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Season of Harvest: Bay Area Day Trips

The fruity aroma of apples fresh off the tree, the glorious autumn-orange shades of pumpkins, and the grape harvest events offered by California’s wine country – all of these, and more, present ideal opportunities for fun, fabulous, and family-friendly day trips. 

Check out the locations below, all within a two-hour drive (or less!) from Hotel Spero.

First, take a bite out of fall from a basket filled with crisp, juicy apples. Autumn is prime apple-picking time here, and the Bay Area offers a wide selection of orchards from which to choose, such as the following: Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch, Chileno Valley Ranch, Clearview Orchards, Gizdich Ranch, and Live Earth Farm.

Next, pick out that perfect pumpkin for your Halloween Jack O’ Lantern at any of the places listed here. Most of these also feature such extras as hay rides, crafts, foods, entertainment, and games. Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch, Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm, and McClelland's Dairy Organic Farm & Pumpkin Patch.

Finally, whether you’re an established oenophile or a cork-sniffing newbie, a visit to the land where the grape is grown is a must. Many wineries host hands-on harvest events, grape-stomping parties, and other related activities.Thankfully, there are several select wineries that welcome children, and even pets, on the premises. Here are four of our favorites: Castello di Amorosa, Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford Hill Winery, and Sterling Vineyards.

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