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Half Moon Bay, CA, September 18, 2009 - Half Moon Bay, CA truly shines during the fall season. A vibrant coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is widely recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world with more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins produced each year by local growers. Bountiful fields are rich with brilliant orange pick-your-own pumpkins, pumpkin beer is on tap, homemade pumpkin ravioli is on the menu and specialty pumpkin spa experiences offer the perfect seasonal indulgence.

Below is a summary of pumpkin-related events, dining experiences, spa treatments, and more in Half Moon Bay. Please also visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything visitors need to plan their trip - from information on cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, to renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted.

- EVENTS -

36th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
October 12, 7 - 10:30 a.m.
Pumpkin growers from California, Oregon and Washington descend upon Half Moon Bay with their colossal pumpkins to vie for the coveted title of heaviest pumpkin. In 2008, two-time champion Thad Starr obliterated the field with his record 1,528-pound Atlantic Giant. This year, he'll compete to defend his title. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winners receive $6 per pound for the champion pumpkin. A special $500 prize will be awarded to the "most beautiful pumpkin" as judged by the audience based on color, shape and size. IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.

39th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
October 17 & 18, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest with a fantastic lineup of rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired crafts, home-style foods, expert pumpkin carvers, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling haunted house, a titanic weigh-off of champion pumpkins, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, costume contests, a pancake breakfast, a five & 10K run/walk and three stages of blockbuster entertainment. Admission is free. Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.


- LOCAL RICHES -

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches
An autumn visit to the pumpkin fields around Half Moon Bay is a popular annual tradition for many families. Spread out along Highway 92 and Cabrillo Highway (Rt. 1), visitors will discover pumpkins in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes in beautiful rural settings. Below is a selection of local pumpkin farms open to visitors:

  • A. Repetto Nursery - 12331 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6414

  • Andreotti Family Farm, 329 Kelly Avenue, (650) 726-9151

  • Arata Pumpkin Farm - in addition to pumpkins, this family-friendly farm features pony rides, a haunted barn, a petting zoo, a hay maze and more.185 Verde Road, (650) 726-7548, www.aratapumpkinfarm.com

  • Bob's Pumpkin Farm - features a large selection of pumpkins, a picnic area, farm animals, a corn maze and a hay pyramid. Cabrillo Highway (Hwy. 1), five miles south of Half Moon Bay, (650) 726-4567

  • Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm - life-long farmers Farmer John and his wife Eda grow more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Visitors can also check out an authentic Native American Teepee and take a ride on a vintage tractor. 850 North Cabrillo Highway, (650) 726-4980, www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com

  • Lemos Family Farm - this family farm specializes in year-round activities for children such as pony rides, tractor/train rides, petting zoo, and more. 12320 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-2342, www.lemosfarm.com

  • Pastorino Gifts & Plants - this family-run farm boasts hayrides, train rides, ponies, pet and feed farm animals, giant slides, and on the weekends, there's a haunted house and face painting. 12391 San Mateo Road, (650) 726-6440, www.pastorinofarms.com

  • Tunitas Creek Family Farm - in addition to pumpkins, gourds and squash, visitors will get to meet goats, chickens and rabbits. 333 Tunitas Creek Road, (650) 726-9710, www.tunitasfarm.com

Eco-Pumpkin Cycling Tours
Half Moon Bay is home to one of the nation's most ecologically diverse habitats, and Coastal Elegance Tours offers outdoor adventure-seekers the perfect way to experience this fascinating piece of the coastside. Now through November, they are offering eco-pumpkin cycling tours that include a ride along the gorgeous coastal trail, a visit to a pumpkin patch at Andreotti Family Farm and a stop at a nesting area filled with Snowy Plover birds. Tours are approximately two to three hours and are available at 1 p.m. on Fridays - Sundays; $60 per person special arrangements for large groups are available). For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-8456 or visit www.coastalelegancetours.com.


- WINERIES -

Glass Pumpkin Patch On October 10 & 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the grounds of La Nebbia Winery will be transformed into a glistening glass pumpkin patch featuring the work of artist and glass blower Douglass C. Brown, owner of Colquhoun Glass Works. Displayed throughout the grounds, this artistic installation will feature a large selection of one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins available for purchase. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, Brown offers glass blowing classes. For more information and to sign up for a class, call (650) 712-1500, email info@ColquhounGlassWorks.com or visit www.ColquhounGlassWorks.com. La Nebbia is open daily for wine tasting from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 12341 San Mateo Rd., (650) 726-9463, www.lanebbiawinery.com.


- CULINARY NEWS -

Pumpkin Ale
On October 6, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will release their famous 2009 Mavericks® Pumpkin Harvest Ale, a special seasonal ale brewed with a variety of pale and crystal malts and pumpkin. Handcrafted on site, this unique beer will be available on tap at the restaurant and at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 17 & 18. 390 Capistrano Avenue, Princeton-By-The-Sea, (650) 728-BREW, www.hmbbrewingco.com Media Contact: Wayne Meyer, (650) 728-2739, wmeyer@hmbbrewingco.com.

Pumpkin Goat Cheese
Now through December, Harley Farms, home to award-winning goat cheese, is offering their special Pumpkin-Spice Fromage Blanc, a low fat, creamy textured cheese available in their gift shop. They have a delicious recipe for pumpkin cheesecake available so be sure to ask! 205 North Street, Pescadero, (650) 879-0480, www.harleyfarms.com. Media Contact Lisa Supple, (831) 402-4982, lisasupple@yahoo.com.

Pumpkin & Seafood
Sam's Chowder House, known for fresh, off-the-boat seafood and stunning views of the Pacific, is featuring several pumpkin specialties throughout the month of October including housemade pumpkin gnocchi with lobster and sweet peas, lobster bisque with sugar pie pumpkin and roasted sugar pie pumpkin with brown butter and sage. 4210 North Cabrillo Highway, (650) 712-0245, www.samschowderhouse.com. Media Contact: Julie Shenkman, (650) 726-1005, julie@julieshenkman.com.

Pumpkin with Italian Flair
For contemporary Italian cuisine created from the bounty from Half Moon Bay's farmers, artisans and fishermen, head to celebrated Pasta Moon. Throughout the month of October, guests can feast on their signature pumpkin fritto, lightly battered Quintale Pumpkin served with apple butter, and their famous housemade pumpkin raviolis with toasted hazelnuts 315 Main Street, (650) 726-5125, www.pastamoon.com

Pumpkin Prix-Fixe
Indulge in a three-course pumpkin tasting menu at Cetrella, renowned for seasonal, farm-fresh California Mediterranean cuisine. On the menu: cream of kabocha squash with "cappuccino" cinnamon foam, maple-glazed pork tenderloin with butternut squash ravioli and pumpkin creme brulee with gingerbread ice cream. $25 per person; available Tuesdays -Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. throughout October. 845 Main Street, (650) 726-4090, www.cetrella.com.

Pumpkin Treats
For the perfect pumpkin indulgence, stop by Moonside Bakery & Cafe, filled with treats homemade with local pumpkins. From pumpkin cream cheese croissants to pies, cookies and muffins the sweet selection is endless. 604 Main Street, (650) 726-9070, www.moonsidebakery.com.


- SPA & BEAUTY -

Pumpkin Luxury
For a seasonal experience, try the signature Half Moon Bay Facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which utilizes a nourishing pumpkin enzyme masque high in beta-carotene & vitamins A and C. Available during the month of October only. $245 for 80 minutes; a special 25% discount is available when booking. The Ritz-Carlton, One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Erin Lim, (650) 712-7007, erin.lim@ritzcarlton.com.

Pumpkin Facial
Abundance, an expert skincare studio, is currently offering their luxurious Signature Pumpkin Facial, rich in antioxidants and enzymes, which leave the skin plump, smoothed and protected. Included with this treatment are a pumpkin hand treatment and generous neck and shoulder massage for a memorable visit. Available through the end of 2009; $115 for 60 minutes. Mention the word "VISITOR" and receive a special gift to take home. 432 Kelly Avenue, (650) 560-9600, www.abundanceskincare.com

Pumpkin Soap
Gaia Essentials is offering handcrafted Half Moon Bay pumpkin soap during the month of October. This 100% "from scratch" soap utilizes superior grade vegetable oils, pure essential oils and hand ground spices. This seasonal soap is only available at the Gaia Essentials booth at the Coastside Farmers Market, held outdoors annually from May through December 19 on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Shoreline Station parking lot (Kelly Avenue & Cabrillo Hwy/Hwy 1). For more information about Gaia Essentials, call (650) 728-7745 or visit www.gaia-essentials.com


Media Contact:
Kelly Chamberlin
Chamberlin Public Relations
(415) 336-4332
kelly@chamberlinpr.com