I've always dreamed of living somewhere that fall actually existed. I want to watch the colors change on the trees and then rake up the leave after they part from their branches. I want to grab all my cozy sweaters and tough rain jackets from the back of the closet and switch them out for summer dresses. I want to own a pair of nice rain boots (because I would actually wear them). I want to have a fireplace crackling and popping in my living room.
In California we get bits and pieces of fall. Here and there are red and yellow trees, the rain comes a few days of the season (if we're lucky) meaning a couple mud puddles to slosh in, the temperature drops some degrees, but still, everyone jumps right into the season, decorating, celebrating, and baking away. The lack of "fallness" doesn't stop us from wearing boots, scarfs, sweaters, and beanies any chance we get. It doesn't stop us from Instagramming every colored tree we pass. And it sure doesn't stop us from going to pumpkin patches, drinking hot apple cider, and pretending it's not 80 degrees outside.
If you're in need of a bit of fall flavor here on the central coast, Avila Valley Barn is the place to go. There's pumpkins of all shapes, colors, and sizes, sunflower fields to dance in, farm animals to feed, fields of fruits and veggies to pick in, a lovely outdoor market to peruse, hay rides going strong, fresh roasted corn on the cob, hot or iced apple cider, ice cream and goodies, and so much more.
I couldn't help but feel as though I had walked into a little fall bubble when we arrived. It must have been the collaboration of colors from pumpkins, gourds, decorative maple leaves, barn houses, and the lane of trees. You don't even need to purchase anything; just walk around and take it all in. Of course, we did make some purchases – a scoop of oatmeal chocolate chip ice cream on a cone, a cup of hot apple cider, and two pumpkins for the home.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let them tell the rest.
Happy Fall Finding!