Since
I have been welcoming in the first day of Fall in Mau`i for the past 15 years,
where you cannot tell the difference between the end of summer and the
beginning of Autumn, I like to see the change when I return. Anyone who has driven along 101 from the Bay
Area on the way to the Monterey Peninsula or the Gilroy Outlets have probably seen
the Casa De Fruta billboards screaming Casa De Fruta, Casa De Wine, Casa De Restaurant,
Casa De Burrito, etc.. Located in Hollister,
it is only about 10-15 minutes from the Gilroy outlets so perfect for picking
up additional gifts for the foodies in your life as after all, it is only 71
days until Christmas. You can easily spend
an hour picking up their packaged items like dried dates, dried fruits, trail
mix, and nuts or choose from the pay per lb. area, although this year I noticed
that the prices have increased quite a bit.
My
favorite time of year to visit is early fall when they unveil their Pumpkin Junction
outside which like I said is synonymous with autumn for me.
Different varieties of pumpkins are out there
for you to feast your eyes on and available for purchase if you so desire,
a teepee if you need to rest your feet or to get out of the sun
and the family
friendly Casa De Choo Choo,
Casa De Carousel,
and Casa De Sluice
to entertain the family or those of us who are young at heart. For the third year, I found myself aboard the Casa De Choo Choo with the seats all decked out in autumn décor.
This train ride goes through the grounds with peacocks and peahens roaming freely
and this year even a peachick,
more painted signs than those billboards you saw on the freeway, Casa De Bank,
Casa De Barn,
Casa De Mercantile,
Casa De Hotel and Saloon.
Not quite It’s A Small World but for $4.50 a person, it is a fun way to spend 12 minutes on a mild warm autumn morning before checking out the turtles lounging in the sun
or frolicking in the water.
A quick lunch at less touristy Casa De Burrito
which happens to be inside the Chevron gas station before heading over to the Gilroy outlets either for a shopping spree for yourself or to start that Christmas shopping before the crowds. If Costco is any indication, it will be here before you know it. But for now, enjoy the colors of Fall at Casa De “Pumpkin” running from October 1st through the 31st from 8am-8pm.
a teepee if you need to rest your feet or to get out of the sun
Casa De Carousel,
and Casa De Sluice
to entertain the family or those of us who are young at heart. For the third year, I found myself aboard the Casa De Choo Choo with the seats all decked out in autumn décor.
This train ride goes through the grounds with peacocks and peahens roaming freely
and this year even a peachick,
more painted signs than those billboards you saw on the freeway, Casa De Bank,
Casa De Barn,
Casa De Mercantile,
Casa De Hotel and Saloon.
Not quite It’s A Small World but for $4.50 a person, it is a fun way to spend 12 minutes on a mild warm autumn morning before checking out the turtles lounging in the sun
or frolicking in the water.
which happens to be inside the Chevron gas station before heading over to the Gilroy outlets either for a shopping spree for yourself or to start that Christmas shopping before the crowds. If Costco is any indication, it will be here before you know it. But for now, enjoy the colors of Fall at Casa De “Pumpkin” running from October 1st through the 31st from 8am-8pm.
Tips:
1.
Although
it coincides with the Northern California Renaissance Faire nearby, they have a
separate parking area for the Fruit Stand so as long as you arrive in the
morning, we never had problems finding a space in the lot.
2.
The
plastic bag ban is in effect in Santa Clara so bring your own bags if you do
not want to pay for it.
3.
My
favorite weekend to go is the first weekend of October
Casa De
Fruta - http://www.casadefruta.com/visit/events.php
10021
Pacheco Pass HighwayHollister, CA 95023
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