Harvest-rich Waterloo region shines in autumn

Pumpkin patches, apple cider, falling leaves fall is around the corner in Waterloo region.

But while it means a time of sweaters, comfort foods and curling up inside, events in the region do not slow down.

Minto Schneider, CEO of Waterloo Region Tourism Marketing Corp, told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's The Morning Edition host Craig Norris there is much to see and do.

"I like to think of it as the beginning of the year," she said.

Our thanks to listeners and readers for sending in photos to go along with this story.

What to see

One of Schneider's favourite spots to visit in the fall is the West Montrose Covered Bridge.

"Especially when the colours are changing," she said.

"Everything along the Grand River, whether you're biking, hiking, walking, is really quite beautiful this time of the year."

Even just a drive through the countryside will offer typical fall scenes including farmers harvesting crops and the changing colours of the landscape.

What to do

There are many, many events in Waterloo region in the fall.

Doors Open Waterloo Region is one of Schneider's favourites because she said you can get into all the buildings you're curious about that aren't normally open to the public.

This year, Google will be a popular spot, but she also said the J.M. Schneider home is a "fascinating spot."

There are local fall fairs New Hamburg is Sept. 14 to 17. And the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival on Sept. 30 is also a highlight, Schneider said.

Then there is a staple event like Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, which brings thousands of people to the region.

What to eat

Fall is one of the best times to head to a local farmers's market.

"The bounty that is delivered at all of the farmers' markets this time of the year is a great place to go. They're overloaded with fruit, vegetables, all of the produce, all of the things they're bringing in out of the fields," Schneider said.

It's not just good for you cooking your own meal - it's also great for local chefs.

"We are so fortunate to have the quality of chefs and restaurants that we do in this region," she said, noting if you don't feel like cooking yourself, there are always restaurant options where you can get fresh and local food.

What's next

As fall winds down and the dare we say it? snow starts to fly, activity in the region continues.

In the weeks before Christmas's arrival, there's St. Jacobs Sparkles, the Victorian Christmas at Castle Kilbride in Baden, the Christkindl Festival in downtown Kitchener and Christmas in Cambridge.