Fall is just around the corner and there's always somewhere you could be traveling. We've chosen a few of the many (and we mean many) fall events happening in our region and beyond. Whether it's a fair, festival, corn maze or art walk, we've got ideas for your next trip so you can get on the road. Did we miss an event you like? Send us a tip on our Twitter page.
VIRGINIA:
Corn Maze In The Plains (4501 Old Tavern Road, The Plains) -- Starting Sept. 27, pick pumpkins, enjoy a five-acre corn maze, get your face painted and enjoy the barnyard of fun. Open every weekend; admission $12.
Stratford Hall Wine and Oyster Festival (483 Great House Road, Stratford) -- On the weekend of Sept. 20-21, enjoy Virginia wine tastings from 13 local wineries, Chesapeake oysters, a children's arcade and many craft and food vendors. Admission starts at $20.
The Scene
The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
Virginia Wine Festival (5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains) -- During the weekend of Sept. 13-14, sample from 50 Virginia wineries and enjoy musical performances on the unspoiled grounds of Great Meadows. Admission starts at $30.
Black Dog Music and BBQ Festival (287 Winery Road SW, Floyd) -- On Sept. 13, Chateau Morrisette Winery will host this annual music/barbecue fest that features an official Kansas City Barbecue competition, live music and wine, of course. Admission of $25; ages 21 and older.
Rocktown Fall Beer Festival (228 South Liberty St., Harrisonburg) -- On Sept. 20, the streets of downtown Harrisburg become a hub for music, food and craft beer during this daylong celebration with 60+ beer styles to enjoy. Admission is $40 at the door.
Smithfield Bacon, Bourbon and Beach Music Fest (301 Jericho Road, Smithfield) -- On Sept. 27, take a quick two-hour drive to Hampton Roads for this fall bacon fest. Taste craft brews, play bacon games and enjoy other non-bacony foods during the celebration. The festival is also the start to Smithfield's Bacon Days, which last two weeks.
MARYLAND:
Maryland Seafood Festival (1100 E. College Parkway Annapolis) -- On the weekend of Sept. 6-7, this Maryland staple comes to Sandy Point State Park. Taste famous Maryland crabs, listen to live music and enjoy exhibits, arts and other great food. The Capitals Crab Soup Cookoff also happens during the fest. General admission is $15.
Ocean City Sunfest (Ocean City) -- From Sept. 18 to 21, make the best of a fading summer with one last trip to the beach. The OC Sunfest brings you live music (Rick Springfield, Righteous Brothers), art and crafts, and plenty of beachy fun for this four-day fest. Book your room soon. Admission is free.
Baltimore Book Festival (Baltimore's Inner Harbor) -- From Sept. 26 to 28, visit more than 100 exhibitors, meet celeb authors and get your books signed, and watch cooking demos during this three-day literary celebration. Kids will love the hand-on special projects while the adults will enjoy live music along with food, beer and wine. Admission is free.
Silver Spring Maker Faire (Corner of Fenton and Ellsworth in downtown Silver Spring) -- On Sept. 14, a unique festival comes built for the imagination. Bring your kids because this is full of art, science, crafts and technology presented by the KID Museum. The festival invites your family to join in the fun as you build robotics, make computer games, build a giant marble run and experiment with 3D printers. The event is free and runs from noon to 5 p.m.
Baltimore Seafood Festival (3001 Boston St., Baltimore) -- Sept. 20. Do we need to explain more? Seafood. Music. Waterfront. Done. Tickets start at $29.
PENNSYLVANIA:
Steampunk unLimited (301 Gap Road, Ronks) -- From Sept. 26 to 28, Strasburg Railroad is giving you an unprecedented adventure through the Industrial Revolution. Train rides will feature delicious treats, live entertainment, authors, artisans and music from the Victorian era. Tickets start at $18. RSVP soon.
Mount Airy Street Fare (Germantown Avenue between Sedgwick Street and Mount Airy Avenue, Philadelphia) -- On Sept. 18, savor Philly's gourmet food vendors as you make your way down Germantown Avenue during this outdoor food fest. Sample food, listen to music and browse for your next fashion fix in the many fashion trucks parked nearby. Admission is free. The even runs 6-10:30 p.m.
The Mushroom Festival (101 S. Union St., Kennett Square) -- From Sept. 5 to 7, celebrate Kennett Square's #1 cash crop, the mushroom. Kennett Square is the mushroom capital of the world and they do it justice with this annual festival. Check out 200+ vendors, soup and wine events, a national fried mushroom eating championship, an old-fashioned carnival and much more. Admission is $2.
