Isn't it grand a national holiday coincides with the peak of fall colors?  Columbus Day Weekend is a perfect time to explore the best our region has to offer—and with three days of exciting programming from our collective local community, there's no shortage of things to do.

Phoenicia Flea Maker's Market
Where: The Graham & Co. (80 Route 214, Phoenicia, NY)
When: Saturday-Sunday, October 11-12, 11am-7pm

A curated group of artisans will again gather at The Graham & Co—the Catskill roadside motel-turned-hipster chic resort—as the popular event returns in its latest fall iteration.  Vendors will showcase the best bespoke/vintage/handcrafted/lovacore/organic/sustainably sourced/all of the above items sourced from the Hudson Valley and other tasteful creative communities in the region.  We're not sure where Brooklyn brokers extend the border for "North Williamsburg" these days, but for this weekend we're pretty certain it's Phoenicia. (Don't forget to score a "Catskills vs. Hamptons" tee in the gift shop; they're trending). More details.

image: The Graham & Co.

Pumpkin Festival at the Sloop Club
Where: Beacon Sloop Club (1 Red Flynn Dr, Beacon, NY)
When: Sunday, October 12:00pm-5:00pmHead for Riverfront Park in Beacon to pick pumpkins, eat scrumptious pumpkin creations and head out on a free sail on the Woodie Guthrie—a replica Dutch ferry sloop named for eponymous folk legend who traveled with Clearwater founder and Beacon celebrity Pete Seeger.  With free admission and live music, you should set that iPhone reminder now. More details.

image: Beacon Sloop Club

Horseman's Hollow
Where: Philipsburg Manor (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY)
When: Fri/Sat/Sun nights through 11/1

Ichabod Crane rides again into Sleepy Hollow as Philipsburg Manor transforms yet again into one of Westchester's spook-tacular attractions. The historic site, operated by Historic Hudson Valley, is a reconstructed Dutch "patroon" farm owned by the pioneering Philipse family. More details.

image: Historic Hudson Valley

Highland HudsonFest
Where: Hudson Valley Rail Trail/Walkway Over the Hudson
When: Friday-Tuesday, October 10-12

The Hamlet of Highland will host a series of events celebrating Fall on the mighty river, commencing Friday evening with the Rail Trail MoonWalk (MJ moves not required—but feel free) and continuing through Sunday, where vendors will line the trail from 10am-5pm.  Live music, art displays and food from local merchants, farms, vineyards and eateries are just some of the entertainment. More details.

image: HudsonFest