FIRST WORD
Falling for Fall
F Britni Petersen
Managing Editor
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editor@thefamilymagazine.com all is in full swing. Can you feel it? The cool, crisp
air, the changing leaves, the spirited cheers from
football fans all around and, of course, the smells
of pumpkin goodness wherever you go. Perhaps I’m a
bit biased, but I do believe fall is one of the best (if not
the best) seasons, especially in the DMV.

There are pumpkin patches to visit, Starbucks
pumpkin spice lattes to sip on, All Hallows’ Eve fun to
enjoy, and the best fall festivals to attend. While we
shared some fall festivals last month, we have even
more October fall festivals to share this month in our
extended calendar on page 11.

As for pumpkin-galore, we have a great guide on
carving and designing the perfect Jack O’Lantern on
page 16. Even if you consider yourself a Jack O’Lantern
aficionado, writer Dinah Wolfe shares some special
carving and preserving hacks to keep your pumpkins
looking their best all season long.

To get into the Halloween spirit, we have a not-so-
spooky list of Halloween books for your kiddos to enjoy
before the big holiday on page 20. And before any big
football game, we have some tailgating-inspired recipes
that will score you some serious touchdown points at
your next tailgate-style gathering.

Now that we are well into the start of the new
school year, we have some essential tips for students
applying to private schools this fall from a local private
school teacher, Michelle Ardillo. Ardillo shares essay-
writing strategies and ideas that will seriously impress
the school’s admissions committee on page 22.

And, just because summer is long gone and
Christmas is still a few months away, that doesn’t
mean you can’t enjoy another family vacation. Writer
PJ Feinstein shares her promising experience with
having a family staycation in D.C. and why DMV-area
families should consider this little fall mini-vacation
as well. She also includes some particularly wonderful
family-friendly D.C. hotel options and activities on
page 22.

So fall, football, fun and pumpkins … sounds about
right for October. For even more seasonal content
and exciting things to do with your family this month,
check out washingtonfamily.com. Happy reading! ■
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