Fall Festivals and Inns on the Central California Coast

Live music, tantalizing food options, and the energy of a crowd are all the makings for a fall festival. California’s Central Coast has three fun-filled events in October. 
by Julie Dietzel-Glair

The Morro Bay Harbor Festival, October 6-7, celebrates the unique lifestyle of the working waterfront community and its food and wine. Check out the brand new chowder cook-off and oyster-eating contest.
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Scarecrows take over Cambria for the entire month of October. Attend the Harvest Festival, October 12-14. You can build your own scarecrow, participate in a talent show, and sample local wines.
 
Celebrate the grape harvest at the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend, October 19-21. More than 120 wineries will host tours, tastings, and a grape stomp. 
 
Complete your festival getaway with a stay at one or all of these idyllic inns within 30 minutes of all three festivals.

belvino(1)Just two miles from downtown Paso Robles, Belvino Viaggio is a 40-acre Tuscan retreat. Continue your celebration of the grape harvest with a stay in one of seven international wine-inspired guest rooms. Enjoy breathtaking views of a 60-acre vineyard from the dining room or loggia over a three-course breakfast. Extend your stay at this romantic hilltop inn to visit the Elephant Seal Sanctuary or the Hearst Castle.

cleo_150The closest inn to Morro Rock, Bayfront Inn is also located directly across from the Morro Bay Harbor Festival. Dance to the music in the privacy of your room. Watch the festival or gaze at the fishing boats in the Bay. This pet-friendly, European-style inn offers a free continental breakfast. At the end of the day, sip a glass of California wine and watch the sun set. Add a day to play the scenic Morro Bay Golf Course.

garden_roomx360You will find the Marina Street Inn on the intersection of two quiet streets. Spend the morning in the garden then walk two blocks to the bay or three blocks to the Morro Bay Harbor Festival. Choose the Dockside Suite to blend your accommodations with the festival theme. Enjoy festival food or make your own creations in the onsite kitchen. Be sure to make time to go kayaking or whale watching.

frontstEnjoy a festival as well as the shops and restaurants of Morro Bay’s Embarcadero from the Front Street Inn and Spa. The small inn is easily recognizable by its green roof and three gables. With only two guest rooms, you can have total privacy yet access to all the action. Both rooms have large windows with views of the fishing fleet, harbor, and Morro Rock. After all the festival fun, schedule a rejuvenating massage at the onsite spa.

Baywood_Inn_mainEvery unique room in Baywood Inn has a fireplace which makes it perfect for a fall retreat. Located in a tranquil Baywood Park neighborhood on Morro “back” Bay, this inn provides many opportunities for activities. Los Angeles Magazine has called it the “best romantic inn within 200 miles of LA.” Stay at the end of the month to see the Halloween Parade and celebrate Octoberfest right outside the inn.