Nighttime and early morning is freezing (and the afternoons are a hot sweaty mess)

So I brought out my old fall playlist. 

The Dubliners, Ingrid Michaelson, Ellie Goulding, Chairlift, Flogging Molly, Cara Beth Satalino, The Avett Brothers, Adele, Ella Fitzgerald, Will Hoge, Sara Bareilles, Old Crow Medicine Show, Meiko, The Rolling Stones, Kings of Leon, Feist, and more…

But it’s making me miss the trip from Clemson to Asheville…

The Blue Ridge Parkway.

with blue and purple peaks covered by red and gold and yellow and green masses and chunks of leaves, orange curled crunches on the ground, stopping in the dirt to pick apples down a long row of trees, secluded in a valley, chugging fresh apple juice out of an old glass jug, wearing button ups and sweaters and hugging friends…

All month long:

October: Helen, Georgia 

Helen’s 41st Oktoberfest begins September 22 and continues each day through October 30. Helen’s Biggest Celebration! German music, dancing, food & drink. Hours: Monday - Thursday 6PM - 10:30PM, Friday, 6PM –Midnight, Saturday 1PM-Midnight, Sunday 1PM- 7PM Admission $7.00 per person, $9.00 on Saturdays, Sundays free. Food and drink are extra.

OKTOBERFEST!   It’s the German word for fun! Well, that may not be the actual translation, but to the folks attending Helen’s Oktoberfest every year it may as well be.  Oktoberfest in Helen may have started out small in the 70’s, but over the years, and through word of mouth, it has grown into the biggest party in the Southeast. And this, is not one of those one-week festivals; this celebration lasts 2 months!  The north Georgia mountains make  a great vacation spot year-round, because of the unparalleled beauty and mild weather; however, during Oktoberfest Mother Nature kicks it up a notch. Deep azure skies and color splashed mountains surround a picturesque “alpine” village, making the days as inviting as the nights.  During the day, you may decide to browse the shops, relax in a beer-garden, or simply enjoy Helen’s perfect weather and beautiful scenery. At night, however, all paths lead to Helen’s massive Festhalle.  Located within walking distance of most hotels, the Festhalle is the spot for authentic German bands, food, beer, and fun. You can either spend the evening dancing the Polka and the chicken dance, or you can relax in the adjacent beer garden and enjoy the crisp night air. Whichever section of the huge Festhalle you like best, be sure to sample the fresh cooked wursts, and large variety of German beers.  So, if you’ve never been to Helen, or just never been to an Oktoberfest, be sure to book your hotel room early and plan to be at Helen’s Oktoberfest. We’re sure you’ll want to come back year after year. Prost!! 

October & November: Huntersville, North Carolina

THE FUCKING RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OH MY GOD YES.

16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. A twenty acre theme park filled with charming cottages and castles, kitchens and pubs, and a most unusual collection of people powered rides and games of skill.

The Carolina event has grown to be one of the largest of the Renaissance fairs nationwide. Tree lined lanes are filled with over 100 purveyors of crafts and food, and non-stop music and comedy shows are presented on 11 stages every event day. This is one of the most interactive entertainment shows ever created with wonderful amusements and antics ongoing all around you! You can sit back and watch, or you can become a part of the action, surrounded by over 500 costumed characters roaming the festival village. The village lanes are full of peasants singing sea-faring songs and street entertainers surprising you with tall tales and tricks, each with a role to play. You can experience the clashing of armor and the thundering of hooves daily with full combat jousts at the King’s Tournament Arena. $19. :http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/

October: Piedmont

Welcome to Madworld on facebook! Madworld is South Carolinas new premier haunted attraction located in the upstate outside of Greenville. Madworld is unlike ANYTHING you have ever experienced! We are an indoor/outdoor haunt and have a ZOMBIE SHOOT where you and your friends get to go in and shoot live zombies trying to devour you around every corner. We have a grounds area where we sell BBQ, hotdogs, wings, fries, boiled peanuts, and fried oreos, as well as snacks and concessions you can enjoy while you warm your hands around our bonfire while you wait. Come experience the most TERRIFYING FRIGHT this coming Halloween season! OPENS SEPTEMBER 30TH. http://www.madworldhaunt.com/MADWORLD_HAUNTED_ATTRACTION/Home.html 

October: Fort Mill

The Campground Massacre Haunted House in Fort Mill SC 
Since 1994, The Campground Massacre has been a local’s favorite that includes Mina’s Mansion (2400sqft indoors), A spinning tunnel & The Campground Massacre Itself (indoor/outdoor haunt in @5 acre woods). 53 of the coolest automated props in the industry. See it 1st & still have time for Scarowinds at the next exit.

October: Anderson

The 2011 Maze is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the War between the States. Over 12 acres of corn makes this maze one of the largest corn mazes in the Eastern United States. We will have a special weekend of “Living History” where you and your family can walk through the camp of Civil War Reenactors and watch a “Skirmish” including an infantry and a calvary. This will be October 15-16th. Finding your way through the Corn Maze at NIGHT is an even bigger challenge. Don’t forget your flashlights!! (Weekends in October.) And a Pumpkin Patch. Denver Downs.