For most of the last decade, Columbus Day weekend has been my annual girls' weekend with my grad school roommate.  It's 4-5 days of good company, good food, and lots of fun.  We'll do some shopping, visit a Renn Faire, and (this year at least) go zip lining.

This is the weekend when I do much of Christmas shopping.  Most outlet malls have good sales for the holiday weekend. They are still selling late summer merchandise while fall and winter merchandise is available as well.  You can shop for those who love both warm and cold weather.  Also, since I'll be traveling and visiting a Faire, I can often find unique little handmade gifts that aren't in every store.

If you aren't interested in shopping this weekend, it's a great weekend for cleaning and storing your outdoor furniture and tiying all your outdoor spaces.

Me, I'll be shopping — and zipping.