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Community Corner

Patch Picks: 5 Best Ways To Celebrate Autumn

Friday is the first day of autumn. Check out our unique ways to celebrate!

Though the heat may make you think otherwise, this Indian summer runs right into the first day of autumn -- today. What will you do to celebrate?

1. GO WINE TASTING

It's harvest time for those lucscious grapes throughout the many famous vineyards of Northern California -- the perfect opportunity to sip some vino on a gold and green landscape. For a close jaunt, we recommend the tasting room at in Cupertino, which won a blind tasting in the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 and has a spectacular view. If you have an open weekend, check out the less-frequented and beautiful winding roads of , north of Sonoma County. Can't get out of town? Check out Palo Altos' right downtown, where you can lounge on a comfy couch and enjoy food pairings.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. SHOP AT THE FARMERS' MARKET

The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market on the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Gilman Street runs through early December, offering fresh seasonal produce and products from more than 50 local vendors, each Satuday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fall season foods include apples, apricots, chard, grapes and pomegranates, to name a few.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. PICK A PUMPKIN

The 16th Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch takes place next week, Sept. 27-29 (Tues.-Thurs.) at Rinconda Park in Palo Alto. The largest glass pumpkin patch in California, the festival features more than 8,000 hand-blown glass pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors for you and your family to see. Meet the artists in person and see local glass artist Demetra Theofanous give Torchworking demonstrations.

4. PLAY FOOTBALL

Whether you prefer flag, professional or touch, football is in season and what better way to celebrate than playing a pick-up game with family or friends in one of our local parks? From Edith Johnson to Mitchell Park, each park has a unique space for working off some of that school stress and enjoying the nice weather! Check out our guide to the best parks in Palo Alto .

5. TRY OUT NEW RECIPES

Many delicious things are in season this autumn. Try out some of our readers' favorite recipes, like the , , or . Keeping it kosher for Rosh Hashanah next week? Check out some of our . 

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