It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color and the air is starting get cooler here in California. That can only mean one thing: leaf peeping season is here! For those who don’t know, leaf peeping is the term for admiring the changing leaves in autumn. Although New England is where leaf peeping really happens, we also have some changing colors here in Northern California too. Every year, thousands of people flock to the vineyards in our region to see the leaves in all their glory.
Why We Love Leaf Peeping Season
There’s just something about fall that makes us feel nostalgic. Maybe it’s the memories of going back to school or participating in fall sports. Or maybe it’s because fall is such a beautiful time of year. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that leaf peeping season is a special time. Here are a few reasons why we love it so much:
Wine enthusiasts, listen up! Napa Valley, Northern California’s world-renowned wine haven, is calling your name, and there’s no better time to answer that call than during the fabulous fall season! As the grape leaves turn to a symphony of autumn hues, Napa Valley transforms into an enchanting wonderland that’s perfect for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Let’s explore why fall is the ultimate season for experiencing the true essence of Napa Valley’s charm.
The Weather is Perfect!! One of the best things about Napa Valley in the fall is the weather. During the summer months, it can get quite hot in Napa Valley. However, temperatures start to cool down in September and October, making it the perfect time to visit if you want to enjoy comfortable weather.
Another great thing about visiting Napa Valley in the fall is that you’ll get to see the leaves changing color. The vineyards and wineries are especially beautiful during this time of year as the leaves turn from green to shades of red and orange.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, then fall is also a great time to visit Napa Valley. While the region does get busy during harvest season (which typically runs from August through October), things start to calm down again once November rolls around. So if you want to experience Napa Valley without all the crowds, plan your trip for sometime between November and March.
Whether you’re a fan of wine or just want to experience one of the most beautiful regions in California, there’s no better time to visit Napa Valley than during the fall months. From the perfect weather to the stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a fall trip to Napa Valley. Bring you camera to capture all the beauty!! Have you been to Napa Valley in the fall? What was your favorite part?
Experience the best Detroit-style pepperoni pizza at Square Pie Guys, nestled in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco. This is the ultimate destination for pizza enthusiasts seeking a deliciously satisfying square pie experience.
Craving a hearty slice of Detroit-style pizza? Look no further than Square Pie Guys in San Francisco, offering the finest square pies in town. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun outing with friends, you won’t be disappointed with their incredible menu options.
On a beautiful summer day, my husband Gary and I ventured to Square Pie Guys in Ghirardelli Square. This newly opened pizza haven boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, a drink counter, and friendly staff ready to serve. Ordering is a breeze with a QR code scanning system that directs you to their app.
We indulged in the 6×8 pizza with red sauce, 48 pavone pepperoni, cheddar cheese edge, and mozzarella. With a diverse menu catering to various tastes, you can choose from cheese, supreme, white sauce, vegetarian, all meat, honey-drizzled pork and pineapple, or even customize your own pizza. Don’t forget to try their salads, chicken wings, cheesy bread, crispy asparagus, and desserts. While traditional sodas aren’t available, they offer Acqua Panna Italian water, cocktails, beers, cola, and root beer.
The ambiance is light and welcoming, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant experience. Our pizza arrived promptly, boasting an irresistible aroma and mouth-watering appearance. The crispy pepperoni and perfectly balanced red sauce combined with ooey-gooey cheese made this Detroit-style square pizza a delight. The stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island added to the unforgettable experience.
Let’s rate Square Pie Guys on a scale of 1 (being lowest) to 5 (being highest):
Style/Crust : Detroit-style – 5
Sauce: Tasty red sauce – 5
Pepperoni Toppings: 5
Taste: 5
Presentation: 5
Experience: Location/Staff: 5 (location is incredible, right in the heart of San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square, service was good)
When in the Bay Area, don’t miss out on Square Pie Guys at Ghirardelli Square. Relish their delectable Detroit-style square pizzas while soaking in breathtaking views. Can’t visit in person? Explore our blog for more tantalizing reviews.
Want more SF Pizza reviews, check out these reviews we posted?
If there’s one thing that can get your heart racing, it’s a fair. Carnivals, county fairs – they’re all packed with excitement, thrill rides and delicious food. You never know what you’re going to find at a fair, which is why they’re always so much fun. This year, the Sonoma County Fair is back, and the theme is Tropical Fairadise. Dare to try out some of the rides and unique foods a the Sonoma County Fair!
Summertime is the perfect time to visit the local county fair and that is exactly what my hubby and I did the opening weekend of our local fair. I wanted to wear something that had my signature Pinup vibe and what could be better than this fun Cherry Velvet – Norma – Rainbow Ribbons – Magical Unicorn Dress. The print is enchanting with rainbows and unicorns floating through a magical galaxy with hints of glitter, hearts, and starbursts. The Norma dress is cut for curves and has pockets too!! You can read a previous post here about the figure flattering Norma dress. You can’t go wrong with a Cherry Velvet dress.
We got our tickets and walked through the gates and that familiar welcoming smell of deep-fried deliciousness was everywhere!! Oh my gosh, it is that familiar smell that immediately makes you hungry and puts everyone in a good mood. Monster corndogs, giant turkey legs, burgers, BBQ, giant pretzels, giant grilled sausages and peppers, mountain-high curly fries, cotton candy, funnel cakes, churros, and so many more yummy goodies to choose from. Hubby and I had our hearts set on the giant corn dogs and they did not disappoint!!
The carnival rides sure looked incredible with The Giant Pole Position Spinning Roller Coaster that is Italian made, has three levels, and five coaster cars. Everyone’s favorite the Ferris Wheel, The Vertigo Towers, Turbo Speed, Wave Swinger, Inversion, Super Shot, Zipper, Carousel and many more. There were also rides for children so definitely something for everyone from daredevils and thrill seekers to families and children.
The usual carnival games like ring toss, balloon blast, and so many more were there. The prizes were stuffed Minion dolls, stuffed unicorns, and teddy bears and one vendor had some fun looking stuffed chili peppers, stuffed tomatoes, and stuffed emoji pillows and cubes. Something fun for everyone!!
Lots of entertainment and competitions too from 4H, to flower shows, to build a scarecrow, and lots more. You really could stay busy all day long. The fair is so much fun and it has great people watching too. It was a super-hot day so after a couple of hours we were ready to head home.
The fair was everything I hoped for and more. There were so many things to see and do, my head was spinning by the time we left. If you’re in the mood for a little bit of magic, this is the perfect dress to wear. With its enchanting print, you’ll feel like a real-life fairy-tale character come to life. I highly recommend visiting your local county fair this summer. Hope you all enjoyed seeing our day at the county fair!!
Get ready to rev your engines and join us in Petaluma for the Salute to American Graffiti car show! This weekend, the town will come alive with the sights and sounds of vintage and custom hot rods that will leave car enthusiasts in awe. So get your 1950s pinup style dress and red lipstick on for a fabulous classic car show!!
After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the American Graffiti car show is back and better than ever! This year’s show was a roaring success, with an impressive display of hundreds of cars that spanned several blocks of downtown Petaluma. From fabulous Ford Fairlanes to classic Mustangs, the show had something for everyone. We even saw some rare beauties like Corvairs and Deuce Coupes that left us breathless!
What makes this event even more special is that it pays homage to the iconic 1973 movie American Graffiti, which was filmed mostly in Petaluma. The event is put on by dedicated volunteers who raise funds for local community projects, making it a great opportunity to support the town and have fun at the same time. Plus, with appearances from the movie’s stars like Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, Suzanne Summers, Cindy Williams, and Wolfman Jack, the event had a touch of Hollywood glamour.
San Francisco is known for its eclectic food scene, and The Stinking Rose is a must-visit for anyone who is a fan of garlic and pizza. Located in the heart of North Beach, this unique eatery is a celebration of all things garlic, including their mouth-watering garlic-infused pizza. With an atmosphere that is both lively and welcoming, it’s no wonder this restaurant has become a local favorite.
As you walk into The Stinking Rose, you are immediately greeted by the warm, rustic décor that perfectly complements the cuisine. The walls are adorned with vintage garlic-themed artwork and memorabilia, which adds to the restaurant’s charm. The space is filled with the aroma of garlic, instantly stimulating your taste buds and preparing them for the culinary adventure that awaits. And, if you’re in the mood for some truly delicious pizza, then this is the place for you.
The Stinking Rose is a kitsch collector’s dream come true with all the unique kitchenalia decorating the red interior walls with vintage and retro themed boxes and bottles of pastas and tomato sauces and the hanging salamis and garlic braids. There is even a garlic lady mannequin on the way to the restrooms that is dressed in a garlic bulb hat!! This Italian eatery is a feast for the eyes and the stomach!!