Falling for Kansas

Autumn, or ‘Fall’ as it’s known in the US, is a great time to travel in Kansas and Oklahoma. It is the time when many festivals, events and Agritourism activities take place and visitors are welcomed to join in the fun.

KANSAS EXPOCENTRE CIDER DAYS FALL FESTIVAL - TOPEKA

The two-day event, in September, attracts thousands of visitors each year to its arts and crafts exhibits, pioneer demonstrations, food and entertainment. Crafters sell their various wares inside the Landon Arena and Exhibition Hall of the Expocentre and pioneer demonstrations, local entertainers and ethnic food are found outside on the grounds, where straw bales provide resting areas and rides beckon children and adults. ksexpo.com

WILDFLOWERS MAKE KANSAS ROADSIDES SPECTACULAR IN THE FALL

As the summer travel season transitions to autumn, Audubon of Kansas is reminding visitors to Kansas to take fall opportunities to enjoy the state's spectacular display of prairie wildflowers and native grasses along roadsides and throughout the countryside. The greatest array of showy fall wildflowers and native grasses are seen in the Flint Hills, Chautauqua Hills, Smoky Hills, Red Hills, and other landscapes with native prairies and woodlands adjacent to rural roads, according to Ron Klataske of Manhattan, Executive Director of Audubon of Kansas.

Audubon of Kansas has a publication entitled the "Tallgrass "Prairie Parkway" Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trail Guide available for individuals interested in touring the Flint Hills and Chautauqua Hills. It features 48 special locations extending from the Pony Express Station near Hanover to the Little House on the Prairie near Independence. Information on prairies, wildlife and other natural and cultural attractions are included, along with photographs highlighting the state's natural beauty and heritage.

More information is available at Audubonofkansas.org.

WALNUT VALLEY FESTIVAL, KANSAS

Ranked in The 100 Best Small Towns in America, Winfield, the county seat of Cowley County, is a beautiful, prosperous town on the banks of the Walnut River in southern Kansas. It has enjoyed a rich history since Coronado camped here in 1542 looking for Cibola, the seven cities of gold.

The Walnut Valley Festival is a well-known acoustic music festival, held annually in Winfield. The main genre of music is bluegrass, but other acoustic styles are represented. The festival is held on the third weekend in September. For further information visit Winfieldks.org.

THE MCPHERSON SCOTTISH FESTIVAL, KANSAS

The McPherson Scottish Festival was recently named one of America’s 100 Best Events for 2009 by the American Bus Association (ABA). Inclusion in the top 100 list indicates that the Scottish Festival offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travellers from around the world.

The festival is held in September and offers two full days of family entertainment in a shady city park with music, dance, athletics, hands-on kids' activities, re-enactors, and other events reflecting the heritage and traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the other Celtic nations. There’s a good selection of food and drink plus fun and learning for everyone, whether Scottish or not. For further information visit Macfestival.org.

BATTLE OF HONEY SPRINGS – CHECOTAH, OKLAHOMA

You'll want a front row seat at this stirring re-enactment of the Battle of Honey Springs, known as the Gettysburg of the West. Witness the heat of battle and hear inspiring tales of courage and bravery in an electrifying re-creation of a climactic Civil War engagement in Indian Territory. The original battle took place July 17, 1863, and helped open the way for later Union victories.

A must see for travel hounds and history buffs of all stripes, the Battle of Honey Springs Re-enactment is a triennial event, occurring only once every three years, and takes place in 2008 on September 27 and 28 near Checotah. Honeysprings.org.

POWER & MAJESTY at STANDING BEAR POWWOW – PONCA CITY, OKLAHOMA

Experience the power of native drumming, the majesty of colourful dances and the poignancy of native cultural traditions at the 15th Annual Standing Bear Powwow, September 26 and 27, at Standing Bear Park in Ponca City. A powwow is a traditional Native American ceremony featuring dance and feasting to celebrate heritage and encourage fellowship. Visitors are welcome and admission is free. Poncacitytourism.com

GRAPE TIMES GALORE – GRAND LAKE, OKLAHOMA

Tickle your taste buds sipping a sampling of fine wines from four great Oklahoma wineries at the Grand Wine Country Annual Fall Festival, October 11, at Monkey Island near Grand Lake. Along with the wine, chow down on delectable food from restaurants and caterers, chill out to the smooth sounds of live Jazz and browse the wares of area artisans. Even the kiddoes get in on the fun with pony rides and a petting zoo. Grandwinecountry.com

For more information, log on to TravelKsOk.co.uk.