September farmers market and Bramwell Oktoberfest

I love to visit a farmers market this time of year here in Southern Appalachia, but I also know that the summer garden season is coming to an end.

Apple harvest is in full swing and cider production is well underway. Local wineries and cideries are busy places now. It will likely be a few months though before we get to taste the magic of the 2014 vintage, especially for the red wines and hearty ciders that need a good bit of time in the barrel to mature.

Sept Farmers Market 01

Sept Farmers Market

Sept Farmers Market

Sept Farmers Market

Sept Farmers Market

Sept Farmers Market

The whole theme of the farmers market shifts from summer to fall. The nights have already cooled; soon cool days will follow.

I can’t complain, though, because it means Oktoberfest season is here. That more than makes up for the cool weather.

Bramwell Oktoberfest

Again this year I’ll be attending the Bramwell Oktoberfest.  It happens on Saturday, October 11.

Bramwell Oktoberfest is hidden deep in the scenic hollows of central Appalachia. The town of Bramwell, West Virginia, is a picturesque enclave of vintage homes situated along maple lined streets. It’s tiny except on the Saturday of Oktoberfest when it comes alive with visitors from throughout the region.

The event itself features breweries from around the area—mostly WV—pouring samples all afternoon. This year’s line up looks better than ever.

Likely attendees at the festival this year include the following WV breweries: Blackwater, Greenbrier Valley, Wheeling, Big Timber, Bridge Brew Works, Morgantown, Chestnut Brew Works, Lost River, and Charleston. Beers from a variety of other states will be there too, including several from neighboring market areas like Virginia’s Blue Mountain and Maryland’s Flying Dog.

Festival hours are 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. More information at http://www.visitmercercounty.com