Fall “daytripping” is such a pleasure in northeast Mississippi

Do you need a “destination” reason to get out during the next few weeks to enjoy the glory of our Northeast Mississippi fall season?

Here are a few places to consider, all of which are within reasonable “day trip with kids” driving distance of the New Albany area and serve up plenty of the quaint flavor of the part of Mississippi we especially love.

Bukka White Blues Festival, Aberdeen MS, October 16-17, 2015: This festival, held on the banks of the Tenn-Tom Waterway in Aberdeen, celebrates singer-guitarist Booker T. Washington “Bukka” White, who lived in Aberdeen during the 1920s and 30s and recorded the blues classic, “Aberdeen Mississippi Blues” in 1940. Aberdeen is an official MS Blues Trail destination, and a beautiful little town in its own right. The festival is free, and, in addition to a lot of blues performances, includes arts and crafts, food concessions, kids’ activities, a desert animal show, antique and classic car display and, an all-time favorite–a rib cook-off. Check: http://www.bukkawhitefestival.com/ for more performers and other details.

Dogtrot RockaBilly Festival, Tupelo, MS, October 17, 2015: Held at the Oren Dunn City Museum at Ballard Park, this festival celebrates the origins of Rock‑n‑Roll. Live music from the front porch of the Davis Dogtrot House, includes the legendary Ace Cannon Trio, Daniel Lee Perea, Leo Mask & the County Mounties, & Down South 78. Activities include the Red Beans & Rice Cook‑Off, Arts & Craft Fair, Wagon Rides, Games & Inflatables, Cow Patty Bingo, and the Rat Rod Cruise‑In. This family style festival has a small admission fee. See: Dogtrot Rockabilly for details.

Pumpkin Patch Farms, Blue Mountain, MS, open Wednesdays – Sundays, October 1 – November 1, 2015: Located in Blue Mountain, Pumpkin Patch Farms is the place to find hours of outdoor fun and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Board a hay-filled covered wagons for a lovely ride to the Pumpkin Patch where you can choose that perfect pumpkin to carry home. Weekend pony rides & many other attractions. Celebrating 18 years of family fun. For details of admission, etc. see : Pumpkin Patch Farms.

Wise Family Farm, Pontotoc, MS, October 3-31, 2015: The Wise family farm is open to the public April -October, but October is when it opens the farm gate for the public to enjoy their pumpkin patch and corn mazes. “Welcome to the Land of OZ” theme and the Hollow of Horrors offer hours of fun; night time hours add even more challenge. Closed Mondays. Check website for admission and hours of operation at: Wise Family Farm.

Old Towne Fallfest, Olive Branch, MS, Old Towne, October 24, 2015: Browse through a wide assortment of arts and crafts vendors, enjoy live music or participate in a chili cook-off. Children can enjoy Trick-or-Treating the streets of Old Towne, as well as numerous children’s activities, including a Kids Costume Parade and a Strutt Your Mutt contest and parade, as well as pet adoption opportunities. Check for details and locations of events: Desoto Old Towne FallFest.

Dancing Rabbit Festival, Macon MS, October 31, 2015: The day begins with a 5K run/walk to benefit Wounded Warrior Project. The Reed Brothers, this years winner of the International Country Gospel Music Association Vocal Group of the Year Award, will perform at 11:00AM. There will also be countyr and blues performers, along with plenty of food, arts, crafts, and a kids area. Check the Dancing Rabbit Facebook page for schedule and other details.

Sweet Potato Festival, Vardaman MS, November 7-14, 2015: It’s all about sweet potatoes at the annual Sweet Potato Festival, and it is still going strong after more than 40 years. With Kay Bain, and the Southern Praise group, a 5K run, sweet potato king/queen, food judging, food eating, food arts and crafts. For scheduling details and admission information for the various venues, check out Vardaman Sweet Potatoes.