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Fall in the Valley - Getting Outside, Giving Opportunity, and Monkey Bread

Fall in the Valley is always a special time for those that live here. The fall foliage is in its full glory, the air is starting to cool, and the forests seem to be getting ready for a long sleep. My favorite things about autumn are the countless evenings spent around a campfire with friends and family, cozying up with a hot cup of coffee, and hiking through the red and orange speckled trees. 

Getting outside in your everyday life is so important to maintain mental and physical health. However, when the seasons change, people get outside less and less. But, enjoying the outdoors in the fall has its perks! The lack of heat, humidity, and bugs make it a much more comfortable environment to  get active in. There are also a whole hoist of seasonal events that we don’t normally get to enjoy year round. So, I have compiled a list of some of the best ways to get outside, despite the colder weather. 
  • Campfire 
    • Now, this is one of the most obvious answers, but my personal favorite. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family to swap stories, roast marshmallows, and crack a beer.
    • Even without company, a crackling fire can create an environment to think, pray, and finally read that book you’ve been meaning to pick up
  • Hiking
    • Again, an obvious one. But, sometimes we forget that once the leaves aren’t green and the sun doesn’t shine quite as bright, that hiking season isn’t over yet. Oftentimes, the trails are less crowded, red and orange speckle the trees, and no more mosquitoes! 
        • Recommended Trails: 
      • Shenandoah National Park – A world renowned treasure that is right at our fingertips. There are countless trails for all fitness levels, picnic areas for the whole family, and museums to learn about our local history. Two of our favorite trails in the park are Jones Run and Jarmon’s Gap
      • Three Ridges WIlderness Trail – A 13.6 m loop and considered to be challenging. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping. 
      • Sherando Lake Loop – Sherando Lake has a lot to offer other than the swimming that it is known for. There is camping, short hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. 
  • Breweries and Wineries
    • The Breweries and Wineries of the Valley are well known for their amazing food, quality drinks, and outdoor spaces. Most of them also host fall-centered events and markets. 
  • Sunset Park 
    • This is a new park to Waynesboro, Va. It overlooks the Valley and gives an incredible view of the sunset, hence the name. The park has also made a name for itself by hosting live music, ice cream and food trucks, and even wine nights. Stop by to simply take in the view, have a picnic on the lawn, or try out the 1 mile mountain biking loop. 
  • Birdwatching
    • Birdwatching doesn’t just have to be for the avid bird-lovers. Taking time to observe your surroundings is one of the best ways to quiet one’s mind and learn more about Virginia’s beautiful wildlife. Whether you take in the views from your front porch, on a birdwatching trail, or deep in the woods, it is one of the best ways to get some fresh air. 
  • Biking 
    • Biking is a great way to get outside and get the whole family involved. One of my favorite places to go is The Greenway in Waynesboro, Va. It follows the South River, right next to downtown. Plus, if you look, there is plenty of wildlife to observe. Rivanna River Trail near Charlottesville, Va is also a popular place for walking and biking. 
  • Star Gazing at Big Meadows
    • Big Meadows is located on Skyline Drive at milepost 51. This particular area is a considered a “sky park,” which means there is very little light pollution. On a clear night, this is the perfect place to see more stars then you can see in most places. Last time I visited, I even saw a herd of about 30 deer! 
  • Apple and Pumpkin Picking
    • It might be a little later in the season, but apples and pumpkins are still available for picking. If you’re looking to make a splash with the perfect holiday pie this Thanksgiving, swing by your local orchard for the perfect ingredients. 
  • Local Vendor Markets and Events
    • If you look, there are always local events taking place to celebrate the fall season. Below are links to the Waynesboro, Staunton, and Charlottesville event pages. 
    • https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/events/
    • https://www.visitwaynesboro.com/events/
    • https://visitstaunton.com/events/

Also, with the holidays fast approaching, many are looking for ways to give back to those in need. So, we wanted to shout-out The Neighbor Bridge. This is a local non-profit that strives to create a “bridge” for those that are struggling financially. They have food pantry boxes around the community, a traveling coat closet, and free grocery store. Notably, they have a S.W.A.T. program that provides 100 Thanksgiving meals to those facing food insecurity. They are still looking for dinner sponsors, so please consider supporting.

https://www.theneighborbridge.org/

Monkey Bread Recipe

Money Bread is a holiday staple for my family. Every year, we make Monkey Bread to usher in Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am sure your family will enjoy it as much as mine does!

  • 3 cans (10 each) refrigerator biscuits
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) 

 

Break open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and place in a bowl. Pour the melted butter over the cut biscuits, tossing to coat. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Roll each biscuit piece in the mixture until coated and then place into a greased Bundt pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, then invert on a plate. 

(Recipe from Mennonite Country-Style Recipes & Kitchen Secrets by Esther H. Shank The prize collection of a Shenandoah Valley cook)