Inside Paso Robles

Pumpkin Patches in Paso Robles

The pumpkin patch at My Granny's Garden

by Scott Brennan

The days will be cooling off soon as Paso Robles ushers in the fall.  For our family, that means its time to visit the local pumpkin patches to pick out our favorite Jack-O-Lanterns, pumpkins for baking, decorative squash, gourds and Indian corn.

Lucky for our children, the local pumpkin farms offer so much more than produce. They have lots of fun things to do.

One of our favorite Central Coast pumpkin

It's pumpkin season in Paso Robles

patches is right here in North County. Three years ago, Carolyn Davis opened My Granny's Garden at San Marcos Ranch. It's a wonderful family playground filled with fresh produce and lots of attractions. The farm is her year-round passion and she opens it up to the public for just one month. So be sure to visit her in October.

The farm is filled with more than 135 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds ripening on the vine. It's a picturesque farm with a scenic lake, cornfields, pumpkin patch, farm animals and more. She has a full-grown corn maze that takes about a half hour to navigate. It's cleverly

Jack Creek Farms

decorated on the inside with cartoon characters. The kids really loved running through it.

In the spirit of Halloween, Davis built a "Haunted Lost Dutchman's Mine." It's filled with spooky surprises, but still kid friendly. This year they stepped it up a notch and added several new, haunted scenes.

The kids loved picking their own pumpkins, playing a pumpkin toss game, driving little cars in a straw-bale race, climbing up into a huge tree house and seeing an assortment of farm animals.

5th-generation family-owned Jack Creek Farms

The farm has a donkey, miniature horses, an emu, a sheep, a swan and others. It's a great place to bring a picnic and spend the afternoon enjoying the attractions.

Entrance into the pumpkin patch is free. The extra attractions were a few dollars extra, but well worth it for the afternoon of fun. Granny’s Gardens at San Marco Ranch is located 7 miles north of downtown Paso Robles and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 through Oct. 31. Take Highway 101 north to the San Marcos Road exit, then drive 1 mile west to 775 San Marcos Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. 

Favorite local pumpkin patches

My Granny’s Gardens at San Marco Ranch
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
775 San Marcos Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 467-3315 

Jack Creek Farms
Open Thurs.-Mon. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5000 California 46
Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 239-1915

River K Pumpkin Patch
Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
7325 River Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 467-3737 

Blue Sky Gardens
Open daily 9 a.m. to dusk 
19505 Walnut Ave.
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 610-6330

Scott Brennan is the owner of Access Publishing, editor and publisher of the San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide, Central Coast Active and the Paso Robles Daily News.

Pioneer Day in Paso Robles

The first Pioneer Day was held on October 12, 1931. It was organized by community volunteers working with generous donations of time, materials and money from individuals, businesses, churches and service organizations.

Their goal was to provide a day of community friendship and a commemoration of the heritage of the Paso Robles area. It would also become a day set aside to say "Thank You" to all of the people who support the business and professional community of the area throughout the year. Most businesses closed so that their employees could enjoy and participate in the activities and family reunions. There were to be no charges for any of the events, no commercial concessions and lunch would be provided at no cost.

The Pioneer Day Parade starts promptly at 10 am on Saturday, October 12th in downtown Paso Robles. The parade route starts at 17th and Spring Street and ends surrounding the Paso Robles City Park.

It is fun for the entire family. Bring your favorite lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen and plan on a memorable experience.

You can expect to see Antique Tractors, Horse Drawn Wagons, Marching Bands, Mounted Equestrian Groups, Youth Groups, Church Groups, Civic Groups, Floats, vintage cars, fire engines, military vehicles and more. Oh - and did we mention tractors?!?

It's Unique... THE WHOLE DAY IS FREE and entirely funded by the business people and dedicated citizens of our area who say: "Leave Your Pocketbook at Home" Come, celebrate in friendship!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

October 12th, 2013

7:00 am - Bean Feed Preparation
Paso Robles City Park


7:30 am - Antique Classic Car Judging
King Oil Tools
2235 Spring Street (old Reneau lot)

8:00 am - Children's Pet Show
12 years and under
Paso Robles City Park Gazebo 

8:30 am - Little Cowboy / Cowgirl Contest


Paso Robles City Park Gazebo

10 :00 am - Pioneer Day Parade 

Starts at 17th & Spring Street
Continues around City Park

12 Noon - Free Bean Feed 
Paso Robles City Park

12  Noon - Carnegie Library & Historical Museum Opens
City Park

1:00 pm - Horseshoe Pitching Contest
Paso Robles City Park

1:00 pm - Band Concert
Paso Robles City Park

1:00 pm - Pioneer Museum Opens
2010 Riverside 
(Next to Paso Robles Event Center)

1:00 pm - Old Gas Engine Show
Pioneer Park
(Next to Pioneer Museum)

1:00 pm - Wagon, Tractor & Steam Engine Display
Dutch Oven Cookin'
Mule Packing Demonstration
at the Pioneer Museum
2010 Riverside 
(Next to Paso Robles Event Center)

Wednesday, July 24 - Today at the California Mid-State Fair

by Tina Swithin

This morning, I am overcome by a very serious condition called, "concert high" and there are two bands to blame.  The Band Perry and Rascal Flatts put on an ah-ma-zing show last night!  Truly spectacular and made even better by perfect Paso Robles weather! Tonight is another highly anticipated evening as Van Halen will be taking over the Chumash Grandstand Arena and rocking the house Van Halen-style!  

There are still some great shows left including Brit Floyd (Thursday) and Huey Lewis & the News (Friday).  The final round-up includes the Country  Rodeo Finals and the Monster Truck Show.

What's happening today at the 2013 California Mid State Fair?

FREE Shows  (free with paid admission to the Mid State Fair)

• Fort Frontier Stage: Jeremy Camp at 6:30pm and 8:30pm
• Mission Square: Piano Madness at 6:30 and 8:30pm
• Headliner Stage: Dance Performance at 5:30 and 7pm
• Paso Pete’s Ponderosa Stage: Walmart Fashion Show at 6pm

What’s happening today: Breeding Beef Show, Market Steer Show, Dairy Cattle Show, Barrel Racing, Replacement Heifer Show, Sewing Machines & Quilting Demonstration, Mutton' Bustin’ and of course, the Barn Dance! For a full line-up of today's schedule and activities, click here.

Full Fair Schedule: For all of the fair happenings, click here.  What are you waiting for?  Dust off your old boots and mosey down to the California Mid-State Fair!

Photo Credit: For the second year in a row, we are proudly featuring the photography of Brittany App of App’s Photography. Be sure to check back daily for the schedule of events and the amazing talent of App’s Photography.

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

The California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles starts TODAY!

by Tina Swithin

The 2013 California Mid State Fair, whose theme this year is “Start Spreading the News” kicks off today in Paso Robles and I am so excited about this year’s line-up of fun, concerts and funnel cake!

The Main Grandstand - Chumash Grandstand Arena:

This year, the main grandstand plays host to Tim McGraw with Kip Moore, who kicks off opening night (tonight!) followed by Trace Atkins with Brantley Gilbert, Adam Lambert, Sail Rock, Matchbox Twenty with Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer, Rascal Flatts with The Band Perry, Van Halen, Brit Floyd, Huey Lewis & The News, Country Rodeo Finals and Monster Trucks.

The California Mid-State Fair’s Chumash Grandstand Arena has over 14,600 seats which is a large venue by most county or state fair standards. And with this many seats, it is a natural draw for past performers and big-name talents like the Black Eyed Peas, Aerosmith and Carrie Underwood to entertain fans in Paso Robles.

I spoke to Tom Keffury of the California Mid-State Fair who said this, “The Chumash Arena is what really sets the California Mid-State Fair apart from the typical county fair. The California Mid-State Fair has the usual corn dog stands, carnival, pig races and unique vendors that sell anything from shoe polish to sunglasses, but in addition to all that, the California Mid-State Fair has an incredible venue for outdoor concerts, unlike any other county Fair.” As someone who has been personally attending the Mid State Fair for over 25 years, I couldn't agree more.

The FREE Stages - Fort Frontier Stage and Mission Square:

Year after year, I am thoroughly impressed with the line-up on the free stages. This year fair-goers can look forward to names such as Keb' Mo', Sister Hazel, Berlin, Uncle Kracker, Rewined, Matt Nathanson, Jeremy Camp and Manuel Enrique. Did I mention that these are all FREE?

Paso Pete's Ponderosa Stage:

This is the place to be!  It's here that you will find the Farmer's Favorite Cobbler contest, Morning DJ Drive competition, Cupcake Challenge, Salsa competitions, fashion shows and steer roping!  Sounds like a good time to me!

For a full line-up of today's schedule and activities, click here. For all of the fair happenings, click here.

What are you waiting for?  Dust off your old boots and mosey down to the California Mid-State Fair! 

* Photo courtesy of California Mid State Fair.

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/#sthash.pfjIOACW.dpuf

Strawberries are NOW! Farmers' Market is WHERE!

by Mike Dimond, North County Farmer's Markets 

You might be interested to know that California produces 80 percent of the strawberries grown in the U. S.  And might like to know that the coast, from San Francisco to San Diego, is where those berries are grown. But what you really need to know, is that NOW is the time to enjoy local strawberries at the height of their season, and Farmers' Market is the best place to buy them directly from the farmer who's growing them.

Chat with shoppers at the Markets and you'll find that folks are passionate about their strawberries, and they come to market seeking their favorite varieties.  Two names that are mentioned repeatedly are Chandler and Albion, and they tell the story of strawberry culture in our modern food age.  Like other fruits and vegetables (think tomatoes), strawberries are fragile and highly perishable, characteristics that do not make them good candidates for mass production and long distance shipping. In order to meet the needs of commercial agriculture, strawberries have been bred for size, firmness and durability, at the expense of juiciness and flavor.

 Like so much of our fresh produce, a common reaction is that strawberries "just don't taste like they did when we were kids".  Two varieties you'll find at Farmers Market have attracted loyal fans for having the flavor and juiciness of the strawberries we remember, and they did it in different ways. 

The Chandler strawberry IS that old time strawberry.  Long favored for tender, juicy flesh and great strawberry flavor, it was largely abandoned in commercial agriculture by the late 1990s, largely due to the very characteristics that made it popular. The growth of Farmers' Markets and other direct to the public marketing have created a niche for the Chandler's revival, and it has become one of the most popular strawberries at the Markets.

The Albion is another approach to solving the blah-berry problem.  Developed at the UC Davis strawberry breeding program, the Albion resulted from an effort to breed a commercially viable berry without sacrificing the qualities most important to the consumer.  By all accounts the effort was a great success.

In a strawberry comparison at University of Nottingham, England, research showed that "Albion contains twice the amount of flavour compounds of other varieties tested", and one of the tasters found that "Albion stood head and shoulders above the others, with an even balance of sweetness and acidity, along with a well-rounded, intense strawberry flavour."  Locally, Farmers' Market shoppers concur.

Now it's your turn, taste both varieties and find your favorite.  Velasquez Farms and Bautista Farms have strawberries at North County Farmers Markets NOW!

Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy strawberries in ways you may not have thought about...

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich with strawberries and Taleggio 
• Strawberry and Poppy Seed Salad Dressing (and toss a few strawberry slices into the salad too!)
• Roasted Strawberries - amazing over ice cream  
• Spicy Strawberry Sauce for grilled meats

Here is a recipe for Strawberry Salsa - this is perfect with Baked Fish Filet with Farmers Market Veggies  

2 cups chopped strawberries

1 small avocado diced

1 carrot grated

2 TBL cilantro chopped

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1 TBL finely diced jalapeno (to taste)

2 TBL balsamic vinegar

zest 1 lime

juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine balsamic vinegar, lime juice and lime zest in a bowl, mix well. 

Fold in the other ingredients.  

Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Cover and rest for at least 20 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve with tortilla chips, or with fish, poultry or pork.

 

Farmer's Market takes place every Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Paso Robles City Park, each Saturday from 9:00 to noon in the Templeton park, and all over the county the rest of the week.  To find a Farmers' Market and more Farm Fresh Recipes visit the Farmers Market web site.

Photo: at the Paso Robles Market, Francisco Velasquez, Velasquez Farms, Santa Maria

Why I Love Thomas Hill Organics: Laura's Top Ten Reasons

by Laura Gurreau

1. Have you ever tasted really, truly ‘fresh off the farm’ food? Dining at THO (localspeak for Thomas Hill Organics) has never offered anything otherwise. Whether the Thomases grow it on their farm or buy it from another local farmer, you know what you eat is the freshest available.

2. THO introduces us to unusual fruits, vegetables and grains that either we’ve never heard of, or were afraid to try. Over the years, they’ve earned my trust and I no longer question the exotics they place on my plate – I give thanks for THO, and eagerly dive in to discover something new, but invariably delicious.

3. Chef Julie has a fearless spirit, quirky creativity, and uncanny ability to draw forth the best of each fruit, vegetable, nut, grain or piece of meat portends to offer. Then to do it again, and again and again.

4. How often do you find places you can eat outdoors in the rain yet remain warm, dry and cozy? Thank you, THO, for your lovely outdoor patio that we can enjoy year round.

5. Every now and then I want a hamburger and a brew. I love Wednesday nights at THO, where I get a Firestone Walker brew for $1 with my burger.

6. Thanks THO for sharing your extra farm produce with us at the Farmers Market. After eating these lovelies at the restaurant, I’m eager to try my hand with these heirloom varieties at home.

7. Where have you ever eaten where your server harvested the food off the farm the day before? Yes, it’s true. Ask your server what’s ‘fresh’, or ‘looks best’ and you just might hear it from the mouth of the person who harvested it. Now that’s what I call getting “close to your food.”

8. I like that elusive thing called ‘atmosphere.’ Whether it’s the brick walls, the patio with its rustic pizza oven, or Joe Thomas’ paintings on the walls, this place has a vibe about it that let’s you know you’re someplace special, and… that you belong.

9. Want to try a glass of local wine with your dinner? THO has a wine list just as unique, adventurous, and delicious as their food.

10. Jokingly, I often refer to owner Debbie Thomas as the brains and beauty behind the amazing success of THO. I guess I should stop joking because it’s true. Debbie is the vision, energy and glue that keeps this restaurant humming on all cylinders each and every day. 

I hope you find your own reasons to try, and ultimately love this most unique and special place.

Thomas Hill Bistro
1305 Park Street, Paso Robles, Ca.
Ph: 805.226.5888
www.ThomasHillOrganics.com

About Laura: Laura Gurreau is the owner of Central Coast Food Tours. A longtime 'local', Laura shed her career as a management consultant to follow her passion for food and wine. She enjoys meeting the farmers, chefs, winemakers and artisanal food producers who make Paso Robles a premier destination for fine foods and delicious wines. Laura can be found sharing her 'finds' with guests of her Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo and Farm-to-Table Food Tours.

Farmers: The Backbone of Paso Robles

Photo courtesy of North County Farmer's Markets

by Matt Browne

As Paso Robles becomes known as a wine destination, which my wife and I happen to absolutely love, the real story of this quaint town begins with the farms and farmers from the founding days to today. I’m a big believer that the backbone of a place like Paso Robles is, in fact, the farmers. Their work often goes unrecognized and is more often than not taken for granted. We show up at the farmer’s markets or the grocery stores and typically don’t even begin to fathom the hard work and sacrifice that brought that produce, fruit, or meat to our fingertips.

From living here in Paso Robles I have started to understand, appreciate, and see all that goes into the produce on the tables at the farmer’s markets. The most amazing thing is the huge movement we’ve all seen about fresh, sustainable, and local ingredients. I think this is one of the best shifts we’ve seen and I feel

Photo courtesy of Travel Paso Robles Alliance

extremely fortunate to be living right here in Paso Robles through this movement. Two events that are held locally that highlight this are Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast and the Earth Day Food & Wine Festival…absolutely superb events!

Most of our local restaurants are huge into buying any and all seasonal ingredients they can from our local farmers and ranchers. When my wife and I go to the farmer’s markets we see so many people lining up, more than I’ve seen in the past. Paso Robles has the Olive Festival, the Lavender Festival, many wine festivals, as well as the aforementioned farmer’s market in the downtown park. In addition to all of that, Paso has numerous farms and ranches that welcome visitors, such as: Windrose Farm, Jack Creek Farms, Hollyhock Farms, Mt. Olive Organic Farm, Olea Farms, and so many more.

It may just be that I’m growing up but I think it has more to do with the people of Paso Robles as to why I’ve become more intrigued and interested in farming and the importance of farming. When you purchase something at your farmer’s market you are helping to support a local family and most often a small family business. When you make these purchases you also know you’re getting something that’s incredibly fresh and from your area (rather than being trucked in from who knows where).

Next time you visit Paso Robles (or if you’re a local you should do this too) do some sightseeing at some of these local farms in between your wine tasting. Talk to the farmers and tour the farm…do some olive oil tasting and grab some lavender as well as a bottle of wine. Support these people that are tending to the land and continuing a long history of farming in this amazing little area that I call home.

Matt is a 10-year Paso Robles area resident. He and his wife Annie love exploring the Central Coast looking for food, drinks, and adventure. You can follow their adventures on their blog at HootnAnnie. 

 

Recipes from Paso Robles Wine Country: Kiler Ridge Gazpacho

by Audrey Burnam

Looking for a great way to use those delicious tomatoes and cucumbers that are so abundant in our local farmers markets?  We have a solution for you!  Try this delicious, creamy gazpacho which will become a huge hit with your end-of-summer guests.  Remember to use a high quality, local, extra virgin olive oil in the recipe because it really makes a huge difference in the taste and quality.  I also recommend heading out to your local Farmer’s Market for some fresh-from-the-garden, organic veggies and fresh, local herbs. 

Kiler Ridge Gazpacho
Makes about 4 cups
*Adapted from recipe in Bi-Rite Market’s Eat Good Food, by Mogannam & Gough

I cup of extra virgin olive oil (we recommend Kiler Ridge Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1/8 cup Spanish Sherry Vinegar
1/2 tsp Tapatio sauce
1 tsp Kosher flaked salt
1 small clove garlic
1/4 medium red onion
Handful of parsley sprigs
Handful of basil leaves
1/4 cucumber (I recommend Armenian or English cucumbers) and a bit extra to use for garnish
3 medium to large and very ripe tomatoes   (feel free to mix up all kinds of tomatoes, including heirlooms)

Peel and cut cucumber into chunks.  Core and cut tomatoes into chunks.  Put olive oil, vinegar, Tapatio sauce, and salt in food processor and blend until mixed (about 30 seconds).  Continue blending, and slowly drop vegetables and herbs into the food processor, in the following order:  garlic, onion, parsley, basil, cucumber, tomato.   Blend until smooth consistency.  

Chill for at least 2 hours.  This soup will keep in refrigerator for 2-3 days.  Serve cold, garnished with chopped cucumber (peeled and seeds removed), and olive oil croutons.

To make croutons:  Cut french bread into 3/4” cubes.  Put the bread cubes in a large bowl and toss generously with extra virgin olive oil and a little sea salt.  Spread bread cubes onto a cookie baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Stir halfway through baking. 

Cheers! 

Audrey Burnam and Gregg Bone are the co-owners of Kiler Ridge Olive Farm located on the west side of Paso Robles, just two miles from the Downtown Square.  Kiler Ridge specializes in Italian varietals of olive trees and produces award-winning, green/grassy and robust extra virgin olive oils.  

The Mid State Fair 2012: It's a Wrap!

by Tina Swithin

The California Mid State Fair is an annual tradition that we look forward to each and every year.  People come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the impressive line-up of top-notch talent that the Mid State Fair has become known for.   

Brittany App has been our official eyes, ears and lens for the California Mid State Fair.  Brittany App kept me updated daily with fantastic photos such as the three you are seeing today.  

On Friday night, the California Mid State Fair welcomed Earth, Wind & Fire to the Grandstand arena for an unforgettable evening.  I've heard through the 'grapevine' that this was the highest attendance at a Wine & Dine event in the fair's history. 

Saturday night kept fair-goers on the edge of their seats with the Country Rodeo Finals and Sunday was "a wrap" with the Toughest Monster Truck Tour. 

We look forward to seeing what the California Mid State Fair 2013 will deliver to Paso Robles.  Until then, cheers!  -Tina

Photo Credit for all 2012 Mid-State Fair Photos to:

Brittany App, Photographer & Vagabond, is the Official Photographer for the California Mid State Fair. Throughout the rest of the year, she photographs life & love, and has been known to ride her bicycle really really long distances.  She invites you to join her journey across the United States, with  "Water Tension : A Web Series".

Final Weekend at the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles

by Tina Swithin

There are still three more days to get your fill of action at the California Mid State Fair.  The past few days have included Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Paul Rodgers, Easton Corbin, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, Journey, Pat Benatar and Loverboy.  Year after year, the Mid State Fair delivers an impressive line-up of top-notch talent.         

I want to take a moment to thank the official photographer for the California Mid State Fair, Brittany App, for the fantastic photos that she  has shared with me all week.  Brittany has made my job easy as the photos speak for themselves.  I am pleased to share a set of photos from last nights concert featuring Joan Jett & The Blackhearts along with Paul Rodgers.  

Tonight, the California Mid State Fair welcomes Earth, Wind & Fire along with a special guest to the Grandstand arena for an unforgettable evening.  Saturday night will keep you on the edge of your seat with the Country Rodeo Finals and Sunday will "be a wrap" with the Toughest Monster Truck Tour.  There are still a few days left to experience the magic of the California Mid State Fair and I encourage you to do just that.

Check out the full Daily Mid-State Fair schedule, throw on your best boots and enjoy the concerts and fun activities that only the fair can provide.  By the way, I highly recommend a few spins on the mechanical bull which you will find next to Jimmy's Watering Hole! 

For a full list of lodging options, please visit the Travel Paso Robles Alliance.

Here are a few highlights for the next few days:

• Livestock Judging Contest 
• Mutton Bustin’
• Olive Oil Demonstration 
• Hypnotist Steve Bayner
• Local "Chef's of the Day" – Dining w/Andre,
• Foghat, Dan Curcio of Still Time, LIVE’s Ed Kowalczyk and El Desayuno (Free Stages)
• KJUG Barn Dance
• Headlining Act for Friday: Earth, Wind & Fire along with Special Guest
  

Brittany App, Photographer & Vagabond, is the Official Photographer for the California Mid State Fair. Throughout the rest of the year, she photographs life & love, and has been known to ride her bicycle really really long distances.  She invites you to join her journey across the United States, with  "Water Tension : A Web Series".