Fall has officially arrived—as has more livable weather—and brings lots of fun things to do on the Westside. Here are my top picks and since I can’t run the Race for the Dream 5K , I’m including a downtown event that I’m training for (you can train with me!). Then after all that training, running and racing it’s time to enjoy some great fashion and design, and tequila.

1. Race for the Dream 5K

Atlanta Realtors is hosting its first ever 5K Race and Family Fun Run as a major fundraising event for Habitat Atlanta. We are so excited to have this family event to raise money for one of our favorite charities that supports homeownership in Atlanta. The event includes runs for all abilities and all levels from 5K to 1K to even a Tot Trot for the little ones. So bring the whole family—except the pets—and kick off your fall running season! If you want to sign up and learn more visit the race website.

Unfortunately, I can’t run this race, but that doesn’t stop me from training. Visit my Facebook page for more info on our running group for beginners, like me.

2. Westside Provisions – Design Week starts tomorrow!

Atlanta is quite the hub for fashion and design, and the Westside is one of the new hot spots to see it! During October 6-16, Westside Provisions will be again hosting Design Week it describes as “a coordinated slate of pop-up and tenant in store events.” What I’m most interested in checking out that week in addition to the fashion and design is the Dwell Monogram Modern Home Tour on October 7-8. There’s also a super fun Trends + Tea progressive fashion event on the 15th. You can learn more by visiting the Westside Provisions Facebook Page.

3. Westside Cultural Arts Center – Salsa Art & Tequila

Whaaaattt? Salsa lessons and Tequila sampling for only $15? Yes, and you can spend a chilly fall evening heating it up with your special someone every first Friday of the month at the Westside Cultural Arts Center. The night starts at 8:30pm with a beginner dance lesson, followed by an intermediate class at 9:00pm. Not into dancing? Enjoy tequila sampling and a finger-food buffet as you appreciate the dance skills of others. The event also features internationally recognized Latin DJ’s. Learn more and check out other events on the WCAC website.

4. Not on the Westside, but still cool – 2016 Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5K

I know this might sound a little crazy, but running a race on Thanksgiving morning may be a great way to energize your body and bank all those calories for the turkey dinner to come later that day. And what a fun family event and added—healthy—tradition for Turkey Day!

Sign up for the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K. Yours truly will be on board for the 5K! My husband ran his first half at this event last year, and said the enthusiasm and crowd made the run a breeze. I’m also hosting a training group for this race—the 5K, that is—so message me or watch my Facebook Page if you’d like to be a part of it. For more information and registration details for the race, go to the race website. We’ll see you there!

Well, it looks like between Design Week and training for these races, we will be busy enjoying fall in Atlanta. What are some of your favorite Fall activities? Comment below to let me know!

Happy Fall,

Michelle