Seven Ways...
to enjoy the Autumnal Equinox
As the redolent balm of the pumpkin-spiced lattes begin to issue from the uncallused, tattooed hands of local baristas, it can only mean one thing: fall is here. Now, notwithstanding a fixed date harkening the equinox, there is no clear change in the season for us here in Southern California. There are no broad, kaleidoscopic changes in foliage, no mitigating climate phenomena. So, we have to pretend like there is a change in the season, and continue to wear our Rainbows and sniggle at the rest of the country. This Saturday marks the first day of Autumn. Here are seven ways to pretend fall is here:
Go Apple Picking - Most people associate orange groves with this part of the world; however, in under two hours, and heading east on Interstate 10, you will find Oak Glen in Yucaipa. There are several apple farms to visit, my favorite being Willowbrook Apple Farm. Pick your own apples, and even press your own cider. Open weekends 10-4. 12099 S. Oak Glen Rd., Yucaipa, CA 92399
Naked Grape Stomp - Well, maybe not naked, but perhaps a stomp. You can enjoy many of the harvest festivals throughout the Central Coast’s wealth of wineries. Solvang hosts a Celebration of Harvest in which carousers can literally march in the meritage, or parade in pinot. Don’t forget to recover from your Bacchanalian over some Shortrib Hash n' Eggs at Succulent Cafe.
Backyard Bonfire - Ok, so the weather has been dropping a bit to the boreal mid-70’s. It’s time to uncover that ceramic chiminea, fire pit or whatever pyrotechnic hogshead you might employ for a little backyard ambience. You can always visit Wilshire And Okell's Fireplace in Hermosa Beach to get you started. 134 PCH, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Start Smoking - Not really. Smoking is harmful. But El Segundo’s Smoky Hollow is not. Nor is Smoky Hollow Baking Co. Stop by and see the confectionery genius of Jenna for her daily and seasonal delights. It’s a habit worth starting! 118A Sierra Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 BAKERY HOURS: Tues- Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am- 1pm
Visit a Meadery - The first time I had ever heard of mead was in college reading Beowulf. The warriors would commune at the “meadbench”, and I always thought it would be cool to nip with some Anglo Saxon Wulfings. Well, you can enjoy this fermented honey beverage at Honest Abe’s, the South Bay’s “only cidery hidden in Carson industrial park.” Honest Abe Ciderhouse & Meadery, 17800 S Main St #105 Carson, California 90745
The Gloaming - Autumn is easily my favorite time of the year for enjoying the eventide displays of crepuscular light. All that is fancy-talk for go see a sunset. It’s an excuse to get outside and move around, take a walk to the beach, or make a small hike in some local hills. It’ll be worth it.
Go to the Beach - We are in Southern California, and it’s still sunny and warm. Get to your local surf spot and enjoy the sand dunes without the throngs of tourists. Locals only!
Bonus - Celebrate with your wife if her birthday is on the Equinox. Happy birthday, my dear c.m.m.!