Indiana's River Country celebrates the season with fall festivals

For More Information Contact:
Leslie Townsend
1-800-489-4474 or ltownsen@usi.edu

Pictures to accompany this story are available on the "Indiana's River Country" website at www.southernindiana.org under the media room section.

As the hazy, humid days of summer give way to the crisp, clear skies of autumn, our thoughts turn to ways we can enjoy the season. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy weekend getaways that feature brilliant foliage, scenic drives, and hearty food. Fall is also a great time to visit one of the many festivals that honor the season and southern Indiana heritage.

Indiana's River Country, a region in southern Indiana bordered by the Ohio and Wabash rivers, offers a wide variety of fall festivals. Some commemorate historic events or celebrate holidays. Others highlight the season's harvest and beautiful foliage. All promise good times and great food.

Special Events

Here is a sampling of special events in Indiana's River Country. For more information call 1-800-ADVENTURE or visit www.southernindiana.org.

Family Fall Festival, Starlight

The Joe Huber Family Farm and Restaurant celebrates the fall harvest every weekend in October. Take a tractor ride to the pumpkin field and enjoy live entertainment. No trip to the Joe Huber Family Farm and Restaurant is complete without and old-fashioned country style meal complete featuring fried chicken, country ham, and golden fried biscuits. 812-923-5255; www.joehubers.com

Stumlers Applefest, Starlight

Stumlers Applefest has a little bit for everyone. Enjoy hayrides, craft booths, fall decorations, apple butter making demonstrations, clogging, music, flea market, arts, helicopter rides, carnival rides, and a playground. October 5 - 6. 812-923-3837. www.sunnysideoflouisville.org

Perry County's Hoosier Heritage Fall Tour

The Hoosier Heritage Fall Tour features a different Perry County community each weekend in October. Take self-guided driving tours through the beautiful fall foliage and enjoy music, crafts, and country cooking. 888-343-6262; www.perrycountyindiana.org.

Harvest Homecoming Festival, New Albany

Downtown New Albany comes alive for one of Indiana's largest festivals. Enjoy arts and crafts, juried art show, flea market, concerts, sporting events, and contests. October 6 - 14. 502-367-4529; www.harvesthomecoming.com

Westside Nut Club Fall Festival, Evansville

West Franklin Street in Evansville is the site of the second largest street fest in the United States. Over 100 food booths feature everything from corn dogs, bratwurst, chicken and dumplings, and elephant ears to brain sandwiches and burgoo. The festival also features carnival rides and games, entertainment, and parades. October 7 - 12. 812-401-5860; www.nutclub.org

Fort Branch Fall Festival, Fort Branch

Join this community event for a chili cook-off, karaoke, carnival rides, craft booths, classic car cruise-in, talent show, and live entertainment. October 11 - 12. 812-753-4418.

Historic Newburgh Ghost Walks, Newburgh

Take walking tours through the downtown of this historic river town and hear strange tales from the town's past. October 19 - 20 and 26 - 27. 812-853-2815; www.newburgh.org

Lewis and Clark River Festival, Clarksville

This festival commemorates Lewis and Clark's departure from Clarksville to begin their great quest through the American wilderness. See 1803-period entertainment, demonstrations, and portrayals and sample food from that era. The festival takes place at the George Rogers Clark Home Site at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Free shuttles are available to a companion event in Louisville. October 26 - 27. 812-949-9338. www.sunnysideoflouisville.org

Halloween on the Square, Corydon

Corydon's Old Capitol Square comes alive for this Halloween festival that features a parade, cake walk, contests, fortune telling, and food booths. October 26. 812-738-4890; www.state.in.us/ism

Christmas Stroll, Huntingburg

Kick off the Christmas season with Huntingburg's Christmas Stroll. This multi-day event is filled with caroling, shopping, historic home tours, a Victorian dinner, and Santa Claus. November 8 - 10; www.huntingburg.com

Christkindlmarkt, Ferdinand

Experience an Olde World Christmas in Ferdinand as the community celebrates its German heritage. See lavish booths of Christmas wares and gifts, arts, antiques, and delectable food and wines. Live Glockenspiel performances and entertainment also are featured. November 16 - 17. 1-800-968-4578; www.ferdinandinchamber.org