by Elvira Paoletti

Does your toddler think pumpkins grow magically overnight on the concrete in front of the supermarket? Are your kids already tired of the after-school routine? Why not take in the true sights and sounds of October with a visit to Capay Valley and Cache Creek. You may have heard of Cache Creek Casino, but it got its name from the beauty in our backyard, and with that beauty less than an hour from downtown Sacramento, there’s really no good reason to miss out on this scenic autumn trip.

Head north on I-5 till you see signs for Hwy 16 West. You’ll enter the sixteen-mile-long valley in the town of Esparto. If this is as far as you want to go, you can visit an alpaca ranch where you can pet the alpacas, learn to spin wool, and buy some yarn. Or go to Free Heart Farm, where their specialty, candied almonds come in flavors like mint chocolate, toffee and cappuccino.

At the other end of Capay Valley is a canyon where the road follows Cache Creek. The campground and trails along the way have been called “the crown jewel” of the Yolo county park system. October weather is perfect for enjoying great hiking, swimming, fishing and bird watching (I’ve seen eagles here all through the year). You might even see some fall colors on the trees.

During the summer hundreds of people come here to go river rafting down the class three rapids. If count yourself among the slightly less adventurous, you can bring your own inner tubes and float down the lazy lower part of the creek, starting at the Rumsey Bridge and getting out at the Guinda Bridge. You’re likely to have the water all to yourself. If you’re lucky enough to see otters, just be wary, as they can be defensive. The trip should take about three hours, depending on the flow rate, which is controlled just below Clear Lake.

Almost more exciting than Halloween for the children of Capay Valley is the first Saturday in October. This year will mark the 20th annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival at Full Belly Farm. Follow your kids as they grind whole grains and then make their own pizzas in a wood fired oven, then watch the cow milking demonstration and crank homemade ice-cream. There are oodles of crafts, an obstacle course, watermelon eating contest, pumpkin carving and a story time tipi, but, by far, most children’s favorite part of the festival is the giant hay fort with its tunnel maze.

While the kids are lost in the fort, adults can take turns going on farm tours, attending workshops or checking out who’s on stage. There is also a teen town area, with games and music, so bring the older kids along. After the cost of admission ($20 for adults, $5 for children, free for little ones 2 and under), all activities are free; that includes eating the ice cream you churn. For more info on the Harvest Festival, check out the Calendar listing under October 6, or go to www.hoesdown.org.

If you can’t make it to the festival, the famous Full Belly Farm has its doors open to the public every Friday afternoon. Look for the hand painted “organic farm stand” signs a few miles past the town of Guinda. You can see the farm in action as you come down the driveway; look out for tractors and mountains of soil amendments. With more and more families trying to eat locally, this is a great place to visit. You can see how your food is grown and take home some of the freshest produce possible.

It just takes a free afternoon to appreciate the natural bounty of the season in this land of plenty we live in. So take a break from routine and get a taste for the wonders growing close to home this time of year.

10 LOW-BUDGET THINGS TO DO ALONG CACHE CREEK
(call ahead for appointments to private farms)

Take A Hike – Visit YoloHikers.org for maps and guided hikes.

Go Camping or Picnic at Cache Creek Canyon Park – Get info at YoloCounty.org

Get Wet – You can swim, fish or ride inner-tubes at any of the public access spots along Hwy 16.

Visit Free Heart Farm – Get directions, candied almonds and more at FreeHeartFarm.com.

Pet Alpacas– Meet furry alpacas and see the fiber shop. WestValleyAlpacas.com.

Full Belly Farm – Shop the Friday farm stand. More info at FullBellyFarm.com.