Labor day is the unofficial end of summer, and I find that downright depressing. But as autumn moves in, threatening to freeze my spirits (and my flip-flopped feet), I take solace in one thing: beyond cute boots, I look forward to Fall Folk.

There’s something about autumn that brings out the best in folk music. The cool breeze that blows over fall festivals make them more pleasant than their sticky summer counterparts, so you can focus on what’s happening on stage, instead of under your neighbor’s arms. Join me at the beach for one last weekend—then, on September 5th and 6th, hike up to Warwick Valley Winery to hear some awesome music and sip on delicious local wines from noon to 6 p.m. at the Harvest Moon Folk Festival.

(photo courtesy of Warwick Valley Winery)

Admission is $10 online, but jumps to $15 at the door.

Saturday’s line up includes Chip Robertson, Will Knox, Loretta Hagen, Cooper Boone, E’lissa Jones, Terrence Martin, and Marshall Crenshaw.

My personal favorite folkie of the group is headlining on Sunday. Melissa Ferrick’s emotionally charged songs will undoubtedly get your mind movin—sometimes, a bit too much. Some say she’s “over-confessional,” but I honestly don’t believe that’s possible in folk. Opening for her, you’ll see some great local acts: Marty Koppel, Tim O’Donohue, Arlon Bennet, Project Mercury, Patrick Fitzimmons, David Massengill, and Marc Von Em. Stay posted for an upcoming post on Project Mercury, a sneak peek of what’s to come in Rockland Magazine.

And as if you needed another reason to listen to great music for cheap while you sip local wine, sources at Artisan Wine Shop in Dutchess say one of best 2007 varietals in New York is Warwick’s semi-sweet Riesling, $15, which has flavors of peaches, apricots, and pear. Cheers to That!