McGrath Street Pumpkin Patch, 5156 McGrath St., Ventura, CA 93003 Call: (805) 658-9972  October 1, to October 31; 9 a.m. to dusk 

It's spooky... you'll not find a county more in tune with the Halloween season than Ventura. It's not merely the fact that people still work the land and grow the finest pumpkins, squash and winter harvests in the US.

Ventura has a history and pride you'll not find in tear-down Mediterranean-style stucco cities in Orange County / Los Angeles.  Roots, both literally as in vegetables, and figuratively as in heritage, still exist in the land and in historic buildings that refuse to die. Olivas Adobe is one such example of a Ventura structure that carries memories in its hallowed halls and rooms, if not a ghost or two, to boot.

For Day of the Dead celebrations to the famous Richard Senate ghost tours, Ventura's the epicenter of ghosts in California. If you hang out long enough, you may experience the vibes, though some people never do. For those who just want to have fun, read on.

For a simple, old-fashioned celebration, there are some great haunts that will please the family during your trips on Highway 101 between Southern California and Central Coast. Directly off that long, anything-but-lonesome highway is McGrath Brothers Pumpkin Farm with rides, games and plenty of bright, orange pumpkins ripe for picking. Free hayrides are included on the weekends. You'll find a variety of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and farm animals.

Directions: Northbound 101 exit Victoria; go west or left a short distance; right on Valentine Road; left on Knoll Drive short distance to signs at McGrath.

Are you hungry for some farm-fresh produce, honey, sauces, snacks and treats? Stop at nearby A & F Country Market.