Holiday events in San Francisco!

Snowflakes on Market Street 

Nov. 18, 2010 until mid-January 2011 

More than 140 five-foot-wide energy-saving LED illuminated snowflakes will decorate Market Street’s signature “Path of Gold” light poles this winter from Second to Sixth Street. A lighting ceremony, featuring dancers from the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. near the cable car turnaround at Powell and Market streets. The event is free.
For information visit www.marketstreetassociation.org.

Embarcadero Center’s Building Lighting
Nov. 19, 2010, 4 p.m. The 24th annual lighting of the Embarcadero Center’s distinctive towers with more than 17,000 lights is prefaced with a Winter Carnival on the street level starting at 4 p.m., 5:30 entertainment, 6 p.m. opening ceremony and Disney on Ice performance followed by the countdown to the building lighting and fireworks display.
Ice rink reopens to the public after 8 p.m.
www.embarcaderocenter.com/ec/attractions.

Home for the Holidays at the Hyatt Regency
Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 2010 The Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, is starting a new tradition this season. Complementing thousands of cascading lights and a 45-foot-tree in its dramatic atrium lobby, snow will fall three times a day at 1, 6 and 8 p.m. The hotel will also offer an entire wish list of holiday activities, including the signature tree and interior lobby lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19, breakfast with Santa 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday and Sunday in December through Dec. 19.
 www.sanfranciscohyattregency.com.

Pier 39 Tree Lighting
Nov. 21, 2010, 1-6 p.m. Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites will participate in Pier 39’s tree lighting celebration. The majestic tree in the entrance plaza will be lit at 5:30 p.m.
www.pier39.com.

Deck the Holidays at Westin St. Francis
Nov. 24, 2010 Ongoing The Westin St. Francis will be transformed into a festive oasis, embellished with more than $60,000 in spectacular holiday decorations created by Joe Vincent Designs.
www.westinstfrancis.com.

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 26, 2010, 5:30 p.m. Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point, comes alive with colorful performers, music, the arrival of Santa and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up the night.
www.ghirardellisq.com.

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Nov. 26, 2010, 6-7 p.m. The 21st annual illumination of Macy’s Great Tree includes musical guest Katharine McPhee and a visit from Santa. Also a special cast member from Shrek The Musical will light up the stage as the tree is lit.  More than 1,500 ornaments adorn the tree; sponsor a light on the tree for $5. Proceeds benefit the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. For information visit www.macys.com/believe.

Castro Holiday Tree Lighting
Nov. 29, 2010, 6 p.m. Merchants of Upper Market and Castro present their annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, Bank of America Plaza, 18th and Castro Streets. Enjoy holiday carols from the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Chorus and Metropolitan Community Church Choirs. There will also be special guests, and the arrival of Santa and Ms. Claus and their elves. Merchants in the area will be open late, offering holiday specials and discounts.
www.castromerchants.com.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 1, 2010, 5:30- 7:30 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco’s holiday season begins at twilight when the hotel’s 40-foot holiday tree is illuminated by Santa Claus and his little helper from the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. This special evening in the porte cochere includes Dickens-era costumed carolers, hot apple cider, roasted chestnuts, holiday confections and visits with Santa after the ceremony.
www.ritzcarlton.com.

Menorah Lighting in Union Square
Dec. 1-9, 2010 A tradition that dates back for several decades, the giant menorah in Union Square will be lit each evening as part of Hannukkah festivities.
For information visit www.chabadsf.org.

Union Street Fantasy of Lights
Dec. 4, 2010, 3 to 7 p.m. On Union between Van Ness and Steiner Street, costumed characters, Santa, merchant open houses and activities for children launch the holiday season along this San Francisco famous street. For information visit www.sresproductions.com orwww.unionstreetsf.com.

STUDIO GROW...

Today, we met a friend at Studio Grow in Concord.  It is a great location for indoor play.  As the weather starts to turn more winter like, it is going to more important to find great locations like this one.  Studio Grow has one spot in Concord and another in Berkeley.  It is the perfect place for creative play and is appropriate for ages 0-6yrs.  The building is divided by play spaces focused on different themes.  The front room has lots of wooden toys including train tables and shapes and blocks as well as puzzles and things.  Behind that there is a space that is set up like a real kitchen with a dining table with chairs and play food.  There is a festive dance room with fun music, wooden floors, flashing lights and dress up clothes with lots of mirrors all around!  In the back they have a large arts and crafts room and gym room.  The gym section has slides and ride on toys and there is an instructor that leads tumbling and fun activities at scheduled times through out the day.  They even have a lunch room for you to bring your lunch and take a break from all the excitement!  It really has it all, and you can truly sit back and let your child enjoy themselves!

Pumpkin Patches- Sonoma, Marin and Napa County

Sonoma County

• Anderson Organic Vegetable Stand & Pumpkin Patch - ORGANIC, pumpkins
  4588 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone: 707-763-3852. June-October Daily
• Adobe Pumpkin Farm - pumpkins, tomatoes, vegetables, fresh-cut flowers
  2478 East Washington Street, Petaluma, CA 95954. Phone: 707-763-6416. Open: September 21-October 31, 2007, 10 am-6 pm.
• Bengs-Best Ranch - Pick-Your-Own pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds
  4600 Todd Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Phone: 707-823-3484. Open daily 9 AM-6 PM, October 1 thru Halloween.
• Brian Ranch Airport - apples, apricots, Asian pears, cherries, nectarines, peaches and pears.
  34810 Largo Visa Rd, Llano, CA. Phone: 661-261-3216. Email: felice@brianranch.com. Airplane flights available.
• Cardoza's Pumpkin Farm - see Tolay Lake Regional Park, below.
  Sonoma County Regional Parks now owns the farm.
• Halloween House Tour - haunted house tour
  Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth Street, Petaluma, CA, 94952. Phone: (707) 762-3456. Email us at: heritagehomes@widerview.com. . This is a fun & spooky tour of some of Petaluma's most mysterious historic homes decorated for an old-fashioned Halloween. Costumed docents share the real (and Surreal) history & lore about the homes and their previous inhabitants. Light Refreshments are served. The perfect combination of spine tingling old houses and history for adults and children of all ages. Proceeds benefit the Heritage Homes of Petaluma "Revolving Preservation Fund".
• Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm - Pumpkin Patch, strawbale castle maze, Christmas Trees
  961 Chapman Lane, Petaluma 94952. Phone: 707-763-4678.Open weekends from October 8 thru the end of the month.
• Love Farms Organic Produce - Certified Organic, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  15069 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448. Phone: 707-433-1230. Alternate Phone: 707 433-6274. Email: rlove@lovefarms.com. Open: Everyday at 126 North St; 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Updates: Click here for updates. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. We are certified organic for all crops! Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. (ADDED: April 07, 2009)
• Muelrath Ranches - follows organic methods, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, events at your location (call for info)
  3800 Walker Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407. Phone: 707 585-2195. Directions: For a map to our location please visit our website. Click here for a map and directions. Crops are usually available in September, October, November. Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday September 27,2008 to October 31, 2008. Harvest begins September 15th-20 Thursday, 2008; Pumpkin patch is open September 27,2008 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31, 2008; Please check our website for special events. We follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check.
• PaPa's Pumkin Patch - pumpkin patch-pick in the field, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, school tours
  13110 Occidental Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Phone: 707 874 9070. Email: dlratz@comcast.net. Open: Every day 10am to 6pm. Directions: From highway 116 Sebastopol, go West 5 miles on Occidental Road. Click here for a map and directions. Pumpkin Patch is open October 1st through October 31st. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. Fresh Apples Golden Delicious. (ADDED: October 05, 2009) (UPDATED: October 13, 2009)
• Petaluma Pumpkin Patch & Amazing Corn Maze - pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo
  550 Stony Point Road, Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone: 707-763-3132. Directions: North on Hwy 101- take the Old Redwood Hwy/Penngrove Exit. Go back over the freeway & take the 1st Rt. onto Stony Point Road. South on Hwy 101- take the Petaluma Blvd. North/Penngrove Exit. Turn Rt. at the stop light. Take the 1st Rt. onto Stony Point Road. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Crops are usually available in October. Open: Free parking & free admission to the pumpkin patch Sunday- Thursday 10am to 6pm Friday- Saturday 10am to 10pm opening day 2005- September 30th at 10am Payment: Cash, Check. You can search the patch for the perfect pumpkin or stroll the on-site market place for squash, gourds, and pumpkins from Farmer Jim's other fields. Don't miss the Friday & Saturday "Night Maze". Be sure to check out the "special events" page on our web site! Happy Halloween!!
• Peterson's Pumpkins & Dried Flowers - pumpkins, dried flowers, wreaths
  636 Gossage Avenue, Petaluma, CA. 94952. Phone: 707-765-4582. Open daily 10 AM-6 PM. in October.
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  5495 Redwood Highway, Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: Beginning September 24, 2010 am to Friday 12 pm to 7 pm, Saturday - Sunday 10 am to 7 pm Beginning October 22, 2010 thru October 31, 2010 am to Open 7 days a week 10 am to 7 pm. Directions: Located at 5495 Redwood Highway at the Sonoma-Marin County Border on Northbound side of Highway 101. Located 7 miles north of Downtown Novato Exit and 3 miles south of Petaluma Boulevard South exit. Farm is located where old drive in movie theatre used to be. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Local fruit and sunflowers will be available for sale at this location. Pumpkin Slingshot will also be available on weekends. (UPDATED: August 17, 2010) (ADDED: October 12, 2009)
• Spring Hill Jersey Cheese Company - ORGANIC, corn maze, Pick your own pumpkins, hayrides, Hay Maze, Dig for potatoes,
  4235 Spring Hill Road, Petaluma, CA, 94952. Phone: 707-762-3446. Email: springhillcheese@yahoo.com. Directions: Click here for a map. Open: October 1-31, daily from 9 am to dusk. See the peter pumpkin patch. There are restrooms, cheese tasting, cow milking, taste homemade Spring Hill Cheese, fresh homemade ice cream, Free Parking.
• Tolay Lake Regional Park (Former Cardoza Pumpkin Farm) - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, straw or hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, , prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  Cannon Lane off Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA 94954. Phone: (707) 565-2041. Fax: (707) 579-8247. Email: mclemens@sonoma-county.org. Directions: Take 101 to Lakeville Highway east. Go ~ 2miles to Cannon Lane, turn right and follow signs to end of road. Cannon Lane at Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October. Open: Friday - Sunday 10am to 6pm open to the public Weekdays available for school groups, call (707)539 to 2865. Tolay Fall Festival the 2nd and 3rd weekends in October. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. The Festival will again highlight our natural, agricultural and cultural heritage through recreation, farm products, food, fun, and of course, pumpkins! Festival is free to the public with $5/vehicle parking fee. Call for information on school field trip fees.

Marin County

• Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch - Pumpkin Patch, hay rides, hay mazes, jumpy houses, and farm animals
  5300 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio, CA. Phone: (415) 662-9100. Open: September 29-October 31, 2007, 10 am-6 pm. No admission charge. Also has a BBQ every weekend.

Napa County

• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins (American Canyon) - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  4225 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days a week for the month of October; Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Friday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. Directions: Located on Highway 29 directly across from Wal-Mart in American Canyon, CA. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. With 18 pumpkin patches serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Pick of the Patch Pumpkins has something for everyone. We offer a wide variety of inflatable amusements including bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses for the kids as well as different types of pumpkins, retail stores and much much more. Come visit a lot nearest you today and check out our new website. (ADDED: September 14, 2010)
• Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch - Pumpkin Patch, farm animals
  3100 Golden Gate Dr., Napa, CA. Phone: 707-253-7512. Open: September 22-October 31, 2007, 10 am-7 pm. There is a field with a straw pyramid for the children and adults to climb on made of about 1,800 bales of straw and is 13 layers high. The pyramid also has a maze in it. No admission charge.

Pumpkin Patches- San Francisco

San Francisco County

• Clancy's Christmas Trees & Pumpkin Patch - pumpkins, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, prepicked produce, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  1620-7th Avenue Cross Street : Lawton, San Francisco, CA 94122. Phone: 415-753-2689. Email: clancystrees@sbcglobal.net. Directions: And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October, November, December. Open: Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm. Our Pumpkin Patch is open from October 1 through October 31 from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm We re-open for Christmas trees on Thanksgiving Day and will be open from 9:00 am until 11:00 pm through Christmas Eve. Payment: Cash, Visa/MasterCard. Clancy's Christmas Trees and Pumpkins is a three generation, San Francisco company, first opening for business in December 1949. Visiting the patch in October, you will find pumpkins of all sizes and shapes. Gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn are in abundance. Come see the ghosts in our trees, the scarecrows in our patch, and crawl through our hay maze. You can even take a hay ride in the middle of San Francisco! School groups are invited to attend. (UPDATED: September 29, 2008)
• The Great Pumpkin Patch - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, wagon rides, prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  371 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94122. Phone: 415 595-1478. Fax: 415-386-9293. Email: cyrilhackett@yahoo.com. Directions: Corner of 19th Avenue & Sloat Blvd San Francisco (2 blocks north of Stonestown). And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October, November, December. Open: 9am to 9pm every day until Halloween. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, AmEx. Enter a beautifully designed pumpkin patch laid out with winding paths of magnificent pumpkins surrounded by huge bins of assorted mini pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and baby bear pumpkins. See the Gothic couple cutout, Mickey, Ma & Pa Pumpkinhead, Barney, etc.(great photo op) The haunted house was created and designed by our beautiful and talented Juliet. Especially for kids: a secure toy area, rocking horses, kids hay maze, a Bouncy Castle & Slide. (ADDED: October 19, 2008) (UPDATED: October 23, 2009)

Pumpkin Patches- East Bay!

Contra Costa County

• Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm & Christmas Trees - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, train rides, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  1060 Pine Lane, Clayton, CA 94517. Phone: 925-672-5198. Email: info@cvpumpkinfarm.com. Directions: From 24 east, take the Ygnacio Valley Road exit. Follow Ygnacio Valley road for approximately 7.5 miles and turn right onto Clayton Road. Follow Clayton Road for 4 miles. Clayton Road will turn into Marsh Creek Road. (It is best to avoid downtown Clayton and stay on the main road). Once Marsh Creek Road narrows down to a two lane road, look to the right for Pine Lane and turn right. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October, November, December. Open: for pumpkins September 29th - October 31st, 2007. 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Open for Christmas Trees November 23rd - December 16th, 2007. 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekends. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard. 2008 Spring Open House dates: Saturday, April 28th and Saturday, May 10th. Join us for children's stations about bugs, plants, and worms. Fun activities include train rides, duck races, farm animals, children's crafts, scavenger hunts and more. Farm themed children's birthday parties are hosted at the farm from May through August. Appropriate for children ages 3 to 6. Activities include train rides, duck races, giant lima bean pot, farm animal lunch, TractorVille, egg hunt in the chicken coop. Call for reservations.
• Enos Family Farms - Follows organic practices, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, restrooms
  Marsh Creek Road At The Corner Of Walnut Boulevard, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: 925-437-9973. Alternate Phone: 925-437-9787. Email:enosfamily@enosfamilyfarms.com. Open: October: Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm; Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Pumpkin updates: Click here for updates. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Cherries: May to June, Apricots: June to July. We follow organic practices, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: September 20, 2010)
• Forest Home Farms - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, train rides, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, petting zoo, birthday parties, school tours
  19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon, CA 94583. Phone: 9259733284. Fax: 9255561961. Email: kgiuliano@sanramon.ca.gov. Open: October 3 to October 31, 10 am to 8 pm daily. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Forest Home Farms is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon, between the Bollinger and Alcosta exits off the 680 freeway. Click here for a map and directions. Visit Moore’s Pumpkin Patch at Forest Home Farms; Pick a pumpkin and enjoy some old-fashioed fun on the farm; Forest Home Farms is a 16 to acre historic site that is on the National Register of Historic Places; The site includes two historic homes, and a Tractor Museum with over 30 restored antique tractors. Payment: Cash, Check. On Saturday mornings, there is a Farmers Market at the site with lots of vendors, entertainment and a food court. (ADDED: September 23, 2009)
• McKinney Farms - A Peachy Place- peaches, apricots, nectarines, white nectarines, and plums.
  25221 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA. Phone: 925-634-7350. U-pick and picked peaches (white, freestone, and cling), apricots (Blenheim and Katy), nectarines, white nectarines, and plums. Fruit stand also offers picked vegetables and melons in season, dried fruits, and refreshments.
• Nunn Better Farms - cherries and apples
  830 Sunset Rd, Brentwood, CA. Phone: 925-634-6173. U-pick cherries (late May), picked corn (early June), bell peppers (mid-June), and apples (late July through December). Pre-picked produce sold by the box only.
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  4000 San Pablo Avenue, Hercules, CA 94547. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days a week for the month of October; Sunday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Friday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. Directions: Located off Route 80 at the Route 4 exit in Hercules. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Come pick your pumpkin and let your children play on our large inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses for the month of October. (ADDED: August 22, 2010)
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  1450 Fitzgerald Drive, Pinole, CA 94564. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days a week for the month of October; Sunday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Friday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. Directions: Located in the Pinole Vista Shopping Center in front of Michaels. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Come pick your pumpkin and let your children play on our large inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses for the month of October. (ADDED: August 22, 2010)
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  Delta Fair Blvd. And Century Blvd., Antioch, CA 94509. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days a week for the month of October; Sunday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Friday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. Directions: Located on the corner of Delta Fair Blvd and Century Blvd. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Come pick your pumpkin and let your children play on our large inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses for the month of October. (ADDED: August 22, 2010)
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, school tours
  1047 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA 94553. Phone: 808-268-3158. Email: pickofthepatchpumpkins@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days a week for the month of October; Sunday - Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Friday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm. Directions: Click here for a map and directions.Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Come pick your pumpkin and let your children play on our large inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses for the month of October. (ADDED: August 22, 2010)
• The Pumpkin Patch on Orchard Lane - follows organic methods, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field,
  2260 Concord Avenue Brentwood, Brentwood, CA 94513. Phone: 925-516-1365. Email: orchardlanepumpkinpatch@gmail.com. Directions: From The Highway 4 bypass go east on Marsh creek road. Make a left on Walnut. left on Concord Avenue Left on Orchard lane. We are on the left side of orchard lane. Follow the signs. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October. Open: Friday Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Open Halloween day from 11:08 to 6:00. From October 12th - 31st. We follow organic practices, but are not seeking certification. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: October 12, 2008) (UPDATED: May 25, 2010)
• Smith Family Farms - pumpkins, pumpkin patch, hayrides, tunnel of hay, a barnyard where kids can pet the farm animals, picnic area, and a replica of a Miwok Indian village.
  4430 Sellers Rd, Brentwood, CA. Phone: 925-625-5966. Directions: in Eastern Contra Costa County, about 45 minutes east of Oakland or one hour from San Francisco; call for detailed directions. Open: daily from June through October and throughout the month of December for Christmas trees; the rest of the year, open by appointment only. U-pick and picked boysenberries, tomatoes (50 varieties including Roma, beefsteak, and heirloom), peppers (15 types of hot and sweet), and a wide selection of other vegetables, herbs, stone fruits, apples, and fresh-cut flowers. Fall pumpkin harvest hayrides and special events offered. Picnic area. A visitor writes: "They have a marvelous collection of unusual heirloom tomatoes, all kinds of other vegetables, Brentwood sweet corn. They also have seasonal fruits. You can pick or they have a stand you can buy from with very reasonable hours. Their prices are very good also. At Halloween and Christmas they have special hayrides and barn activities for the kids along with corn and hay mazes. I am a very satisfied customer. "

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom....

I'm planning a trip back to Discovery Kingdom in the next couple weeks with some friends and I am really looking forward to it. However, we just realized that the Park is only open on the weekends, so we are a little disappointed as its so hard to coordinate an open weekend for everyone. I really want to take G back now that she is older, we went this time last year with her older cousins, but she was still small and not walking yet. So it will be great to see what she thinks of it this year!!

Here are some pictures from our last visit!

A place to cool off....

We have had some nice warm (HOT!) weather this week, and finding a place to cool off is crucial. Here are some kid friendly locations in the North Bay Area...

Santa Rosa:

Finley Aquatic Center

2060 W. College Ave. (At Stony Point Rd.)
(707) 543-3760
$4 Adults (18 - 54)
$3 Children
$3 Seniors (55+)
Open (for 2007) June 4 to August 19
1:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Monday – Friday
11:30 a.m – 1:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Shallow pool open from 1:30 to 6 p.m.)
August 13 to November 7 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday

Notes:

• complex consists of a large training pool, an L-shaped instructional pool, and a 1-foot enclosed wading pool
• facility is fully ADA accessible with pool ramp and wheel chair lift
• spacious locker rooms with full shower facilities and coin-operated lockers.
• concession stand
• diving boards
• lifeguards

Ridgway Swim Center

455 Ridgway Ave.
(707) 543-3421
$4 Adults (18 - 54)
$3 Children
$3 Seniors
Open (for 2007) June 4 to August 12
Noon to 1 p.m. Monday – Friday
1:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Friday
August 12 to October 7
1:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., weekends only

Notes:

• 140 ft waterslide
• 25 yard by 25 yard
• 9 lane competition pool
• 2 - 3 1/2 foot deep instructional pool
• mushroom fountain
• locker room areas
• ADA accessibility throughout the facility including a wheelchair lift
• lifeguards

Sonoma County YMCA

1111 College Ave.
(707) 545-9622

Notes:

• Typically, the pools are open only to members. But, non-members can use them during certain hours each day. Some of the longer chunks of time include:
  Fridays: 2:30 - 8:30 in the small pool; 3 - 5 in the large pool
  Saturdays: 1:30 - 4:30 in both pools
  Sundays: 12:30 - 5 in both pools
  Call first in case of schedule changes.
• Both pools are indoor.
• The small pool is shallow and warm. Even though it is indoor, it's by many windows and gets plenty of sunlight.

Spring Lake

391 Violetti Dr.
(Between Howarth Park and Annadel State Park)
(707) 539-8092
Open: from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Parking: $6 parking per vehicle

Notes:

• 3-acre swimming lagoon
• sandy beach
• concession stand
• picnic areas
• lifeguards

Rohnert Park:

Honeybee Pool
1170 Golf Course Drive 586-1413

Rohnert Park's busiest pool is popular with families and lap swimmers. "H-Pool" is equipped with a one-meter diving board and has a child's wading pool. Lap swim sessions are offered year-round as well as water exercise classes.

Sebastopol:

Ives Pool

Healdsburg:

Healdsburg Community Swimming Pool

60 Monte Vista Avenue.

Two pools; 60’ x 92’ public swim, and 20’ x 30’ tiny tot pool.

Info - 431-1109, Office - 431-3613 or 431-3617

Petaluma:

The Petaluma Swim Center
900 E. Washington Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-778-4410

Open Seasonally. The Petaluma Swim Center has a 50-meter heated outdoor pool and a heated wading pool from 2-3 feet deep. The complex includes heated showers, dressing rooms, a large deck and picnic areas.

The Cavanagh Pool
8th & G Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-778-4536

Open Seasonally. The Cavanagh Pool is a 20yd x 6yd heated outdoor pool. 3ft to 6ft deep. Water temperature is approximately 86 degrees. Full stairs at one end of the pool. Pool area is sheltered on all sides by walls. Entrance is on 'G' Street.