We are lucky to live in an area that takes advantage of all that fall has to offer. While we may not have the forests of burgandy and gold that some parts of the country boast, we do have a surplus of family run farms, corn mazes and pumpkin patches that both the young and the young at heart can enjoy.
Anyone who knows me can attest to my appreciate for festivals, carnivals, and seasonal outings. I love vendors and farmers markets, open markets and vegetable stands. There’s something comfortable about the whole experience that quite simply, makes me happy. Fall is perhaps the best season to visit the weekend destinations around us. Within an hours drive or less, there are plenty of activities to keep families busy until the holiday season.
Just down the road from Rancho Cordova in Sloughouse, you’ll find Davis Ranch. The name is misleading. It’s no where near Davis. In fact, it’s a fairly convenient drive down Jackson Rd, about 10 miles before you hit Rancho Murieta. The farm has a fruit and vegetable stand year round, Christmas trees during the holiday season, and a pretty impressive pumpkin patch for last minute Halloween pumpkin shopping.
If you’re up for a little more of a drive, or would like to spend the day, Apple Hill is a Sacramento area classic. With multiple stops along the road, you can get your fill of apple pie, home made taffy, baked goods, fresh fruit, and pumpkins. Many locations also sell home made apple cider. Most stores will give a discount on the cider if you buy three or more gallons, so feel free to stock up because fresh apple cider freezes well and can be used well in to Christmas time.
I’m always impressed by corn mazes. I feel like I don’t experience everything the autumn season has to offer if I don’t spend an afternoon wandering around a corn maze and picking out the perfect jack-o-lantern worthy pumpkin. A quick drive to Natomas will find you at Goblin Gardens Pumpkin Patch and corn maze. You can pick a pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze and take a ride on a train.
To stay a little closer to home and have a pretty impressive educational experience, check out Soil Born Farms. You can volunteer, take classes and buy produce all from a local organization that encourages the community to live a healthier lifestyle and build a sustainable community.
If you know of other local fall attractions, feel free to leave a comment with your experiences.
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