Originally Appeared in the Sun by the Sea newspaper

(www.sunbythesea.com)

As Summer into Autumn slips
And yet we sooner say
“The Summer” that “the Autumn” lest
We turn the sun away…Emily Dickinson
As summer slips into autumn, the sun shines brightly on pumpkins majestically perching on sandy beach chairs. Fall’s foliage will soon be in full bloom as the scent of fresh-baked pies mingles in the sea air. Surrounded by maple leaves, scarecrows (if only the stuffed kind) outnumber seagulls, as bursts of orange, green, and gold magically color the seascape, proving summer is merely a prelude to fall’s vibrant light.
Along the multi-colored coast, shorter days transition into longer starry nights with the Harvest Moon as the ultimate guide. Traveling through town, it quickly becomes clear that the time that FALLs between summer and winter should not be missed; as melancholy moments take a back seat to fall’s brightest events. Consequently, gathering a Top Ten list of Fall’s Finest was not easy. Luckily, no matter how you chose to spend your days, no seaside time is misspent during this softest of seasons…

Top Ten Wildwood-Worthy Things to do This Fall
10. Cruise through one final Craft Show
9. Follow your roots leading to the Irish Fall Festival
8. Feel young in time at An Olde Time Italian Festival
7. Admire the timeless among us at the Annual Boardwalk Classic Car Show
6. Discover the cowboy (or girl) within at the Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
5. Go the distance at the Crest Best Run Fest
4. Get retro at the Fabulous ‘50s and Beyond Celebration
3. Build a Bonfire on the Beach
2. Find merriment at Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
1. Enjoy each sundrenched day, moonlit night, and all the heaven-sent moments in between!