There is something magical about this time of year in Honesdale, and it’s not just the foliage. Autumn’s sunny afternoons and cool evenings set the perfect stage for many outdoor activities, and there are beautiful outdoor spaces all throughout Honesdale. This time of year, a hike up to Irving Cliff provides a stunning view of the town bursting with color. Prompton State Park, another local spot, has great hiking trails and a large disc-golf course. When looking for things to do this fall, make sure not to overlook the free opportunities our beautiful surroundings provide to us.

This time of year is my favorite time to be outdoors, but the chilly evenings will eventually encourage us all to head indoors. And that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Three old brick buildings in Honesdale are buzzing with excitement this month.

The Cooperage Project’s October schedule is filled with fun events for people of all ages. I’m excited that there are four film screenings happening at The Cooperage this October. Head to The Cooperage for “Shakespeare on Film,” a screening of “Suicide: The Ripple Effect,” and two other film-related events made possible in collaboration with local Canaltown organizer and fellow Honesdale news columnist, Derek Williams. On Saturday, October 12, Second Saturday here in Honesdale, there will be a live musical accompaniment to the classic silent film “Nosferatu.” Even if silent films aren’t for you, stop by anyway; you might enjoy some local artwork and live music. Look for the film posters on display promoting the final film event at The Cooperage: Spookyfest on Saturday, October 19. For more information on the other live musical performances happening at The Cooperage this October, check out www.thecoo perageproject.org. Spoiler alert, there are at least three concerts in October, and one of them is metal. (Yes, really, there will be a metal concert in Honesdale.)

You should check out Hop Barons new kitchen in the old Katz Warehouse on 6th Street. Hop Barons is hosting a special beer-pairing dinner on Saturday, October 12. I’ve heard rumors that there will be a building-wide open house sometime in November. That old brick building sitting next to the Lackawaxen River is coming back to life. There are beer pairings, weddings, an art studio and so much more to come.

Lastly, located between The Cooperage Project and The Katz Warehouse, is my favorite bar and restaurant on Main Street: Here & Now Brewing Company. Be sure to check out their live music line-up, continuously updated food menu and specialty events, such as this month’s guided pumpkin carving. Here & Now rounds out my personal top three list of exciting, unique spaces here in Honesdale, which all happen to beautifully restored brick. And I might be biased, because I enjoy this time of year, fall colors, live music, film screenings, and local beer, but I think there are a lot of great things happening in Honesdale.