It is officially my favorite month, in the kitchen and in the outdoors. Let’s see… the past few days I’ve made pear chutney from the fruit of my parents’ Kitsap Peninsula orchard, pureed sugar pumpkin for upcoming fall recipes, and roasted the last of the garden cherry tomatoes. Now, I’m ready to get out and see some blazing fall color and run through a corn maze or two. Care to join me?
Oregon
This weekend (October 14 – 16) is Hood River Country Harvest Fest, a classic fall festival that takes place right on the waterfront overlooking the Columbia River. Sample local apples, microbrews, wine, cider and artisan cheeses. Browse booths filled with local art and crafts. Enjoy live music and plenty of games and activities for the whole family.
Where to stay? We love the Hood River BnB, or check more Columbia Gorge cheap sleeps.
There’s really nothing like a haunted maze, um I mean maize to get you spooked out of the cornfield. The Haunted Maize on Portland’s Sauvie Island is open every weekend through Halloween, and for just $10 (all ages) you can get the living daylights scared out of you. Call 503.621.7110.
Want to know where to spot golden aspen and fiery vine maple? Keep up with the Oregon Fall Foliage Blog, or call the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
Washington
Don a dirndl and grab your beer stein! This is the last weekend of Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest, the next best thing to being in Munich. Live it up with live music, authentic German food, arts and crafts, Bavarian clothing, and activities for the whole family. 
Staying overnight? In a town with few budget options, the affordable Mrs. Anderson’s Guest House stands out for its warm hospitality and Victorian charm. Located in the heart of downtown, its nine rooms (starting at $43) are decorated with turn-of-the-century antiques, quilts, and vintage clothing. Buffet breakfast included.
Get your Leavenworth love anytime over on The Accidental Bavarian, a Leavenworthy blog devoted to the uniqueness and wonder of this awesome town.
Oregon can’t have all the fun. When you get lost in a maze of maize at the Rutledge Corn Maze, you might find yourself running into a vampire, or even a werewolf. This Breaking Dawn-themed haunted maze is all Twilight, all the time. Weekends through October 31 in Tumwater.
Make a weekend of it with an overnight stay in Olympia at the Fertile Ground Guest House ($110) where beautifully-furnished rooms in a 1908 craftsman offer comfort and tranquility. Breakfast (included) from the organic garden is healthy and delicious.
British Columbia
All aboard! It’s the Stanley Park Ghost Train, now through October 31 from 6 to 10 pm nightly (until 11pm on the weekends). Share your train ride with zombies and witches, and new this year enjoy the Circus of Disaster. Kid’s activities include face painting, a shadow puppet theatre. The cost is about $10.
Make it a weekend trip. Stay in a restored Edwardian mansion at the Manor Guest House, or book some stylish digs downtown at the Moda Hotel.
Photos: Shaded pumpkin by sarahbest. Apple picking by Bryan Danger Wheeler.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
That ghost train sounds like fun! Maybe we should head up to BC next weekend.