Fall Flings in the Potomac Valley

Summer may be over, but the cooler autumn months are great times to experience the Potomac Valley. Beginning in October, there are dozens of festivals and events to celebrate fall. Here are a few favorites for 20011:

BALLS BLUFF BATTLE REENACTMENT--October 21-23, Leesburg, Va.

On the 150th anniversary of this early civil war battle, more than 3,000 reenactors and visitors were expected to attend the first reenactment of the battle of Balls Bluff. The battle involved relatively few soldiers, but has a large impact on the course of the war. For details on Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, select this link.

CATOCTIN AQUEDUCT DEDICATION--October 15, Lander, Md.

The remarkable restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct, involving five years of effort and more than $4.5 million, was celebrated October 15 at the aqueduct site near Frederick, Md. The aqueduct collapsed in the 1970s and, until recently, was a pile of granite blocks. Restoration efforts involved a partnership of local, regional, and federal organizations.

BRUNSWICK RAILROAD DAYS--October 1 and 2, Brunswick, Md.

This is the 26th year the river town of Brunswick celebrates its railroad heritage. This year, there will be a large variety of street entertainment, craft shows, train rides, and activities for everyone. The center of activity is the famous Brunswick Railroad Museum, in the heart of town, which will have a model train show as part of the celebration, and a special MARC train will shuttle people from Frederick to Brunswick and back. For more information, select this link. To read more about Brunswick and its railroad history, click here.

42nd ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET--October 1 and 2, 10 am to 5 pm.

For more than four decades, the Optimist Club in Southern Maryland has organized a festival to celebrate the heritage of Potomac River watermen and the unique history of St. Mary's County. The event includes music, food, fireworks, and special events at the St. Clement's Island Museum, on the site of Maryland's first colonial landing in 1634. One of the highlights is a tour of the Maryland Dove, a replica of the boat that brought settlers to Maryland. For details on the Blessing of the Fleet, select this link. Learn more about St. Clements Island Museum at this link.

WESTERN MARYLAND FOLIAGE TOURS--Weekends in October

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, starting at the C&O Canal Museum, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad makes an round trip excursion through the mountains around Cumberland through the Allegheny Front, and north to Frostburg. It's a perfect way to experience the great fall foliage in Allegany County. The route follows the path of the National Road, America's first gateway to the West. On Saturdays in October, the train departs at 11:30 AM and 5 PM. Reservations are required in October. Fares range from $16 for children 12 and under to $30 for adults. First Class seating is available. For details, select this link. For more information about Cumberland here.