Five Reasons to Fall for Lake County

September 16, 2024

Couple overlooking fall vineyard in Lake County
Couple overlooking fall vineyard in Lake County

People often ask us “what’s your favorite season in Lake County?” Alas, we’re not very helpful, because our answer is always “Um…all of them.” Hey, can’t fault us for being honest.  That said, there’s just something special about “sweater weather” season in Lake County.

If you live in San Francisco, Sacramento, or anywhere in our neck of the woods, a trip to New England may be a bit out of the way. Like, 45 hours out of the way. Good thing Lake County is just a short drive away, making us the perfect place to play for your late Fall/early Winter getaway. 

Fall scenic wine tasting in Lake County
Fall scenic wine tasting in Lake County

With an array of adventures, a kaleidoscope of colors, breathtakingly beautiful views, and so many things to do, Lake County will keep you busy, all season long!

So where to begin? We made it easy. Here are our five Fall favorites to plan your Clearly Different autumn!

Take a wine tour

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards Sunrise
Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards Sunrise

As the fastest-growing region in wine country, we’re one of the fastest-growing regions in any country. It’s not hard to see why. Our soil is infused with minerals from our local volcano, Mount Konocti, which gives our wines a rich, robust flavor, whatever you’re sipping. Volcanoes aren’t exactly easy to come by, so the fact we have one provides our wines with an award-winning flavor profile. Literally.

But the secret ingredient? As with everything here, it’s our people. We may attract wine aficionados from all around the world, but our people are the friendliest folks on Earth. No snobbery here. Just knowledgeable and approachable people, providing a warm, welcoming environment for wine enthusiasts of any varietals.  Plan your wine tasting trip!

Al fresco in the fall

Blue Wing Saloon Outdoor Dining
Blue Wing Saloon Outdoor Dining

You better believe it. Outdoor dining doesn’t have an off-season in Lake County. Sure, you may have to wear a light jacket, but the boundless breathtaking views and crisp, cool air under California’s clearest skies are so worth it. But it’s not just the views all around that astound; the views on your plate are mighty impressive too. Whatever appeals to your appetite, you’re sure to please your palate at one of the following: Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, Danny’s Roadside Kitchen, Lyndall’s Sports Stop Grill, Park Place Restaurant, Red’s at the Skyroom, or Saw Shop Public House

Explore the great outdoors

Mendocino National Forest
Mendocino National Forest

With 265 days of sun, and 1,300 square miles of fun, Lake County boasts a boundless bevy of outdoor activities that are limited only by your imagination. As the bass fishing capital of the west, Clear Lake has some of the biggest big mouths you have ever seen (and no, we’re not talking about the anglers). Remember how we credited Mount Konocti with our wonderful-tasting wines? Well, our county’s oldest resident also has spectacular trails with stellar views for hikers. Plus, we’re also home to part of Mendocino National Forest. By the way, as long as you’re outside, be sure to pack your binos and see if you can spot a California quail, great blue heron, or grebe. Turns out people aren’t the only “wildlife” that loves Lake County in the fall.

Experience the great indoors

Slot machine gaming at Twin Pine Casino
Slot machine gaming at Twin Pine Casino

Hey, you can’t be outside all the time, right? Nor would you want to, with our selection of eclectic museums, art centers, venues, and gaming locations. Watch Lake County’s  agricultural past come to life at the Ely Stage Stop and Museum,  home to old-fashioned, 1800s-era stagecoach, corrals, post office, and general store. Take a trip way back in time at the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center, which celebrates and shares southern Lake County’s heritage, from Native American prehistory to European settlement. See if you can spot one of your childhood favorites at Clarke’s Collectibles and Lunch Box Museum, with vintage toys, games, advertisements, and more than 700 lunch boxes, making this kitschy, quick, and quirky stop a must. Speaking of games, take your seat at one of 1,700-plus slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and more at one of our four local casinos.

Unique local lodging

Huttopia Tent at night
Glamping at Huttopia Wine Country

Catch some Zzz’s wherever – and however – you please, with local lodging options that are…you guessed it…”Clearly Different!” Spoil your inner child (and your actual children), by sleeping inside an actual antique train caboose at Featherbed Railroad Caboose B&B, a remarkable resort featuring nine railroad cars each repurposed with distinct decorations. Glamping meets wine country atHuttopia Wine Country, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and views from the front door of your luxurious tent. 

Sanctuary Treehouse at Pine Grove
Sanctuary Treehouse at Pine Grove

Experience 137 acres of stunning land at the south shore of Clear Lake and in the shadow of Mount Konocti at the Konocti Harbor Resort. Spirit away to the woods and surround yourself with the magical Fall foliage in the forest retreat of Pine Grove, an oasis of abundant beauty bordered by spring-fed waters and overlooked by majestic Cobb Mountain. And don’t worry about being a bit “bougie.” It’s actively encouraged at The Fainting Couch, a self-described maximalist boutique hotel that delivers Victorian charm, modern luxury, and swoon-worth whimsy. These are a few of our favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of our myriad lodging options.

Sure, we love every season in Lake County. But with this incredible itinerary as inspo, we won’t blame you if Fall becomes your favorite. 

Wine tasting around fire pit in the fall
Wine tasting around fire pit at Lajour Winery

So, slap on your comfiest sweater, pack your pumpkin spice latte, and prepare for the most unforgettable Fall of them all in Lake County, California!

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