Tri-Valley Adventures: Fall 2014

The leaves are turning all those beautiful fall colors and we’ve finally had our first official rain! Yay! I guess it does still rain in California!

Even when it rains, our fall season is mild enough to still enjoy the outdoors. In fact, it’s the best time to get out and explore. My favorite fall adventures include (1) cycling along Foothill Rd through Sunol and Niles Canyon and over Palomares and (2) running the trails on the back side of Del Valle (and rewarding myself with breakfast at the Wente Clubhouse). Both of these exhilarating adventures allow me the opportunity to take in the sights and smells of fall and a bit of endurance training too!

Now that’s my idea of a good fall adventure, what’s yours?

Is it spooky? How about creative or tasty? Well, I thought I’d give you a variety of fun options for exploring your own backyard this fall. And I’m not talking about going to the pumpkin patch. I’m sure you’ve got that one covered already. So check out these other ideas for weekend adventures, and be sure to pay close attention to the “tasty” ones. The Engel Group has hooked you up, in more than one way! Cheers!

Spooky Adventures

(1)  Downtown Halloween Carnival (Downtown Livermore) – October 25, 1-5pm

It’s a favorite family tradition in Livermore. Families with children in 5^th grade or younger will enjoy carnival games, activities and a costume contest. Fun passes for all the booth activities can be purchased on carnival day (October 25) and are just $5 per child.

(2)  Pirates of Emerson (Pleasanton Fairgrounds) – Now through November 1

Something spooktacular for the older kids and adults to sink their teeth into! Times and dates vary, but you can purchase your tickets online for admission to 6 haunting attractions including: Buried Alive, The Attic, Virus, Pirates of Emerson, Mental Maze, Wild Woods.

Active Adventures

(3)  Race to the Flagpole (Livermore) – November 8, 8:30am

Support Livermore and Granada High School athletes by running a 5k, 10k, half marathon or 1 mile fun run.  Not only will you enjoy a fun race route, but your registration goes toward scholarship funds for scholar-athletes. Now that’s a win-win!

(4)  MTB Trails at The Ridge (Pleasanton) – Anytime!

One thing’s for sure…there are no shortage of bike routes and trails for us to rock here in the Tri-Valley. But since I favor paved roads, my favorite QOM Denise suggested these MTB adventures for you via the Pleasanton Ridge. Fun downhills: Lower Christmas Tree, Expert Bonus Downhill and the Flamingo Trail. Another option is dropping into Sinbad and hitting Poison Oak Alley and then climbing back out. View map of Pleasanton Ridge trails.

Creative Adventures

(5)  Pans on Fire (Pleasanton) – Class Schedule

Ignite your passion in the kitchen or create a fun experience for a group of friends. Pans on Fire offers themed cooking classes like Girls’ Night Out: Barefoot Contessa Appetizer Party, Kids in the Kitchen: Twisted Halloween, Thanksgiving Cooks: Asian Fusion, and more! Classes are available evenings and weekends and range in price so be sure to check their calendar.

(6)  Café Art (Livermore & Dublin) – Open Daily

Get your creative groove on by painting your own pottery. Still one of my kids’ favorite local activities…we have enjoyed making gifts for relatives, attending birthday parties and just picking out a mug, plate or bowl to paint and add to our collection.

Tasty Adventures

(7)  Eight Bridges Brewery (Livermore) – Tasting Thursday-Sunday

**Engel Group Exclusive: Print this Post and Taste Free

One of Livermore’s newest taprooms invites you to come by for a tasting. Mention the “The Engel Group”, show them this post or bring in our newsletter and receive a tasting for free. Beers on tap currently include: Nottingham Brown Ale, Hoppy Salvation IPA, Twisted Red Ale, Fyrst Red IPA, O’Beardsley’s Stout, Golden Nektar Pilsner.

(8)  Livermore Wine Trolley (Livermore) – Taste of Livermore Wine Tour

**Engel Group Exclusive: $20 off w/ The Engel Group Coupon Code by signing up for our newsletter

Last but not least, this tasty adventure takes you on a 6-hour tour of Livermore wineries, 4 tastings, a catered lunch and lots of fun aboard the Livermore Wine Trolley. The Taste of Livermore Wine Tour is usually $99 per person, but if you sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter you’ll get a coupon code for a $20 discount (one per person), only available via The Engel Group.