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By Katie Bianco, Stefanie Gans, Rachael Keeney and Michael Balderston
Can you tell fall is my favorite?
Please don’t hate me for being admittedly obsessed with this time of year. Yes, I like Starbucks. No, I don’t order pumpkin spice lattes … frequently. But I am all about good, seasonal food, and I expect to indulge in exactly that at the Reston Town Center’s Flavors of Fall event. Parking and admission are free, and tasting tickets are $1 each, or 24 for $20. I’ll likely spend some time in the Craft Beer Alley on Library Street, sampling fall brews from the likes of Old Ox Brewery and Old Bust Head Brewing Company; watch people compete in a cornhole tournament; listen to live music; and of course chow down on eats like Barcelona Wine Bar’s vegetable paella, Nordic-Knot pretzels, and bratwurst from Clyde’s. –RK // Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston; Free admission, food and drink purchases
Pumpkin etchings (aka modern jack-o-lantern) at Makersmiths
Will laser-cut etchings keep the squirrels away? Last year, we had to keep our pumpkins inside because of the furry rodents. But maybe, if the pumpkins aren’t cut open and instead have an intricate design over the skin, we can keep the decorative gourds on the stoop? -SG // Makersmith: 106 Royal St. SW, Leesburg; $15
Substituting Vienna for Munich
Another year goes by without me having the chance to go to Oktoberfest in Munich. While the ultimate beer pilgrimage remains on my bucket list, I will still be celebrating and enjoying some fine beer this Saturday, just a little bit closer to home. The annual Vienna Oktoberfest is just a quick trip for me and happily meets the important requirements for any Oktoberfest celebration: good beer, good food and good times. –MB // Freeman Store and Museum: 131 Church St. NE, Vienna; Free admission, food and drink purchases
A jazzy Saturday
The weather is turning toward fall and that means Virginia wine country is even more enjoyable. I’ve been to Tarara Winery a few times over the years and I’m excited to head back on Saturday for the inaugural Sweet Jazz & Wine Festival. Well-known (and local!) jazz vocalist Tracy Hamlin is organizing the new event and has put together a lineup that includes saxophonist Gerald Albright, pianist Alex Bugnon and trumpeter Cindy Bradley, among others. A portion of the proceeds will go to a year’s worth of music lessons for a local student. Cheers to that! –KB // Tarara Winery: 13658 Tarara Lane, Leesburg; $75
