October has long been my favorite month – summer turns to fall, the weather gets gloriously cooler, and things gets a little bit spookier from Halloween anticipation. But, the month also presents new opportunities for fun on the weekends. Because Columbus Day is upon us, which signals an extra day off for most of us in DC, I’m providing my top five “fallish” things to do this holiday weekend. Enjoy!

Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches – there are plenty of pick-your-own farms in the DC area. If you’re looking for that perfect pumpkin, apples or even better, cider, check out http://www.pickyourown.org/.

Festivals – Saturday will be busy with Taste of DC and the Capital City Brewery Co.  Oktoberfest in Shirlington. Hit up one or both and enjoy the glorious fall weather by tasting yummy treats and beers! For other Oktoberfest celebrations this month, visit this website.

Hiking – there is no better spot for a fall hike than Great Falls, and, with both a VA and MD location, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints to enjoy.

Market Shopping – I’ve always enjoyed Eastern Market for fall food, flowers and trinket shopping, and there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants on either side of Pennsylvania Avenue for stops along the way.

Vineyard Visits – with several wine regions in the DC area, weekend wine tastings becomes easy as pie. Check out both the Virginia and Maryland wine websites for vineyards that spark your fancy. My faves are easily Chrysalis and the admittedly haunted Winery at La Grange.

FamousDC thanks correspondent @BlairDC for sharing her favorite fall ideas.