Autumn Outing - A Visit to Apple Hill and Pumpkin Nights in Auburn

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

California Travelogue - Eat Real Fest and Oakland's Jack London Square 2014

"Seize the moment!  Remember all those women on the Titanic who waived off the dessert cart."

~~Erma Bombeck

Have I ever mentioned that I like food?  And, even more than liking food, I like trying new food.  It's a thrill to see a new Food Truck or vendor somewhere!  So I love "foodie" events, whether they be casual or a little bit (maybe not too) fancy.

Oakland has a wonderful event called Eat Real Fest.  One of the things that makes it great, aside from a huge number of vendors, is they limit the cost of each item so that you can try more things without breaking the bank.  Each item costs no more than $8

And!  It's held in beautiful Jack London Square, so there is amazing people watching and other things to see and do besides just walk and eat.

In case you didn't know, Jack London Square is located near the Port of Oakland.

I got there somewhat late since I had to drive an hour and a half, but I was lucky to find a parking spot not too far away.  My walk to the actual event took me past the port where I spied a pelican!

Along the way I passed the pier where the ferries come to collect your and whisk you away to other parts of the Bay.  I like this Catamaran.

I hadn't eaten anything all day (saving room!) so I headed for my favorite truck and the surely delicious food they always have!  
The Chairman!

I got two steamed buns!  Well that's what they tell me anyway. ;-}  Yum, steamed baos filled with delicious pork belly and turmeric-pickled daikon on the right and crispy miso tofu with baby bok choy on the left.

The pork belly is the best thing in the world. I'm telling you.

I was loving my awesome seat beside the harbor, watching the people and sailboats. Although there was a marine layer, it was a wonderful, warm day.

I want this pirate ship!!

I walked around for a bit and then decided to partake of some grits.  I love grits.  And when they come with fresh, local cheese they're irresistible!  These are from Sugarfoot Grits.

With all that creamy deliciousness in my stomach, I spent the next couple of hours walking around and checking out the sites. Including the trains that come right down the street.

And the flowers that grow here and there.

I wanted to get some "portable" desserts to save for later (I knew they were going to run out before I was ready to eat again!) so I made my way to another cluster of vendors.  I had been eyeing the Creme Brulee Cart - their "Golden Ticket" looked to die for.  And it was!

I also hit up Simply Mochi, which had a wide selection of interesting flavors.  I got creamy lemon and Nutella.  Yum.

With my portable dessert, I spent the next hour walking around taking photos. Lots of interesting sights at Jack London Square.

Like bicycles on poles!

And the beautiful Cheemah, Mother of the Spirit Fire.

This truly beautiful statue is part of a larger project by the artist, Osprey Orielle Lake.  This is one of three that currently exist.  The other two are in Hamburg, Germany and Majorca, Spain.

More artwork lines the walkways.  These colorful tiles were made by the community and speak to the heart and soul as well as the eyes.

Walk past the fountain and have a seat on the patio at Plank and...

 ...watch folks fling bocce balls!

And of course there are palm trees.  It's California!

It was time for me to head back.

I walked through ports and pillars...

...and past the boats of heroes.

And called it a very good day.

xoxo