Fun Things to Do in Fall in VenturaCountyWest

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - October 15th, 2014 -

          Ventura County, Calif.—Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about weekend or even mid-week getaways. Whether it is picking pumpkins from local farms or celebrating the grape harvest with area wineries, fall is special time in VenturaCountyWest.

         Agriculture is big in VenturaCountyWest (the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura) so it is no wonder that the area has a multitude of farms offering locally grown pumpkins during October. For a total farming experience, go to McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkins in Ventura (hayrides, a hay maze and farm animals too). This fifth generation family farm, has been serving southern and central California for decades.

            Pete's Pumpkin Patch in Camarillo is also family run and operated. An entire hillside turns orange in October as it is covered with ripe pumpkins. Hop on Pete’s Pumpkin Express for a hayride, hike the hill to find the prefect pumpkin and try some of Pete’s famous pumpkin soda.           

            If picking pumpkins on Sunday, October 26, stop by Adolfo Camarillo's 150 Birthday Celebrationbetween noon and 4:00 p.m. at the Camarillo Ranch. Adolfo Camarillo was one of the founding fathers of the City of Camarillo. The celebration will include Folklorico dancers, mariachi music, old time fiddlers, renowned Camarillo white horses, tours of Camarillo’s historic 1892 Queen Anne Victorian house, authentic Mexican food and birthday cake. Admission is free.

            When wine takes preference over pumpkins, there is no better time to visit wineries than fall. Grape harvest is just finishing up and production and processing is in full swing. Flying under the radar for many years, Ventura County has now become a bona fide wine tasting destination. The Ventura County Winery Association is offering a 2014 harvest wine tasting passport. Present your passport at 10 participating wineries of your choice through December 30 to taste test their fine, artisan wines.

            Participating VenturaCountyWest wineries include Cantara Cellars, Camarillo Custom Crush Winery and San Vicente Cellars in Camarillo, Magnavino Cellars and Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard and Four Brix Winery,  Panaro Brothers Winery and Plan B Wine Cellars in Ventura.

            If you plan to make a weekend of your adventure to VenturaCountyWest, there are many lodging choices in all price ranges. For a list of options, as well as other fun things to do in the area, go to www.VenturaCountyWest.com.

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