It’s time to put away your bathing suit and get ready for sweater weather. As the summer heat begins to wane, we are eagerly anticipating the crisp, cool days of fall. With the cooler days comes fun fall activities. This cooler air feels fresh and invigorating. It has us looking forward to fall hikes surrounded by the vibrant colors of the fall foliage, and, of course, the abundance of fun autumn activities. A favorite fall activity is apple picking—wandering through an orchard, filling baskets with juicy apples, and enjoying the scent of fresh apples in the air. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon. No trip to the orchard is complete without indulging in apple cider and if you’re lucky, a warm apple cider donut. We encourage you to do some research and plan an outing to a local orchard with your family and friends to enjoy delicious fall flavors. We are looking forward to four fun fall activities: – Carrigan Farms, Mooresville, NC – Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery in York, NC – Carolina Balloonfest, Statesville, NC (October 18-20) – Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA So, as we say goodbye to summer, let’s welcome fall with open arms and all the cozy, delightful experiences it brings. Look at your calendar and coordinate a fall activity. Here’s to a fabulous fall filled with adventures, apple picking, football games, autumn baking, and every wonderful moment in between.
Adventures/Travel
Time To Tailgate…
Savoring the Last Days of Summer and Embracing the Fall Frenzy… As the laid-back days of summer begin to wane, we find ourselves gearing up for our busy fall schedules. Students are heading back to school, parent meetings are filling up the calendar, and carpools and activities are ramping up. But with this shift, we also get to enjoy the excitement of fall sports, cooler weather, and of course, it’s time to tailgate! Tailgating is one of the best ways to celebrate the beginning of fall. It combines our love for sports with the joy of sharing fun outings and good food. To make tailgating coordination simple, we have created school-specific boxes that contain essentials to make event preparations easier. Here are some essentials for a successful tailgating event: Food and Snacks: The heart of any tailgate party is the food. We love preparing pulled pork slider sandwiches that are always a hit. We make ours with smoked port butt, apple slaw and pickles. Here is our go to “secret rub” –Rendezvous Famous Barbeque Dry Rub Seasoning. Pair them with a variety of salads, chips, and snack mix for easy munching. For something sweet, mini trifle cups and cookies are perfect treats that everyone will enjoy. Tailgate essentials: Folding tables, tableclothes, covered serving platters, serving trays, plates, napkins, cups, utensils (serving and eating), drink dispensers (hot/cold), condiments and plastic wrap/containers for easy clean-up. Team Spirit Décor and Attire: Show your team pride by decorating your tailgate with accessories like pennants, banners, and paper products that feature your favorite team’s logo and color scheme. You may want to wear team jerseys, t-shirts, or even themed accessories. At tailgate parties, some diehard fans get creative with their game day attire, adding a fun and festive atmosphere to the event. Comfortable Seating and Shade: Make sure to bring plenty of chairs and a canopy or tent for shade. Don’t forget blankets later in the season. Tailgating can be an all-day affair, so comfort is key to enjoying the festivities. Games and Entertainment: Keep everyone entertained with music and classic tailgating games like cornhole, ladder toss, or a simple football toss. We also add chalk for the kids to customize the ground in your space. These activities are great for keeping the energy high and the spirits lively. Coolers and Drinks: A well-stocked cooler with a variety of beverages is essential. Include water, sodas, and your favorite adult beverages to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Make sure to have wipes, towels, and garbage bags in your tailgating box to keep your area clean and make packing up is easier for everyone. As we embrace the cooler weather and the thrill of fall sports, tailgating becomes a cherished tradition. It’s a time to come together with friends and family, celebrate our favorite teams, and enjoy the delicious food that makes these gatherings special. We created a Tailgate Essentials Checklist to make your game day preparations easier. So, as you pack up your tailgating gear and prepare for the fall frenzy, remember to savor every moment. The return of fall brings with it a sense of excitement and community that makes this time of year truly special. Here’s to successful tailgating, unforgettable sporting events, and a fantastic start to the new season! It’s time to tailgate and cheer on your favorite teams!
