Pumpkins Abound Along the Half Moon Bay Coastside in California

Farmer John's Pumpkins

Enjoy a World-Renowned Pumpkin Festival, Pumpkin-Inspired Dishes,
Spa Treatments and Festivities Throughout the Season

There is no better place to celebrate the wonders of the fall season than along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Fondly regarded as the pumpkin capital of the world, this beautiful coastal region, located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, produces more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins every year. Visitors will delight in the area’s brilliant orange pick-your-own-pumpkins and scenic backdrop of rich fall colors. The local menus are brimming over with pumpkin-inspired delights such as pumpkin risotto, pumpkin cheesecake, and even pumpkin beer on tap! Those seeking an unforgettable seasonal indulgence can experience the merriment with specialty pumpkin spa experiences.

Below is a summary of pumpkin-related events, dining experiences, spa treatments and more along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. To plan a trip, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.organd also download iCoastside to access information on the region’s cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted.

- EVENTS -

14th Annual Bernese Mountain Dog Day at Famer John’s Pumpkin Patch (free!)

Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Farmer John’s pumpkin patch is sponsoring the 14th Annual Mountain Dog Day! Last year, there were over 140 Bernese Mountain Dogs who visited Farmer John’s pumpkin patch. Berner friends will be accompanied by John’s Bernese, Clara Honey, and her cousin Chloe, who will be ready to welcome their old and new pals. Farmer John will be ready to give hayrides for his furry friends. 800 North Cabrillo Highway, 650) 726-4980, www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com.

Ninth Annual Hand-Blown Art Glass Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 8-9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Half Moon Bay Art Glass will transform the grounds of La Nebbia Winery into a glistening glass pumpkin patch featuring the work of glass blower Douglass C. Brown. This artistic installation will feature hundreds of one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins available for purchase, each one personally handcrafted by Brown, who works year round to create this spectacular display. For those who wish to create their own piece of art, HMB Art Glass offers several classes each day throughout the year. La Nebbia Winery will be open for guests to partake in wine tasting and to purchase bottles of wine, while bocce ball courts will offer fun for everyone. Classes start as low as $59 per person. Ask for the "Visit Half Moon Bay" special rate for up to 50% off website pricing. La Nebbia Winery, 12341 San Mateo Road on Hwy. 92, (650) 283-5626, www.hmbartglass.com.

43rd Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off (free!)

Oct. 10, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Superstar Gourd Growing Greats and their hard-to-believe, titanic orange orbs gather for the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay. A special $30,000 bonus mega-prize will be awarded to any grower who breaks the world record at Half Moon Bay, considered the "Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs." A host of veteran growers contend for the coveted title, the $30,000 world record prize plus thousands in additional prize money. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winner will take home a hefty $6 per pound for the champion mega-pumpkin. Superstar grower John Hawkley's astounding 2,058-pound weigh-off champion mega-gourd set a new North American record and obliterated a formidable field of heavyweight contenders in winning the 2014 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. The grand champion gourd (along with the top five overall) will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 15-16. 735 Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com.

46th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (free!)

Oct. 15 & 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest and autumnal splendor with a special display of gigantically enormous heavyweight champion pumpkins, three stages of stellar live music and the Great Pumpkin Parade. Plus, visitors can explore a bone-chilling Haunted House, take part in harvest-inspired crafts, enjoy home-style foods, take photos with the grand champion mega-gourd, partake in pie-eating and costume contests, carve pumpkins, watch expert pumpkin carver Farmer Mike sculpt a monster 1,200+ pound pumpkin, and so much more! Admission is free. Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com.

Third Annual Coastside Brewfest

Oct. 22, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
In celebration of the amazing craft breweries in the Bay Area and on the Coastside, Mavericks Coastside Foundation is hosting the third annual Coastside Brewfest in the expansive waterfront parking lot of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Some of the best breweries on the West Coast will be in attendance, offering unlimited tastes of their favorite brews including Alpine, Berryessa, Deschutes, Discretion, High Water, Highway 1, Hop Dogma, Faction, Farm Creek, Fieldwork, Fort Point, Green Flash, Magnolia, Marin, Moylan’s, Santa Cruz Ale Works, Sudwerk, Temescal, and others. Local food trucks offer guests the chance to purchase a wide variety of specialties, and the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company restaurant will be open for dining. The Mavericks Coastside Foundation will be the beneficiary of this spectacular event, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Coastside Hope. Tickets are available at www.hmbbrewingco.com. Early bird tickets are $25; $30 per person in advance; $35 at the door; $10 designated driver. 390 Capistrano Road, (650) 728-2739, www.hmbbrewingco.com.

- LOCAL RICHES -

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches

An autumn visit to the pumpkin fields around Half Moon Bay is a popular annual tradition for many families. Spread out along Highway 92 and Cabrillo Highway (Rt. 1), visitors will
discover pumpkins in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes in beautiful rural settings. Below is a selection of local pumpkin farms open to visitors:

• A. Repetto Nursery - at this pumpkin patch, visitors can choose from more than 30 different pumpkin varieties, meander through a corn maze and go for a hayride.12331 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6414. 
• Arata Pumpkin Farm – in addition to pumpkins, this family-friendly farm features pony rides, a haunted barn, a petting zoo, a hay maze and more. 185 Verde Road, (650) 726-7548, www.aratapumpkinfarm.com. 
• Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm - life-long farmers Farmer John and his wife Eda grow more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Visitors can also check out an authentic Native American Teepee and take a ride on a vintage tractor. 850 North Cabrillo Highway, (650) 726-4980, www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com. 
• Lemos Family Farm - this family farm specializes in year-round activities for children such as pony rides, tractor and train rides, a petting zoo and more. 12320 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-2342, www.lemosfarm.com. 
• Pastorino Gifts & Plants – this family-run farm boasts hayrides, train rides, ponies, pet and feed farm animals, and giant slides. On the weekends, families can enjoy a haunted house and face painting. 12391 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6440,www.pastorinofarms.com. 
• Tom & Pete’s Produce - celebrating 50 years since its inception in 1964, guests can visit this landmark produce stand to purchase pumpkins throughout the month of October. 270 Main Street, (650) 726-7500. 
• Seasonal Bounty Awaits at Local Farmer’s Markets
• Here’s how to partake in the plethora of fresh, local produce (including lots of pumpkins!) available at the Half Moon Bay Coastside’s Farmer’s Markets:
• Coastside Farmers’ Market at Shoreline Station in Half Moon Bay. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through December, www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org.
• Pescadero Grown Farmer's Market. Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through October 31, 251 Stage Road, Pescadero. www.pescaderogrown.org.
• Pescadero Grown Farmer's Market. Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 8875 La Honda Road, Pescadero. www.pescaderogrown.org. 

- ACCOMMODATIONS -

Celebrate Pumpkins at the Beach House Hotel

The luxuriously appointed New England-style Beach House Hotel is celebrating the pumpkin season in style throughout the month of October. Guests will enjoy pumpkin muffins served each morning with the hotel’s continental breakfast. In addition, festive pumpkin gourds will adorn each room and the front desk will offer complimentary maps to the area’s many pumpkin patches where guests can pick their own pumpkins. For an extra $25, guests can enjoy story time for kids with a seasonal favorite hardback book (October’s selection features pumpkins), plus a snack and juice, all made for enjoying the season. The special Story Time amenity will continue in November during Thanksgiving with holiday books, and books featuring the ocean can be enjoyed throughout the year.4100 North Cabrillo Hwy, (800) 315-9366, www.beachhouse.com.

– CULINARY NEWS –

Pumpkin Specials at Sam’s Chowder House

Starting October 1
Starting in October, Sam’s Chowder House will serve a variety of pumpkin related foods including: baby kale and pumpkin salad with dried cherries; ricotta salata and a wildflower honey thyme vinaigrette; house-made pumpkin tagliatelle with sweet shrimp, pancetta, leeks, brown butter; sage and pumpkin cheesecake with a toasted pumpkin seed crust. 4210 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, (650) 712-0245, http://www.samschowderhouse.com/.

Pumpkin Specials at Navio, Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Starting October 1
October is Pumpkin Month and Navio Chef, Jason Pringle, is a fan of the seasonal squash! He has created two dishes to showcase the season and the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. These dishes will be on the menu as an a la carte item all through the Fall. The first dish is the Pumpkin Ravioli, $18, which includes hand rolled pasta, filled with ricotta and roasted butternut squash , and served with a pumpkin pistou with roasted chestnuts, crispy sage, and brussel sprout leaves. The next dish is Pumpkin Au Gratin, $8, which includes roasted gratin with pumpkin layered with marscapone, ricotta, Parmesan and sage, and topped with sautéed pancetta, and chanterelle and porcini mushrooms. 1 Miramontes Point Road Half Moon Bay, California 91019, (650) 712-7040, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/half-moon-bay/dining/navio.

Harvest Pumpkin Dinner

Oct. 4, 6 p.m.
Celebrating the abundance of outstanding farms and breweries on the San Mateo County coast, this three-course feast prepared by Half Moon Bay Brewing Company Executive Chef Frederico Godinez features farm-fresh dishes paired with the Brewing Company’s pumpkin beers. Menu items feature local meats from Markegard, local wild fish, and local produce including squash and Brussels sprouts. Brewmaster James Costa’s hand-crafted Pumpkin Harvest Ale and Imperial Pumpkin Ale will be on the menu as well as a special fall addition: a cider tasting from Golden State Cider paired with the appetizer course made with organic eggs from Coastside Farmers’ Markets Founder Erin Tormey. Vegetarian options are available. $75 per person, including tax and tip. Reservations are required as space is limited to 40 people; tickets are available for purchase at www.hmbbrewingco.com. Mavericks Event Center, 107 Broadway, (650) 728-2739, www.maverickseventcenter.com.

Moonside Bakery and Café

October 15 & 16 (During the Pumpkin Festival)
Voted the “Best Bakery in Half Moon Bay,” Moonside Bakery and Café is the place to go for delectable housemade pumpkin goodies. The “Everything Pumpkin” menu will be available during the pumpkin festival and will include a variety of pumpkin baked goods! Of course, no celebration is complete without their scrumptious pumpkin pancakes. 604 Main Street, (650) 726-9070, www.moonsidebakery.com.

Pasta Moon Pumpkin Delectables

Enjoy an autumn feast at Pasta Moon with lace battered quintale pumpkin with parmesan, house made apple butter and pumpkin seed pesto, pumpkin and gorgonzola flan, grilled hawaiian swordfish with red kuri pumpkin and brussels sprouts, panzanella salad, salsa verde and lastly the superb pumpkin gnocchi with fontina fonduta with 25 year old balsamic vinegar and toasted hazelnuts. For dessert, caramelized sugar pie pumpkin crostata and cinnamon gelato. 315 Main Street, (650) 726-5125, www.pastamoon.com.

Half Moon Bay Brewing - Pumpkin Beer & Food

A beloved destination known for award-winning, handcrafted beer and sustainable coastal cuisine, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company heralds the arrival of the fall season with their famous Pumpkin Ales. Available the beginning of September, Brewmaster James Costa has crafted award-winning beers since his arrival at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company in 2013, and this fall will see the release of four more of his most creative and flavorful brews: Pumpkin Harvest Ale, a seasonal favorite, is an amber ale made with locally-grown, roasted and spiced sugar pie pumpkins which are added to the brew kettle, resulting in a subtle pumpkin pie flavor balanced by a biscuit maltiness. The release of Imperial Pumpkin Ale follows in October, which is brewed with 35 lbs. of fresh local sugar pie pumpkins and 35 lbs. of pumpkin puree, and is well-spiced, rich and malty. Alcohol by volume is 6.3% for Pumpkin Harvest Ale; 10.2% for Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Pairing perfectly with the Brewing Company’s renowned Pumpkin Harvest Ale and Mavericks Imperial Pumpkin Ale is Chef Godinez’ tribute to the orange gourd with his decadent butternut squash soup, Brussels sprouts salad with pumpkin vinaigrette and desserts including pumpkin ice cream. 390 Capistrano Rd. (650) 728-2739, www.hmbbrewingco.com.

VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar - Pumpkin Specials

Late September – October
Pamper your taste buds in the cuisine of Southern Italy with a festive twist. From late September and throughout October, indulge in a variety of pumpkin dishes including grilled pumpkin with arugula, goat cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Savor the pumpkin risotto with Parmesan cheese, slivered almonds, and crumbled amaretti cookies finished with a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil, or the delicious pumpkin gnocchi with arugula, shrimp, butter and sage sauce with a touch of cinnamon. Love Pizza? Their world-famous wood fired oven pizza with grilled pumpkin, gorgonzola, mozzarella and olive oil is not to be missed. Ready for dessert? They will serve you the to-die-for pumpkin gelato with olive oil and sea salt or the spectacular Pumpkin Pearl made of crisp filo dough filled with fresh pumpkin pastry cream, topped with honey cinnamon syrup. Mangia bene! 2810 Cabrillo Highway 1 North, Half Moon Bay (650) 560-8858 www.viaunorestaurant.com

Harley Farms’ Pumpkin Goat Cheese

Now through the holidays, Harley Farms, home to award-winning goat cheese, is offering their seasonal Pumpkin-Spice Fromage Blanc, a deliciously creamy and light cheese with a subtle pumpkin tang. This delectable treat is perfect for pumpkin cheesecake, but buy a little extra, for sensational seasonal snacking! 205 North Street, Pescadero, (650) 879-0480, www.harleyfarms.com.

Mullins Bar and Grill celebrates Rocktober

Every Friday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. in October
Every Friday during October, this warm and inviting gastropub will feature their always local farm-to-table special menu, happy hour and live music from McNevin and the Spokes, Alaina Blair Duo, Bri Cauz Duo and Roem Baur Duo. So stop by after a round of golf and enjoy this acclaimed Half Moon Bay restaurant. Two Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, (650) 7261818, http://www.halfmoonbaygolf.com/dining.aspx.

Moss Beach Distillery - Pumpkin Spice Martini

Spice up your evening with this pumpkin cocktail made with Irish cream and pumpkin spice liqueur shaken together and served up in a martini glass with a cinnamon and sugar rim. 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038, (650) 728-5595, http://www.mossbeachdistillery.com/.

Pumpkin Time at Cameron’s Restaurant & Inn

This eclectic British-style restaurant is ready to welcome the new season in style! Patrons will find a variety of pumpkin items on tap such as pumpkin beer, pumpkin pie and pumpkin ice cream. 1410 S. Cabrillo Highway, (650) 726-5705, www.cameronsinn.com

- SPA & BEAUTY -

Pumpkin Spa Treatments at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Pumpkins are not only a tasty treat; they also are nourishing to the skin. Throughout October, The Ritz-Carlton Spa features a luxurious, Spirit of The Season Facial. This indigenous and seasonal pumpkin facial uses natural and locally harvested ingredients. The treatment include micro-current or treatment ampoule depending upon your skin’s needs. Suitable for all skin types. Includes 90 minute cleanse, exfoliation, seasonal mask, moisturizer, hand and foot treatment. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7000,www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb.

Pumpkin Heaven at Oceano Coastal Spa

Throughout October and November, the Oceano Coastal Spa, a fountain of rejuvenation by the sea, will help guests to relax and replenish using these pumpkin spa treatments:

Pumpkin Spice Wrap - Take in the scents of fall with this luxurious body treatment. Pumpkins naturally have enzymes that are great for hydration, exfoliation and improving circulation. Enjoy a dry brush of the body, followed by a warm pumpkin scrub, a pumpkin spice mask and capped off with a pumpkin body lotion massage. 90 minutes, $190 (normally $225).
Beach Feet of Fall - The ultimate hand and foot treatment, a warm neck pillow brings relaxation while hands and feet are renewed and hydrated with a warm pumpkin scrub and whipped lotion. A real treat for end of summer beach feet! 45 minutes, $65 (normally $80).
280 Capistrano Road, (650) 263-2008, www.oceanocoastalspa.com.

– ARTS, CRAFTS & SHOPPING –

The Holiday House: A Halloween & Christmas Shop.

Opens Sept. 23 and will be open Fri., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Holiday House opens for the Fall and Winter Season in Half Moon Bay. Shoppers can visit the spooky Halloween shop where costumes, accessories and fall décor will be available through the Halloween weekend. The Christmas shop will be selling a wide variety of Christmas and holiday decorations and gift items, as well as Thanksgiving décor and tabletop through December 5. Volunteers and shop owners work together to not only spread holiday cheer, but to support a different Coastside charities each weekend. Located at 2450 South Cabrillo Highway, (650) 207 4048, www.theholidayhouse.com

Half Moon Bay Art Glass – Blow your own Glass Pumpkin!

This Fall, Half Moon Bay Art glass is teaching individuals 12 and above how to blow their very own glass pumpkin. Students of the class choose colors, shapes and sizes in these well supervised classes. Most classes are Friday through Monday however there are many mid-week classes available as well. Book online to reserve your spot, www.HMBArtGlass.com. 12341 San Mateo Road on Hwy. 92, (650) 283-5626.

Pumpkin in the Kitchen at Toque Blanche

Located on charming Main Street, Toque Blanche carries a wide variety of the best cookware, bakeware, cutlery, kitchen tools, accessories and carefully selected gourmet food items. In the spirit of pumpkin season, the shelves are stocked with pumpkin-themed cookie cutters, bakeware, linens and books. All staff members are accomplished home chefs who can make helpful suggestions about recipes, gifts and more. 604 Main Street, (650) 726-2898, www.mytoque.com.

HMB Pumpkin Soap at Gaia Essentials

Available starting September the 24th
The goddess Gaia, also known as Mother Earth, is the namesake of Gaia Essentials where all products are produced by hand in small batches and made from organic food-grade ingredients that are both unrefined and sustainably harvested. Beginning in October, a limited supply of their coveted HMB Pumpkin Soap is available, which is certified organic by Oregon Tilth. The aromas enveloped in the Gaia Essentials products are derived exclusively from botanical essential oils, organic herbs and flora, and each recipe is meticulously crafted using a vast set of knowledge gleaned from basic skin nutrition and holistic medicine. Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment. 116 La Grande Avenue, Moss Beach, (650) 728-7745, www.gaia-essentials.com.

Pumpkin Fun at Squash Blossom

Celebrate the pumpkin with custom embroidered apparel and other distinctive and unique gifts from The Squash Blossom. Fall logo items are embroidered on 100% organic cotton tee shirts, hats, baby onesies and canvas bags, as well as sweatshirts, fleece blankets, scarves, beanies, headbands, aprons and dish towels. 707 Mill Street, (650) 726-6300, www.thesquashblossom.com.

Pumpkins Style at Nasturtium Art of Living
Nasturtium Art of Living, known for their art, jewelry and craftwork, is also the place for pumpkin fashion and accessories including "Posh Pumpkins,” one-of-a-kind pumpkins made with luxurious velvet and adorned with real pumpkin stems from local Half Moon Bay farmers. 440 Capistrano Rd., Princeton by the Sea, (650) 728-5850, www.nasturtiumartofliving.com.

Pumpkin Activities at Oddyssea
Oddyssea, an interactive retail experience in Downtown Half Moon Bay, is celebrating the month of October with all sorts of interactive activities including “Steam Punkins,” to celebrate the season! Activities are offered on a first come, first serve basis. 617 Main Street, (650) 440-4555, www.oddyssea.com.

Half Moon Bay Coastside

The Half Moon Bay Coastside is a charming seaside respite located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco. Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this breathtaking region consists of four distinct areas - the North Coast, Half Moon Bay, the South Coast and the Redwood Region. Featuring the best of Northern California all in one place, visitors will enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, redwood forests, a historic downtown filled with local artisan shops, beautiful state parks, fields of wild flowers, and trails along ocean bluffs and mountain ridges as far as the eye can see.

A sampling of activities includes horseback riding on the beach, farm fresh dining, shopping, biking, hiking and world-class golfing and surfing. For more information on Half Moon Bay, download Half Moon Bay’s free app iCoastside, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.orgor call (650) 726-8380. For the latest news on the area, visitwww.visithalfmoonbay.org/blog, join us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/visithalfmoonbay and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/visithmband check us out on YouTube www.youtube.com/visithmb.