The last several mornings have been cool and crisp.  At night, the moon has been shining brightly with the Harvest Moon soon to follow (begins Oct. 4).  The days have been pleasant.  Farm stands and other outlets boast gorgeous pumpkins, apples, mums, and other produce.  Farmers are cutting that last crop of hay for the year.  The leaves are changing and the fields are alive with color.  The roadways (on and off the water and trails) draw you to come explore the changing scenery.  It's such a wonderful time of the year.  It's a time to reflect upon 2009 and plan for 2010.  East Port Marina & Resort has just announced their newest addition to their fleet of houseboats on Dale Hollow Lake.  Fans of "Pirates of the Carribean" listen up.  East Port is going to offer rentals on a pirate ship themed boat named "The Black Pearl".  You can read all about it here.  Be sure to secure your reservations soon.  It is sure to book up fast!

 

There are a multitude of events coming up over the next few weeks. The 2009 Roller Coaster Yard Sale (www.rollercoasterfair.com) is now underway.  The interest has been great and the number of sellers appears to be up and probably the number of buyers, but that is hard to tell at this point.  The Allardt Pumpkin Festival is also this weekend (www.allardtpumpkinfestival.com) with loads of family fun, vendors, activities, music, and that remarkable giant produce.  The Sgt. Wesley Tucker Memorial Ride is Oct. 10th.  You can call Dale Hollow BBQ for all the details at (931) 243-2297 or GT's Sports Bar and Grill at (931) 243-4451.  The Cumberland County Playhouse has an exciting line up of exceptional shows and concerts this fall.  Check their website for the show schedules and concert information and to purchase tickets prior to arrival.  Bluegrass Underground and Sunset Jammers also offer great bluegrass music for all you bluegrass music fans. East Fork Stables (www.eastforkstables.com), Cedar Creek Cattle Co (www.cedarcreekcattlecompany.com), Southeast Pack Trips (www.southeastpacktrips.com) and Saddle Valley Campground (www.saddlevalleycampground.com) and others have special themed rides coming up and/or can help you plan your own special ride.  It's a great time to get out and ride the Big South Fork Trails and hike the many miles of "people" trails in the abundant park system and private trails of the Cumberland Plateau.  With all the rain we have had, ATV time can likely be as muddy as you would like for it to be.  Check with Brimstone Recreation for the latest on trail information - www.BrimstoneRecreation.com.  Sgt. York Day (www.sgtyork.org) is coming up on Oct. 17th.  Plans are going well for an excellent day of activities (especially for the children).  There will also be a "Hainted History Hike" at the Cordell Hull Birthplace & Museum at sunset (on the 17th).  You can learn more by calling (931) 864-3247 or visit www.FriendsofCordellHull.org or www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/events/pdf/events.pdf.  There are many other festivals and events coming up soon.  Please be sure to check the list below and those on www.Go2DHL.com, www.Go2BSF.com, and www.Go2FCF.com. 

Most of the remaining car shows schedule for 2009 are coming up this month.  Byrdstown Kountry Kruisers meet the first Saturday and plan to have some special music to wrap up the year, Standing Stone Cruisers meet the 2nd Saturday, the club from Sparta, TN meets on the 3rd Saturday, and the club in Somerset, KY (one of the largest) meets on the 4th Saturday.  Monticello, KY is every Thursday night, plus there is a big event during the Roller Coaster Yard Sale (www.rollercoasterfair.com) - the Cumberland River Cruise In at Alex Montgomery Chevrolet in Burkesville, KY (Saturday, October 3rd). 

Be sure to plan on taking the Haunted Hollow Express at Big South Fork Scenic Railway in nearby Stearns, KY soon or the holiday trains planned for later in the year. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway has rides scheduled April - December and have recently expanded their schedule to better accommodate visitors looking to enjoy the great fall foliage (and a train ride).  Visit their website for all the latest information - www.bsfsry.com.