As the weather turns chilly and leaves go golden, it’s that time of year when we start to think about the spectral presences that may be in the room with us, unseen. Our area offers some visitable haunted spaces for those who like the idea of stopping by to possibly commune with ghosts — and then safely return home.

You don’t need to fly all the way to Munich to get an authentic Oktoberfest experience, even after October draws to a close. Whether indoors or outdoors, in Sacramento, Rocklin or Elk Grove, this area has many biergartens and other German-style spots to choose from.

The 10-acre Placer County business off Horseshoe Bar and Auburn-Folsom Road in Loomis may officially be called The Flower Farm, but it’s much more than that — historic inn, gourmet cafe, wine tasting room, gift shop, wedding and events center, nursery and citrus orchard.

For several days this winter, Sacramentans got to play “Spot the Movie Star” while Leonardo DiCaprio and William Baldwin were both in town filming two different movies at locations all over the city. It begs the question: Could Sacramento become Hollywood North? The city and nearby Placer and El Dorado counties have a growing film industry that brings millions of dollars and thousands of jobs into the region.

Michael J. Facenda oversees 1,600 employees, 14 food outlets, 82 table games and 2,100 slot machines — and don’t forget the pastry shop. 

Each of our four wine regions has its own unique terroir, a French term describing the soil, climate and sunshine that give wines their distinct character. These winemakers want consumers to consider their wines farm-to-fork — that is, farm-to-glass. 

The unassuming entrance barely hints at the secret treasures that await below. In order to access them, visitors must navigate 162 stairs in an otherworldly descent.

On paper it’s a dream job of nonstop travel, but the reality is that most days she’s stuck in her office until 7 p.m. Thankfully she has a secret weapon: white space.