when you can smell an apple pie cooking from miles away.  And in all honesty, I’m good with that.

I do, however, worry about the summer babies.  My husband, for instance, canNOT tolerate cold of any kind.  He bundles up in three or four layers of clothing to avoid any cool air touching his skin.  So, I try to find interesting and unique ways for him to enjoy the cooler seasons.  In my mind, the more distractions there are, the less complaining there is.  It’s sneaky but effective.  The idea is to get him to embrace the season because, really, what can we do?  Fall is coming whether we like it or not.  Am I right?

That being said, here are a few reasons to smile about autumn.

1. The word autumn is funny-sounding.  …and we only use it during a specific time of year. 
2. The colors of the trees is definitely something to smile about; from the brightest gold color to the most intense red.  …just gorgeous.
3. Mini-marshmallows.  Nothing more to say about this.
4. Caramel apples.
5. Caramel apples with nuts.
6. Fireplaces.  They’re warm and romantic.
7. The way a warm mug of something slowly warms your body and hands.
8. Halloween.  Halloween parties.  Halloween movies.  Halloween candy.  Halloween decorations.
9. Coming into the house on a cold day to the aroma of dinner cooking.
10. Autumn scented candles.

Now, smiling is good but it’s not an activity…and summer babies are use to being active.  I usually begin my activity research at the JBM-HH Community Activity Center.  These guys have lived in the DMV (District, Maryland, and Virginia) for years.  They know what’s fun, how to get there, and will (most times) have discounted admission tickets.  Feel free to give them a call at 703.696.3469/70 or visit them online at http://www.jbmhhmwr.com/community-activity-center.

But this year, I’m taking a different approach.  I know the Federal Government is cutting their budget which means most families will be doing the same.  Knowing this, the Family & MWR Marketing Office compiled a list of some great free or low cost fall activities in the area.  We hope you find one or more to enjoy!

Fall in Washington DC

1. Let the kiddos release some pent-up energy at one of the many playgrounds found throughout Rock Creek Park, followed up by a refuel with lunch at one of 30 picnic locations. For an additional fee, you can enjoy a horseback ride, or rent a bicycle and feel the crisp breeze take over as you coast down one of the paved bike paths. Another option: spend an afternoon playing 18 holes at the public golf course.
2. Fall is the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and trek down the C&O Canal, which traces the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland, Md. The serene trek should include plenty of fall foliage once October rolls around, and on quiet days, you can hear the soothing sounds of nature amidst the surrounding beauty of historic Georgetown and the River.
3. Enjoy live music, local farm-fresh produce, handmade arts, jewelry, crafts and more than 100 merchants on weekend mornings at Eastern Market. While taking in the beautiful fall surroundings at no cost, warm up with locally made, toasty beverages and baked goods, which will not put a huge dent in the wallet.
4. As days get shorter, entertainment becomes more important. Get swept away by live music with the National Gallery of Art’s free concerts throughout the fall. Performances usually take place in the West Garden Court, but may also occur in the East Building Auditorium. Speaking of the East Building: the structure reopens on Sept. 30, featuring newly renovated galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden and three new exhibitions.

Fall in Virginia

1. Westmoreland Berry Farm in Colonial Beach. Acres of Rappahannock River frontage are perfect for picnics and bird watching. The kids will enjoy a play area just for them, as well as the antics of the skywalking goats. Give the goats a nibble from the pulley feeder system; they love it! Westmoreland is a pick-your-own farm offering fall raspberries and pumpkins. Hitch a ride on the hay wagon to head to the fields. The only fee incurred at the farm is the rate for pick-your-own products or any cafe purchases you choose to make.
2. A beautiful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers you to Milepost 213 and the Blue Ridge Music Center where Mid-Day Mountain Music occurs daily through mid-October. Listen in from noon to 4 p.m. and take the opportunity to check out The Roots of American Music Museum and visitor center.
3. It’s rare to find a free three-day music festival, but Richmond has one. Check out the Richmond Folk Festival, held annually the second weekend in October. Seven stages will host more than 30 music and dance groups – ballet, reggae, bluegrass, Vietnamese, Scissors Dance, polka, salsa, gospel, Cajun … the list goes on. And there’s a place for kids with make-and-take crafts and special performers.
4. The 60-acre Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton offers a free Fall Festival October 21-23, complete with a pumpkin patch, foggy kayak rides, live entertainment, and hay rides. You can purchase food at the festival or pack your own and find a picnic area to enjoy lunch. After lunch, walk the nature trail or let the kids loose at the playground. 150 domestic and wild animals are on site; bring your quarters to feed farm animals. Hayride is weather dependent.
5. Check out the two-day Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour through Virginia’s beautiful Culpeper County. Held annually the first weekend in October, the tour includes 18 farms and farm related businesses, which allow you to get involved with hands-on activities and demonstrations, as well as mingle with llamas, horses, cattle, and buffalo. Expect to see both traditional and unique farm experiences during this free weekend that really does have something for everyone – even wine and moonshine!
6. Take a train ride into Clifton for Clifton Day Festival, held annually the second Saturday of October. It’s the only day of the year the train stops in town! The train is free to for arrival but $5 to return (children under two are free), and services stops between Manassas and Rolling Road. The festival is free to attend and includes great entertainment, vendors, artisans, historical reenactments, and more. Food will be available for purchase.

Visit these website to see these lists in their entirety. 

Virginia is for Lovers:  http://blog.virginia.org/2013/09/10-free-things-to-do-this-fall-in-virginia.

Destination DC:  https://washington.org/visit-dc/100-free-things-to-do-fall-in-dc 

Don't forget!  Family & MWR always has a 30-Day Picture Challenge in progress on Instagram (search jbmhhfmwr).  We have one for both September and October.  Be sure to check those out and post your fall pics on Instagram and Facebook.  Don’t forget to tag us @jbmhhfmwr!

Happy fall, y’all!