What’s your favorite season? I recently took an unofficial poll and—with the exception of my spring-loving sister (who apparently isn’t affected by allergies!)—received a resounding response for “autumn!” It didn’t come as a huge surprise, especially living in this area. The kaleidoscope of colors; cool, crisp mornings that call for cozy cardigans; abundance of alfresco activities (don’t miss Big Crush, Auburn Wine, Ale, & Food Festival, or Folsom Family Expo; turn to page 18 for dates and details); and cornucopia of seasonal flavors to savor (apples, pumpkins, and pies, oh my!), makes it easy to fall for fall.

And in this month’s issue, our biggest of the year, we’re celebrating the season—along with all our region’s small businesses (and business owners)—in a big way. If you’re like me and read magazines back to front, then start with “Last Look” on page 82 for an autumn-esque picture snapped locally and our favorite leaf-peeping locales, including East Sacramento—an urban forest that’s currently awash in a canopy of yellow, orange, and crimson-colored trees.
Around here, it wouldn’t be October without our annual “Best of” feature, where we announce the winners of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s a personal favorite because I always discover new (literally) winning places around town to support—like Pasty Pies of the World and Exhilaration Station—and am reminded of all the talented, innovative entrepreneurs our region is teeming with. Find out if your favorite people and places made the list starting on page 51.