Falling Around

by Liv Stecker

Sure it's cold, and maybe rainy. The days are shorter, the weather is unpredictable and so are the plans you made for the weekend. But there are lots of reasons that fall is one of the best seasons that more temperate climates never get to experience. Here are the top ten, according to local professionals on the subject:

10. Wearing multiple layers successfully (see #3)

9. Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING

8. The smell of crunchy leaves blanketing the ground (before it rains, of course)

7. The colors, because we're over neon - like, totally over it. 

6. Kids are back in school

5. FOOTBALL! Or Hallmark holiday movies returning to Netflix, your choice. 

4. Reasonable temperatures.

3. COZY SWEATERS. 

2. Cuddling is no longer a love/hate issue. 

1. Holidays: Family: Tradition: Memories. 

In case you still aren't convinced, here are some ideas to remedy your perspective. Jump into the season like a giant pile of honey-sweet orange leaves, and find out why it has so many die hard fans!

The Colville Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

73 Oakshott Road in Colville, WA. 

Get lost in the befuddling corn maze that keeps even the most austere adults giggling and mildly terrified. See if you can beat the hour long time limit to find your way back to the big red barn without panicking, relying on kindergartners to guide you out, or cheating. Pick out a pumpkin from the thousands growing on the 12 acre property, along with a variety of other colorful fall squashes. Open September 19th-October 31st. Tickets are $7 for 13 and over, $5 under 13. Pumpkin prices vary by weight. Call them at 509-684-6751, find their Facebook page or go to www.ColvilleCornMaze.com

Pend Orielle Valley Lions Club Train Ride

Ione, Washington

Granted, it's not Boston, but nothing beats the views of fall from the slow chug-chugging of an historic train along the rugged tracks that wind along the Pend Orielle river outside of Ione, Washington. The hour and a half ride cruises through stunning forests, across historic wooden trestles, alongside impressive dams that tell the story of northern Pend Orielle county. The ten mile ride runs north to Metaline Falls and back again, providing a glimpse into country that the road doesn't offer. Tickets are $10 for kids 2-12, 13 and older are $15. They can be purchased online at http://www.lionstrainrides.com/tickets or by calling 1-877-5ABOARD. 

Friday Night Lights 

Your Town, Washington

Nothing says fall like the screams of over-excited moms, a band of pom-pom endowed cheerleaders chanting the same cheers we all knew in high school, the marching band playing Louie Louie, and of course, the winning touchdown. Make it a priority this fall to check in with your local school for a schedule, grab a hot dog and a bleacher and scream your lungs out for the home team. It will take you right back to your band geek days and give you the autumn warm-fuzzies for sure. 

Marcus Ciderfest

Marcus, Washington 

October 3, 2015, is the ONLY day this year that you can buy a jug of fresh apple cider right off the press at Marcus. The day kicks off with a pancake and applesauce breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by a parade at 10:30, car show, a beer garden open from 11 AM on, and a city park jam packed with food and fun and stuff to do. Cider is sold by the gallon, half gallon or cup - hot or cold! Watch the press work, try your luck with the carnival games for kids, and catch the live music all day long, including local favorites the Northern Aliens and Fire Creek. More information at www.marcusciderfest.com 

Apple Picking

Kettle Falls, Wa (and beyond)

Load up the kids, the buckets and boxes and the flannel shirts - it's apple season in the local orchards! Take your pick (pun TOTALLY intended) from a variety of eating, cooking, and storing apples in the orchards outside of Kettle Falls. Sherman Creek Orchard (find them on Facebook) is one of the local favorites, owned and operated by Rich and Lisa Robinson who double as volunteer emergency responders in the area. They offer many varieties of apples starting as low as 75 cents a pound! Call for availability and hours 509-738-6997.