By Cate Reynolds
The leaves are changing, the weather is (slowly) getting cooler, and fall is finally here. This Saturday, September 22nd, marks the official start of fall. Here are five unbe-LEAF-ably fun ways you can get into the autumnal spirit this weekend:
Enjoy an a-MAIZE-ing Day at Homestead Gardens Fall Fest:
Head to Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville for its 35th Annual Fall Festival, taking place every Saturday (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) through October 28th. Kids can enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, the Homestead Barnyard, a jumping pillow, pony rides and more. Adults can grab a drink at the beer garden, play a game of cornhole, and enjoy live music. Don't forget to pick out the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch! Admission is $12 per person, and children ages 3 and under are free. For more information, visit Homesteadgardens.com.
Join the Merriment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival:
Hear ye, hear ye! Spend a day at the 42nd Maryland Renaissance Festival, running every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., through October 21st. Peruse over 140 artisan shops, feast on fine food and sweet treats, and enjoy a wide array of entertainment, including magicians, jugglers, jousting, and more. Tickets are $26 for adults ages 16–61, $22 for seniors ages 62+, $11 for children ages 7–15, and free for children under 7. For more information, visit Rennfest.com.
Have a Scary Good Time at a Historic Ghost Walk:
The start of fall means that the Halloween season is upon us! Get in the ~spooky~ spirit at a local ghost walk. In Annapolis, check out Watermark's Historic Ghost Walk of downtown Annapolis, taking place every Saturday and Sunday. These tours are suitable for all ages. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3–11, and free for ages 2 and under.
On the Eastern Shore, tour haunted sites, join a paranormal investigation, or enjoy an evening of ghost stories with Chesapeake Ghost Tours. Tours are offered at various sites in Denton, St. Michaels, Easton, Cam idge, Salisbury, Ocean City, Berlin, Princess Anne, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and Crisfield. Some tours are not suitable for children. For a full list of tours offered, visit Chesapeakeghosts.com.
Kickoff Fall Fun with Some Football:
Nothing says fall quite like football. On Sunday, September 23rd, 1 p.m. head to FedExField to watch the Redskins take on the Packers, or watch the Ravens go head-to-head with the Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Ticket prices vary. To purchases tickets, visit NFL.com.
Can't make the game? No worries! You can watch all the action, and enjoy awesome food and drink specials, at any of these local bars.
Enjoy GOURD Music:
The outdoor concert series are wrapping up. On Thursday, September 20th, 6–8 p.m. gather the family and head to Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park for a performance from High & Wides during the final September Sunsets Concert, hosted by the Annapolis Maritime Museum. On Sunday, September 23rd, hear live music from Appaloosa at Downs Park. Both concerts are free to attend.
