Why is fall so enchanting?  Witnessing the transformation of foliage from green to a bright kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golden yellows is beautiful and inspiring.  It reminds us of the importance of letting go of the old and embracing the new.  The cooling temperatures encourage us to slow down and snuggle up under an afghan or quilt with a hot cup of tea or cocoa and a good book, or light candles and sit in front of a crackling fireplace.  Conversely, the crisp autumn air may also encourage us to spend more time outdoors and is the perfect time to visit the apple orchard, the pumpkin patch, or have a picnic outdoors.

Fall is also a time for seasonal favorites.  Who doesn’t look forward to all the yumalicious fall drinks, such as pumpkin lattes and apple cider?   Fall is a comfy, cozy season of layering sweaters and soft flannel shirts and warm nourishing foods.   Fall is also the gateway to creative and fun holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Monterey County has many fun activities this time of year.  Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Monterey County in the fall.

1.  Visit a pumpkin patch, such as Borchard Farms or Earthbound Organics Farm Stand.

 

2.  Visit an apple orchard such as Gizdich Ranch  and enjoy fresh apple cider and homemade pie.

3.  Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to the ocean’s edge in Carmel-by-the-Sea and have a bonfire on the beach.

4.  Attend the annual MEarth Glass Pumpkin Festival in Carmel Valley.

5.  Sit in a rocking chairs next to the crackling fireplace at Asilomar Lodge. Originally called Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea,” Asilomar is located on 107 acres of state beach and conference grounds in Pacific Grove. Asilomar was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan between 1913 and 1928.  Thirteen of her original structures remain today and represent her largest collection of Arts & Crafts style architecture in one location.

6.  Snuggle under a blanket with a drink near the cozy fire pits  at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach and listen to the bagpipes at sunset.  You don’t need to be a golfer to appreciate the majestic beauty and magical atmosphere here.

7.  Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove.  In October, you will see them clustered together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.”

8.  If you love the ocean like I do, there is nothing more memorable than an adventure on the open sea.  Take a sailboat ride at the end of the day and enjoy the magical autumn sunset.

Every season is full of wonder, but I think fall is my very favorite season here in Monterey County.  I hope you enjoy it too.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, and beautiful vistas!