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By Katie Bianco Alice Levitt and Michele Kettner
Bug-tober
Since social distancing is still a must and my usual go-to activities are still off limits, I have decided to fill my October full of fun fall and Halloween activities. I’m talking about everything from binge watching Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween to filling my weekends with endless holiday crafts and DIY projects (I’ve already completed four). This week I have decided to go a different route and take a trip to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, which is currently home to the David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit. The outdoor garden is full of all kinds of gigantic creepy-crawlies, including a 10-foot-tall daddy long legs to an 18-foot-long praying mantis, which is perfect to continue the Halloween frights. -Michele Kettner, editorial assistant // Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $5-$15
Drive for Fall
Having recently moved from Texas, where seasons don’t match my native New England, I’m embracing fall with an enthusiasm akin to madness. I’ve already been apple picking, though I might have to do it again before the season is over. But this week, I’m making time to head to Centreville for a self-driven hayride at Cox Farms. I’m excited for the spooky displays, but just as stoked to take in some cool fall weather wandering around the farm store. -Alice Levitt, food editor/critic // Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; $15
Working through my reading list
In this pandemic world, where I spend my days both working full-time and taking care of my two children, I have to admit that most nights I just collapse on the couch and watch something on Netflix until I fall asleep. But as we head into cozy, reading-by-the-fire season, I’m determined to get back to actually cracking a book before I go to bed. My colleague asked local librarians and book store owners for their fall recommendations. And they came back with great reads in spades. Here are the 26 books I’ll be trying to tackle this fall. I’ll make it even more cozy by lighting one of these candles on nights I don’t light the fireplace. -Katie Bianco, editor
