Autumnal Pursuits

Autumn is the perfect time to take in the changing colors of the foliage, carve pumpkins, enjoy Oktoberfest and other annual traditions. (Courtesy photo)

Autumnal Pursuits

In two days, summer will be long gone. It's time to think about warm stews, sweaters and getting into the fall season. Here are some ways to celebrate autumn in or not to far from Lodi

By Lauren Nelson
Lodi Living Editor

Saturday, September 20, 2008 5:43 AM PDT

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Visit monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove

Between October and early March, thousands of Monarch butterflies cluster in thick bunches on pine and eucalyptus trees on a few select acres In Pacific Grove. In early October, the butterflies return to Pacific Grove, also known as Butterfly Town, U.S.A., where they will spend the winter.

The monarch butterfly is a widespread tropical insect that ranges as far north as Canada. It cannot withstand freezing winter temperatures. To survive, the Monarch migrates to safe over-wintering sites that are neither cold enough to kill it, nor so warm that it wastes precious energy flying too much.

The magic and mystery of the Monarch migration has captivated Pacific Grove residents and visitors for years. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of the annual Monarch migration is endangered. The eastern population is being severely impacted by deforestation.

When visiting butterfly territory, stay on designated paths and be careful of butterflies on the ground. It's also important to not disturb butterfly clusters and to leave firewood, insects and animals in their natural habitat. This year's Monarch Festival is Oct. 4. For information, call Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce at (831) 373-3304.

Find Fall Foliage

With the end of September, evenings are cooling off, gardens are offering their last bit of fruit and bright green foliage is turning brilliant shades of color. As sunburst orange, fiery red and golden molasses transform California's landscapes, it is time for nature lovers to become weekend leaf-peepers. You can travel across the state in search for Autumn-colored leaves, or you can travel no more than a couple of hours to the foothills. Soon, you'll even be able to walk down the Lodi streets and see leaves that look as though they were individual painted.

Here are some place to find Autumnal color:

• Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway — a 60-mile stretch between highways 4 and 89, between the towns of Arnold (Calaveras County) and Markleeville (Alpine County).

• Annual Poison Oak Show in Columbia — Poison oak enthusiasts celebrate this itchy, yet beautiful Autumn plant, by making arrangements and jewelry and showing off the best poison oak. For information, contact Columbia Chamber of Commerce at 536-1672.

• Yosemite National Park — In September and October, Yosemite's trees — dogwoods, maples, aspens and oaks — turn bright red, orange and yellow. For the best view, visit Red Meadows, Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile National Monument.

• Plumas County, starting near Chico — Along Main Street in Chester, maple trees turn golden. In the courthouse district of Quincy, silver maples turn fiery. Bucks Lake on Highway 26 offers great views and changing dogwood and aspen trees. Also visit the canyons in La Porte, the cottonwoods on Highway 70 and the Eastern section of volcanic rock at Frenchman Lake.

Savor a pint during Oktoberfest

The lederhosen, oompah bands and beer-drinking competitions are in Lodi again for the annual Oktoberfest celebration. There will be dancing, German music, contests and prizes for the entire family. This year, Oktoberfest will be sponsored by the Lodi Tokay Rotary club. The proceeds from this year's event will go toward the purchase of a commercial kitchen for the LOEL Center so it can continue to provide Lodi seniors with Meals on Wheels.

This year's Oktoberfest will take place at American Legion Hall, 320 N. Washington St. Bavarian dancers will perform, Don Sommerfeld will provide the live music for the evening, bratwurst and beer will be served, the mayor will tap the ceremonial old-fashioned keg and, of course, the chicken dance will get everyone up and out of their seats.

Oktoberfest will be Friday, Sept. 26 from 5:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Judy's Alteration Shop, Lodi Tire Service, LOEL Center and Sierra Adventure Outfitters.

Carve a pumpkin

In small patches and fields across Lodi, orange fruit peek through thick green leaves. They are the first of the autumn's pumpkin, and they're just about ready to be picked, carved and lit up on the front porch.

Pumpkin carving isn't just for kids. Adults get in on it too, carving starry nights or frightful faces that are sure to give every one the creeps when they knock on the door Halloween night.

Whether you want to make a simple Jack-o-Lantern or go all out with intricate details, here are some usual places where you can expect to find a perfect pumpkin this fall season:

• Brandon and Chelsea's Pumpkin Patch, corner of North Lower Sacramento and Taylor roads.

• Hedrick's Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 209 E. Highway 12, behind the Chili's restaurant.

• A Maze N Patch, corner of Lower Sacramento Road and Eight Mile Road.

• The Pumpkin Patch Trail at Phillips Farms, 4580 W. Highway 12

Family road trip to Apple Hill

Visiting Apple Hill every autumn is almost as much of family tradition as having turkey and cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving. Off of Highway 50, east of Placerville, Apple Hill was once comprised of 16 ranches. Today, it boasts 56 ranches, including Christmas tree growers, wineries, a micro-brewery, spa and vineyards.

Boa Vista Orchards is one of the main farms on Apple Hill. From apple turnovers to unpasteurized apple juice and apple butter, Boa Vista is the main stop.

Most of the ranches are open daily, from Labor Day weekend through Christmas.

For more information, visit http://www.applehill.com.

Other ways to embrace autumn

Visit college campuses with your high school students. It's that time of year for high school juniors and seniors to think about their next step. Are they staying home and going to San Joaquin Delta College or California State University, Sacramento, or are they looking at schools in San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara? Either way, they want to see their options — and as a parent, you do too. Fill up the gas tank, make a college-to-college map and enjoy a road trip before your nest becomes empty.

Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The Mexican holiday of Dia De Los Muertos is a a day to celebrate and remember the departed. In Mexico, streets near cemeteries fill with paper decorations, flowers, candy, decorative skulls and elaborate alters. On of the largest Dia De Los Muertos celebrations will take place in Oakland on Sunday, Oct. 26. For information, call (510) 436-6672 or visit http://www.unitycouncil.org/ddlm/

Get lost in a corn maze. When the night is dark and dewy, there's no better time to get lost in a corn maze. In the Lodi area, there are several, including A Maze N Patch and Hedrick's Farms Corn Maze. In Lathrop, the Dell'Oso Farms Pumpkin Patch, 26 Stewart Road has the largest corn maze in the area. It is open until Oct. 31.

Compiled by Lauren Nelson/Lodi Living Editor.

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