*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***
One of our favorite things to do as a family, is to get in the car, turn on the Christmas station, stop at Starbucks or McD’s for some peppermint hot chocolate, and go looking for Christmas lights. It is one of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions. It gets us in the holiday spirit, and it is doesn’t cost a cent, other than gas money. We can’t wait to do it again this year. If you’re looking for some fantastic places to watch Christmas lights, here is a list of the best neighborhoods and streets in So Cal. Enjoy!!!
*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***
Volunteer opportunities are everywhere in Orange County. Whether you’re looking to help with shelter animals, homeless outreach, or literacy programs, there’s something for everyone with different levels of involvement. Here are a few opportunities that residents can take part in to help make a difference in the community.
Animal shelters all over the county need volunteers for everything from fostering pets to walking dogs. WAGS Westminster is one of those locations that needs help, and they have a variety of opportunities that are available for adults, families, and even minors.
Volunteer opportunities include transporting animals to educational and elder settings for outings, bottle-feeding babies, dog walking and training, construction projects, fostering, and more. Those under 18 can help out with cleaning, rabbit care and play, creating home adoption kits, and playing with cats.
More Opportunities to Volunteer With Animals
OC Animal Care: Volunteer opportunities include socializing and grooming animals, hosting donation drives, leading shelter tours, and participating in shelter and community events. Opportunities are available for adults. For those under 18, OC Animal Care has a list of community service projects that can be completed to help the animals.
Orange County Humane Society: Volunteer opportunities include cat cuddling, walking dogs, participating in charity events, and help with fundraising. Opportunities are available for those 18 and up with current health insurance and they ask that you commit to 8 hours per month.
Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach: TRCHB is equal parts working with horses and working with people. The primary goal of TRCHB is to empower people with physical and developmental challenges to discover and gain self-confidence, strength, and self-reliance through developing a relationship with horses. The therapeutic riding programs they offer are very low cost for their students, so the organization relies on the help of donations and volunteers. As a volunteer, you will help support riders during their therapeutic riding sessions.
Second Harvest Food Bank provides nutritious food to those in need with over 59 million pounds of food distributed annually. Volunteers from the community age 13 and up are able to work in the food distribution center alongside the Food Bank team to ensure all are well fed in Orange County.
There’s even an outdoor opportunity at Harvest Solutions Farm for individuals and volunteer groups to help plant and harvest nutritious seasonal produce for the community. The product harvested from Harvest Solutions Farm is ultimately distributed to individuals and families in Orange County through Second Harvest’s network of distribution sites.
More Opportunities To Help With Food Distribution
Food Finders: Food Finders focuses on reducing food waste and distributing it to those in need. Volunteers can download the app and choose from the available food rescues to pick up donations and deliver them to a designated site.
Friendly Center: Volunteers aged 14 and up can help distribute food on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. They also need help with administrative tasks, holiday events, and after-school tutoring.
Laguna Food Pantry: Serving over 800 families each week, volunteer opportunities here include picking up groceries, sorting and stocking shelves, greeting guests, administrative tasks, and fundraising. Volunteers ages 14-17 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.
OC Food Bank (Community Action Partnership of Orange County): Volunteers at the OC food bank help assemble food boxes for seniors and kids. There are also opportunities to deliver food via the Mobile Food Trolley, get dirty by working at The Giving Farm at Westminster High School, distribute food at a community drive-thru, and more.
Saddleback Church Grocery Distributions: Saddleback Church has grocery distribution programs at locations throughout Orange County. They also host Grocery Pop-Ups at schools and other locations to serve those in the community. Volunteers are needed for grocery distribution, sorting and packing food at the warehouse, driving for food rescues, and picking up and delivering pantry items. Volunteers as young as 8 are encouraged to help in the Warehouse. Those 8-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
South County Outreach: Volunteer opportunities include sorting and stocking food, picking up donations, working the thrift store, office support, driving a truck, hosting a food drive, participating in seasonal events, and more.
*Note that many churches also have food distribution programs and they often need volunteers and donations to help the food insecure in the immediate community.
Huntington Beach seeks volunteers to help provide assistance to senior citizens. Most communities have a senior outreach program so check the website for your city of choice to find out how to volunteer. Huntington Beach needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in their homes, provide transportation, serve hot lunches to seniors at the community center, and provide friendly visits to those in need. While many seniors spend their days alone, this is a great opportunity to provide much needed human interaction for people who are lonely and unable to get out and socialize.
*Many cities in Orange County have senior assistance programs that can be found on the official city website.
More Ways To Volunteer With Seniors
Council On Aging Southern California: Volunteer opportunities include visiting homebound seniors, assisting with Medicare and health care, being an advocate for long term care facility residents, and connecting with seniors during the holiday season.
Meals On Wheels: Volunteer opportunities include delivering meals to homebound seniors, senior lunch service and activities, friendly visitors, helping with activities at adult day care centers, and office and administration assistance.
Military & Veteran Support
Operation Help A Hero: This organization has been supporting Camp Pendleton military members and families since 2001 and have since extended support to military communities across the nation. Volunteers here can help with a number of projects like Operation Christmas Spirit, Operation Rack Pack, OHH Baby Showers, and Operation Enduring Support.
San Clemente Military Family Outreach: Volunteers can provide support and assistance to military members and families stationed at the northwest area of Camp Pendleton by participating in several morale events including distributing Easter Baskets, hosting baby showers for expecting mothers and social teas for military wives, assisting with the Christmas “Thank A Family” program, and distributing over 1,000 turkeys and Thanksgiving Meals.
USO: Opportunities are available with the USO through John Wayne Airport and Camp Pendleton. Opportunities include working shifts at USO centers and providing support for events, homecomings and deployments, on-base activities, and holiday celebrations.
*Many cities in Orange County have adopted military units to which they regularly provide support including Mission Viejo, Irvine, Anaheim, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Orange County Parks and Zoos always need people to help out. Parks need volunteers to help restore trails, provide education to visitors, help out in the nature centers, and serve as additional staff during high traffic times. At the zoo, volunteers can provide guided tours, help prepare food for the animals, and assist with other zoo activities. Volunteering at community parks and zoos is a great way to help educate and inform other people in the community.
More Ways To Get Outdoors and Help the Environment
Bolsa Chica Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include one-time events and long-term commitments. Participate in wetland restoration days, clean up via kayak, become a host at the interpretive center, be a site monitor, and more. Volunteers as young as 6 are welcome to participate in restoration days.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy: Volunteer opportunities include trail maintenance, working in the Native Seed Farm, pulling weeds, and more, all within Irvine Ranch Open Space. Opportunities range from one-time to long-term.
Laguna Canyon Foundation: Short term opportunities include trail maintenance and habitat restoration, and working in the nursery with native plants. Long-term certified volunteers will have access to additional opportunities.
Newport Bay Conservancy: Conduct tours, participate in hands-on restoration, and take the lead with coastal cleanups when you volunteer here.
Orange County Coastkeeper: Volunteer to clean up the coast to protect our environment and the natural habitats of our wildlife both on and offshore. In addition to beach cleanups, you can find garden opportunities, creek cleanups, and more.
Sea & Sage Audubon Society: Find a selection of environmental volunteer opportunities at various locations throughout Orange County. Opportunities may vary.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County is in need of volunteers who are interested in mentoring children to help them make meaningful connections and reach their fullest potential. Mentors spend a few hours a day twice per month with their match doing meaningful activities.
Local libraries always need volunteers. Teens are especially welcomed as volunteers for libraries, providing help with story times, crafts, and other youth programs and providing much needed help by sorting and shelving books. Literacy programs and outreach for arts and culture is a great way to spend time volunteering in the community.
Habitat for Humanity builds and restores homes to provide reasonable living accommodations for at risk and low income families. There are many different ways that volunteers help with Habitat For Humanity. The main volunteer function is construction, helping to build and restore homes. Other volunteer opportunities include graphic design, provide homeowner education to selected families, write press releases, answer phones, and provide data entry services. Volunteers for Habitat For Humanity help improve lives by giving people a place to call home.
Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital will make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. Volunteer opportunities at CHOC include clerical support, providing activities like coloring and reading to patients in waiting areas, assisting in play rooms, showing families around the hospital and more. Volunteers at CHOC Children’s Hospital help to brighten the day of sick or injured children and their families.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe and comfortable place for families to live together while children receive treatment for cancer and other severe illnesses and injuries. Volunteers for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House can provide a variety of services like light housekeeping, administrative tasks, helping families, stocking supplies, and answering phones. Long term volunteer opportunities are only available here, so no short term or summer only volunteers will be accepted. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House provides comfort and support to families so they can focus on being together as they help their children through the recovery process.
The United Way fights for financial stability, quality education, stable housing, and good health for everyone. Volunteers for the United Way can help in a variety of ways. Teens can help out by leading youth summer camps and providing tutoring to younger kids. Other opportunities like distributing food, volunteering at shelters, collecting bedding and clothing, mentoring children, and creating welcome home baskets are some of the many ways you can lend a hand with the United Way. The United Way is a great opportunity to help families find stability and learn more about the steps they can take for a brighter future.
For more, visit OC Nonprofit Central which helps volunteers and donors find local community nonprofits. Find detailed information about local organizations, make informed charitable decisions and give all in one place.
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens and arboretums across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities. Check out these 5 places that will literally brighten your holidays!
Astra Lumina
We’re always told to reach fo the stars, but what if the stars could reach for us?
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is the 17th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.
Experience a winter walk on the dark side of the garden and let your imagination soar with the new sights and sounds along the Serpent Trail and Forest Path. The reimagined Lightscape merges nature and art in the mesmerizing Fire Garden, awesome Arch of Light, eye-catching Feast of Light, exotic Dancing Palms, and other spectacular installations. Fan favorite, the magnificent Winter Cathedral, returns! Food trucks every night and a full bar too. Pssst–Santa is coming to Lightscape on select nights. Arboretum members save up to $6 a ticket.
When: Nightly Nov. 17-Jan. 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Santa Nights: Dec. 7-9, 15-17, 20-23
Where: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
Tickets: $14-$18 for children, $29-$35 for adults, at arboretum.org. Save 20% on Value Packs!
Enchanted Forest of Light
Shimmering nocturnal wonderland
Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens.
Returning favorites and fresh delights
Don’t miss popular returning illuminated favorites, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.
A magical route through the garden
Click here to see the Enchanted Forest of Light path through the most beloved parts of Descanso.
Rain or shine – Enchanted lights up the night
Enchanted is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance.
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This holiday lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminaria- and string light-lined paths between beautifully illuminated musical venues. With at least three live performers each night, art installations, and food, sweet treats, and drinks available for purchase, Luminaria Nights highlights the quiet evening beauty of CalBG’s unique native plant gardens. New this year: Members Only Preview Night on Friday, December 8th! Become a CalBG member today to purchase tickets for this special night. Join at or upgrade to the Acorn or Family Plus membership level to gain access to our December 8th VIP reception with exclusive treats, drinks, and music.
When: Dec. 9-10, 15-16 @ 6- 9 p.m.
Where: California Botanic Garden, 500 N. College Avenue, Claremont
Tickets: $15 for students; $20 adults at calbg.org
Night of 1000 Lights
It’s Candy Land!
The Gardens’ holiday décor will be reminiscent of the vintage board game we all remember as children.
Stroll along the Rainbow Trail, past the Lollypop Woods and the Gumdrop Mountains, through the Peppermint Stick Forest, and the glistening light tunnel, on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, featuring carnival games for kids of all ages.
Visit the Molasses Swamp, the Old Peanut Brittle House, and the Candy Land Express Train on your way to visit Santa in his workshop. Then head to the fire pit and whip up your own batch of s’mores. The Garden Shop will be open and is a must-see for unique holiday gift ideas. Make a wish at “The Wishing Tree” and create lasting memories with friends and family celebrating the holidays at Sherman Library & Gardens.
When: Two Member Nights on December 6 & 8 General Public Nights on December 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22
6 pm – 9 pm each night with three entry times each night: 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm.
Where: Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
Tickets: $35 for general admission; $25 for members at thesherman.org
These local craft fairs in Orange County are scheduled to make their showings in early November, helping you get started on your Christmas shopping or get some inspiration early on in the holiday season! Specialty items you’d find at these booths are handmade and let the gift recipient know that you care, but without spending a fortune. Win-win for all!
*** Please confirm the dates/times/locations for the following events as they are subject to change.
This is a free biannual event with over 150 vendors selling art, crafts, small businesses, food and music vendors. Vendors are selected by jury to ensure quality. Entertainment and food trucks are strategically placed throughout the venue for shoppers’ convenience.
Shop for holiday grifts from over 100 vendors and find unique and creative gifts including clothing, décor, soaps, candles, baked goods, and much more.
OC Fair & Event Center – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
December 3, 2023
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$10 for parking
Free holiday market with over 100 local businesses. Home décor, seasonal items, clothing, pet goodies, holiday gifts, hand crafted items. Free photos with Santa, food and drinks, DIY workshops, Live DJ, holiday fun, and more.
Shop for all kinds of art, from the wearable to the edible, at this holiday fair. Handcrafted jewelry, wearable fiber, ceramics, vegan chocolates, artisan roasted coffee, local honey, and more.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Fall is officially here, and it’s time to start prepping for Halloween.
Part of the seasonal fun for many in Orange County is braving the region’s haunted attractions. Use our annual guide to find the most scream-worthy near you. (We’ve included some tamer options, too, for the faint of heart.)
And have a Happy Haunted Halloween, from Patch!
Always double-check with organizers to confirm events are proceeding as planned.
We could never pass up a good breakfast burrito here at CA Real Estate Group! So we want to know…do you agree with @forkingaround.tv and do you have other favs to add to this list?
In Southern California, pumpkin patches are often like pop-up amusement parks.
Some are on actual farms, and some are in vacant lots or shopping centers. But slides, rides, mazes, petting zoos, food concessions and live entertainment are common features throughout the area.
Some charge for entrance and parking, but even if admission is free most charge extra for these kinds of attractions. They may have ticket systems like carnivals or wristbands like neighborhood arcades.
Some take cash only while others have online reservation systems.
Also some allow dogs but others have no-pets policies. And there are other restrictions. Check out their websites for details.
Los Angeles County
Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Fest
AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona; cpp.edu/pumpkinfestival; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
This event, put on by the Huntley College of Agriculture, features 40,000 pumpkins, two corn mazes, a sunflower field, hay wagon rides and a petting zoo, according to its web page. Tickets are $6 on Fridays, $10 on weekends. Season passes are $48 for adults, $42 for children.
Hundreds of carved and illuminated pumpkins will decorate the grounds of this 150-acre botanical garden. Entry is timed at half-hour intervals. Tickets are $20–$40 for Descanso Gardens members, $25–$45 for non-members.
This family business strives to bring the charms of farm life to the big city. Attractions include pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, a straw maze, petting zoo and food concessions. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, and there are extra charges for activities. No pets allowed.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market
Pumpkins of all sizes are for sale, and games include pumpkin bowling and candy cornhole. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance
17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance; mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Admission is free, but there are changes for activities.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles
11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; mrjackolanternspumpkins.com; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-31.
Activities include pumpkin decorating, pumpkin smash, animal feeding and bounce house. Free admission, extra charge for activities.
Pa’s Pumpkin Patch
6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach; paspumpkinpatch.com; Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Advance reservations are required and can be booked online for 3½ hour time slots. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 3-12.
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles; shawnspumpkinpatch.com; Daily Oct. 7-31, hours vary.
Individually priced activities include slides, a bounce house, rock wall, petting zoo and pony rides. There will be a $2.50 entrance fee on Saturdays and Sundays.
Orange County
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields
427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa; 949-653-2100, tanakafarms.com; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
Hana Field, operated by Tanaka Farms in Irvine, offers flower picking as well as U-pick pumpkins in Costa Mesa. Individually charged activities include Cow Train, pumpkin cannon and face painting. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra.
Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968, irvineparkrailroad.com; open daily Sept. 16-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.
Haunted house, hay maze and photo ops are free. Other activities cost extra, including John Deere Racers, train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off is Saturday, Sept. 23. Entrance to the patch is free, but there’s a $3-$7 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
Outlets of San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente; abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Oct. 31.
Attractions include giant slides, bumper boats and obstacle courses. Admission is free, but attractions are charged separately. Wristbands for inflatables cost $18 for 30 minutes and $23 for an hour. No pets allowed.
Pumpkin City, Anaheim
2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim; 949-449-4108, pumpkincity.com/pumpkin-farm; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-31.
Attractions include boat and car rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo with a ticket payment system.
Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills
24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills; 949-449-4189, pumpkincity.com; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
This patch near is near where the Laguna Hills Mall used to be. It features a beer garden for combination Halloween/Oktoberfest partying.
U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. .
The farm includes a U-pick patch. Admission is $20-$22 and includes activities such as wagon rides and a corn maze. Some attractions, including a pumpkin cannon, cost extra. Twenty-fifth anniversary specials include 25-cent games on opening weekend, Sept. 16-17 and 25% off admission Sept. 16-29. Tickets are sold at half-hour intervals on the website.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550; riverstreetranch.com; Sept. 20-Oct. 31.
This petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs does a pumpkin patch during Halloween season. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger,
Riverside County
Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Big Horse Feed and Mercantile, 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula; 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com; Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 31.
Giant maze features a patriotic theme. Last entrance is one hour before closing. Other attractions include a pumpkin patch, bounce house, bungee ride. There will be food vendors and a beer garden on weekends. The corn maze is a daytime attraction, but the pumpkin festival is open evenings. Check website for hours. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends.
Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch
12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027; hunterspumpkinpatch.com; 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22-Oct. 30.
Attractions include slides, a barrel train and other rides, games and carnival food.
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
39925 Calle Contento, Temecula; 951-695-1115, peltzerfarms.com; open daily Sept. 23-Oct. 31, check website for hours.
Attractions include a petting zoo, games, mining, face painting and rides. Admission is $2 Monday through Friday, $3 on weekends. Attractions cost extra. The property includes Peltzer Winery, “where the pumpkins grow and the wine flows.”
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore; abctreefarms.net; 2-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.
Inventory includes gourds, Indian corn and Halloween accessories as well as pumpkins. Attractions include bounce houses, slides and food vendors. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $18-$30.
Attractions include a corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.
Greenspot Farms
10133 Ward Way, Mentone; 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com; open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct 31; scary nighttime attractions will be added 7-10 p.m. Oct. 13-31.
Attractions include a hay maze, bounce house, tractor rides, duck races and farm animals. Admission is free. Tickets for nighttime Haunted Hayride are $15-$30.
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa; liveoakcanyon.com; open daily Sept. 22-Oct. 31, hours vary.
U-pick pumpkins and a large selection of picked pumpkins and gourds, there are more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $11-$17 admission for adults, $8-11 for children age 3-10; extra charge for some attractions.
Los Rios Rancho
39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa; losriosrancho.com; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
This farm specializes in apples and berries, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its produce in the autumn.
Riley’s Farm
12261 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa; rileysfarm.com; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
This property specializes in recreating colonial America and other historical periods, but lists U-pick pumpkins among its autumn crops.
Highlights of “Pumpkins in the Pines 2023” include a parkwide pumpkin patch, “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” puppet show, costume contests and seasonal food and beverages. Adult tickets are $59 and parking is $10.
Summer is always such a hard season to say goodbye to for avid cooks, so much color and flavor come with that heat! But with its end, begins fall, another deliciously vibrant season that brings warm spices, apples, and pumpkins into the picture.
September is the best of those two months all in one. We get to enjoy the last of the tomatoes, juicy berries, and sweet summer corn. But, we also get the first of the pears, persimmons, and all the gorgeous varieties of winter squash.
This guide is like a walk through a farmer’s market. I’m sharing tips on what’s best this month and useful info on using and picking each piece of produce. Get your autumn soup recipes out and make your favorite summer salads while you can, September is a beautiful blend of summer and fall, and full of delicious inspiration.
Apples
There are well over 7000 types of apples out there! Check out local apple growers for far more options than your grocery store. Varieties can range from very sweet and tender, to crisp or very tart. Choose unbruised, firm fruit, and store them in the fridge for the longest shelf life.
When purchased fresh, beets stay good for weeks. Purple, pink and white striped, and golden beets are most common, and all hold up well to roasting, pickling, steaming, or even eating raw. Choose bunches with greens still attached that look vibrant, then trim them off as soon as you get home for the best shelf life.
These juicy dark berries love the last heat of summer. Don’t be fooled by size, from large to small, all blackberries can be sweet and it’s more important to choose berries that look juicy and shiny. Store them in an airtight container, dry, and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
At the moment, there is only one recipe with blackberries on the blog – this delicious lime white chocolate mousse. Usually, we have blackberries on their own at home or top oatmeal or cereal with them. I’ll definitely try to add more recipes with these cute berries in the future!
Shaved raw in a salad, fried, or roasted; brussels sprouts are delicious and nutritious. Brussels sprouts are a great fall veggie, full of fiber and flavor. You can buy them either loose or on the stalk. Look for firm sprouts with vibrant green color without holes or black spots.
There are many varieties of carrots out there, and they’re at their best (and sweetest) in spring and fall. Bunches that have healthy greens still attached are the tastiest and freshest. To keep them good for as long as possible, trim the greens off after purchasing.
Cauliflower is a vegetable that’s become increasingly popular as cooks have discovered how versatile and tasty it can be. Cauliflower rice or pizza crust anyone? For white, purple, and yellow varieties choose heads that are very firm with tightly closed florets and no black spots.
Check out my spicy Thai coconut cauliflower soup which is really delicious, creamy, and healthy. It’s all made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Both the yellow and white corn varieties you’ll see in September are sweet and delicious. Choose corn with green, damp husks and fluffy yellow silks. It should feel firm and be absent of any tiny holes. Then roast it whole or slice it off the cob for a tasty summer meal.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any fresh corn recipes on the blog (only canned) but I hope to fix that in the future! Meanwhile, check out what other food bloggers are up to.
Cucumbers are available much of the year, but their peak season is coming to a close. Enjoy them this month in fresh salads, as a crudite, or choose small varieties for a fun home pickling project. Always choose firm, evenly green cucumbers free from soft and yellow spots.
This super healthy vegetable is used in cooking all around the world. Small thin varieties cook up easily and quickly, and the larger globe varieties are fabulous roasted, baked, and more. Choose firm eggplants that feel heavy for their size and have even color and healthy green stems.
Sweet, delicious figs make excellent salad additions, baked desserts, and go well with cheese. Black mission, brown turkey, or Adriatic figs are among the most popular for their sweetness, and are a great place to start. Fresh figs should be tender, but firm enough to hold their shape when sliced.
I discovered my love for figs not such a long time ago so it’s natural that I don’t have any fig recipes on the blog YET. These little gems are worth all the praise they get so recipes are definitely coming! Meanwhile, check out how my food blogger friends used figs in the kitchen!
Choose bunches that have healthy, flexible green stems that aren’t dried out, with juicy firm grapes attached. You may find varieties in colors like green, red, purple, and more. Ask your local grower for recommendations on sweetness and uses. They make a great snack, but are also great roasted!
My family adores grapes but usually we enjoy them straight out of the bag (or straight from the vine), not in recipes. I need to pull myself together and cook something with these sweet berries ASAP because you can really do so much with them. Check out what other food bloggers came up with!
These are another veggie you’ll likely find a lot of the year, but they’re at their best through October. Choose long firm pods – they should not bend, but rather feel as if they’ll snap. They’re very versatile, so try roasting them, sauteing them, or blanching them for a salad topping.
Big, fragrant melons are delicious at the end of summer. From watermelon to cantaloupe, be sure to choose a melon that feels heavy for its size. Uncut, melons will keep for 10 days on the counter or for several weeks in the fridge. Once cut, consume in a few days.
Fresh, seasonal peaches have that sun-ripened flavor that’s irresistible in salads or as a snack. If you’re after cobbler or baking peaches, ask the grower if they sell overripe peaches for less! For snacking raw, choose fruits that have some give when gently squeezed, but aren’t mushy.
Pears are a long-lasting fruit that keep well refrigerated. Buy them with a slight tenderness for immediate eating, or buy them slightly firm and store for weeks. Place them near an apple or banana on the counter to ripen them quickly. All pear varieties are sweet and have edible skins that are full of healthy fiber.
From the sweetest red peppers to the grassy, sharp green ones, all bell peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, sauteed, or baked. Choose firm peppers with taut skin and green stems. For more tender peppers (and less bitterness) try peeling them with a vegetable peeler first.
The two persimmons you’re likely to encounter are Fuyu and Hachiya. The Fuyu are short and squat, and can be eaten as soon as they’re orange and firmly tender, like a tomato. Hachiya persimmons are larger and acorn-shaped and should only be eaten when very soft. Both can be eaten raw, but the Hachiya is great for baking.
With over 2000 varieties of plums in the world, odds are good you’ll find some sweet fresh ones this time of year. Like all stone fruit, they’re best when ripe, so wait until they’re tender to the touch to eat. You can slow down ripening by storing them in the fridge.
I have only one plum recipe on the blog but it’s a GOOD one. This healthy plum cake is made with whole wheat flour, almond flour, and also has lemon cashew icing (no confectioners’ sugar) on top. It tastes amazing – you won’t even tell the difference from the usual plum cake!
From little to large, white to dark purple, potatoes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. As a very inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, vegetable they’re easy to add to your menu. Roasted, baked, boiled, steamed, fried – they’re all great! Store potatoes in a cool, dark place for the best shelf life.
Pumpkins may be known for jack-o-lanterns, but they’re great for eating. Naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants, they make great additions to soups, salads, and sides. You can cook and eat pumpkin much like you would butternut squash, or go for sugar pumpkins and make your own puree.
This peppery vegetable is a great addition to end-of-summer salads or roasted with the other root vegetables of fall. There are dozens of varieties with different levels of spice, so try them to find your favorite. Choose bunches with vibrant color on both the radish and greens.
If you see these red beauties, or the unique golden ones, at your market, enjoy them before autumn fully sets in. Raspberries are very delicate, and best enjoyed right away. If storing, wait to wash them and place them in a refrigerated container that allows plenty of breathing room.
Sweet potatoes, often mislabeled as yams, come in a variety of colors. The orange ones that appear on holiday tables are familiar, but they come in various shades of purple and white too. Different varieties have different levels of sugar, but most are great for roasting or mashing. Choose them just like you would a potato.
At local markets, you’ll find dozens of heirloom and baby tomato varieties you’ve likely never seen before. Talk to the grower and discover which ones are sweetest and which ones will make your pasta sauce sing. Tomatoes store best on the counter, as the fridge will affect the texture.
The many varieties of winter squash like butternut, honey nut, delicata, acorn, and spaghetti are available in September. Winter squashes are sweet and delicious in soups or roasted simply as a side or topping to a salad. They should be heavy for their size and will keep for months in a dark, dry, cool place.
Zucchini, and all its fellow summer squashes, will be around for just a few more short weeks. Zucchini cooks very quickly and does well sauteed, roasted, grilled, or even eaten raw. Choose squash that has no soft spots and even color all over.
Gather everyone around for one more cookout of the summer this Labor Day, and keep these tips in mind to ensure that it goes smoothly.
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1/30
Start with a Thorough Cleanup
If you don’t set aside time to clean and prep your grill, it can be easy to “forget,” and then your grill won’t be at its best for the barbecue (and may even ruin foods with smells, grease smoke, and other problems). In addition to cleaning your grill, take a walk around your yard and clean up any toys or junk that you’ve been meaning to get rid of — this helps avoid stress on party day. Plus, check out these 12 tips for planning the ultimate backyard barbecue.
2/30
Get Yourself a Grill Basket
A grill basket is the perfect tool for grilling more delicate foods, especially veggies, fruit and kebabs.
3/30
Use Nets, Canopies and Umbrellas for Shade
If you don’t have a table umbrella or built-in shade from canopies or a pergola, consider using light netting or simple white bed sheets for quick DIY shade (check out these Labor Day sales on all things DIY). You’d be surprised how much your guests will appreciate the shade. For a more ambitious project, consider a grill gazebo instead.
4/30
Choose a Signature Drink
To make your party stand out, pick out a special drink (cocktails or mocktails work well) and one unique food item that you are especially proud of. Play up these specialties in your party invitations and make sure you have enough ingredients for a steady supply. Keep food plans simple so you have time to enjoy the party along with your guests.
5/30
Choose Portable Foods
Holding onto a plate of food at an outdoor party can be awkward. If you set it down, you may forget where it is and bugs can get at it, or someone might think you’re finished with it and throw it away.
As the host, focus on foods that don’t need plates. You can skewer a variety of veggies, meats, appetizers, fruit and sweets. Or let guests make their own. Provide bowls or platters of bite-sized items along with plenty of skewers.
6/30
Grill Everything
With your grill out, why not use it as much as possible, like this grilling shelter? Grilling can improve a wide variety of dishes. Most breads and veggies can be lightly grilled, including lettuce and angel food cake.
7/30
Protect Your Food
While that smorgasbord of food may look great in a photo, it’s not great for the food to sit out all afternoon. Flies will get into the fruit, coleslaw will quickly wilt, and kids (with grubby hands) will find it tempting to grab and go. So it’s best to keep food under some kind of cover.
If you are doing a potluck, keep plastic wrap handy to wrap open bowls and platters. And for your food, make sure it’s covered with a lid or in a cooler until you’re ready to serve. You can also set up the food table just inside the house instead of outside. Remember, this food needs to endure hours of summer heat and bugs — it needs all the help it can get.
8/30
Multiple Food Stations
You don’t want people waiting in line for food or drinks, if possible. Set up several food tables if you have a lot of guests. Likewise, you may want to spread out ice chests and coolers filled with drinks so they aren’t all in the same location. Not sure if you have enough tables? Build a couple more for your deck or patio.
9/30
Lights and Torches
Besides traditional outdoor lighting, consider installing string lights around your patio or deck for the right touch of ambiance and visibility as night falls. Setting up a few torches is also a good idea — not necessarily for visibility, but to help drive away mosquitoes with smoke and citrus oil blends. Be sure to watch young children around the torches.
10/30
Plenty of Seating
Eventually, people will want to sit down. Have plenty of chairs and benches around and fill in with picnic blankets. If you are feeling ambitious, build your patio chairs.
11/30
Signs and Chalk
Make it easy for your guests to know what’s in coolers and where different food items and drinks are. Setting up signs or propping up a chalkboard allows you to give directions (where’s the bathroom?) and identify everything. Speaking of identification, you may also want to include a bowl of tags or clips for drink glasses or a marker for disposable glasses and cups.
Use chalk to write a welcoming greeting on the sidewalk and steps in front of your house. No sidewalk? Draw arrows on the path to your backyard to guide your guests. And leave the chalk out so kids (and adults) can doodle during the party.
12/30
Ban Bugs
Bugs can ruin a perfectly good outdoor party, forcing everyone indoors. If you don’t want to use a chemical spray bug repellent, try citronella candles or torches with citronella oil.
13/30
Clear Your Dishes
Even if you limit plates and silverware, you’ll still have dishes to take care of. To prevent chaos, set aside trays for bussing used non-disposable dishes. That way you (and your helpers) can take the dishes back to the kitchen in bunches throughout the party, making final cleanup easier.
14/30
Prep a Fire Pit
Ending your party with a cozy fire is fun, but you need to be ready. Prepare your fire pit for the big day by clearing out debris, stacking in firewood and making sure you have more wood on hand. If you don’t have a fire pit, there are lots of patio-friendly fire pit tables and similar designs that you can choose from. Or, believe it or not, you can build a fire table.
15/30
Don’t Forget Music and Games
Create one last summer playlist and use a Bluetooth-enabled speaker to broadcast the tunes for your party. Of course, music isn’t the only entertainment people will be looking for. Set up games like croquet, bocce, and cornhole on the healthiest parts of your lawn for the kids of all ages.
16/30
Use an Online Calculator for Food
Food is always one of the first considerations and thorniest problems for a big grill-out. Fortunately we live in an incredible digital age with online barbecue planners that allow you to see just how much food — and what kind of food — you need. The linked planner lets you calculate meals based on adults, children, number of vegetarians and favored meats. It’s a great way to get some basic numbers to work with.
17/30
Plan Menus Early and Make a List of Ingredients
Plan your full menu based on the information for the online planner. For every dish and cocktail, make a precise list of ingredients that you need purchase and double-check it before you shop. You don’t want to start the party and realize you forgot that one ingredient that you assumed was in the kitchen.
Many experienced grillers like to focus on a signature dish or drink to show off a little, but this is up to you. Also, whenever possible, try to take guests food allergies into account by providing alternatives, if necessary. For more backyard fun ideas, check out these seven outdoor games you can make with stuff you already have.
18/30
Plan for Outside Refrigeration
Not every grill setup can have an outdoor refrigerator (although it makes a great addition), but you do need some way to keep things cold. Whether it’s a mini-fridge you can plug in outside or a couple of coolers, be sure to have this figured out before grill-out day.
Always refrigerate meats separately from other foods and try to reserve a section or cooler for the drinks. Remember that it’s important to keep some foods cool, while drinks can always be stored inside until you want to bring them out. You need a good cooler for proper camping — check out the best camping supplies you don’t have.
19/30
Create a Menu for Guests
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but for larger grill-outs it’s useful to have a printed or written menu that shows what you will be serving, especially if you are proud of it. Paper printouts, chalkboard stands and whiteboards all work. Skip this step if it’s a potluck-style gathering. Love the look of chalk? Make chalk paint at home.
20/30
Organize Meat By Temperature
The easiest way to do this is to create three platters — rare, medium and well-done. Label them and serve your cooked meats on the appropriate platters. Keep an eye on them, and adjust for the general tastes of the crowd. This is a great way to please guests and save a lot of time asking or answering questions about which steak is well-done.
21/30
How ‘Bout Them Apples
After that trip to the apple orchard, grill up some apples with your dinner. Apples stand up well to the heat and can be a tasty addition to the main dish or dessert. Just slice cored apples in half, brush them with a little oil or melted butter and cook them over medium heat until they’re tender.
22/30
Try a Fall Grilling Marinade
Try fall flavors in your homemade fall grilling marinades. Maple, rosemary and bourbon are all flavors of the season. The Spruce offers this fall-inspired marinade featuring bourbon.
Ingredients:
• One cup bourbon;
• One cup brown sugar;
• One cup oil;
• One cup mustard;
• One cup Worcestershire sauce.
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients and mix until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate meats for four to 12 hours before grilling.
23/30
Squash Skewers
Try fall grilling butternut squash. Peel it, remove the seeds and cut into one-inch pieces. Coat the pieces in some olive oil and place them on skewers. Cook them over medium high for five to seven minutes.
24/30
Grill Your Chili
Use a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven to cook your chili on the grill. Plus, Weber offers tips such as using a charcoal grill to cook a pot of chili in just over an hour. And using your grill will add a smoky richness you just can’t get inside.
25/30
Try Some Leeks
Instead of throwing your fall-harvest leeks into a soup, try this simple recipe and serve them up as a side dish. Clean and trim the leeks. Next, split them in half lengthwise and coat with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Finally, grill them about five minutes per side, or until they are tender.
Try grilling a pumpkin for your next fall dessert. Just clean off the outside of a sugar (pie) pumpkin and poke some holes in the shell to allow for ventilation. And place the pumpkin in a 8×8-in. glass dish and cook on a grill at 350-375 degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
When it’s cool enough to handle, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Finally, use the cooked pumpkin for pie, or toss with some cinnamon and sugar and eat with ice cream.
27/30
Grilled Salsa
Instead of making your regular go-to salsa recipe, try grilling your peppers, onions and tomatoes. For peppers and onions, cut and place on skewers. But for tomatoes, grill them whole over indirect heat until tender. Then chop and combine with the rest of your salsa ingredients.
28/30
Grill a Lasagna
You can grill lasagna or any other casserole. Just heat a grill to medium and place the prepared lasagna or casserole over indirect heat. Then cover and grill for 45 minutes to one hour.
29/30
Grill Wings For the Game
Wings don’t have to be fried. When making wings for a crowd, try grilling them. After marinating the wings, place them on medium, direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes. Or you can also skip the marinade and toss them with sauce after grilling. Here’s how to fit everyone in front of the TV if you move things inside.
30/30
Make a Charred Vegetable Salad
Get the most out of the end-of-season produce and grill up vegetables for a chopped salad. Try peppers, Brussels sprouts, onions, eggplant and even romaine. Next, coat vegetables with a little oil, salt and pepper and grill over direct heat a couple of minutes on each side until tender. Then chop and toss together with your favorite dressing.
Originally Published: July 08, 2021
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