Oregon: Beer fest

Hood River, Ore.

Oct. 7: In this land of forthright beer lovers, the Hood River Hops Fest brings together 35 regional breweries and four wineries. “They take their beer seriously here,” said festival official Michele Sliwa. Adults can sample brews, homemade sodas, root beer and other beverages, as well as bratwurst, Mexican food and other fare served up by local vendors. And while the grown-ups are sipping and sampling or dancing to the music of live bands, the kids can head over to the Children’s Corner for puzzles, a train set and a rock-climbing wall.

At 5th and Cascade streets in Hood River. Admission is free. (541) 490-0022, www.hoodriverhops.com.

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Julian, Calif.

October: Julian, the Southern California town that’s made a name for itself using only apples, marks its good fortune in fruit with the Julian Fall Apple Festival during October. Those who like to do their own picking can go to Calico Ranch and pick to their heart’s content from 10 a.m. to dusk every weekend beginning Oct. 6 until the apples are gone. And MJ Ranch has pears for weekend picking. The fest also brings the “Old Time Melodrama,” which turns 50 this year. Audiences at Julian Town Hall are treated to rousing sing-alongs, then “learn how to boo the villain and cheer the hero,” said Nancy Greenwood of the Chamber of Commerce. At month’s end, about 17 Julian artists open their studios to visitors. Life-castings, yarn paintings, pine needle and gourd art as well as oil painting and stained glass will be on display at the workspaces during the free, self-guidedvtour.

Festival information: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St.; (760) 765-1857. Calico Ranch, 4200 California 78; (858) 586-0392. MJ Ranch, 1070 Farmers Road; (760) 765-2423. “Melodrama,” Oct. 6-29 at Town Hall. Studio tours Oct. 27-29; (760) 765-2569. Maps available at Town Hall.

Amy Hubbard

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