The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of fall is the following season - winter. It's like the calm before the storm. Which, is unfortunate because around here fall is a wonderful season. It is rich with cultural, natural and beautiful opportunities that are worth exploring.
One of the things I love about fall is the cider mill. Apple cider is amazingly delicious, and good for you too. It has a significant amount of vitamin C and potassium. Apples are also good for making another fall favorite of mine - pies. I love them because not only are they way better than cakes, but there are few things that hit the spot like a steaming oven-fresh pie on a chilly day.
Baking pies is also quite fun. You can fill them with almost anything such as: fruit, sweet cream, chocolate, nuts, meat, vegetables and more. So, be creative. If you've never baked a pie of your own before, now is a good time to start. The satisfaction of creating something incredibly delicious and heart warming that you can share with friends or family, is unparalleled.
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Dusten Rader
Now that I've gotten you all excited for cider and pie, think about mixing the two. Try making an apple cider pie. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Unless of course you burn the pie. Which, can happen when baking. So, keep an eye on it as it bakes. And, if it seems like the pie filling is not cooking fast enough, butter the crust to keep it moist.
There is also something to be said about the weather. It may be cold, it may be dark, it may be windy or rainy, but at least it's not hot and humid. I guess it's not for everyone, but I know that I'd much rather bundle up to stay warm than have to sweat. Oh, and consider this: curling up under a warm blanket with some apple cider and a warm pie epic win.
But, wait, it gets even better. While you're curled up and enjoying your pie, guess what? Some of the best television shows air during the fall season. I'm definitely looking forward to enjoying some pie, cider and zombies. Yeah, the third season of AMC's "The Walking Dead" starts Oct. 14. Oh, and know what else goes really well with zombies, Halloween. But, there is another show I'm sort of looking forward to called "Revolution" as well. I managed to catch the pilot episode on Hulu, and it seemed to have some potential. If you were a fan of "Hunger Games" you might want to give the show a shot.
Yes, there sure is a lot to look forward to in the coming months. But, fall is really just a build-up that culminates during winter. During the winter season everything that was great during fall, is even better. So, to all those haters out there who can't get enough of complaining about the bad weather, go live in Florida.
HIGHLIGHTS
Portland's Alameda To Play Two Jamestown Shows: Alameda will play two shows in Jamestown on Tuesday. First they will appear at Labyrinth Press Company at 7 p.m. and then at Mojo's at 10 p.m. Alameda will be taking the stage with Ray Raposa's new band. Raposa is known for performing with the Castanets.
Returning a year later from their well received debut "Seasons/Spectres," the Portland based quintet Alameda present "Procession" which comes out Saturday. With a corresponding tour and several dates alongside Raymond Byron and the White Freighter featuring Ray Raposa of Castanets, Alameda are bringing their orchestral folk across the U.S. this summer.
Alameda's single "Oaxaca" is available for download and streaming at soundcloud.com/riot-act-annie/alameda-oaxaca. My Old Kentucky Blog described the song by saying, "The beautifully ominous track maneuvers its way through a lush woods of guitars, strings, and urgent drum beats."
For more information visit
riotactmedia.com/artists/alameda.php.
45th Annual Silver Creek Festival Of Grapes Starts Today: The Silver Creek Festival of Grapes begins today at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. with the opening ceremonies occurring during the evening. Festivities will continue through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is located at Village Park, Route 20 in Silver Creek.
The festival includes arts and crafts, food vendors, a beer and wine tent, and rides for the kids. The Grape Stomping event will take place Thursday evening after the fanfare. Terry Buchwald will be performing on Saturday night near the gazebo. Also, Gina V. will perform with Jon Washburn on drums, Keith Medley on guitar and vocals and Willie Fuentes on bass guitar and vocals at the Merritt Winery tent.
For more information search for "Silver Creek Festival of Grapes" on Facebook.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Monday.
Tonight
Blue Grass Jam: 7 to 10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday
Brian Hanna: 9 p.m. to midnight, Miley's Old Inn, 845 E. Second St. in Jamestown.
The Saloonatics: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Lakeview Hotel in Mayville.
Saturday
ChalkWalk: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown Jamestown. Chalk artists will cover Jamestown's sidewalks with works of art.
Jamestown Thunder Drum Circle: Noon to 2:30 p.m., Ellery Town Park pavilion, Route 430 in Greenhurst. No experience needed and some drums provided.
Hadley House End Of Summer Party With Amanda Barton and Bill Ward: 6 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Sammy Slicker: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Kris Meekins: 9 p.m. to midnight, Steener's Pub in Greenhurst.
Tuesday
Dinosaur Jr. New CD Listening Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Good City Records, 515 Pine St. in Jamestown. Dinosaur Jr.'s latest album "I Bet On Sky" will be played in its entirety throughout the evening.