By Bob Tagert

Well the kids are back to school and Labor Day is soon approaching. The last vestiges of summer are upon us. Folks will be heading for the beach or joining family and friends for an outdoor barbeque. Where did it all go? Even though it has been enjoyable and even fun at times, cranking out this publication for 28 years has taken its toll, physically and mentally. Sometimes it seems like it all just runs together, and you forget where you are and what got you here. Time for a deep breath and a renewal of that fighting spirit!

The serenity of fall will be found throughout our region. The harvest begins in Virginia wine country as well as in southern Maryland. The tributaries of the Potomac as well as the streams of Virginia will be welcoming canoes and kayaks as folks take to the water and fall sailing is the best. Camping out and outdoor concerts will be on the up swing as people take to the country.

        This month our road trip took us to St. Mary’s County in southern Maryland for a kayak paddle on McIntosh Run, while our featured winery takes us to the Blue Ridge foothills and DuCard Vineyards. With dining out we explore the magic that is being made at The Majestic Café. Doug Coleman writes about secession and not just about the Civil War but, throughout our country’s history. The Plein Air Festival is the middle of this month on Solomons Island in Maryland. This is a great four- day event. Also in Solomons will be Anne Marie Garden’s art show and in Alexandria we will have the 13^th Annual King Street Art Festival and the 20^th Annual Art on the Avenue in Del Ray.

There for a while we were saying good bye to a friend every month and the summer was going along so well until the last part of August. Big Al aka John Severson, iconic owner of Al’s Steak House on Mount Vernon, passed away after a battle with lung cancer. He was often called “Uncle Al the Nation’s Pal” and he served up one of the best Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches this side of Philadelphia. He will be missed.

On a much lighter note – get out there and celebrate fall! It is going to be a great season!!