Green Weekend Plans

Autumn is the best time to get outside and enjoy cool breezes and great events. Everything about Fall is unique from the flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg and cider to the warm colors of orange, tan and brown. It is all an invitation to appreciate the world around you.

This weekend there are lots of great things going on to get you out of the house. If you live in Michigan, the cider-mills are in full swing, bringing with them the fun of Cider-Mill Festivals. Don't miss the apple picking, homemade donut making, scarecrow building, pumpkin carving and hay riding. For a complete list of cider mills and events go HERE.

Oktoberfest is a nation-wide phenomenon. The event is most famous in Bavaria, Germany where almost six-million people attend each year. Although traditionally the festival is held in the first few days of October, many American events occur this weekend. The best part of Oktoberfest is the beer and great German food. THIS website provides details about Oktoberfest parties all over North America and some advice on how throw your own party at home.

Farmers' Markets are more fun in the Fall when lots of new seasonal fruits and vegetables are featured. Carrots, sweet potatoes, greens, turnips, avocados, and, of course, pumpkin are common autumn vegetables. HERE is an interesting recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto.

This weekend in Washington, DC the Global Exchange and Co-Op America is hosting a GreenFestival at the Washington Convention Center. There will be lots of eco-friendly shopping, food, beer, and ideas. You can hear speakers address the best way to invest your money so that it enriches the environmenta nd you. There will be live music and crafts for kids. I'm going, so I'll let you know if its actually any good. You can read more about it HERE.

And there is a ton of great football and the baseball playoffs and so on. Plus, now is the time to plant bulbs for Spring growth. Find out which ones HERE. Whatever you do this weekend, make sure you get out of the house and enjoy the great change in season.