Friday Five
The socially acceptable season of chugging PSLs is upon us. I’ll admit that writing about the enjoyments of this glorious time of year feels pretty trite in the midst of the pandemic and the election — and a bit ironic, given that we’re experiencing yet another heat wave. But the way I see it, it seems even more important to take time to stop doom scrolling and enjoy life; we gotta take the wins whenever we can in these times, whatever they may look like.
I don’t know about you, but after that smoky August, enjoying some safely distanced autumnal activities under clear blue skies is a pretty big win by my count. So join me in indulging in these wholesome fall experiences around the Bay Area. As always, don’t forget to respect everyone else partaking in all the cozy fall vibes by masking up and socially distancing whenever possible.
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1. Hit up a pumpkin patch
Yes, you can probably buy pumpkins at your neighborhood grocery store, but are you really doing fall right if you don’t get your basic ‘gram at a pumpkin patch? There are plenty of pumpkin patches that have opened for safe and socially distanced visits around the Bay Area, so take your pick. Half Moon Bay may have canceled its annual Art & Pumpkin Festival, but many of its pumpkin patches have opened for the season, like Farmer John’s and Andreotti Family Farms. For the dog parents, Bob’s Vegetable Stand & Pumpkin Farm is dog-friendly and also features pens of cute farm animals like pigs and goats. If you don’t feel like leaving the city, Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch has opened two spots this year (the original spot is at 1620 7th Avenue, and another is located next to the San Francisco Zoo at 2101 Sloat Boulevard) for all your gourd needs. For the East Bay folks, Speer Family Farms is also offering the option to shoot three mini pumpkins out of a cannon for $11 — make your weekend reservations here. Another one worth supporting: The nonprofit Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch at Fort Mason which benefits Bay Area at-risk youth.
2. Get lost in a corn maze
If you feel like going to pick pumpkins just isn’t *fall* enough for you, take it a step further and visit one of these farms that are offering the entire autumnal experience. A visit to Arata’s Pumpkin Farm, the oldest established pumpkin farm in Half Moon Bay, also means a chance to get lost in the Minotaur’s Labyrinth, the farm’s two-acre hay maze, and spooked at the farm’s haunted barn. Not to mention, you can also partake in hayrides and pet some farm animals as well. Make your reservations for individual activities here.
In the East Bay, G&S Farms’ corn maze in Brentwood is perfect for groups of all ages — after some off-the-vine pumpkin picking, of course. If you’re feeling like a longer drive, it’s the perfect time to pay a visit to Springhill Cheese’s Peter Pumpkin Patch in Petaluma. After picking your own pumpkin in their fields and finding your way through the corn maze, slow down with a homemade pumpkin ice cream and the farm’s seasonal barbecue.
3. Get them apples
If apple-picking seems more like your autumnal activity of choice, this one’s for you. Clearview Orchards in Watsonville Valley is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all your apple-picking needs. Located in the picturesque Santa Cruz basin, the farm offers certified organic apples, specializing in Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Mitsu. Fresh-pressed apple cider, delicious apple turnovers, and local honey are also available on the grounds. Feeling like a road trip? A two-hour drive from San Francisco, Apple Hill is exactly what you think it is: A bountiful land with over 50 farms producing all kinds of fruits and, of course, apples. Some notable stops include Abel’s Apple Acres with their large variety of apple baked goods and High Hill Ranch for its apple cider milkshakes. But seriously, whatever kind of apple you’re craving, they’ve probably got it — you can view apple varieties by farm here.
4. Eat and drink all things pumpkin
Time to enjoy the seasonal treats that are right around your neighborhood. Bring all the pumpkin pies: indulge Three Babes Bakeshop’s pumpkin pie for those of you living in the city or a Pietisserie pumpkin and chocolate pie for you Oakland peeps. Shampa’s pecan pie is personally my favorite, open in Pacifica all week, at Serramonte Farmers Market on Thursdays, and Outer Sunsets Farmers Market on Sundays. For the ice cream lovers, Humphry Slocombe’s seasonal favorite Pumpkin Five Spice has made its return, in addition to Salt and Straw’s vegan special of the month, Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion. And how can we forget all the pumpkin ales? Pick your weapon: Half Moon Bay Brewing’s Pumpkin Harvest Ale, SF’s own Almanac Beer’s Pumpkin Pie de Brettaville, or the OG Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Alameda.
5. Get in your spooky feels
Trick or treating may be canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean spooky season is. Pay a visit to Belvedere Street in Cole Valley, to see the street transformed to “Hellvedere,” with all the houses decked out in Halloween decorations. The Sea Cliff neighborhood is also rumored to be spookier this time of year, with front yards converted to makeshift graveyards and the home of life-size monsters. For those in the South Bay, the acclaimed Winchester Mystery House has reopened for safe, socially distanced tours. For Halloween, brave guests have the option to explore the dark halls of the mansion alone on a self-guided Flashlight Tour. Tours are limited, so get your tickets here while they are still available.
