Fun Central Coast pumpkin patch opens

Looking for the best pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo County? This is the place!

With over three acres of pumpkins, a corn maze, the haunted Lost Dutchman’s Mine and critters galore, My Granny’s Gardens at San Marcos Ranch is a Central Coast pumpkin patch offering up fun for the entire family from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31. Farm-fresh produce, a huge corn maze, haunted Lost Dutchman's Mine, picnic grounds and farm animals mean fun for the whole family. Carolyn Davis, better known as “Granny,” and David Poer, aka “Granddad,” are entering their third year of offering visitors a unique tour of their picturesque ranch – with its scenic lake, walking paths and more than 135 varieties of squash and gourds ripe for the picking at their pumpkin farm in Paso Robles. They could not be more thrilled to welcome old and new friends this season. “When I hear the laughter of the kids coming from the lake down toward the barn, I know that we are open – it’s just the best,” Davis said. With a theme geared toward family fun, everyone is sure to have a grand time at My Granny’s Gardens, from the youngest tikes to the young at heart.

Fun farm animals

Kids ages 2-6 will delight in driving through the twists and turns of the Straw Maze in electric carts and kids of all ages will enjoy visiting the assortment of critters, from tiny horses to very big birds. “We have an emu and lots of miniature horses,” Davis said. “We have Jacob sheep, miniature donkeys and all sorts of fun animals for everyone to see.”

Farm fresh pumpkins and vegetables

The pumpkin patch offers up a massive assortment of – what else – pumpkins! Looking for a huge, itty bitty, tall and skinny, striped, blue, red, white, warty or a plain ole orange pumpkin? With over three acres of pumpkins, squashes and gourds to choose from, the Pumpkin Patch has an ample supply of delicious varieties for your cooking and decorating needs. “The crops are continually getting ripe throughout the season, so no matter when you come out to the ranch there is always something delightful to choose from,” Davis said. “We have a great assortment, including some very rare selections in our Epicurean Corner. We have it all – but I lean towards what is delicious and unique.”

Pumpkin toss and more

Don’t forget to take part in the Pumpkin Toss – prizes are handed out to anyone who participates. Every week the highest score in each age group wins a T-shirt. Find peppers, tomatoes, indian corn and more in the Vegetable Garden and walk across bridges, past waterfalls and a trickling brook leading to the secret home of the Gargoyles in the Herb Garden. The wacky, witchy, wonderful corn maze, with turns and surprises around every corner, is fun for all ages. Solve a puzzle and earn a prize from the Witch’s Cauldron.

Haunted mine

For the most daring visitors, the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, rumored to be haunted by the Old Dutchman that entered the mine 100 years ago seeking gold, delivers thrills, shrills and chills. “The mine is too scary for little guys, but it really is a lot of fun,” Davis said.

Skeleton George

Not to be missed – Skeleton George – a rascally sort of guy sporting a cowboy hat, boots and sunglasses who likes to jump around to different locations throughout the ranch every week. “He’s always doing something different, he might be driving a tractor or up in the tree house,” Davis said. “So we’ll ask, ‘where’s George?’ and if the kids can tell us they will get a prize.”

Family run pumpkin farm

Alongside Granny and Granddad, Davis’ son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Lisa Davis and their children, Skye and Sloane, lend a hand to ensure the success of Granny’s Gardens each year. Another son, Scott, as well as daughter, Summer Barnes and her husband Pat Barnes, and her children, Mace and Makenna, are residents of Southern California and assist with the website and occasional visits to the property as well. “This has been a lot of fun to do as a family,” Davis said.

Entrance is free

Fun corn maze at the pumpkin patch.[/caption] Entrance into this Central Coast pumpkin patch is free. Individual tickets for purchases or activities are just $3, or $65 for a book of 24 and $125 for two books (48 tickets). School group discounts available Monday – Friday. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch or snacks for their journey out to the ranch. Bottled water, juices and packaged snacks are available for purchase. For a sneak peek at Granny’s Gardens, including maps for the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch as well as personal notes from Granny on vegetable varietals, check out http://www.mygrannysgardens.com. Grab a flyer at the Paso Robles Rabobank location and various businesses throughout Paso Robles for a coupon good for a free pumpkin during the opening weekend.

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. For more information or to make a reservations for groups of 12 or larger, send an email to mygrannysgardens@gmail.com or leave a message at (805) 467-3315.

More photos, videos and updates will be featured in the Paso Robles Daily News after the pumpkin patch opens.

Press release by San Luis Obispo web design and online marketing firm, Access Publishing, 806 9th St #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

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Ride in style on your next wine tour

Take a limousine wine tour in Paso Robles

The Paso Robles Wine Region is quickly becoming a hot spot for wine tasting and vineyard tours, and autumn is one of the busiest times of year. Wine lovers from all over are able to take pleasure in celebrating a new vintage being born during this special time in Paso known as, Harvest!

One of the best things about touring Paso Robles Wine Country is the opportunity to converse and taste with the owners and winemakers themselves. If you’re lucky enough, you might even run into them fresh off the vineyard and chat with them about the latest vintage.

While spontaneity is encouraged in Paso Robles, planning ahead will ensure you are able to make the most of your wine country experience. Why not enjoy a Paso Robles limo tour?

Paradise Limousine Co.

Paradise Limousine company delivers high-quality service and customer satisfaction at a great price. Owner Paul Eitel offers a fleet of Cadillacs with a variety of options to choose from. Individuals and groups are sure to have a professional, worry-free experience. They offer Paso Robles wine tours, weddings transportation, limos for special events, and airport shuttle service. paradiselimousineco.com For reservations call (805) 610-2724.

Here are some tips to consider on your next visit to Paso Robles… whether it is during harvest, or any other time of year.

Tour Brochure 

First and foremost, always bring your Paso Robles Wine Country Tour Brochure. It is a wonderful tool to use when planning an excursion. Wineries list hours of operation, special tours and tastings, as well as if they have picnic areas and light fare for sale.  This piece lists over 110 tasting rooms with phone numbers and addresses, and has a tri-fold map.

Vineyard & Winery Tours

Call 24 to 48 hours in advance to set up a special tour and tasting.  This will make your visit unforgettable and give your palate a break between tasting rooms!  Most wineries and vineyards are happy to accommodate you and this is an exciting way to learn about Paso Robles while you taste wine.

Make an Appointment

When visiting multiple wineries, it is recommended that you make an appointment so the tasting room is prepared to accommodate you.  This is especially important when you have groups of seven or more.  If you are going to be late, make sure to call the next winery.  Most tasting rooms will allow you to use their phone if you do not have cellular reception.

Transportation in Advance

Always remember to designate a driver or plan for a taxi, limo or tour bus to take you through Paso Robles Wine Country. The country roads of Paso Robles can be windy and narrow.  Enough said.

Lunch in the Vineyard 

Many wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms have picnic areas, set on the gorgeous backdrop of Paso Robles.  Plan to pack a picnic, or refer to your Paso Robles Tour Brochure to see who has light fare picnic items for sale in their tasting rooms.  Many downtown restaurants also offer lunches to go.

Plan for the Weather

Paso Robles often experiences hot days and cool nights during the months of May – October.  Remember that barrel rooms and cellars are temperature controlled, so bring a sweater.

Drink plenty of water! 

You will be walking and tasting a lot of wine, so staying hydrated is important.  Although wineries often offer water, it is smart to take some along with you at the beginning of the day.

Responsible Tasting 

The four S’s are “Swirl, Smell, Sip and Spit.” This tip is very important, and this practice is a great way to taste a lot of different wines.  Remember, you’re tasting, not drinking – and this is the only way to keep your palate fresh.