Still time to enjoy Oktoberfest.
It may be too late to attend Oktoberfest in Munich this year, but if you think hot wurst, cold lager, and oom-pah bands are some of the best things about fall, there are still plenty of good festivals closer to home.
A scenic two-hour drive from Seattle, Leavenworth, Washington, offers fall color, a cool mountain climate, and a Bavarian village that looks more authentic with every beer. This year's festival runs for three weekends, October 3 - 5, 10 - 12, and 17 - 19. In addition to the usual German food, there's barbecued chicken, ribs, and pulled pork.
The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, about two-and-a-half hours from L.A., offers one of the most authentic menus with food and beer from German bakers, butchers, and brewers. If you want a Warsteiner, this is a place. The festival takes place every weekend between now and October 25.
Although it's probably too hot to wear your lederhosen, the Lake Worth, Florida Oktoberfest runs October 10 - 12 and 14 - 17. This year's festival features bands direct from Munich, authentic German food, and Hofbrau Bier.Of course, if the Oktoberfest in your neighborhood has come and gone, why not have one of your own. A keg, a bunch of Brats, and couple of CDs can transform your backyard into Munich in no time.