“Fall”- The season that gets a bad rap
Yes, we all dread the end of summer as we layer on the sweatshirt or sweater and put away our shorts and sandals but, before you diss the fall season too much, give it some thought.
Fall brings with it many of the Festivals and Fairs we all enjoy as well as the time of harvest where the effort of the spring planting and the summer watering and weeding comes to fruition giving us all potatoes, corn to preserve and pickles to can. And fall means APPLES! Delicious, juicy and crisp apples that will assure our tables at least one freshly made pie accompanied by the smell of cinnamon and spice throughout the house.
Despite what you may believe, there are some wonderful things to do in the fall season and many are thanks to Mother Nature and the foliage when, much like a night at the Oscars, she sports her perfect dress leaving we, the spectators in awe. This site is available in every area of the Eastern Townships and beyond.
The Owl’s Head Autumnfest will run from September 21-22, 28-29, October 57 and 12-14, for three weekends when the hiking is at its best! The incredible view of Lake Memphremagog and the surrounding mountains allows those who take advantage of the opportunity a chance to witness one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Eastern Townships. Owl’s Head will operate its quadruple chairlift to give access to the summit. Visit owlshead.com or facebook for rates and hours of operation.
While the Autumnfest runs during the weekends, the mountain is accessible on weekdays however, the main building and toilets are not accessible. If you have not experienced the views from Owl’s Head’s summit, this is a must activity as you will be glad you witnessed such amazing beauty in our own backyard.
If you are coming to the Owls Head Autumnfest, a stop at Potton’s Api M.D. Honey Farm located on Route 243 just north of Mansonville is where you can find more than just honey with a variety of delicious and useful products to enjoy.
A stop at local fruit stands is a highlight for our family. Places like Paradis des Fruits on Bruce Street in Dunham, a family operation open on weekends from 8:30am to 5:00pm is a great place for a large variety of apples and fruits that you can pick yourself or buy from the stand conveniently located beside the main road. According to their website:
“We offer U-pick or freshly picked strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, red & black currant, gooseberry, apple (22 varieties), pear & plum. Taste and choose from six floral varieties of NATURAL HONEY, produced by our bees. Enjoy a warm welcome in our friendly FRUIT PARADISE, next to wineries in the Appalachian Hills, where we have been working in harmony with nature for more than 50 years.”
There are other stands of this type all over the Eastern Townships. Once you find the fruit stand that best suits you and your family, you will see that it quickly becomes a “must” stop every fall season. Many of these stands are situated close to a variety of vineyards where tastings and boutiques await you.
If you are low on cash and wonder what you can do for a fall outing with the family, jump in your car! A drive along the county roads, a walk or hike together with the addition of a picnic lunch and a camera will assure memories to get you through the cold and snowy winter. It’s fall, let’s make the best of one of the most beautiful times of the year.