September: The Transition Month
As the heat of summer gives way to the subtle chill of impending autumn, September emerges as a month of transitions and opportunities. It’s a time when we can savor the best of both worlds, relishing the final moments of warmth while preparing for the cozy embrace of fall. Here are five must-do activities that capture the essence of September. From embracing the changing landscapes to indulging in the flavors of the season, this month offers experiences for all to enjoy.
- Explore Local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets around La Crosse continue through October. Get the most out of local flavors and support local vendors in your community. La Crosse’s Farmers Market Association puts on a farmers market in Cameron Park every Friday night from 4:00 p.m. to dusk. Holmen holds its Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings at the Festival Foods parking lot from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. La Crescent holds their farmers market every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. up until the last Tuesday in October. Highlighting local musicians, farmers, and artists, both weekly markets provide fun entertainment and quality goods to those in attendance. Stay up to date on local farmers markets along with other events on Around River City’s Events page.
- Indulge in Seasonal Produce
The abundance of summer makes it easy to indulge in the seasonal local produce. September is a great time to capitalize on these goods before the season is officially over. According to Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the best local products in Wisconsin during the late summer months include cucumbers, apples, kale, pears, tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, summer squash, raspberries, cauliflower, sprouts, and much more! Look up fun recipes to try with the last of your summer goods.
- Preserve the End of Summer Flavors
Keep the summer flavors around all year round! Take September to freeze, can, jam, and pickle the last of your summer produce. Freezing is one of the easiest ways to store summer produce through the winter—especially your veggies. Grab the last of your local corn, peppers, asparagus, and tomatoes, and prepare them for your freezer. What about all your fruit? Make some jam! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and peaches are all great fruits to make into jams. Give them even longer shelf lives by freezing them. You’ll have yummy fruit spreads all year round! As for your cucumbers, green beans, asparagus, peppers, and carrots—pickle them! Experiment with different combinations of seasonings and zest to cater to your taste.
- Embrace the Outdoors
September is a beautiful transition month between summer and fall. The La Crosse area is full of beautiful bluff landscapes and thick forests that embark on a colorful transition from summer into fall. This transition is gradual and then sudden; as quickly as the colors arrive, they depart. Get in the habit of going on walks and hikes so you don’t miss the fall beauty before it’s gone.
- Enjoy the Last of Outdoor Music
The La Crosse area is packed with live music to last all year round, but it’s only manageable outside for small portions of the year. Summer is a perfect time to listen to your favorite local bands at outdoor venues, but who says it has to stop in August? Moon Tunes at Riverside Park continues through September 7th and other local venues around the La Crosse area continue to offer live music into the month of September. Don’t know when or where to find local music? Check out Around River City’s local music page to stay up to date on the local music scene.
Savor September
Take some time to savor September and all it has to offer. Throughout this busy month, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of transitioning from summer to autumn and settling into a new schedule—but there are also so many opportunities to find joy. Explore these 5 activities and tag Around River City on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share how you’re #SavoringSeptember.
