Fall is all around us. It’s one of the gifts of living in this area where other people travel to see what we enjoy every day. There are plenty of activities going on to help you celebrate the season. Here are a few you may want to consider.

Featured event: Mt. Sunapee 9th Annual Fall Festival & Pig Roast Weekend

Mark your calendar for October 7 and 8. That’s when this annual festival of food and fun takes place at Mt. Sunapee. The free event will feature old-fashioned games from 12 to 3 pm, such as a scavenger hunt, donuts on a string, an obstacle course, and a “ring of fire” disc golf toss. The sky rides will go from 10am to 4:30pm, and there will be a Duck Drop for you to try and hit the target. Food will be available à la carte, including pulled pork, grilled half chicken, cornbread, sides and desserts, all served outdoors.

To burn off all the calories, you can register for the "Run Into Winter 5K". There will also be a pumpkin-carving contest, hay wagon rides, face painting, and inflatables. Everyone in the family can find something fun to do.

For a complete schedule of events and activities, visit the Mt. Sunapee website www.mountsunapee.com.

Autumn Moon Festival 2017

Enjoy a short, leaf-peeping drive to Windsor, Vermont, for this annual festival on September 30 from 4 to 9pm. There will be activities for all ages plus lots of entertainment.  Food will be available and, for adults, there will be a Harpoon Beer Garden hosted by Pi Brick Oven Trattoria in Woodstock. Fireworks will top off the evening. 

Head to Plainfield, New Hampshire, for a day of apple picking and leaf peeping. The farm offers 15 different apple varieties in the easy-to-access orchard, or you can buy your favorites at the barn store instead. There is also a corn maze to explore, and word has it there are still blueberries on the bushes. They also offer cider, pumpkins, gourds, squash, and flowers. Soon you can purchase a holiday wreath or learn to make one of your own. 

And if you want to stay the weekend, there is a cute barn-style home available to rent. Get more information at www.riverviewnh.com.

Simon Pearce

Explore the art of glassblowing at the historic Simon Pearce flagship store located in an old mill overlooking the Ottauquechee River in Quechee, Vermont. Artisans show you how it’s done daily from 10am to 9pm. You can also stop in for a meal at their restaurant, The Mill at Simon Pearce. 

Check out the menu and other details at www.simonpearce.com.