October? Seriously?! Well it’s still a month full of good things. “The California Avocado Festival,” one of my favorites, is going virtual with a little twist.  There is a break in the fires in the San Bernardino Mountains, so Tomatoes can make a day trip to pick your own fresh juicy apples. The Oakridge Estate in Northridge is a cultural landmark that has quite a story. Hint, hint…Barbara Stanwyck once owned it. Descanso Gardens is celebrating Halloween all month. Despite the fires, our 3T Napa Valley Wine Experience with Grgich Estates is a go! And if you need a little focus and clarity, listen into this week’s podcast.

Join Us for an Exclusive Napa Valley Wine Experience

We are excited to virtually take you to Napa Valley to one of their most prestigious vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate. Despite the fires, this event is still a go. Your award-winning premium wines for the tasting can be ordered in advance and delivered to your door before the event (ordered by Oct. 14th.) And we will have an exclusive tour and conversation with the winemakers.  GET THE DETAILS.

Oct 2-3.  California Virtual AVOFEST 

Carpinteria Valley along with Santa Barbara County, is the 3rd largest producer of avocados in North America. So, it’s a no-brainer for them to host one of the largest, free, family friendly music festivals in California, The California Avocado Festival.  Don’t worry…despite Covid… they are continuing the tradition… virtually, Tomatoes.  Yay!

AVOFEST will feature unique viewing parties for live musical performances, access to Avocado Festival foods, links to commercial vendors and sponsors, virtual contests and pop-up stores with special, early access to collectible merchandise, including three T-shirt designs and the 34th Annual California Avocado Festival poster. And in conjunction with the Virtual California Avocado Festival, AVO food fans can visit the following restaurant patios that will be serving up special avocado inspired dishes.

The California Avocado Festival a platform for local nonprofits and service organizations to raise funds for their worthy causes, and most importantly, its dedication to raising scholarship funds for local youth. So, Tomatoes, donations are needed now more than ever.

Do you find you never have enough time? Are your days filled with things you don’t really enjoy? Do you have days when you feel scattered? Well here to help us find clarity, focus, and fulfillment is Deborah Goldstein, who is founder of Driven Professionals and creator of new tool kit and e-course, Intentional Productivity that will help you do just that. AND, she’s offering Tomatoes a 10% discount with code “tomato.” LISTEN IN HERE.

October 1 – October 31. Halloween at Descanso

Throughout the month of October, celebrate Halloween at Descanso Gardens. The whole Tomato family can enjoy a pumpkin-filled extravaganza that invites guests to safely wind their way through socially distanced, pumpkin-themed displays. It is the season, Tomatoes!

For a full-on Fall experience, the Kitchen at Descanso will have a variety of warm, fall-inspired drinks and soups available, along with seasonal favorites such as caramel corn and churros. Oooooh Yum! Advance tickets are required for non-members and can be purchased at descansogardens.org/tickets and members do not need to reserve tickets. On Halloween night, October 31, Descanso will offer extended hours for Family Plus Members. I’m a member Tomatoes, and I am so glad I joined. 

Apple Pickin’ at Willowbrook Apple Farm

When you think of LA and SoCal you think of citrus fruit trees galore but… apples? Not so much.  After a very long few weeks and two evacuations, Willowbrook Apple Farm is back open for their official “U-Pick” apple season. Woo Hoo! If you’d like some juicy sweetness that isn’t a tomato, then this apple farm is only an hour’s drive from LA, Tomatoes. Is your mouth watering yet?

The Willowbrook Farm’s country store will be open with u-press apple cider and meet and greets with all the resident animals who would love you to say “Hello”. This quaint country farm boasts a 100-year-old Winesap apple orchard.  If you wish to visit more apple farms when you are in the area there are several along the same road…Oak Glen Drive. Great way to ring in the fall Tomatoes.

Oct. 3. The Oakridge Estates Story

It is hard to imagine an Irish Farmhouse on a 120-acre hilltop in the San Fernando Valley, but in 1936 film star Barbara Stanwyck collaborated with architect Paul R. Williams to create just that. Today it is LA City Historical Cultural Monument #484 and you can join the virtual celebration and exploration of The Oakridge Estates Story, Tomatoes.

Friends of Oakridge are hosting the “The Oakridge Story” virtual event with an overview of the history of the Oakridge Estate.  The narrated presentation will be told through the use of archival photos, aerial images and vintage maps, as well as newspaper clippings, brochures, advertisements and magazine covers from the period.  Following the historic journey, you can take a sneak peek at the current conditions of the home and the grounds and a panel of Oakridge docents will be on hand to answer questions about the rich history of the property and ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the residence and surrounding landscape. I’ve driven by the estate that you can barely see from the road because of all the trees and never knew its significance.  You can be sure I’ll be in tuning in, Tomatoes, to this fascinating presentation.