West Coasters don't need to board a cross-country flight to enjoy a picture-perfect autumnal weekend. All they have to do is venture to Julian, California, otherwise known as the "Apple Capital of Southern California. This small mountain town, population 1,491, is a year-round destination, but it's particularly magical in late September, October, and early November. As fall arrives, visitors come to Julian-which sits in the Cuyamaca Mountains, about 60 miles outside of downtown San Diego-with a few fall activities on their to-do list.
The mornings are getting chillier, the sun is slipping below the horizon earlier and it's time to break out the sweaters. That means autumn is officially nearing, bringing with it some excellent fall festivals that we've been looking forward to for months, especially during those sweltering summer days. Both the Feast of San Gennaro and Oktoberfest celebrations kick off this week, treating New Yorkers to some of the best eating and drinking all year long.
Pub in the Park: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 6, Red Morton Park, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City. Enjoy the last session in this summer series with the tunes of bluegrass group Savannah Blu while sampling local microbrews, ciders or seltzers and eating from a nearby food truck. tinyurl.com/pubinpark. Sample the Sierra: 12-4 p.m., Sept. 6, Bijou Community Park, 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Taste offerings from 25+ wine, beer and spirit vendors and 20+ food vendors at this farm-to-form festival with live music and artisan vendors; $65. samplethesierra.com. Bonny Doon Art, Wine + Brew Festival: 2-7 p.m., Sept. 6, Crest Ranch, 12200 Empire Grade, Bonny Doon. Sip craft brews, wines, and soak up the art of local vendors while supporting local public education in the Santa Cruz Mountains. $39. bonnydoonartandwinefestival.com.