Started looking forward to the coolness of fall ever since that last indian summer started. Always feel sort of foolish wishing the warmth away, but I do love autumn and I'm glad to get whatever of bits I can. Just the word "fall" conjures up such pleasant pictures of woolen sweaters and leaves crackling underfoot and whiskey-laced hot apple cider. Probably more middle-west or Pennsylvania than California, but this season's starting out pretty well so far.
A trip to Arata's Pumpkin Farm always helps.
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Hay bales and brussel sprouts? Picking out and defacing pumpkins (or re-facing them if you prefer) has to be one of the most obvious signals that autumn is here, and also one of the most fun. A few years ago we ventured down to Arata's to wander our way through their hay bale maze and have made it a tradition ever since, switching over from a daytime to evening adventure to liven things up even more. Having spent way too much time visiting all manner of autumnal mazes I can say undoubtedly that Arata's is my favorite (corn-stalk maze, not so much). The maze is just difficult enough that you actually get lost and slightly panicky as you approach the same spot for the 6th time, plus its good and creepy when you're only using moonlight. They've also got a huge selection of pumpkins, squash and other really beautiful gourds of various colors and sizes. This year we snagged a giant stalk of brussel sprouts for $3 and I love that the farm's an actual farm and has been since 1932, making it one of the oldest in the area. I think the maze and whatnot is open through November, so give them a call and go see for yourself.