The leaves are turning colors. The air is getting colder. We all know what it means. It means harvest festivals and state fairs. It means pumpkin spice and Ugg boots. It means corn mazes and bluegrass music. It means fall is here.

Since autumn is upon us, many places are going to be having festivals and harvests to get everyone in the fall spirit. Places all over Virginia are celebrating the season once again this year with events for everyone.

One of the first events is the Richmond Folk Festival. Taking place in Richmond from Oct. 7th-9th, it features dozens of groups performing music and dance, alongside a marketplace of local food and many family activities. The next is Graves Mt. Apple Harvest Festival in Syria, VA. It’s on weekends in October and features hay rides, food, corn mazes, and local scenery of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The last event is the Blueridge Folklife Festival in Ferrum, VA. It takes place on Oct. 22nd and has local music, but this event is all about the locals. They offer storytelling, Blueridge food, and dozens of crafts and folk activities.

Alongside the local events of Virginia, the state also has some amazing sightseeing places. Probably the most famous and visited is the Blueridge Parkway. It’s a drive through the scenic Appalachians that seems to come alive in the fall. The beauty of the mountains are only magnified by the spectacular colors that only this time of the year offers. Besides the road itself, it has some wonderful stops along the sidelines. Places like Lovers’ Leap and Grandfather Mountain seem like they show the entire universe with their gorgeous views, while Natural Bridge and Mabry Mill are enriched in history and culture.

Fall is a gorgeous time of the year because of the sights, the sounds, and most importantly, the experiences. All the festivals, harvests, and fairs aren’t what’s important, but the memories are. Some of the fun and laughter we have with our friends and family could stay with us for forever. Trust me when I say that the memories that last are the moments that will matter most to us. So, go out, have fun, make memories, and enjoy this wonderful time of year.