The mornings and nights are cooler, the humidity has lessened slightly, and leaves are beginning to turn colors.

There’s no doubt about it: the fall season is here. While summer often equates to dangerous heat waves and threatening storms, autumn brings some reprieve to eastern North Carolina. It also gives families a chance to venture into the pleasant outdoors and embrace what Beaufort County has to offer.

Take a trip to Goose Creek State Park. Hiking along trails, camping under the stars and taking a canoe or kayak along the creek are all options at the park. With children crammed into classrooms all day and adults spending a lot of their time in a cramped office setting, the outdoors offer a welcome change. The county is lucky to have a state park right here within its borders.

There are also plenty of Halloween activities coming up later this month — some for kids, and others, a little scarier. Either way, it’s a good opportunity to be a part of the community.

Historic tours of the town of Bath are available with “Bath Towne After Dark,” or later on, the kid-friendly Spook-Free Zone. Terry Rollins’ ghost walks through Washington are also another option for teens and adults, and offer some aspects of history, as well. Finally, those on the south side of the river may enjoy a trip to Raised in a Barn Farm. The farm has plenty of activities this time of year: a corn maze, hayrides, photo ops and a haunted trail.

There’s nothing quite like summer on the Pamlico, but autumn undoubtedly has its merits, too. Don’t take these opportunities for granted. It’s a good way to spend time with family and friends — and especially as the holidays approach, that should be a top priority.