Autum in the Eastern United States

We of German decent have long enjoyed Oktoberfest, The celebration began in Munich with the marriage of King Ludwig I to Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The two hundred year old festival brings millions of visitors to Munich. September 19, 2009 begins this year's Munich festival, and it ends October 4, 2009. There is ceremony to the affairs of the day. Goers love their beer and the fair-like atmosphere with the beer tents. From the traditions of Munich, autumn festivals are commonplace.

Oktoberfest celebrations are fun, lively and exceptionally beautiful throughout the Eastern United States. Orlando, Florida has no "change of seasons" and mild October temperatures, but the best USA festival is Walt Disney World's EPCOT German Biergarten. From the ambiance, costuming, entertainment, food and beverage, it is the most authentic festival in the USA.

New York State proudly claims many residents of German decent and celebrates with many German-American Festivals. From Buffalo to New York City to Syracuse to Albany, thousands flock to join the fun, complete with live German bands, scrumptious German-style grilled food, and lots to drink. Oom-pah Oom-pah bands are everywhere.

In the South, all festivals have plenty of food, drink and entertainment. Beginning September through November, fall colors take your breathe away as they swing and sway. Welcoming you to another level of graciousness, and saying, "Y'all come on in."

Georgia is a great place to begin, and nothing more Bavarian than Helen. Travel to South Carolina's midlands and upcountry where hospitality and festivals are synonymous. North Carolina is too beautiful for words. Quaint villages and festivals are a vacationers' paradise. Gatlinburg has a festival everyday. The artisans are talented and the cottage industry thrives with millions of visitors each year. Historic Virginia, wonderful West Virginia, majestic Maryland, and Pennsylvania's Miffinsburg, and Pocono's offer fantastic fall festivals with beautiful colors. The Oktoberfest beers are the crowds favorites.

Autumn festivals of merry-making continues north. The northern destinations have shorter fall seasons. Beautiful Delaware, tranquil Rhode Island, enthusiastic New Jersey, awe-inspiring Massachusetts and arrogantly pleasant Connecticut all have splendid American histories and histories of German celebrations. Stunning Vermont, astonishing New Hampshire, and magnificent Maine have great fall festivals and early winters. If you linger, catch the glorious winter festivals. All are charming, full of laughter, song and dance. Find an Oktoberfest near you and join the fun.

Sources:

Heinz Gollwitzer, Ludwig I. von Bayern. Königtum im Vormärz, Munich 1986 (²1997).

History of Octoberfest : Munich Tourist Office http://www.muenchen.de/Rathaus/tourist_office/oktobfest/126032/oktoberfest_geschichte.html