I love it when the weather starts to get cooler, the leaves turn, and there are tasty treats on the horizon. One of my friends hadn't been to Apple Hill for a minute (maybe ever??) so we decided to venture out on a gorgeous early November Saturday.
First stop, as always for me, was Smokey Ridge Farmstand and Winery to visit the animals and buy some apples. They also had a good winetasting going on, but there was a happy group already taking up the seats, so we passed.
Next we went to Delfino Farms and couldn't resist having some of their famous Walkin' Pie from Joan's Apple Bakery. An absolutely delicious treat on a deliciously gorgeous day!
We shared one of the carmel-apple goodies. The crust was amazing!
Terrie couldn't resist some selfies and I had to document one of them too!
Then we headed North on Highway 49 to Auburn where we met Adrienne to check out Pumpkin Nights. It was fun, although a little bit...less...than what I expected. If you have kids, they would love it. We had fun too and really enjoyed it and each other's company, but maybe not $20 per person worth. Groupon would definitely be your friend.
I was expecting a lot of real, carved pumpkins, but most of them were plastic. But still very cool looking! There are several different "lands" and themes which was very interesting. And then some cool "stand-alone" areas like the Pumpkin Hall. (Warning: Somewhat blurry, handheld night shots ahead)
And at the end of the Pumpkin Hall, a wildlife rescue and educator had two hawks and two owls! I feel bad that I can't remember the name. I'll update once I do. I actually have been to a lecture at the Davis library by the same group which focused on the two owls, an Eastern Screech owl and a Barn Owl. Both gorgeous. There were too many people around them this time, but I was able to get some excellent photos of the hawks! So excited as I love birds of prey (well, all birds really!)
Next we went through the Undersea land. I really loved this land.
When you came back outside, the path led through the rest of the displays such as Dia de los Muertos.
Then we had a blast playing tetherball (Of course I won! lol) and then trying to hula hoop (we both failed). Adrienne just looked on in embarrassment. haha! There is also a scavenger course (mostly for the kids I think) but we didn't hear anybody talking about it until we were more than halfway through.
And then! Finally! Some real hand-carved pumpkins! So cute!
And then we entered Adrienne's least favorite land. Spider land!
Next was a land of whimsical creatures such as this caterpillar.
And a spooky pirate ship with a skeleton crew.
And then you enter China/Japan land (not sure which one was intended).
I love the abstract look of this next photo. A lantern in front of a fence in front of a tree - all illuminated by red lights.
Next there was a hay bale maze, which we were excited to be able to finish! In about 15 seconds. lol But it was fun and Terrie's first maze. So she gave the Great Pumpkin a kiss for good luck!
Then we saw the kids exchanging their scavenger hunt findings for...something... But I was more interested in another carved pumpkin. To my delight, when the guy in the booth saw my camera, he asked me if I wanted him to make the pumpkin smoke. So of course I said hell yes! And this is what I got.
Then it was time to leave and I snapped one last photo of the waterwheel with it's festive lights and pumpkins.
A few final words. Parking was $10 per car and the lot was a mess. It's at the fairgrounds in Auburn, so I didn't expect a lot that was only half paved with the exit on the far side which was NOT paved and had lots of ruts and rocks.
Again, it was a really fun day and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I read through the Yelp reviews and it seems that this year was quite disappointing for a lot of returnees. I for one had thought there would be some fire dancers, but we didn't see any.
If you like lights and/or have young children, this is a great time. But get your Groupon on!
xoxo
Nikon d3300
