October is my favorite month of the year, for the following reasons:
1. Cooler temps. Nothing like running in 60 degree weather.
2. Coats, sweaters, tights, boots, scarves. How can you not love fall fashion?
3. The smells - wet leaves, wood-burning fireplaces, roasting pumpkin seeds.
4. Camping - see #1, 2 & 3.
5. Shaw Art Fair - in my opinion, this is THE art fair of St. Louis. Many local residents host national artists in their homes, it's a beautiful neighborhood, and lots of affordable options. Oh, and they usually have some really great food vendors on hand to satisfy any kind of craving. When you're done shopping, you can walk on over to the Botanical Garden for a lovely stroll through the Japanese Garden.
6. Football, rugby and hockey. Can't get enough. CAN NOT.
7. Nature outings - there's this spot on Hwy 94 just outside of Defiance, but before Augusta where you can pull off the road and take in the most breathtaking view of rolling hills filled with multi-colored leaves. It's autumn at its finest. Hiking in the Mark Twain Forest, Busch Wildlife, or Castlewood is amazing this time of year.
8. Oktoberfest - beer, friends, food, and fun. Need I say more? Nope.
9. Washington, MO - I love taking a drive down to Washington, MO on the backroads (Hwy D, DD, Z) to check out the small town church chili dinners, antique stores, yard sales, and vegetable stands, all the while listening to NPR. Upon arriving in Washington, lunch must be had at Wimpy's, followed by walking the downtown area and hitting up the Amish country store for homemade taffy and cinnamon popcorn. Then, an early dinner at Aldo's, a family-owned pizzeria that has THE most amazing sausage/mushroom pizza. Finally it's a dusk drive back to the STL, again listening to the soothing sounds of NPR.
10. Halloween - my second favorite night of the year. My entire family gets together, cooks burgers and gets the deep-fryer out for french fries and shrimp, and we take turns answering the door, handing out candy and playing cards. Too much fun.
11. Farmers markets - Soulard, Kirkwood, St. Charles. Apples for pies, squash for dinner, and everything in between.
12. Centennial Farms or Eckerts - apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay-bale mazes and homemade honey stix.
The countdown begins. Now.
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