Why Fall Is An Exciting Time in Marion County

couple biking on rail trail

The impending change of temperature, colors, and spices is coming. For now, we still have time to wear tank tops, shorts and not freeze. So we’re not in the throes of fall just yet.

But how exciting when we do get there! Soon, the landscape will be awash with color in beautiful displays of reds, oranges, and yellows sweeping across the state. Then, there are the smells of cider, smoke from burning leaves, and the singed pumpkin of a jack-o-lantern plug.

By now you hear the echo of marching bands and the crack of pads as rival teams face off under Friday night lights.

These autumnal trademarks are ubiquitous across the state, but there are some other unique ways to experience them in Marion

All the Pumpkins

Dairy Creme Corner: Not ready to give up summer just yet? Enjoy pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice and fall flavored Avalanches well into the season.

Joe n Throw: Yes, pumpkin spice lattes are important. But don’t forget about a Blackberry Muffin Latte and Hippie Honey Mochas.

Rambling Root: The Root takes fall seriously. So seriously, in fact, they’re celebrating with a Punkinfest! Picture it: pumpkin ales, pumpkin foods and beer on pumpkins…I mean draft. But really, though, beer will be flowing out of pumpkins. Drink and eat pumpkins while you play a game of cornhole in the brisk fall air.

Pumpkins are indeed a symbol for autumn along with decorated cornstalks. A few scary-faced pumpkins will do the trick to frighten away wandering evil spirits. Stock up on both at Speedway Market.   

hearth cooking

Fall at the Fort

Talk about comfort and cozy. Pricketts Fort is a warm and inviting space full of outdoorsy smells and forty smells. (You have to experience it to know what I’m talking about, trust me.)

It’s more than a beautiful and perfect fall space. Interact with living history interpreters!  Living history interpreters are almost always at the fort, ready to teach you and show you all about their 18th Century lives. Be sure to plan for an interactive history lesson during Native American Weekend with plenty of hands-on activities for the kids. Stop by the fort to see how to make soap and candles as it was done on the western Virginia frontier. Take home a recipe from the hearth cooking demos, which are authentic dishes from the 18th Century.

18th Century West Virginians did more than chores! Hear traditional music at the amphitheater or strike up informal jams in the park during Traditional Music Day.

Here’s a fun fact: 18th Century people also shopped. So take a look through the Trading Post for handmade utensils, tools, clothing and other 18th Century items that I don’t know what they’re called!

Because we’re talking about fall, we’re basically talking about Christmas. So get a jump-start on the holidays during the Pricketts Fort Christmas Market in October.

But Marion County is more than a cool fort with cool people living in the 18th Century!

water falls surrounded by fall leavesFall Leaves

See the greenery as it changes to… orangery? You can hike the rail trails. You can bike the mountains. You can walk in the parks.

Or… There’s the Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Tournament! Don’t walk through fall; play through it! This tournament attracts world-class players, but don’t be intimidated. It’s a perfect time to watch the pros and pick up a few tips at the same time.

Autumn Tunes

Nothing says fall like the countryside. Head to the country to explore country music’s past in the WV Country Music Hall of Fame! Do that before or after a great country music show with some good ol’ country cookin’ at the Sagebrush Round-Up.

Fright and Delight

Fall not only means beautiful drives and fun fort times, it also means Halloween!

Illusive Skull: Get all- and I do mean all- your Halloween costume needs here.

Country Creekside Market: Be the coolest house on the block with locally made Amish candy! (Or, turn the lights off at your house and eat it yourself.)

If you are looking for fright and delight this season, then you’ll want to pick up a copy of Ruth Ann Musick’s book, The Telltale Lilac Bush from Kerri’s Korner Bookstore. You’ll find a collection of 100 Marion County folklore and ghost stories.

Hike, bike or drive through fall here in Marion! Your destination will always be worth the trip.

What’s your favorite way to welcome fall?

 

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