Applefest!

I happened onto the Charlevoix Applefest by mistake. I had no idea it was happening, but my autumn road trip kept taking me that direction. My first clue was the traffic jam!

But once I found out what was happening and figured out a shortcut, I was in for a lovely time in one of Michigan's most beautiful small northern towns.

Charlevoix is on a stunning blue lake, and with the cloudless sky, it was reflecting blue in all its glory. The boats looked all the more pristine by contrast. (And really, there were quite a few in the water.)

The applefest combines two things -- a giant farm market where the major commodity is apples.

And an art fair. More an art/craft fair. Well, some craft. Some crapht. You can see some tents here and people enjoying a fabulous day!

One artist stood out in particular. Susan Winter. I happen to know her as she is related to my friend Judy, and I'd always admired her pressed paper work. Now she is working wonders with antique postcards of the area, from around the 1915-30s period. I don't have photos, but I can tell you, her work is stunning and gave me some ideas about using the cards I have at home about the area of Gaylord we visit for the cottage. Her Etsy site has her "naturals" switch plate covers. (Alas, no postcard images -- yet!)

Well, I love fall foods, and so I had to buy these Brussels sprouts. I've never bought them off the vine like this. (For some terrific posts on Brussels sprouts, visit thoughtful posts on Cul-de-sac Chronicles and The Task at Hand.) (You may have to scroll down a post or two!)

These came from a place called "Marvin's Gardens," which I thought a most clever name!

Of course there were other vendors -- and the fall colors just seemed to pop!

Doesn't this look just like fall? Sure does to me!

And this one. I just want to crawl into this autumn warmth and goodness and hold it close.

Of course, the art fair and farm market aren't the only benefits of Applefest. The line for the caramel apple stand was the longest. And the kids were loving the pony rides.

And the petting zoo, which was right behind the riding field.

People were buying cornstalks, and I can visualize their decorating for the season soon after!

Well, I think it's time to get home and make something with those brussels sprouts! Just remember...