It’s fall and have you noticed how everything is pumpkin spice this and that?  I personally prefer apples and the smell of a fresh apple pie baking!  There are many places where you can go and pick your own if you want the freshest of the fresh, apple picking is for tomatoes of all ages! It’s time for the annual SF open studio where you can visit new and established artists all over the fair city. My favorite form of art is dance (if you haven’t guessed by now), and the Dance Film Festival is a must see for me. Lastly, for you adventuring tomatoes and friends, you must check out this Shark Adventure at the Farallon Islands.

Apple Picking

An apple a day as they say…and should you have a hankering to pluck your own, you need only drive a short distance to do so. No matter where you live in the bay area, an orchard is only a day trip away.  Sebastopol is probably the most well known town to host orchards.

Gabriel Farm is a certified organic orchard where you can pick McIntosh apples and Asian Pears through mid-November. To participate you do have to become members of their CSA by purchasing a case of their juice. It is so worth it.

Just down the street is Ratzlaff Ranch. A true bargain at $1.50 a pound for Roman  Beauties and Golden Delicious. You can make a lot of apple crumbles for your friends and family. 707-823-0538

Heading south to Watsonville is Gizdich Ranch, a well- known fixture at many farmers’ markets. From September to May you can watch apples get pressed for juice and take home one of their out-of-this-world pies.

Another orchard located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Basin is Clearview Orchards.  They specialize in Gala, Fuji and my favorite Honey Crisp. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful terraced grounds.

Tomatoes – go forth and bake!

Open Art Studios

 It is time for the annual month long art event that showcases over 800 emerging and established San Francisco artists in their studios. Painting, photography, printmaking, glass, metal sculpture and more fabulous mediums can be discovered. This really special event connects collectors with artists so they can engage in first person dialogues and get a glimpse into the life of the working artist.  You can help new artists develop a following, and who knows, you may discover a work of art that will brighten your home.

For a preview of the artists head to SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street where you can find your favorites and then see them in action at their studio. Each weekend there is a schedule of where to find the artists. This weekend head to Hunters Point Shipyard and Islais Creek Studios and see the creativity that abounds. Every weekend through November 6^th you will discover a world of wonder. Get the details.

 San Francisco Dance Film Festival

Dance is this tomato’s favorite art form so this film festival that offers a kaleidoscopic look at dance in its varied forms, both old and new, compelled me to share with you. From the award-winning documentary on Rudolf Nureyev’s dramatic defection in Paris and a compelling story about Calisthenics, a unique form of competitive dancing in Australia, to topics featuring Memphis Jookin and hip-hop plus a revealing look at black dancers in the predominantly and historically white world of ballet, SFDFF’s line-up offer films that push the boundaries of great filmmaking and great dancing.

All films are shown at Brava Theater Center 2781 24^th Street. Over 70 films will be shown from October 20 – 23^rd. You can purchase individual tickets or a Festival Pass. I say go for the pass; too many you won’t want to miss. Get more details.

Shark Adventures

I know this may not be appealing to everyone, in fact there are most likely only a handful of Tomatoes who will say, “I must do this”. However, it was so interesting, that I decided to share. You may have friends, children or spouses who would love to experience the thrill of being under water with the sharks. The Farallon Islands, just off the Golden Gate Bridge are the winter home to one of the most significant white shark populations on the planet. You can take a one-day shark adventure that departs early in the a.m. from Pier 40.

After learning about the Farralons from the naturalist who guides you on the boat ride, you shimmy into your wetsuit and jump in. You can be a “cage diver”, no dive experience necessary, or you can be an observer. Would certainly make a unique gift for the underwater enthusiast! Get your shark on.