It Already Feels Like Autumn!

The recent morning temperature was 47 and while cooler temperatures usher in a new season, it is also the beginning of a flurry of fun activities in and around Southern Maryland.

Just this week, we've welcomed visitors from England who traveled here especially to see many of the local sights including the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. This is the only official Naval museum dedicated to telling the scientific and technological story of U.S. Naval Aviation research, development, testing and evaluation.

http://search.visitmaryland.org/visitsearch/vmattraction?attractionNumber=0&attractionID=4730

Information about this and many other sights can be found at Maryland's Tourism Web site:

http://calendar.visitmaryland.org/Views/Events/Events.aspx?page=2&datefrom=20110923&dateto=20111031&region=southern+region

Highlights of upcoming activities include:

Sep 22 - Sep 25, St. Mary's County Fair: Livestock, home arts, flowers, field crops, 4-H and school exhibits, horse pulls, carnival.

Sep 28 - Oct 2, Calvert County Fair: Learn about the rich legacy of rural and agricultural America; exhibits, rides, farm animals.

Oct 1, Maker's Market: Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center: More than a farmers market, it's everything handmade, homemade and homegrown in Maryland!

Oct 1 - 2, Blessing of the Fleet: Arts and crafts, Southern Maryland seafood, continuous music, boat ride to St. Clement's Island to visit Blackistone Lighthouse, children's games and rides, parade, fireworks.

Oct 1 - 2, Riverside Winefest at Sotterly: Wine tastings, live music, exhibits, demonstrations, food and artisan vendors all in a breathtaking setting.

Oct 8, Patuxent River Appreciation Days: Boat rides, music, crafts fair, toy boat building; parade Sunday at 2pm.

Oct 13 - 15, Ghosts of Sotterly Tours: Walking tour featuring recreated legends and history.

Oct 15, Summerseat Annual Quilt Auction: Auction of handmade quilts, variety of patterns and original designs in an 18th-century farm setting.

Oct 15 - 16, Civil War Comes to St. Mary’s: Experience old and new world Civil Wars-American and the English through living history activities.

Oct 15 - 16, St. Mary's County Oyster Festival: The National shucking contest and oyster cook-off; lots of other seafood, exhibits, arts and crafts and live entertainment.

Oct 23, La Plata Fall Festival and Taste of La Plata: Enjoy music, local dance performances and food from local vendors.

Oct 22, Halloween in the Garden: Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center offers safe trick-or-treat for children of all ages; local businesses and outreach programs decorate paved pathways; dress in costume!

On Oct 29, Historic St. Mary's City Grave Matters:  A moonlit glimpse into 17th-century life and death in a fun and possibly haunting event.

These attractions and many more await your visit to Brictoria Cottage.