I was driving out to Jalama Beach this weekend and happened upon the most charming farm stand, Jalama Road Family Farm Stand . It's well-signed and just a mile or so along Jalama Road after the turn off from Highway 1. We used the last of our cash to get into the beach but the lovely lady "womanning" the stand was kind enough to allow us to barter wine for produce, honey, jam and beans. I stocked up on gorgeous heirloom and roma tomatoes, squash and peppers, and took a pumpkin and bundle of sunflowers to give my home a colorful dose of autumnal cheer. The stand is open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 5:00pm. Check it out when you're in the staritahills.com Sta. Rita Hills Lompoc area wine tasting or scenic driving.

This delightful find got me thinking about the other farm stands in our region. applelanesolvang.com Apple Lane Farm on Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang is open during the apple season - now through November. During October and November, 2335 Morrell Nut & Berry Farm in Solvang will be selling their scrumptious sun-dried walnuts roadside. Closer to Santa Barbara, fairviewgardens.org Fairview Gardens Farm has a produce stand that is open every day of the week year-round (with the exception of the week between Christmas and New Year's). Also in Goleta, Lane Farms Green Stand is open throughout the year and the pumpkin patch is open leading up to Halloween.