Autumn Travels Around the Area

With summer travel over and done, a new season of excursions is calling. Fall is the savvy traveler’s secret season, boasting ideal weather, fewer crowds, and shoulder season rates. Residing in the heart of California puts Sacramentans and foothill residents in a perfect starting location for accessing some of the West’s most prized destinations.

Lake Tahoe is at its finest in the fall. The crowds are gone, the aspens are at their brightest, and many lodging properties offer off-season steals. Head up on October 8 for a full moon kayak tour – a rare opportunity to marvel at the expansive nighttime skies.

While most destinations are experiencing a seasonal respite, Napa is bustling with activity. The grape harvest is reaching its peak and vintners have been noting the abundant and high quality nature of this year’s crop. Visitors can see it for themselves at any number of harvest festivals, which include everything from grape stomps to a lobster feed set in a vineyard.

We’re just a stone’s throw away from the coast and the “World Pumpkin Capital.” If you can’t make it to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival October 18 & 19, you can still make your way to the scenic seaside town and wander through the plethora of pumpkin patches lining and weaving through the hills off Highway One.

A lesser known locale and foothill favorite are the towns of Downieville and Sierra City. Nestled along the Yuba River, the early weeks of fall showcase a spectacular display of colors set against the pines, made only more perfect by the flowing sounds of the river. A (small) handful of inns and cabins offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of autumn in the mountains.