There is something about September in Charlotte that I think we sometimes overlook.

We talk a lot about spring, and everyone loves October when the leaves start changing, but September may quietly be one of our best months.

Summer isn’t quite over, the days are still long, patios are still busy, football is back, and suddenly the calendar is full of things to do.

This weekend, thousands of runners will take over Uptown for the Around the Crown 10K, including the rare opportunity to run on I-277.

Then comes one of my longtime Charlotte favorites, the Yiasou Greek Festival, September 11–13, with Greek food, music, dancing, shopping and cultural exhibits in Dilworth.

And before the month is over, Festival in the Park returns to Freedom Park September 25–27 for its 62nd year, bringing art, music, food and one of those traditions that just feels like Charlotte.

There is plenty more happening too, from the Panthers’ home opener to concerts, food festivals and the Charlotte Film Festival.

My takeaway: Sometimes we get so caught up in where we need to be next that we forget to enjoy where we already are. September gives us a wonderful little window between summer and fall to get outside, try something different and enjoy our city.

Maybe September really is Charlotte’s best month.

And if it isn’t, it certainly makes a pretty good case for itself.