The air is crisp and cold in the morning. The leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. Sweatpants and hoodies are making their way out of the closet. Football can be seen on every TV in the area. FALL IS HERE! In this blog, I’ll show you some of the coolest activities to do during my favorite month of the year, October. Let’s get going!
Queen City Mischief and Magic
This is cheating a little bit, as the event takes place at the end of September, but it is a sight you HAVE to see. We got to experience it firsthand and it was absolutely amazing. Queen City (Staunton, VA) transforms for a weekend into an unofficial Harry Potter festival, with activities including Quidditch matches, niffler hunts, sorting hats, Triwizard labyrinths, and all your favorite characters in costume. Get to the city early to experience the Hogwarts Express delivering the characters to the city by train!
Devil’s Backbone’s Hay Bale Maze
Devil’s Backbone, being one of our favorite breweries, puts on some excellent extracurriculars. During the month of October, they have a hay bale maze and tout some Octoberfest events. The hay bale maze alone was a lot of fun, but they also have a bonfire for roasting smores and some outdoor games. It’s fun for the whole family, while you sip on some of their seasonal brews.
While you are researching Devil’s Backbone, also check out their annual Hoopla event!
Blue Ridge Night Maze
The Blue Ridge Night Maze is located next to one of our other favorite breweries, Wood Ridge Farm Brewery. The maze includes lots of other family-friendly activities, including farm animals, playgrounds, carnival games, and an obstacle course. But, the real fun happens when the sun goes down, and you can do the corn maze in the dark. Get ready to spook yourself when the shadows start moving.
Blue Mountain Brewery Octoberfest
Blue Mountain Brewery has my favorite fall beer, “Spooky”, that they release just for Halloween. But there are plenty of events happening throughout the month. They have multiple evenings of polka music, “take home the boot” nights, and other live music events. This might be the best brewery to catch the football/baseball games too, as they have multiple TVs right by the bar.
Immersive Sleepy Hollow Experience
Mount Rouge Farm has implemented a Brian Clowdus Experience, that immerses the audience into a Sleepy Hollow horror show. Beware of the Headless Horseman, as the audience isn’t off limits in these cool shows.
Pumpkin Picking!
Most of the local farms offer U-Pick Pumpkins! The closest to the Indio House is Critzler Farms. So grab a knife and create your own Jack-o-lantern.
Rockfish Valley Foundation Plein Air Paint Out
The local foundation will put on this event for the second time this year. The Plein Air Paint Out invites local artists to set up easels on the many miles of trails around the foundation. During the event, you can walk the trails and see what everyone is painting!
Dark Skies Events
Nelson County invites many businesses and groups to help volunteer their spaces and time to put on many Dark Skies events throughout the month. Because of the national park and the surrounding forests, this may be the most stars you’ll ever see. Find an event to learn even more about the night sky.
Fall Lumberjack Classic
Devil’s Backbone will once again host the Fall Lumberjack Classic. Come see lumber Jacks and Jills put their skills to the test in some competitive activities. These include Hotsaw, Underhand chop, and team competitions. It’s free to attend and family-friendly.
Some other options that are available year-round, but are definitely better in the fall:
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the leaves changing
- Rent a hot air balloon to show you the area in a unique sunrise/sunset experience
- Enjoy the views from any of the local wineries/breweries
- Look for festive, seasonal gifts in some local antique/country stores
So, what event do you want to go to?