It’s February and here are some ways to wipe away the weather blues. The Orchid Expo is back with all its beauty, a feast for the eyes. BYOD (your dog) to the movies – smile! Sip and savor hundreds of wines at the annual Chronicle Wine competition – relax! Or try your hand at a “haunted” indoor mini-golf – Laugh!

Feb. 18. Chronicle Wine Competition

It’s time to visit the largest American wine tasting competition. Each year the Chronicle sponsors this well-known and very popular event. It is conducted by professional wine tasting judges (they didn’t ask this tomato, but they should have!) who sample and rate every wine submitted for consideration. Once they announce the winners, the wineries, along with hundreds of others, share their creations during the public wine tasting event in SF.

This year over 1,500 wineries submitted more than 5,000 wines! That’s a lot of grapes. During the event, Feb. 18th from 1:30 – 5, you can sample and chat with the winemakers. The event is so well attended because it is not just about tasting wines, it’s more about the overall food and wine tasting experience. Many local vendors will offer food samples and products for sale. Located at the Festival Pavillion in Fort Mason.  For tickets and more info: www.winejudging.com

Feb. 19. Dog Film Festival

What’s better than a dog film festival?  How about a BYOD (Bring your own Dog) film festival?  Tomatoes, grab your best friend (the four legged one) and head to the Roxie Theater.  Located right near Rescue Row on Alabama Street between 15th and 16th, The Roxie welcomes well-behaved pups to join their human companions. At noon and 2 you can watch short films that celebrate the remarkable bond between dogs and their people.

The event benefits San Francisco Animal Care & Control. The festival showcases two different 75 minute programs of short, canine-themed films submitted by filmmakers from around the world. Put rover in his/her best sweater and enjoy! For tickets: www.roxie.com

Feb. 24-26. Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition

Newly renamed and invigorated with more gardening tips, The Orchid Explosion has returned with new and exciting vendors. The largest Orchid show in the US moved to the San Francisco County Fair Building and features thousands of these exquisite natural works of art. This year the theme is “Big Ideas for Small Gardens”.

All you tomatoes who have downsized will love this. You will learn how to help plants thrive in apartments, on windowsills and in city environments. This tomato’s thumb is sorely not green, so I will make sure to visit the “Plant Doctors” for advice. Docent led tours will educate you as you wander through various intricate displays and view the award-winning flowers.  From February 24 – 26 1199 9^th Ave. SF. For more info: www.orchidsanfrancisco.org

Ghost Golf

It’s not October, that haunting month, but every day is spooky at Ghost Golf in Concord. For those rainy days, when you are looking for something unusual to do, this is your place. Ghost Golf is an innovative mini golf course and attraction. While you hit the little balls, you will be treated to the frightful crypts, skeletons and other graveyard designs that come to life around every corner.

Ok, it is mostly filled with little kidlets and families, but I always enjoy something for the young at heart. $15 for a round, but Groupon often has a special for you. If you are in the East Bay or headed that way, it is definitely worth a “swing”. Spooktacular I say! 4383 Clayton Rd. Concord.  For info: ghostgolfconcord.com