And the countdown to Autumn is on...

I love the fall. There are so many things that I love about it, especially in northern Idaho. I love the leaves changing color, the cool, crisp nights, the haunted houses, and trick-or-treating. I love it all! Not to mention my birthday is at the end of October, that helps. I thought I would celebrate on oncoming season by posting a few of my favorite things about my favorite season...

1. The Apple Festival at Greenbluff - 

There is nothing better than fresh fruit and veggies straight from the farm. Every year we venture up to Greenbluff and pick our own pumpkins, apples and of course we stock up on pumpkin doughnuts. Yum! The Apple Festival is September 22 through October 28 this year. This event really deserves its own post and will certainly get it!

2. Pumpkin Carving - 

I love carving pumpkins. Every year we try to do something new and different. Last year we made our own designs and did our school logos. I'm still trying to decide what to do for this year... 

3. Punkin Chunkin' -

So this is kind of part of the Apple Festival, but it's so cool I decided it was worthy of its own note. Apparently Punkin Chunkin' is becoming quite the trend nation-wide, but I first discovered it up at Greenbluff. The Knapp's farm is home to this special treat, and it's actually one of my favorite farms to visit. The owner of this farm has a lot of great stuff for the kids like ponies, goats, chickens, corn maze, and Punkin Chunkin'. Watch him launch pumpkins hundreds of feet into the air as he tries to hit a target in a nearby field. Great fun for all! 

4. Oktoberfest - 

There are two good Oktoberfests in Coeur d'Alene plus a few that I haven't been to yet. Daanen's Deli has a great Oktoberfest at the end of September. Great beer, brats and family activities. The Downtown Association also puts on a great Oktoverfest. With the purchase of a mug and sampling tickets, you can walk from store to store downtown and sample a huge variety of beers. This year's event is September 28 and 29. I will be at both so I hope to see you all there!