It’s FINALLY starting to feel like autumn in California. Low 70’s (at night), need a cardigan but not a sweater type of weather and everyone’s slowly transitioning out of flip flops…well, kind of.
Nothing will beat autumn in Boston but we tried to do as many fall activities as we safely could.
Apple Picking, Apple Pie, Apple Everything
Unpopular opinion – PSL’s are just okay to me. But apple cider? – Count me in.
We made a quick trip to Oak Glen, CA earlier this month. As kids, David and I both used to visit Oak Glen and Apple Valley to go apple picking so why not re-visit old childhood memories? Sadly, our favorite spot Los Rios Rancho suffered a devastating fire and the buildings there had significant damage. We were still able to visit the orchards and walk around the other open areas. It was just as beautiful as I remembered.
We visited Snow-Line Orchards where we grabbed a slice of their apple pie and some apple cider. We missed out on trying their apple cider donuts since we were maxed out on sweets but that’s for next time! This area had beautiful outdoor picnic areas so I would definitely recommend bringing your own little picnic basket and plan to stay awhile.
Good Ol’ Julian
There is a picture of my mom with me in her belly and she is in line at Mom’s Pie House waiting to get her hands on their infamous apple pie. Well, maybe I’m a little biased but Mom’s is still my all-time favorite apple pie which is probably why I end up in Julian at least once a year. Make sure you ask for the cinnamon ice cream which pairs perfectly with your choice of their buttery flaky pie or sweet crumbly pie.
Julian is a quaint little town in San Diego county which makes for the perfect day trip. They have specialty boutiques where you can buy all the fall and holiday decor you can imagine, great shops with yummy food and of course, Mom’s. A little outside of the town is Julian Farm & Orchard where they have a spacious pumpkin patch and right next to that are various hard cider mills with tasting rooms.
Stay in, stay cozy
As we speak, I am on a virtual ghost tour. There are so many virtual fall activities, autumnal cooking classes and of course drive-in movies you can enjoy from the comfort of your own vehicle. I’ve listed links below to some fall-themed virtual activities you can partake in.
Strange Science: Tales from the Vault – FREE
Dia de los Muertos 2020 – FREE
Winchester Mystery House Video Tour – I’ve been here in-person and it’s definitely spooky!
Sur La Table Online Cooking Classes – Sur La Table is featuring lots of Halloween treats and yummy autumnal recipes.
Happy spooky season!
Jessica Uchi 