Fall is a favorite season around the MSNHA office, and staff members love sharing their favorite spots:
). However, in fall Dismals is inexplicibly even more beautiful. The colors of the changing leaves combined with the lush green & burnt orange of the rocks & bluffs is simply gorgeous. The falling of the leaves, especially the Bigleaf Magnolia with the largest leaves I’ve ever seen, and the crunch underneath as you explore all the crooks, crevices & caves of all the bluffs & rocks is otherworldly.
From Alana Rogers, MSNHA graduate assistant —
When the leaves start to change colors & the air turns a little cooler, I start to get excited. This is the time for fall festivals, pumpkin spice lattes & and beautiful fire-colored leaves. One of the main events that I make sure to attend also happens in the fall: the Renaissance Festival held in the Renaissance city of Florence.
The Renaissance festival is one of my favorite events of the year. I always look forward to it. If you are looking for handmade jewelry, juicy turkey legs or a human chess game or just to meet some really cool people, the renaissance festival is for you. Held at the end of October in Wilson Park, the Renaissance Festival is for all ages. Some of my favorite Florence and UNA memories are from attending.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the true Renaissance experience, you can attend the Renaissance Feast. At this event, you’ll feel as if you stepped back in time. As closely as possible, historically accurate food is served (usually a seven-eight-course meal). Almost everyone is dressed in Renaissance wear, and the theatrics of the event are so exciting. Maybe you’ll be the lucky one and get the coin in your cake that means you’ll be the King or Queen for the next year! The feast is always the weekend before the faire and will be Oct. 15 this year.
The Renaissance festival is one of the first things I think about when I think about Florence. I always tell anyone who loves history as much as I do (especially Tudor and Renaissance history) that it’s a must see. This year the festival is Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23. I am looking forward to seeing old friends & making new ones.
From Carrie Crawford, MSNHA director —
My favorite fall activities are going to Isoms to get apples, driving on the Trace to see the leaves changing & getting out in the woods since it is cooler! (Photo, above, by Becky Tsilis)
Hello! I’m new to the area, so I am still learning about all the sights & scenery across the region, but as of now, I’m partial to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. The surrounding woods look amazing in the fall, as does the view from the lookout on the mountain. Plus, the geology and paleontology of the site fascinate me! (Photo from Land Trust of North Alabama)
Enjoy these fall favorites! What are your suggestions for celebrating autumn in northwest Alabama? Tell us in the comments below and be sure to post your pics & tag us with #muscleshoalsnha on social media so we can share. ###
