Autumn colors are just starting here in Weston–maybe it’s “peek” weekend rather than “peak” weekend–with a few yellows and reds peeking from wetlands especially along the Mass Central Rail Trail and in Jericho Forest. You can park at Dickson Ring on Concord Road, and take a beautiful walk down the main trail to the rail trail, and then north again along the Bay Circuit Trail to make a loop. Highly recommend.

If you’re road-tripping with half the rest of New England, more vibrant colors seem to be around Stowe, the Whites and of course central Maine.

If you’re staying close to home, there are quite a few fun fall activities going on. The usual apple-picking and pumpkin-picking, and some hay rides, can usually be found within 30 minutes of Weston’s borders. As always, I would advise you go early as parking and crowds can become an issue. It’s also the last weekend for the Topsfield Fair, if that is your idea of fun.

Let’s see what we’ve got. Please send me an email at info@westonowl.com if you think I’ve missed something.

Friday, October 8

Witch’s Woods and Halloween Screampark in Westford is open for Halloween “fun”, and you could not pay me enough to go. Also, it’s $42 and that is expensive for getting the crap scared out of me. Oh well, if that’s your thing, make sure to get tickets in advance–you cannot buy at the door. Friday-Sunday nights, more info here.

Saturday, October 9

Pumpkin Picking at Flint Farm. Talk about keeping it local–this is a Century Farm located next door in Lincoln. A Century Farm is one that has been operating for 100+ years, in the same family and produced agricultural products continuously during this time. Lincoln has two. Weston has zero (well, until we get them certified). Wonderful family owned farm. Pumpking picking from 12-3 pm both Saturday and Sunday, 39 Lexington Road, Lincoln.

Re-Discovery Day Lexington 10 am-3:00 pm along Mass Ave in Lexington. Street fair and food, you know the usual. Oh all right, here is the actual write-up: “Meet up with friends and neighbors as you walk freely along Massachusetts Avenue in the center of Lexington (closed off this year to auto traffic) for the community street fair featuring live entertainment, local merchandise, delicious food, a beer garden and giveaways!” Some helpful info is on Boston Central here.

Opening Our Doors Day with the Fenway Alliance, Boston, 10 am-4 pm. The festival includes art, musical, and dance performances on The Christian Science Plaza and programs throughout the Fenway Cultural District, both virtual and in-person, mostly outdoors and all free and open to the public. Many of the virtual programs require pre-registration. Festival schedule is here. Not that the Museum of Fine Arts Boston is a participant and has special events and free admission all day. Please see here for more info.

Sunday, October 10

Indigenous Peoples Day Program at Concord Museum, 11 am-12-30 pm. Program and performance with the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, a group of musicians and artisans from the tribal communities of Mashpee on Cape Cod and Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  Please register in advance here.

Monday, October 11

It’s Marathon Monday! Yes, strange but true — the Boston Marathon is being run today, and believe it or not, it’s a lot of fun to watch. It won’t be quite the same as other years, but the runners do appreciate the cheers and applause to motivate them along the way. I have watched in past years at Wellesley College (though I believe it is still closed to non-community members) at the halfway mark, and also at a party house on Commonwealth in Newton. You can figure out where to watch at this site.

Get outside, Weston!! Autumn is short and the daytime hours getting shorter…but then again, if screamfest is what’s on your agenda, that is probably a good thing.