Ahhh, from the looks of things out the window, summer has certainly breathed its last breath for 2010. Never fear though, autumn, an ever-underestimated season, has a lot to offer. Here are a few things do to in Bristol this autumn.
1. Delay turning on the central heating and cosy up with a pint of the West Country’s finest
With the Apple harvest in full swing, it would be rude not to take part in your own small way by enjoying a tasty glass of West Country scrumpy on Bristol’s famous cider boat – The Apple (on Welsh Back). That should help you get your grove back. Yum.
2. If in doubt, eat. It’s almost hibernation time you know
Create your own Michaelmas feast and celebrate the beginning of autumn with healthy and hearty bristolian produce. Chutfest, at Barrington Court on the 2nd and 3rd of October, promises a celebration of preserves, produce and pickling. Pick up some scrumptious chutneys and jams to feast on, or learn how to make your own.
For more wholesome, local fare, the Whiteladies Road Farmers and Fair Trading Market comes highly recommended. Produce that’s good for you, good for the environment, and good for those that make it. As well as tasting good, obviously.
3. After all that consumption, we’d best also advise some exercise
Just because summer’s saying its last goodbyes doesn’t mean that it’s time to ditch the healthy living. Keep your serotonin levels sky high by indulging in a touch of exercise. With easy access to acres of green, country walks are easily accessible for Bristolians. Try taking a bus to Cribbs Causeway and strolling on over to Botany Bay - a pleasant 2 hour jaunt. If you want to really up the feel good factor, a trip to a Bristol gym may be in order. With many gyms in Bristol up for the choosing, and some offering delights such as saunas, spas and steam rooms, there’s really no excuse for festering under your duvet as the dark evenings draw in.
4. Robbie may not entertain you, but Bristol can
Bristol’s not short of a spot of evening entertainment. From comedy to theatre to ear popping beats, sitting in front of the telly should never really be an option. If the thought of winter’s approach has got you cowering on your sofa, here’s some inspiration to get you out and about.
Get the giggles at the Bristol Hippodrome, which has some great comedy acts lined up to see you laughing into winter. And is an undervalued cure for SAD to boot. Or if you’d rather breeze towards Christmas in a more serious manner, Bristol Old Vic is the perfect place to find thought provoking shows to give you fodder for chats by the fire over a glass of rouge.
Brizzle is famed for its music and nightlife scene. Club listings can be easily found without my re-writing here, but if you fancy dancing like no-one’s watching to some good tunes in a friendly pub, the Kings Head on Bridgewater Road offers a plethora of opportunities, along with some lush food and traditional ales.
Hopefully this will rid your pretty heads of the end of summer blues and get you excited about these autumn days. It has me!
