By Bob Tagert

Well, here we go again, another month and another Publisher’s Notes. On second thought, if I think that this is tough, how about those great writers that contribute to this publication. I think that I better rethink my position. We have a fantastic group of talented people on board this crazy ship and cannot thank them enough for their contributions and dedication each month.

The weather has changed more this past month than any month since last spring. Fall is definitely in the air, the leaves are changing and Halloween creeps up on us at the end of the month. Read about all of the ghosts that haunt Alexandria from Civil War times in Doug Coleman’s article in Civil Discourse.

Our road trip is about the local mountains, where half of the folks on the east coast will be the next two months taking in the fall foliage. Our road trip took us to the Luray side of Skyline Drive at Thornton Gap. There is a lot of stuff to do in both Luray, Sperryville and Washington, Virginia, but the best time is to stay put and enjoy the scenery. If you do head for the mountains, check out our Destination Dining section for the best places to eat.

It seems that there are more events to attend during the month of October than there are during the holidays this year. This month there is the first Harvest Taste of Solomons as well as the 49^th annual Oyster festival in St. Mary’s County. The ghost tours of Old Town Alexandria will be in full swing and perfect for this time of year.

It is also Virginia wine month, a great time to not only catch the fall foliage but also check out the harvest and taste some really good wines in Virginia. Especially during the Columbus Day weekend there will be events at most wineries and the foliage will be reaching its peak. Stop in at Three Fox and Fabbioli Vineyards on your trek – they are good advertisers and make some good vino to boot!

Take time to stop and see the foliage, take in a winery, or get spooked this month! Before you know it the hub-bub of Christmas will have crept up on you!