LIFESTYLE
October 2024

Many of us are seeking balance in our lives these days, and there is nothing more rejuvenating than spending time in nature's beauty. The autumn equinox in late September marked the time of year when day and night share nearly equal lengths of time, giving us a celestial model of balance. Fall itself brings a sense of calm, welcoming us into a season of nurture, self-reflection, and stillness before the hectic onset of the holidays. Whether going for a scenic drive, taking an autumn hike, or enjoying a fall festival, now is the time to get outside and take in the incredible splendor of the season.

Northern California - Fall Foliage, Harvest Dinners and Halloween

Napa Valley

Wine country is an absolutely magical place in the fall. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular fall colors on a drive down tree-lined Oak Knoll Avenue, take scenic hikes in the hills of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, and bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail for stunning vineyard views. Fall is harvest time in wine country, with whites picked first, then reds through October and early November. Be sure to make reservations for crush parties and harvest dinners, as this is the busiest time of the year in Napa! For the truly adventurous, ride an ATV through changing foliage at Hess Persson Estates’ Mont La Salle vineyard, see miles of fall colors from a hot air balloon, or take a romantic venetian gondola ride on the Napa River with Napa Valley Gondola.

Lake Tahoe

While Lake Tahoe weather is relatively cool year-round, fall brings on a whole new vibe. Crystal blue water and towering, snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for brilliant autumn sunsets. Go for a hike on Lam Watah Nature Trail or take a horseback ride to enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves. Take advantage of free admission and free parking to Oktoberfest in Camp Richardson to enjoy the beer garden, traditional Bavarian food and music. Go camping and circle the family around a campfire and toast s'mores, or celebrate Halloween in Heavenly Village trick-or-treating around the festively decorated shops.

Southern California - Crisp Autumn Air, Oktoberfest, and Apples

Big Bear

Arriving in Big Bear is like entering a peaceful world all its own. For some quiet relaxation in the great outdoors, bring your body and soul to the Big Bear Yoga Festival where you can meditate amidst beautiful fall foliage. For foodies and cultural enthusiasts, the area's annual Oktoberfest runs through November 2nd and continuously ranks among the top Southern California festivals each year. Kids will love Halloween in Big Bear, trick-or-treating through The Village and watching the doggie costume contest. They can even get a glimpse of nocturnal animals on a twilight safari at Big Bear Zoo. And why just take a stroll through a pumpkin patch when you can zipline and toss pumpkins at targets below to win a prize at Big Bear Zipline!

Julian

Just an hour northeast of San Diego and 2.5 hours southeast of LA sits the charming village of Julian. Visitors stroll its farmers markets to pick up local preserves, fresh honey, Italian plums, local nuts, and delicious caramel apples. A very dog-friendly town, your well-behaved and leashed pooch can even take a hayride at Julian Farm & Orchard! Take Fido with as you enjoy local wines and a variety of crisp fall ciders at dog-friendly Blue Door Winery and Calico Cidery. On October 26th, enjoy the free, community-sponsored Julian Natural Wonderfest with the whole family! The festival, featuring food vendors, wildlife encounters, music, art, and an astronomy star party is held at Menghini Winery. 

Arizona - Vibrant Fall Colors, Arts Festivals, and Cool Desert Hikes

Sedona

Visiting Red Rock country in the fall brings breathtaking scenery to a whole new level. Drive north on Highway 89 and follow the switchbacks through the stunning fall colors of Oak Creek Canyon. Stop by the historic Pendley Homestead apple farm to pick up some fresh fruit, hike the scenic trails through Red Rock State Park, or sample local vintages along the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Browse the works of over 125 artists at the outdoor Sedona Arts Festival on October 12-13, ride the Verde Canyon Railroad to see vibrant red and yellow fall foliage through the canyons of the Verde River, or see world-acclaimed artists perform at the Red Rocks Music Festival. For the mystical-minded, wander the high desert paths and labyrinths at Spirit of the Heavens and stay for some Dark Sky stargazing.

Flagstaff

Sitting at the highest elevation in the state, visitors to Flagstaff are rewarded with views of the world's largest contiguous pine forest dotted with vibrant yellow hues of aspen colonies. For a birds-eye view of mountains bathed in fall colors, take a scenic gondola ride at the Arizona Snowbowl. Hikers can pick up a Flagstaff Trails Passport with seasonal recommendations, starting with a walk through the deep gold foliage of the Aspen Nature Loop Trail. On Sundays through October, browse fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, and locally made crafts at the Flagstaff Community Market. Don't miss the Pumpkin Walk at the Flagstaff Arboretum, featuring food trucks, music, and hundreds of lit pumpkins. Under the autumn sky, take a walk up Mars Hill to Lowell Observatory to see where Pluto was discovered!

Wherever you decide to wander, spending time in the beautiful, transforming colors of nature's earth tones, brilliant leaves, and breathtaking sunsets has a positive effect on our brains, and appreciating beauty around us brings a sense of calm. Give your spirit the gift of rejuvenation this fall!


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