Despite the blue skies and 70-degree weather we’ve been experiencing in San Diego, fall is in full swing.
If you’re trying to embrace the area and all of its so-called seasons, here are a few places you can escape to for that autumn feel.
This pumpkin patch, located in Liberty Station just about three miles from campus, is a Point Loma classic. You may see fellow students working here, and you can pick out a pumpkin to carve, take photos or enjoy some fresh Birdie’s Pizza.
Plus, entry is free. So if you’re on a budget, bringing your own food and picnicking among the pumpkins is also encouraged.
- Day trip to Julian
If you’ve never heard of Julian, maybe you’ve heard of its famous Julian Pie Company. While this drive may be a bit longer, the hour-and-a-half trip can transport you into a part of San Diego County that actually sees the trees change colors.
Apart from picking out a pie, you can go straight to the source for apple picking at local orchards such as Apple Starr Orchard, Calico Ranch Orchard and Julian Farm and Orchard.
- Visit the Whaley House
The start of fall also marks the beginning of preparation for Halloween. While San Diego has many options for fear amusement, such as the Balboa Park Haunted Trail and SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream, if you’re looking for something a little more realistic and a bit cheaper, visit the Whaley House in Old Town.
Known as one of “America’s Most Haunted Houses,” the Whaley House offers daytime and evening tours, as well as a more expensive after-hours paranormal investigation.
So, if you’re someone who searches for that eerie feeling, you’ll find it here.
- Experience Dia de los Muertos in Old Town
While you visit the Whaley House, it’ll be difficult to ignore the vibrancy and festiveness that the rest of Old Town has to offer. For the entire month of October and into the start of November, Old Town gets a makeover in honor of the celebration of life.
Throughout the town, you will see colorful and detailed altars and decorations, as well as menu specials in the surrounding restaurants.
Apart from the decorations, the official Dia de los Muertos celebration will take place Nov. 1-2, including live entertainment, face painting and lots of dancing.
- Make your own seasonal potluck
I know when seasons are switching, not from the weather or the date, but because of the return of Trader Joe’s new decorations and limited-edition treats that you can only get during that time.
So, if you are a homebody and would rather get into the spirit of fall in your dorm or house surrounded by your friends, host a fall-only potluck.
Some fall treats on my must-try list are:
- Apple Pie Spread
- Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake
- Pumpkin Hold the Cone!
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Spiced Cider
- Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer
Even if San Diego refuses to dip into cooler weather, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Whether that’s being surrounded by pumpkins, road-tripping for pie, chasing ghosts, dancing around Old Town or crowding around a table with friends, fall feels are on the way.
Joncee Lenker