Confessions of the San Diego “Pumpkin Lady”

Confessions of the San Diego “Pumpkin Lady.” I’ll never forget the first time it happened. I was standing in line at Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach, probably looking a bit worse for wear with a smudge of dirt on my cheek and a stray piece of hay in my hair, when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Excuse me,” she whispered, “Are you the Pumpkin Lady? I saw your truck over in Rancho Santa Fe last week.”

I laughed, mostly because “Pumpkin Lady” wasn’t exactly the title I envisioned for myself when I moved to California. Growing up in New Hampshire, fall wasn’t a business—it was just life. It was the smell of woodsmoke in the air and the crunch of leaves that actually turned red, not just a crispier shade of brown.

Back then, I was just a girl who loved the fall. Now, apparently, I’m a local landmark in my own neighborhood.

But here’s the truth: I’ve grown to love the title. Living in Solana Beach, life moves at a specific rhythm—a mix of coastal air and intentional design. Being known for something as tactile and grounded as a pumpkin feels like a quiet rebellion against the digital world. It means I spend my days outside, breathing in the salt air, and helping my neighbors turn their houses into sanctuaries. If being the San Diego Pumpkin Lady means I get to bring a piece of that New Hampshire magic to our stretch of North County San Diego, I’ll wear the crown gladly.

The Pumpkin Lady’s Guide to a Perfect North County San Diego Fall

Living here, we have to work a little harder to find that “autumn feeling.” We don’t get the snow, but we do get those spectacular 5:00 PM golden hours that make the Fletcher Cove cliffs glow. Here are ten of my favorite ways to embrace the season like a local insider.

1. The Morning Ritual at Lofty Coffee (Solana Beach)

The Cedros location is my second home. I usually head there on Tuesday mornings when the weekend crowd has thinned out and the street is just starting to wake up.

• What to order: The Salted Caramel Latte (hot, even if it’s 75 degrees out) and a slice of their seasonal ginger loaf.
• The vibe: Effortlessly cool—designers from the nearby showrooms, laptops, and that hum of creative energy.
• Pro tip: If the patio is full, take your coffee for a walk down Cedros toward the design district. It’s the best way to spot architectural inspiration.
• Why it’s special: This is where I plan most of my North County installations. Something about the energy here makes my best ideas happen.

2. Sunday Mornings at the Solana Beach Farmers Market

While everyone else is at the grocery store, I’m on Cedros Avenue on Sundays.

• What to buy: Dried protea or silver dollar eucalyptus—the “secret weapons” I use to bridge the gap between summer and fall.
• The vibe: Relaxed, sun-drenched, and full of neighbors walking their dogs.
• Pro tip: Go around 1:00 PM. The early rush is gone, and vendors are more likely to tell you what’s coming in next week.
• Personal story: Last year I found a vendor here with the most incredible “warty” gourds—those ended up on a porch just a few blocks away.

3. A Twilight Walk at Fletcher Cove

Fall in our neighborhood isn’t about the leaves; it’s about the light. The sunsets in October are deeper and more violet than any other time of year.

• What to bring: A light denim jacket (it gets chilly the second the sun dips) and a thermos of hot cider.
• Best for: Clearing your head after a big install day.
• Pro tip: Walk the cliff path heading north toward Cardiff—the tide pool views are unmatched when the tide is low.

4. Lunch at Chino Farm (Rancho Santa Fe)

If you want to see where I get my heirloom inspiration, you head to Chino Farm. It’s a North County institution for a reason.

• What to order: Whatever is written on the chalkboard that morning. Their corn is legendary, but keep an eye out for specialty squash.
• The vibe: Rustic luxury. It’s a literal farm stand, but you’ll see more Ferraris in the dirt lot than anywhere else.
• Pro tip: Bring cash. It’s faster and they appreciate the old-school gesture.
• Why it’s special: Their commitment to quality is what I strive for with Pumpkin & Vine—treating every “ingredient” like a work of art.

5. Scent Shopping in the Design District

A fall home isn’t just about what you see; it’s about what you smell. I love popping into the boutiques along Cedros to find scents that aren’t “craft store cinnamon.”

• What to buy: Candles with notes of cedar, sandalwood, or white sage. It feels like California fall—clean and woodsy.
• Pro tip: Always check the “local makers” shelf first.
• The goal: That grounded luxury feeling—walking into a house that just smells expensive, but welcoming.

6. The Julian Day Trip (The Long Way)

I’m a New Hampshire girl—I need my apple pie fix. I avoid weekends at all costs and head up on a Thursday.

• What to order: I’m a Mom’s Pies person—crumb-top apple with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese (don’t knock it until you try it).
• Pro tip: Take Hwy 78 through Escondido on the way up, then come home through the S2 for the desert transition.
• Why it’s special: It reminds me of the White Mountains—just with more palm trees on the horizon.

7. Heirloom Hunting at The Flower Fields (Carlsbad)

In the off-season, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are quiet. In the fall, they sometimes have specialty pop-ups.

• What to look for: “Fairytale” pumpkins (the ones that look like Cinderella’s carriage).
• Pro tip: Wear flat shoes—uneven dirt is no place for a lifestyle “moment” and a twisted ankle.
• Personal story: I once spent three hours photographing different stem shapes. People thought I was crazy. Life as the Pumpkin Lady.

8. Sunset Drinks at Poseidon (Del Mar)

When I want to celebrate the end of a big installation week, I head to the beach in Del Mar.

• What to order: A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc and the shrimp cocktail.
• Pro tip: Ask for a table on the patio by the glass railing. You want to feel the salt spray.
• Why it’s special: Watching the train go by at sunset is quintessential North County San Diego.

9. Sourcing at Anderson’s La Costa Nursery

When I’m styling a porch and I need one perfect architectural plant to tie it all together, I head here.

• What to buy: Potted olive trees or oversized terra cotta jars.
• Pro tip: Talk to the staff—they know which plants can handle micro-climates from La Jolla to Rancho Santa Fe.
• Personal recommendation: This is where I find my best “filler” plants—the ones that make pumpkins look like they grew out of the porch.

10. Cozy Dinner at Herb & Sea (Encinitas)

To cap off a perfect fall day, I love a late dinner in Encinitas.

• What to order: The roasted bone marrow and whatever their seasonal sourdough preparation is.
• Pro tip: Make a reservation at least two weeks in advance if you want a prime-time slot.
• The vibe: Sophisticated, lively, and very grounded luxury—the kind of place where your favorite boots and a designer sweater feel perfectly right.

At the end of the day, whether I’m hauling fifty-pound Jarrahdales or sipping a latte on Cedros, I’m just happy to be part of this neighborhood. Being the “San Diego Pumpkin Lady” isn’t just about the pumpkins—it’s about the people I meet and the stories we tell through our homes.

If you see the Pumpkin & Vine truck out and about in North County this week, please don’t be a stranger. Wave, say hi, or tell me about your favorite local hidden gem. I’m always looking for a new spot to fall in love with.

Since we’re neighbors—which coffee shop is your absolute favorite for a cozy morning in San Diego? Let me know in the comments.

Stay cozy,
Katie

Instagram: pumpkinandvinesd

About Pumpkin & Vine

Pumpkin & Vine provides elevated fall decorating and porch styling for North County San Diego homes. We’re currently booking for the Fall 2026 season. Space is limited so every porch gets the “Pumpkin Lady” touch.

If you want the full philosophy behind our heirloom pumpkin installs, you’ll love Beyond the Basic Orange: Elevate Your North County San Diego Pumpkin Decor This Fall.

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