Fall Follies: Celebrate October Near The Pearl
Fall is in the air, and there’s a cornucopia of fun things to do this season. Oktoberfest is in full swing, the grape harvest is underway, and Halloween is right around the corner. After back to back fires, the Oak Glen Apple Growers Association just announced that local farms are welcoming visitors for apple picking. Wineries are reopening, so now is the perfect time to visit Los Olivos, home to award-winning wine tasting, fine and casual dining, great shopping, and artisan studios. Want to get your scary on? This Halloween you can safely enjoy spooktacular immersive experiences from the comfort of your car. So get ready to celebrate October near The Pearl. Check websites for opening hours and health & safety protocols.
Old World Village
7561 Center Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Old World Huntington Beach has been host of Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977. When you attend Old World’s Oktoberfest this year, you’ll be welcomed to a new concept – a casual drinking and dining experience in their spacious outdoor patio and biergarten. Enjoy the sounds of German music, great food, and of course, imported beer. Guests will order from the front counter and wait for their food at the table of their choice located outside. Table reservations are required and masks are mandatory upon entry, and at all times when not seated at your designated area.
833 W Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90502
Stock up on Oktoberfest goodies to enjoy at home. Alpine Village Market in Torrance offers a huge selection of German food imports, and also houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop that produces award-winning sausages, and a great selection of beers, wines and liquors such as Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside. While you’re there, take a stroll around Alpine Village, a little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California. This iconic shopping destination was recently designated a County historic landmark by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon
42900 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
If you’re looking for a real Alpine experience, head up to Big Bear for their 50th Anniversary Oktoberfest – Celebrating 50 Years of Love. This year Oktoberfest will take place outdoors under the majestic mountain pines. Seating and tables will be set-up restaurant-style in their expansive outdoor area, all socially distanced from one another. Expect some zany Oktoberfest fun including Log Sawing, Stein Holding Safe Slam contests, plenty of Chicken Dances and many a Prosits. Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage, along with DJ’s spinning everything from traditional Oktoberfest tunes to today’s favorites.
Apple Picking at Soup Stone Farm & Heritage Orchard
12131 Oak Glen Rd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Just miles away from the bustle of modern life, Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard lies happily situated in Oak Glen, California. The road gently loops around the foothills of Wilshire Mountain to reveal this charming historic farm with its cultivated groves and heirloom apple trees. What began as a seed idea has quickly grown into a flourishing family farm that continues to evolve. Stone Soup Farm is home to 130 year old heirloom apple orchards that provide a unique u-picking experience. As part of your visit, they include a 10 minute tour about the history of the farm, some information about the apples, apple tasting, and general rules while picking. More details HERE
Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Whether you want award-winning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, great shopping, art and plenty of artisans, or renting bicycles to take in the sights, there’s something for everyone. Now is the ideal time to visit Los Olivos – along with perfect weather and slightly shorter days, the Annual Scarecrow Fest is happening for the month of October, with 21 wineries and retail establishments participating.
Home to some of the oldest and most popular wineries in Santa Barbara County. the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail represents, supports and promotes 14 wineries and tasting rooms along Foxen Canyon Road. This 30 mile road winds from Los Olivos to Santa Maria, stretching north and winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards. Along the way, you’ll discover a diverse selection of highly-rated, world class wines on the tasting menus. Most wineries offer picnicking space, so pack some snacks and spend the day (or weekend!) discovering this spectacular region.
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Throughout the month of October, explore Halloween at Descanso. Guests are invited to safely wind their way through socially-distanced, pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of Descanso Gardens. Highlights include the pumpkin house and hay maze, wooden jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkin arch; and pumpkin mandalas. Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Advance tickets are needed for non-members. Descanso Gardens members can enter anytime.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride: Live Drive Up Experience
120 Via Verde Dr.
San Dimas, CA 91773
This year Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is taking the hayride off the trail and bringing it to you in the safety of your own parked vehicle. A first of its kind immersive experience from the creators of LA’s favorite Halloween event, this is an original haunted show featuring a multimedia story displayed on a 40 foot screen, as well as horrifying sets and characters from Midnight Falls that surround the theater and bring the story to life. Tickets are extremely limited and will sell out nightly.
The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl & Creature Safari
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
750 S Santa Anita Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl and Creature Safari snakes its way around eerie Legg Lake and through immersive environments, where sinister specters offer up delicious bites of seasonal grub, all from the safety of your own car. Bites vary from savory to sweet and will include vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options for certain items. Bring a flashlight from home and scan the surrounding darkness from the safety of your car, in a hunt for the shadowy and monstrous creatures that roam the abyss. Can you find them all…before they find you?
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Los Olivos/Refugio Ranch
Photo #2: Old World Village Huntington Beach
Photo #3: Alpine Village Market
Photo #4: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Photo #5: Soup Stone Farm
Photo #6: Los Olivos/Refugio Ranch
Photo #7: Rancho Sisquoc Winery
Photo #8: Descanso Gardens
Photo #9: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Photo #10: The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl & Creature Safari