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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TAB62/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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HANOI PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK
Get Yourself a Grill Basket
A grill basket is the perfect tool for grilling more delicate foods, especially veggies, fruit and kebabs.
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.
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ELENA VESELOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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AS FOOD STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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PHOTOGRAPHEE.EU/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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EVGENIA BOLYUKH/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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CRISTI LUCACI/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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SEAN PAVONE/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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.
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DAVID PEREIRAS/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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KUKARUKA/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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S_PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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MAT HAYWARD/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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JOSHUA RAINEY PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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COOKIE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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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.
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ANTONIODIAZ/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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PLANOLLA/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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VENGEROF/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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LESTERTAIR/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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IRINA ROSTOKINA/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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DIANA TALIUN/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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BRENT HOFACKER/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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ALICJA NEUMILER/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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LILIYA KANDRASHEVICH/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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BERND JUERGENS/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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JAG_CZ/SHUTTERSTOCK
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.
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PILIPPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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
Here is a list of currently open Orange County Farmers Markets. They serve many different communities of the OC. Most are certified and sell the produce of our local farmers and vendors. They are a great way to support small business here in Southern California.
Due to possible seasonal, holiday or weather related changes to times & locations, we encourage you to click on the link of the market event holder to get the most updated information. ‘Rain or Shine’ markets may have low vendor attendance on wet days.
Please note – this is an informational page only. If you have any specific questions about any of the markets listed, please contact the management company of the farmer’s market you are interested in.
Sunday Farmers Markets
Garden Grove
Historic Main Street, Main St. & Garden Grove Blvd.
Sundays
10 AM – 2 PM More Information
Operated by Local Harvest Garden Grove Certified Farmers’ Market. Offering an abundance of farm fresh Certified California Grown Fruits and Vegetables, along with a variety of gourmet specialty foods. Arts, crafts and jewelry from local area vendors can also be found.
Irvine
The Great Park in Irvine, Marine Way off Sand Canyon
Sundays
10 AM – 2 PM (weather permitting) More Information
Every week, the Great Park Certified Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, handcrafted artisan products, live music and entertainment, and a selection of gourmet food trucks. Take home fresh produce grown on the Great Park Farm and other local farms and enjoy live entertainment, including live music, car shows, and more.
Ladera Ranch
Founders Park, 28275 Avendale Clubhouse in Parking Lot
Sundays
9 AM – 1 PM More Information
Farmers, cottage producers, food trucks and craft vendors selling great food and products you can’t find at stores. The produce is grown locally using sustainable methods to reduce climate impact – much is organic. The small batch specialty producers make their products nearby using only the highest quality ingredients.
Laguna Niguel
27271 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel (Plaza de Paz Shopping Center)
Sundays
8 AM – NOON (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Just steps away from the famous Dory fish market and beachfront shops and restaurants, this market is a staple for locals and a reason to make Newport Beach a Sunday destination. Shoppers will find a selection of exotic fruits, seasonal vegetables, eggs, honey, nuts as well as specialty foods like small-batch breads, Mediterranean dips, vegan salsas, cold-press juices, teas, handmade jewelry and art.
San Clemente
200 block Avenida Del Mar Dr.
Sundays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine) More Information
Affiliated with California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The certified farmers market concept is an effort to re-establish the traditional link between farmers and consumers in California. Put simply, certified farmers’ markets (CFM’s) are “the real thing,” places where genuine farmers sell their crops directly to the public. It is where the agrarian community relates to the urban community
Monday Farmers Markets
Currently there are no Monday markets in Orange County
Tuesday Farmers Markets
Huntington Beach
Surf City Nights is a Weekly Street Fair and Certified Farmers Market
Tuesdays
5PM – 9PM More Information
Orange County’s largest weekly street fair and certified farmers’ market.
Every Tuesday from 5 pm to 9 pm, 90 vendors presents unique handcrafted wares: furniture, jewelry, art, clothing, live music, street performers, community groups and kids’ activities.
Orange
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA
Tuesdays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Placentia
Placentia Town Center
130 E Yorba Linda Blvd.
Tuesdays
4 PM – 8 PM More Information
This Certified Farmers Market provides approximately 30 unique and exciting vendors to the Placentia Town Center. A free shuttle bus to and from the Placentia Certified Farmers Market is now available with five different locations for picking up and dropping off.
Santa Ana
Located in the corner parking lot on Bush and 3rd Street in Downtown Santa Ana.
Tuesdays – closed for the season, please check back
The DTSA (Downtown Santa Ana) Farmers’ Market is a community-oriented, chef-driven Farmers’ Market that strives to bring the highest quality produce at the best price possible.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach Village
13904 Seal Beach Blvd., Westminster Blvd & Seal Beach Blvd
Tuesdays
9 AM – 1 PM
Opened in 2010, this small Tuesday market is convenient for nearby Leisure World residents. Around 15 vendors that and include many familiar to other Orange County farmers markets.
Wednesday Farmers Markets
Fullerton
Fullerton Community Center, 340 West Commonwealth Ave.
Wednesdays
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM More Information
Believed to be the oldest farmers’ market in Orange County, this Wednesday market is renowned for the freshness of its produce and its wide variety of fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers – many of which cannot be found at local supermarkets. It is operated by the nonprofit Fullerton Certified Farmers Market Board
Irvine
Irvine Towers Certified Farmers’ Market
18400 Von Karman, Irvine, CA
At the Towers Main Courtyard
Wednesdays
10 AM – 2 PM More Information
Farmers’ Market Featuring a wide variety of Food Vendors. Great place to get a lunch. Year Round, open To The Public.
Irvine
Irvine Kaiser Permanente CFM
6640 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA
Wednesdays
9 AM – 1 PM More Information
Located in front of the Medical Office Building. Affiliated with California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The certified farmers market concept is an effort to re-establish the traditional link between farmers and consumers in California.
Tustin
Corner of El Camino Real and 3rd Street
Wednesdays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Thursday Farmers Markets
Anaheim
Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers’ Market & Craft Fair
435 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
Thursdays
11 AM – 3 PM More Information
Local California certified Farmers, International Foods, craft fair and Homegrown Music series.
Brea
Brea Place, 135 S. State College Blvd, Brea
In the parking lot off of S. State College Blvd.
Thursdays
3 PM – 7 PM More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
Costa Mesa
Orange County Fairgrounds
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Thursdays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Friday Farmers Markets
Anaheim
Anaheim Kaiser Permanente CFM
3440 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA
Fridays
9 AM – 2 PM More Information
Located across from the parking structure. Affiliated with California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The certified farmers market concept is an effort to re-establish the traditional link between farmers and consumers in California.
Fountain Valley
Mile Square Park Certified Farmers Market
16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Fridays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine*) More Information
The Mile Square Park Certified Farmers Market is located at Freedom Hall in Mile Square Park. Genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts, and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure that he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot
the 5 Freeway and El Toro Road
Fridays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
La Palma
Kaiser Permanente Farmers’ Market
Kaiser Permanente La Palma Medical Offices
5 Centerpointe Drive, La Palma
(949) 364-1270
Every other Friday
10 AM – 2 PM More Information
You can find fresh, nutrient-dense produce at a nearby Kaiser Permanente farmers market. We have locations at many of our facilities, so pack a tote bag and pick up your peaches, peppers, and prescriptions in the same trip. Located in the parking area on the south side of the building.
San Juan Capistrano
Farmakis Farms
29932 Camino Capistrano
(949) 364-1270
Fridays
9 AM – 1 PM More Information
Family-owned Christmas tree farm and certified farmers’ market located in San Juan Capistrano. Come experience life on the farm every Friday from 9:00am – 1:00pm with our weekly certified farmers’ market. Features produce from many local farmers, breads, dips, sweets, jams, crafts, and many more locally made artisan products.
Saturday Farmers Markets
Buena Park
Corner of La Palma and Stanton Sears Parking Lot
Saturdays
9 AM – 2 PM More Information
You can find organic fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, raw honey, dried fruits & nuts, specialty foods, kettle corn, and a variety of fresh foods made to order!
Corona Del Mar
3201 Pacific Coast Hwy
(Marguerite & Pacific Coast Hwy)
949- 361-0735
Saturdays
9 AM – 1 PM More Information
Limited parking on-street and in a small lot. Affiliated with California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. Open since 1996, look for prepared foods, honey, fresh fish, and flowers—and lots of fruits and vegetables from premier growers often not seen at other markets.
Costa Mesa
SoCo Farmers’ Market
SoCo Collection
3315 Hyland Ave
Saturdays
9 AM – 2 PM More Information
Located in the SOCO Collection, our SOCO Farmers’ Market in Costa Mesa is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Featuring local farm fresh fruits and vegetables, raw honey, fresh almonds, fresh eggs, meat, and poultry.
Cypress
4505 Katella Ave, Cypress, Ca – in the parking of Cottonwood Church.
Saturdays
9 AM – 2 PM More Information
The market features fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of prepared foods including fantastic tamales and BBQ, as well as some artisanal vendors selling items such as fresh breads, hummus, honey and handmade soaps.
Dana Point
La Plaza Park at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Golden Lantern
949-573-5033
Saturdays
9 AM – 1 PM More Information
Selling produce, flowers, breads, fish, arts and crafts, pita, honey, nuts, hot sauces, humus, mixes, pickles, coffee, indian food, mushrooms, etc. In addition to local, organic produce and unique products from Dana Point businesses, arts & crafts vendors join in the fun every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Irvine
Mariners Church parking lot, On the corner of Bonita Canyon & Turtle Ridge
Saturdays
8 AM – Noon (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Laguna Beach
521 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach (across the street from the Lumberyard Shopping Center)
Saturdays
8 AM – NOON (rain or shine*) More Information
Affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. California certified farmers’ markets are the real thing – places where genuine farmers sell fruits, nuts and vegetables directly to the public. Every farmer who sells at a certified market is inspected by the county agricultural commissioner to make sure he/she actually grows the commodity being sold.
* According to the Orange County Farm Bureau, this is a rain or shine event. Even though this is a rain or shine event, please be advised many vendors may not attend markets on rainy days.
Orange
Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market
Located at 303 W. Palm Avenue
on the corner of Cypress & Palm in Old Towne Orange
Saturdays
9 AM – 1 PM (rain or shine) More Information
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market is a Saturday certified farmers market operated by the non-profit Orange Home Grown, Inc. The market features a large selection of fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms, honey, free range eggs, grass-fed beef, poultry and milk, and seafood,, fresh bread & baked goods, preserves and more. Enjoy complimentary coffee and music while you shop.
Pull your calendars out and plan a picnic, get your lawn chairs ready, and get ready to head to your local park. Plus, guess what? Almost all the Orange County summer concerts are FREE!
Here are two sites that have compiled a list of all the summer concerts by respective Cities. They provide links to the actual event and/or City websites that provide complete info.
The city of Laguna Beach California has a high concentration of named beaches along it’s nine mile long waterfront. Thirty-six to be exact! While each of these beaches are excellent places to visit some have their limitations or are just not one of “best” that Laguna has to offer.
Unfortunately (for most of us) there are beachfront gated communities such as Irvine Cove, Emerald Bay, and Three Arch Bay that close off access to their beaches from the general public. Others such as Totuava have difficult access and some are simply all wet at higher tides.
On the brighter side, Laguna is known for its stunning cove beaches such as Thousand Steps, Crecent Bay, and Victoria Beach. But the focal point of the beach scene in Laguna is at Main Beach where you’ll find grass lawns, volleyball courts, shops, restaurants, and lots of people. It’s the best people-watching spot in all of Laguna.
One section of the shoreline from Main Beach to the Keyhole Rock at Pearl Street Beach is a continuous sandy beach, but it has stairwells at each street so the city has created 12 separate beach names between these end points. Walking on the sand from Main Beach to Pearl Street is a thrill and you can return on the sidewalks of Coast Highway if you’d like. There are many shops and restaurants along this route. Of course it’s possible to turn around or loop back at any of the stairways you find on the way to the end at the Keyhole. If you do the whole thing you can cross many of the Laguna beaches off your to do list.
There are a few parks in Laguna Beach worth mentioning. The crown jewel by far is Crystal Cove State Park at the north end on the border with Newport Beach. This park has six different beaches with two of them in Laguna. You can hike the trails in the park on the bluff or walk long distances on the brown sand below. Heisler Park is another worthy stop in Laguna. It’s just a few paces north from Main Beach and is home to a large picnic area above Picnic Beach and excellent tide pools at Rockpile Beach. Finally in South Laguna there is a huge park called Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park with loads of hiking and mountain biking trails. At the bottom of this canyon is family-friendly Aliso Creek Beach.
Below is our list of the best beaches in Laguna Beach ordered from north to south. As we said, even the smaller hard-to-find beaches in Laguna are worth a visit. So if you have extra time, then check this complete list of Laguna Beaches and see how many you can find!
Moro Beach is the southern beach in Crystal Cove State Park located between Laguna Beach and the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach, CA. For many years this was […]
Crescent Bay Beach is a large popular beach in northern Laguna Beach, CA. The main public access is on Cliff Drive one block from where it begins at North Coast […]
Shaw’s Cove is a small sandy locals beach tucked away below homes in Laguna Beach, CA. There is a public entrance to Shaw’s at the intersection of Fairview Street and […]
Fisherman’s Cove Beach is a small south-facing beach tucked away in Laguna Beach, CA. The signage at the entrance to this beach is clearly signed Fisherman’s Cove, but locals also […]
Picnic Beach is the northern beach of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, CA. The park above the beach offers grassy areas to spread out on and many picnic tables as […]
Main Beach is the simple name given to the main centrally-located city beach in Laguna Beach, California. Main Beach is a nice sandy beach in a broad cove that faces […]
Pearl Street Beach is located below a stairway that begins at the west end of Pearl Street in Laguna Beach. Pearl Street ends at Ocean Way just one block off […]
Woods Cove Beach is in a sandy cove that has rocky points at both ends and fancy Laguna Beach homes high above the bluff. Bette Davis lived in the English […]
Victoria Beach is a long white sandy beach south of Victoria Drive in Laguna Beach. The majority of this southwest-facing beach lies in front of the private gated Lagunita housing […]
Treasure Island Beach is south of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, CA. This sandy beach is the north end of the same large cove that begins at Aliso Beach […]
Aliso Beach County Park is a popular sandy beach in South Laguna Beach, CA. Unlike many of the nearby beaches, Aliso Beach has a large off-street parking area next to […]
Table Rock Beach is a locally-known tucked away beach in south Laguna Beach, CA. This is an excellent sandy beach in a deep cove with homes high above. Rocks of […]
Thousand Steps Beach is one of the largest beaches in south Laguna Beach, CA. It’s a wide sandy beach with volleyball courts, restrooms, and tide pools and even caves to […]
