By Nanette Wiser
HORROR-WEEN
Creature features abound during October both in theater and streaming. My cousin Nancy has a cameo in Jamie Lee Curtis’s new film and St. Pete’s amazing Eugenie Bondurant appears on Disney+ starting 10/7 in the Marvel Halloween Special” Werewolf by Night,” her first Marvel appearance, after successes in “The Hunger Games” (Tigress) and “The Conjuring,” as well as the Paris runway. My fave gets a reboot on Disney+, Hocus Pocus 2.
FAIRY FUN
Love Tinkerbell and Midsummer’s Night Dream’s Tatiana? You’ll enjoy the whimsical magic of a Fairy Garden, a whimsical way to celebrate the holidays by redecorating your fairies’ pad and outfit. Miniature fairytale adornments guarding flower beds and raised garden boxes are trending. Why not create a small magical spot in a container, a special place to celebrate nature and to express your seasonal imagination? Sherry’s Fairies can teach you how to make four fairies 10/22 at Sail Market Boutique & Gallery, with a pop-up market 10/29 and block party 11/5. Also in Gulfport, visit Beach House 5317, a creative and magical store featuring unique furniture, original local artworks, home deco with classes ranging from mandala rock painting to soapmaking.
MENTAL HEALTH PODCASTS
Dr. Robert Duff’s The Hard-Core Self-Help Podcast simplifies psychology and offers straight-forward pointers for managing anxiety. Dr. David D. Burns’ Feeling Good offers good ideas for overcoming anxiety and depression. Dr. Laurie Santos’ The Happiness Lab explores what makes us happy, based on years of scientific research.
Terrible Thanks for Asking podcast host Nora McInerny’s famous book now podcast deals with moving forward after life has fallen apart, and this is for those who are tired of saying fine when someone asks how you are.
FALL FOLIAGE
In October, ride the rails in Georgia and experience the changing colors of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or all aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departing Bryson City, North Carolina. In mid- to late November, meander North Florida’s stunning state and county parks such as Torreya State Park in Bristol and the Morningside Nature Center in Gainesville as well as the Panhandle, especially Washington County and the area of Tallahassee. Get in the autumn spirit at DK Farms & Nursery or Gallaghers Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Patch for pumpkins, ponies, goats and more; closed 10/31 thru 11/20.
