3 Ways to Get Excited About Fall in Fairfax, Virginia

As the summer comes to an end, you might be sad to say goodbye to hot, sunny days, but cooler days are coming and bringing the fall season. Get ready for the fun fall holidays, like Halloween and Thanksgiving, by gathering up locally grown apples for cider, pumpkins for pie, and unique decor. Here are some ways to get excited about fall in Fairfax, Virginia.

Visit the Community Farmers’ Market

Next to the Historic Fairfax County Courthouse, the Community Farmers’ Market is a great place to enjoy freshly harvested fruits and veggies from local growers. As autumn approaches, the market will become full of fresh apples, squash, pumpkins, and other classic goodies that get us ready for the cooler season. Some of the produce vendors you can expect include Valdez Brothers Produce, Tyson Farms, and Liliana’s Produce. On cool mornings, you can enjoy hot coffee from Kustom Coffee.

The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, so you can complete your weekend with a stroll around the grounds. The Saturday market is open until October 31 from 9 a.m. until noon each week, and the Sunday market runs until October 25 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. each week. In addition to fresh local foods, there are many places to shop for handmade crafts. Get in the cold-weather mood with some cozy creations by local quilters, knitters, and artisans.

Attend the Fairfax County Brewfest

Every year, Mustang Sally Brewing Company joins with Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce to host the Fairfax County Brewfest. This is an outdoor event with tons of food vendors and live entertainment. Local breweries will be showcasing their craft brews as local restaurants offer goodies from food trucks. Keep an eye on the event page for more details about performances, tickets, and updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a great event to start off the fall season on Saturday, September 26 at the Mustang Sally Brewing Company taproom and outdoor area.

Watch the Leaves Change at Local Parks

In late October, the trees in Fairfax begin to change, making the area vibrant with pops of bright orange, yellow, and red. A heavily wooded area with lots of nature trails, Fairfax Villa Park is the perfect spot to watch the seasons change.

Take a picnic with a friend or loved one, hike one of the many trails, or go for a brisk run as the falling leaves crunch beneath your feet. The trails at Fairfax Villa Park are short and easy, great for beginner hikers or families with young kids. Several small streams run throughout the park and are great for finding friendly wildlife like toads, salamanders, and crayfish.

Providence Park covers 20 acres of land and offers a playground, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and trails for hiking and biking. Other parks in Fairfax that are good for enjoying the changing leaves include Van Dyck Park and Daniels Run Park. Be sure to check the local park websites for open hours and park regulations.

Don’t let the end of summer bring you down. Make plans to visit these local places and events and get excited about cool weather, fun holidays, and fall community traditions.

Image via Pixabay

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