With the price of oil bouncing around like a yo-yo, causing a spike in airfares and gasoline, people have started to curb their activities accordingly. The owner of some vacation cottages on the Cape told the Press recently that business was up this year—people seem to be foregoing foreign travel and vacationing closer to home. But beachfront cottages aren’t the only place where locals can enjoy some R&R. Sundry worthwhile attractions can be found within striking distance of Harvard.

Fall is the season for fairs and festivals, and although some are already behind us, there are several still ahead.

The Nashoba Valley Winery, about six miles from Harvard center, will feature Kids Day Off this Sunday, Sept. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature a family concert with music by The Folk Tradition, as well as a barbecue, caramel apples, face-painting, and a visit from Jugglin’ John. Other upcoming winery festivals include the Bluegrass and Brews Festival, Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon to 5 p.m., with music by Southern Rail, and the annual Holiday Lighting Festival Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., complete with a visit by St. Nick himself.

The 126th annual Bolton Fair will take place at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, less than seven miles away, from Thursday, Sept. 25, when the carnival rides open, to Sunday, Sept. 28. This agricultural fair has something for everyone, from animal exhibits and competitions to arts and crafts, demonstrations, food, rides, entertainment, and commercial exhibits.

The 18th annual KidsFest will take place Sept. 20 and 21 at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, about 21 miles away. The event features music, food, interactive games, performances, food, and an opportunity to view the fall foliage from the SkyRide. The site will also host the 25th annual AppleFest on two weekends in October: Oct. 18 and 19, and Oct. 25 and 26. The festival will feature more than 60 craft exhibitors, a farmers’ market, and special family events.

Shades of Autumn, the annual celebration of the harvest season at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, about 12 miles away in West Boylston, takes place Oct. 11 to 13. The event, featuring local artisan food, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s crafts, will include farm animals, displays of garden produce, and more.