There’s something so refreshing about a chilly bite in the air while the last of the foliage turns crimson red. Makes you just crave a PSL and a thick knit scarf, doesn’t it? Unfortunately for Los Angelenos, we are not blessed with Mother Nature’s changing of the seasons, and thus, we have to create our own fall magic.
But fret not! I’ve created a short and sweet guide to getting the most out of your autumn in LA, with a roundup of my favorite festive fall activities.
- The Great Pumpkin. No fall is complete without a proper pumpkin carving. Throw on your flannel and head to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (10100 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City) for a festive photo op, an adorable pony ride for the kiddos, and your prized gourd. Liven up your pumpkin carving party with a cheese dip baked right inside of a hollowed out mini pumpkin. Serve with spiked cider.
- A Night of Fright. Every amusement park capitalizes on Halloween, creating quite the lively competition between the venues. My personal favorites are Knotts Scary Farm, which is the largest and arguably scariest park and Universal Studios, which is the most impressive and theatrical. Disneyland is a great choice for the whole family and Six Flags is the best option if you’re a ride-fanatic. If walking around crowded parks isn’t your thing, another fright night option is the Hollywood Haunted Hayride (4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles) or Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach).
- Apple Picking. There’s just something about picking the apples straight from the tree that make your homemade pie taste that much more delicious. To find a traditional apple orchard for picking, you only have to go as far as Oak Glenn, where you can experience their 5-mile farmland loop, dotted with dozens of you-pick orchards, local shops, and festive fall activities like cider-pressing and horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Foliage Hunting. A fall without foliage is like a winter without snow, it just doesn’t feel right. While finding either in SoCal is scarce, foliage does exist for those who search for it. You can make a road trip out of your quest by heading to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead or Mount Baldy. Or you can simply stop by the LA County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA) during their regular business hours in late October to mid November.
- Me-Time. As a kid, fall always signified new beginnings. New school year, new goals, new friends, new challenges. While long gone are the days when I return to school, the same sentiment of fall still exists. With shorter days and longer nights, I’m reminded that fall is an opportunity to check in with myself and reevaluate my goals. Less days spent soaking up the summer sun, more nights to foster my me-time. I invite you to do the same, and to find ways to pamper and treat yourself during this new fresh season. Try a new yoga class, get inspired, take a weekend in the mountains (bonus points for foliage sightings!). However you fill up your fall schedule, do so mindfully, you deserve it.
This article was written for publication in the fall 2018 issue of QP MAGAZINE it is not to be published, quoted or paraphrased without their consent.
S H O P M Y L O O K
Jacket is from Lucky Brand
Hat is an amazon find
