The hallmark of autumn is the changing colors of the leaves. We may not be quite there yet, but soon the landscape will be awash with color in beautiful displays of reds, oranges, and yellows sweeping across the state. Sunsets will take on a coppery hue. And fall smells will be evocative: cider, smoke from burning leaves, and the singed pumpkin of a jack-o-lantern plug.

 

 

The sounds of fall are distinct too. Crisp, dried leaves cover the ground and swish and crunch underfoot. Squirrels chatter and raise a leafy rattle as they scurry for acorns to bury and find again as fall fades into winter.

Fall ushers in other familiar sights and sounds: The echo of marching bands as they perform their halftime routines, the crack of pads as rival teams face off under Friday night lights, and the squeals of joy as students file off the bus at the end of the school day.

Need ideas on how to experience autumn in Marion County? Check out these fall family-friendly events:

 

 

Autumn is a great time to visit Pricketts Fort. Visitors will see how soap and candles were made on the western Virginia frontier. Their hearth cooking demos will give you an idea of how women fed families in the 18th Century (recipes available upon request). Visitors will enjoy a full day of traditional music as musicians perform at the amphitheater or strike up informal jams in the park during Traditional Music Day. You can get a jump-start on the holidays during the Pricketts Fort Christmas in October weekend. And be sure to bring the family to enjoy an interactive history lesson during Native American Weekend where there will be plenty of hands-on activities for the kids.

 

 

Besides being a great place to walk, did you know that Morris Park is home to two of the finest disc golf courses in West Virginia? The upcoming Seth Burton Memorial Disc Golf Tournament attracts many world-class players. It’s a perfect time to watch the pros and pick up a few tips at the same time.

 

 

If you need some good tunes to get you in the mood for fall, then you will want to add Sagebrush Round-Up to your calendar. Not only will you hear some great musicians, but you can also enjoy a home-cooked meal and explore country music’s past in the WV Country Music Hall of Fame. Palatine Park will host weened performances through September or a scenic drive to Mannington will take you to the Hamilton Round Barn where you can enjoy the sounds of Backroads, a local country band. Expand your musical repertoire with the Fairmont Chamber Music Society when their first concert of the season opens with the engaging and illuminating duo of Lawler and Fadoul, who offers audiences an unexpected mélange of classical virtuosity, lively commentary, theatrical flair and a small dose of indie rock sensibility.

No fall is complete without the thrill of Halloween. During the weekends of October, Coal Country Miniature Golf will once again, get “Halloweenified” for their Spooky Golf.

 

 

Not quite ready to give up one of the joys of summer? The Splash Park will be open until the end of September.

 

What’s your favorite thing about fall?