The weather may be unseasonably warm yet, but the calendar tells us it's fall. There are so many things to do around the metro—and the state—this time of year: you can go apple-picking (here's a good resource for apple orchards); enjoy the colors of the season (the Minnesota DNR is offering its annual fall foliage reports here); and you can join in the fun at one of the state's multiple fall festivals.

One thing fall brings to Minnesota is a big crop of art festivals, which makes sense when you think about it—Minnesota itself will be showing its finest artwork this fall, so why not complement it with other media?

The Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl, also known as the Meander, offers 45 artists spread out over 33 studios throughout southern Minnesota. Can't beat the scenery.

The cities of St. Peter, Mankato, and North Mankato join forces for River Crossings: an Art Fair in Motion, this year scheduled for Oct. 3-4. Visit the artists in their own habitats and enjoy live music, improv, and poetry readings.

Stillwater not only has a beautiful landscape, but it has an art and jazz festival combined. The Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz Festival offers an outdoor art show, live music, and plenty of food.

Another art crawl of the semi-annual variety takes place in St. Paul Oct. 9-11. The St. Paul Art Crawl features art created by nearly 300 diverse artists and exhibited in their personal workspace and galleries, wine tastings, and live music—a great way to enjoy a leisurely weekend.

Another outdoor art festival in a scenic locale takes place Oct. 10-11 in downtown Red Wing. The Fall Festival of the Arts presents more than 100 juried artists in the equally scenic town of Red Wing.

Head north, not just to enjoy fall colors, but to take part in the First City of Arts Studio Cruise in Bemidji, taking place Oct. 16-18. Visit artists' studios and enjoy evening performances at the Art Center.

Using I-35W South as a starting point, wander south through the state, with stops veering off into Northfield and down through Owatonna, for the South Central Art Tour Oct. 24 and 25. Artists will have their studios open all along the way for a fine weekend of slow, artful wandering.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.