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Fall and early winter are an extra special time in Half Moon Bay, California, a vibrant coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of San Francisco. Widely recognized as the pumpkin capital of the world, tis' the season for "all things pumpkin" in Half Moon Bay - bountiful fields are rich with brilliant orange pumpkins, pumpkin beer is on tap, pumpkin panna cotta is on the menu and specialty pumpkin spa experiences offer the perfect seasonal indulgence. Warm sunny days and cool crisp evenings create the ideal setting for hiking along seaside bluffs while taking in the mesmerizing calm of the Pacific Ocean, shopping for the perfect holiday gifts along quaint Main Street and dining on fresh seasonal produce at some of the Bay Area's top restaurants.

Below is a summary of what's new 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.

- UPCOMING EVENTS -

HMB Brew Fest
September 19, 12 - 4 p.m.
Beer lovers rejoice! Half Moon Bay will host the first annual Brew Fest with more than 15 Bay Area microbreweries, beer-friendly fare and fabulous live music by local favorite Catie Chase and the Getaways. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club and Coastside Adult Day Health. $30 per person (includes a commemorative pilsner glass). Pillar Point Harbor. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (650) 726-5067. Media Contact: Janie Bono-James (650) 726-5067.

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.

The Johnston House Foundation's Holiday Boutique & Historic House Tour
November 7 - 8 & 14 - 15; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"Christmas Around The World" is the theme of the ninth annual Holiday Boutique & Historic House Tour at the historic Johnston House. The self-guided tour of this "White House of Half Moon Bay," built 1853-1855, gives visitors a chance to see a rare example of Eastern saltbox architecture transplanted to the West Coast. Guests will delight in the rooms adorned with Christmas trees, one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths, handcrafted items by more than 30 local and regional artists, gourmet treats and a selection of unusual gifts and holiday items are all available for sale. This is the perfect place to shop for ornaments, holiday decorations, jewelry, original artwork, textiles, home decor, and much more. Tickets are $10 and benefit the continued restoration of the James Johnston House. (650) 726-0329, www.johnstonhouse.org

Teddy Bear Tea
December 13 & 20 - 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.; 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Children of all ages gather for a favorite family tradition at The Ritz-Carlton. Guests enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in festive surroundings featuring a storytelling teddy bear, a selection of tea pastries, mini finger sandwiches and a Christmas candy buffet table. Each child takes home a teddy bear and a photo as souvenirs. $59 per child, $69 per guest 18 and over, exclusive of tax and gratuity. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040. Media Contact: Erin Lim, (650) 712-7007, erin.lim@ritzcarlton.com.

Nights of Light
December 4, 6 - 9 p.m.
Stroll along Half Moon Bay's charming Main Street for some old-fashioned holiday spirit filled with carols and treats including roasted chestnuts and eggnog. A special tree lighting ceremony in Mac Dutra Park will kick off the festivities at 6 p.m., followed by hundreds of children adorned twinkling lights marching down Main Street in the Parade of Lights at 7 p.m. Main Street. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
December 5, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Guests gather on the Gazebo Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton for a festive holiday celebration that begins with the lighting of the outdoor tree and includes Dickens-era costumed carolers, a sing-along performance by the San Francisco Choral Society, a visit by Santa Claus, and complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog and cookies. This event is free and open to the public. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040. Media Contact: Erin Lim, (650) 712-7007, erin.lim@ritzcarlton.com.


- LOCAL RICHES -

Farmer John Celebrates Pumpkin Season
John's Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned and operated specialty pumpkin farm, opens up to the public for the fall season beginning September 15th through November 1st. 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. Open to visitors Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 850 North Cabrillo Highway, (650) 726-4980, www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com.

Scenic Drive
Beginning October 1, visitors to the Half Moon Bay area will be able to enjoy the "Signature Drive," the region's first official mapped drive featuring some of the most unique and beautiful highlights of the area. Designed by The Ritz-Carlton, the drive is divided into five regions, including the shops and galleries of historic Main Street, the colorful pumpkin patches dotting the area, California's "giants" aka redwood trees, the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains and the mesmerizing Pacific coast. This 65.5-mile drive allows visitors to experience the best of the region with a concise and easy to follow complimentary map. Along the drive, visitors will encounter farms, local places to dine, beautiful vistas, places to picnic, beaches to stroll, and much more. Complimentary maps are available at front desk and concierge of The Ritz-Carlton. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040. Media Contact: Erin Lim, (650) 712-7007, erin.lim@ritzcarlton.com.

Dungeness Crab Season Kicks Off
The highly anticipated Dungeness crab season kicks off on November 15th and runs though the end of June. These large, hard-shell crabs with a sweet flavor and flaky texture are found along the northwest coast from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Northern California. Half Moon Bay has one of the largest concentrations of this seafood delicacy with more than 50 commercial boats fishing off Pillar Point Harbor, the last working fishing harbor between San Francisco and Monterey. Everyday, boats haul in their catch and visitors can purchase live crabs and fresh fish directly from the local fisherman. To find out the day's catch, call Pillar Point Harbor, (650) 726-8724. Several local companies offer fishing and crabbing excursions: Huck Finn Sportfishing, (650) 726-7133, www.huckfinnsportfishing.com; Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926, www.hulicat.com; Riptide Sportfishing, owned and operated by Captain Smitty, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net; and Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 726-2913.

Horticulture Heaven
Yerba Buena Nursery, California's oldest retail native plant nursery, is home to more than 600 types of California native plants. This spectacular Santa Cruz Mountain farm setting includes a 1905 farmhouse, historic barn and extensive demonstration gardens. 19500 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, (650) 851-1668, www.yerbabuenanursery.com.
Upcoming special events include:

   • November 14 - Yerba Buena alumni Chris Dye will host a holiday wreath-making workshop where guests will harvest the wild grape, Vitis Californica, to construct a wreath base and decorate it with materials gathered from the garden. 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.; $35 per person.

   • December 4 - 6 & 11 - 13 - Get in the holiday spirit at a Christmas tea lunch featuring a decadent three-course meal set in a 100+ year old farmhouse. 12 p.m.; $45 per person (available for those 12 years and older).

Gearing Up For A World Surfing Competition
Half Moon Bay is home to the world-famous surfing spot Mavericks, located one-half mile off the coast by Pillar Point Harbor. Mavericks is considered one of the most challenging surfing areas in the world, attracting the most elite surfers to brave the waves. The Mavericks Surf Contest, which can take place anytime between November 1 through March 31 (depending upon wave patterns), attracts 24 of the world's greatest big-wave surfers who come to Half Moon Bay on just 24 hours notice vie for the highly sought-after 2010 Mavericks Surf Contest® title and a large cash prize. For San Francisco Bay Area residents, the contest will be broadcast live at AT+T Park in San Francisco. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20, or $25 at the door. Fans may also watch the contest online at www.fuel.tv/maverickssurf.com. For more information, call Mavericks Surf Ventures, (415) 462-6200 or visit www.maverickssurf.com. Media Contact: Keir Beadling, keir@maverickssurf.com.


- CULINARY NEWS -

Over the Moon
Highly acclaimed Pasta Moon, renowned for farm-fresh Italian cuisine for more than 20 years, will be expanding this fall with the addition of a new lounge space adjacent to the restaurant. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of wines and small plates while listening to live music (music on Friday nights only). 315 Main Street, (650) 726-5125, www.pastamoon.com. In addition, Pasta Moon has several upcoming not-to-be-missed events (space is limited for both):

   • The Sixth Annual Vin Italy - This highly anticipated event held on October 10 features 75 of the world's best vintages paired with Italian fare. Guests will also have a one-time opportunity to purchase the wine at a deeply discounted price. Tickets per person are $60/ $65 at the door. The event will take place on Pasta Moon's beautiful creek-side lawn from 1 - 4 p.m.

   • First Annual Forager's Dinner ~ "Meat, Mushrooms, & More" - This decedent meal will celebrate the finders of fish, meat, truffles and more paired with earthy robust wines. December 8 at 6:30 pm; dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person.

Peruvian @ The Pacific
Visitors and locals alike will soon have a new spot to dine on great food overlooking the Pacific - La Costanera, slated to open in October. Chef/Owner Carlos Altamirano will debut a three-story, 10,000-square-foot Peruvian restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Montara Beach. Formally the Chart House, Altamirano has teamed-up with San Francisco designer Michael Brennan to completely transform the restaurant. Brennan will use natural materials, including items gathered directly off the beach, and incorporate them into the design to create a casual romantic spot filled with candlelight. 8150 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, www.lacostanerarestaurant.com. Media Contact: Lisa Nourse, (415) 533-0041, lisa@rivera-pr.com.

Takin' It To the Street
Uber-popular seafood restaurant, Sam's Chowder House, has taken "seafood to-go" to a new level with Sam's Chowder Mobile, a 24-foot lobster-red mobile gourmet seafood truck. Serving fresh, simply prepared seafood on the go, menu items include the renowned lobster roll, fish and chips, Crab Louie salad, clam chowder fish tacos, as well as key lime pie and more. Find the van's current location by following it on Twitter @chowdermobile or by visiting www.samschowdermobile.com. 4210 North Cabrillo Highway. For more information, call (650) 712-0245.

Filipino Feast
Opened on July 4, Guido's Kitchen cooks up a delicious variety of barbecued meats, lumpia, rice and chow mein noodles. Stop in for their signature barbequed Asian chorizo skewered over rice. 724 Main Street, (650)712-0296.

Beach, Burgers and Beers
For the perfect casual meal of delicious burgers and fries, head to recently opened Maverick's Roadhouse. Gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, shrimp tacos and crispy fries are complemented by hand-crafted brews from sister restaurant Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. This tiny spot has a few eat-in tables, but is best for takeout (picnic on the beach, anyone?) 8465 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, (650) 563-9128, www.mavericksroadhouse.com.

Culinary Creations
Toque Blanche, a gourmet kitchenware store stocked with the best cookware, bakeware, cutlery, cooks' tools and gourmet food items, is conducting complimentary tastings and cooking demonstrations every Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For the complete schedule, visit www.MyToque.com. 604 Main Street, (650) 726-2898.

Pumpkin Ale
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will release their famous 2009 Pumpkin Festival Ale this October. Handcrafted on site, this unique beer is available on tap at the restaurant and at the Pumpkin Festival. 390 Capistrano Avenue, Princeton-By-The-Sea, (650) 728-BREW, www.hmbbrewingco.com.


- LODGING NEWS -

Quirky Cameron's
Cameron's British Pub & Inn has a refreshed look and added even more fun! The exterior has been repainted in proper "Black and Tan" pub/inn style, common in the UK, with Tudor accents. They've also installed Buzztime Trivia game consoles and TV monitors throughout the pub and are hosting Tuesday game night and a trivia competition. If trivia isn't your game, stop by for a brew and check out one of the country's largest beer can collections. Or, hang out in the bright red English double decker bus filled with video games. 1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., (650) 726-5705, www.cameronsinn.com. Media Contact: Amy Worden, (650) 726-1031, amyworden@coastside.net.


- GOLF -

Going For The Green
The Arthur Hills-designed, 18-hole Ocean Course set against the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Ocean is currently undergoing a "links enhancement" that will change how this world-class course looks and plays. For this project, rough will be mowed down around the bunkers to bring these traditional links hazards back into play on tee shots. Native fescue heights around tee boxes, between holes and in other non-playing areas will be raised to provide golfers with visual, strategic cues about how to play holes and to enhance the links-style atmosphere. Green complexes and surrounds will be cut to "just above green" mowing height, enhancing ball movement on the ground, adding multiple shot opportunities and fostering creativity in the short game. Putting surfaces will be firmer and faster, placing a premium on approach-shot placement and ball-striking, as well as reading the speed -- not just the break -- of putts. Finally, more than 200 yards will be added to the Ocean Course by relocating tees and through the creation of Scottish-style double-tees, bringing the total length to nearly 6,900 yards. For more information about Half Moon Bay Golf Links, call (650) 726-1800 or visit www.hmbgolflinks.com. Media Contact Shane Sharp, (704) 519-8381, ssharp@billycaspergolf.com.


- SPA -

Pumpkin Face
For a seasonal experience, try the signature Half Moon Bay Facial, which utilizes a nourishing pumpkin enzyme masque high in beta carotene & vitamins A and C. This ultimate skin care experience leaves skin smooth, plump and hydrated. 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. For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-7040 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Erin Lim, (650) 712-7007, erin.lim@ritzcarlton.com.


- ART -

Coastside Beauty
Newly opened Coastside: A Gallery features the work of local artists and their love of the California coastside. A wide selection of paintings, each capturing the intricate beauty of Half Moon Bay and the surrounding areas, are available for viewing and purchase. 330 Main Street, #103, (650) 726-4460, www.coastsideart.com.


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