All Things Pumpkin in Long Beach
While Thanksgiving inspires visions of turkey and Christmas conjures images of lighted trees, Halloween is all about pumpkins. But, though most people think of pumpkins as something simply to display on the porch, the fact is it’s a fruit–squash, actually–with many amazing uses beyond the ability to simultaneously appear both frightening and inviting. In Long Beach, there are pumpkin drinks, pumpkin Peeps, pumpkin petting zoos, even pumpkin antioxidant skin treatments. Here’s ways to enjoy pumpkins that will leave you feeling pleasantly out of your gourd.
PUMPKIN PIE
Pumpkin pie is a staple all through the holiday season that now kicks off with Halloween. And when you think of pie, chances are you thought of The Pie Bar (450 Pine Ave) located in Downtown. Being the producers of some of the city’s best and most inventive pies–sweet and savory–they of course have an exceptional pumpkin pie, one that you can buy as a whole pie or by the slice. In fact, you can also include it as part of a Frankenpie made up of any six different slices of your choosing.
PUMPKIN FACIAL
Sanctuary Spa (6487 E Pacific Coast Hwy) is a full-service day spa specializing in facials, massage and body treatments that focus on health and detoxification. One of its most popular treatments is a pumpkin enzyme facial. This powerful antioxidant treatment brightens the tone while smoothing the texture of skin as pumpkin enzymes are combined with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and draw out all impurities, administering visibly clearer skin with diminished damage, discoloration and scarring.
PUMPKIN CANDY
Halloween is all about treats and the aptly named Candy Warehouse (2520 Mira Mar Ave) features more than 6,000 varieties in an eye-dazzling, color-drenched space. They not only offer all the favorites–nostalgic to bulk to seasonal, i.e. jelly-filled gummy brains. They also have lots of pumpkin-themed candies ranging from pumpkin-shaped Peeps to pumpkin gumballs, pumpkin taffy, pumpkin lollipops, even a healthy snack mix of edamame, cranberries, almonds and pumpkin kernels.
PUMPKIN BEER
Sure, when it comes to winter squash-based beverages, the iconic pumpkin spice latte reigns supreme. But you can find it virtually anywhere coffee and tea are sold. For something a little different–though a bit the same–check out Long Beach Beer Lab’s (518 W Willow St.) Pumqueen, a pumpkin spice latte ale with vanilla, or Ballast Point’s (110 N Marina Dr.) Pumpkin Down Scottish Ale combining caramel and toffee maltiness with just the right amount of roasted pumpkin. Whichever you check out, do it quickly. They’ve been known to sell out.
PUMPKIN PATCH
For more than 40 years, Pa’s Pumpkin Patch (6701 Pacific Coast Hwy) has been an absolute rite of passage in Long Beach, a place where folks gather every Halloween for rides, games and, of course, pumpkins amid a country fair atmosphere. Pa’s large variety of pumpkins are displayed among haystacks, corn stalks and gourds. Continuing the country vibe are pony rides and a petting zoo as well as amusement rides and games and food ranging from BBQ to tacos to funnel cake. The patch is so popular that reservations are required.
