FRIDAY FIVE
After Labor Day weekend, the rest of the country enters the fall season while San Francisco enjoys its idyllic summer. We may as well be in a different hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean a San Franciscan can’t indulge in a beloved autumn pastime. Indeed, it can be quite tempting to go apple-picking in late September or early October. But does the weather really allow for that in the Bay Area? Here are five quintessentially fall activities you can in the Bay Area:
1. Go to the Pumpkin Patch
You need a pumpkin for Halloween, right? (Hint: yes.) A visit to Arata’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay makes for a great weekend activity to get you in the fall spirit. The six-acre cornfield and pumpkin river will make you feel like you’re back in the Midwest or on the East Coast on a cozy autumn day. Arata’s is now open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.
TBI tip: If you’re really in the Halloween spirit, visit the Haunted Barn on the property too.
2. Indulge in Delicious Ciders
San Francisco is home to exquisite craft beers and cocktails, and the cider scene is no exception. September and October are ideal months for cozying up at a bar and enjoying a mouthwatering cider, if that’s your jam. Upcider on Polk Street is known for its hefty cider selection. Elixir (at 16th and Guerrero) is known for its hot cider with Jameson.
TBI tip: You’re never too old for an impromptu cider crawl.
3. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Because it only happens once a year, and because some argue that it’s the best festival to ever happen to San Francisco, it’s on our list. Yes, Hardly Strictly is a very SF “fall activity,” but it’s undoubtedly the biggest event in the Bay Area in October and should be treated with the respect deserved by such an occasion. The free festival in Golden Gate Park starts on October 5 and finishes on October 7.
TBI tip: Bring a blanket, and don’t discount getting to the park early.
4. Attend a Harvest Party
Fall has a different meaning in wine country: it’s harvest season. This is when stemming, crushing and the beginning of fermentation begin. Since it’s an exciting and celebratory time in Napa and Sonoma, parties often happen to commemorate the season.
TBI tip: Try to find a harvest party that is paired with a grape stomp.
5. Eat Pumpkin-Flavored Ice Cream
While the rest of the country drools over pumpkin-spice lattes, a respectable San Franciscan can opt to indulge in pumpkin-spiced ice cream instead. Bi-Rite Creamery, Humphry Slocombe and Mitchell’s Ice Cream all put out their best pumpkin ice cream flavors this season.
TBI tip: Try them all (just not during the same weekend).
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Alexia Tsotsis, former co-editor of TechCrunch. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
