View From the Editor’s Desk
It’s glorious in the Shenandoah Valley as summer days begin to cool leading to autumn. Our overnight lows have been in the 40s the past week including last night when it hit 42. That’s only three degrees from the 30s!
As I type this at midday on Sunday, it is 63 degrees, sunny, a little wind, and the windows are open. It’s sweater weather. Our weather forecaster in Harrisonburg has just issued a cold alert for tonight. She wrote: “It’s going to be close with frost tonight. I’d cover and take plants in. Lows upper 30s, low spots mid. Freeze potential for mountains.” All my plants are under porch cover so they should be fine.
Festival season has arrived with sunflower festivals, apple festivals, pumpkin fests, and all kinds of celebrations for the changing seasons. Some trees are showing the first color; fall flowers such as sedum and mums are sharing their beauty. Come up and visit when you get a chance … it’s seriously gorgeous this time of year and the weather puts a perk in your step.
Staunton’s 9th annual Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival is September 28-29 this year. The entire historic downtown is closed to traffic as thousands of Harry Potter fans roam the streets and check out the shops, catch the train, and eat in the restaurants. There’s plenty for everyone.
The entire community gets involved, especially shop keepers and volunteers who make the magic. Many join in with festival-themed foods and drink, costumes, wands, and whatever else shops have come up with.
Arlington Magazine has a fantastic article published last week that tells more of what to expect for those who have been before and those who will experience the wonder for the first time. Learn the latest updates and news at the Queen City Mischief & Magic Facebook page.
After nine years, the city’s implementation of transport and parking and anything else that concerns crowd control runs like a well-oiled machine. You’re sure to have a wonderful time in our corner of the world.
Highland County’s 2024 Hands & Harvest Festival is October 11-13, and if you’re lucky, the leaves will be at peak. Drive the self-guided Harvest Trail with tours of farms and sugar camps throughout the county where you can pick up freshly-made apple butter and apple cider (and maybe some maple syrup if you’re looking).
Courthouse square will have local arts and crafts, and lots of food options will be available both at the local restaurants and from food trucks. Don’t forget the 5K Fall Color Run. It will also be an opportunity to climb Sounding Knob Fire Tower on Jack Mountain overlooking Monterey. Keep up with all the latest on the Highland County VA Facebook page.
Enjoy the cooler days….
~Lynn
