Travel

Boo Carré at the French Market.

Fall To-Dos

THE COOL AIR of fall welcomes fun seasonal events and more things to do outside. Whether a trip to Mississippi or Alabama, or if you prefer to stay local, there are plenty of festive to-dos to fill your family’s calendar.

JOSH BRASTED photo:

PETER ANDERSON ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Ocean Springs, a cottage community rich in cultural, is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This historic town is filled with several miles of shopping, dining and entertainment surrounded by arts, beautiful landscaping, bayous and a walkable downtown district to peruse. The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, presented by Blue Moon, is held the first full weekend in November each year. Falling on November 6 and 7 this year, it’s known as the largest fine arts festival in the state. Bringing in more than 400 artists, crafters and food vendors, and a state-wide blue moon art contest, the festival was created to increase public awareness of local artists and businesses, and to honor master potter, Peter Anderson. What began as a small celebration by a group of local artists has now grown into one of the Southeast’s premiere arts and crafts festivals bringing more than 150,000 people to historic Ocean Springs annually. The festival will open November 6 and 7 from 9am to 5pm both days. Find more information at peterandersonfestival.com.

BOO CARRÉ HALLOWEEN HAUNT

AT THE FRENCH MARKET

Since 1791, the historic French Market has remained an enduring symbol of pride and progress for the people of New Orleans. In over 200 years of existence, the Market has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt many times over, but what remains unchanged is the Market’s central spirit of commerce,

community, and culture that is irresistible to visitors from near and far. Locals and visitors alike can sip and snack their way through the French Market enjoying traditional New Orleans fare as well as specialty items with local flair. Beautiful fall weather allows the opportunity to stroll and shop local at boutique shops and art galleries, in addition to the spectacular finds in the Farmers and Flea Markets. Live music happens daily at two locations within the French Market: Gazebo Café and Market Café. October 23 brings the French Market’s Boo Carré Halloween Haunt in Dutch Alley. Enjoy live music, trick-or-treating and children’s activities from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Learn more at frenchmarket.org.

HALLOWEEN AT

OWA PARKS & RESORT

While downtown OWA in Foley, Alabama, is home to shops and dining all year long, Halloween offers additional fun for kids of all ages. Every Friday through Saturday, October 15-31, take the kiddos to OWA for trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, spooky movies and more. On weekend one, children can make hand-print spiders and paint pumpkins; weekend two, Halloween bookmarks and pumpkin painting; and weekend 3, create your own Frankenstein and pumpkin painting. Trick-or-treating is held from 5-7pm while supplies last. Island Movie Nights will screen Beetlejuice on October 16, Casper on October 23, and Hocus Pocus on October 30. Looking for something a little more frightening for teens 13 and up? Terror in The Park is an option! Find more at visitowa.com.

OWA photo courtesy:

OWA Parks & Resort.