Fall Eats! By Leigh Charlton
Although the weather may be cooling, fall also brings with it a rush of warmth: crackling log fires, flavorful spices, and hot foods straight out of the oven. It can be a time full of nostalgia and fun, especially in the form of delicious meals. If you’re craving some classic, tasty fall eats during your travels, read on!
The Apple Pie
There’s nothing that I associate more closely with fall than a fragrant apple pie. Orchards across the country are ripe with all kinds of apples, and everyone’s grandma has an ancient family recipe to make use of them. When you’re on assignment and travelling for a long time, you might be craving a taste of home. Here are some of the best places to pick up an apple pie across the country!
A La Mode in Seattle, Washington
The state of Washington includes the city of Wenatchee, the apple capital of the world. Over 65% of all U.S. fresh apples come from this area! As a result, local restaurants have some truly incredible apple pie. One of those is A La Mode!
Four and Twenty Blackbirds in Brooklyn, New York
The apples for these famously good pies are locally sourced from orchards in the Hudson River Valley. Their most popular pie is the salted caramel apple. Check them out!
Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe in DeWitt, Michigan
All that you need to know about Sweetie-licious pies is that their most famous offering, Grandma and Mommy’s Pumpkin Caramel Apple Pie, won first place at the American Pie Council Crisco National Pie Championships! It’s only made in the fall, so try it while you can.
The Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Possibly one of the most famous harbingers of the fall season is the arrival of the PSL at Starbucks. The drink was released in 2003 and has quickly become a staple beverage. Since its debut, it has been adapted in different coffee shops across the country. For an alternative take on the pumpkin spice latte, check out one of these locations!
Caffe Roma Coffee in San Francisco, California
A California coffee shop with Italian roots, Caffe Roma is family-owned and known for their personally roasted brews. Their take on the PSL includes sweetened pumpkin spice and agave.
Camino Bakery in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
With a store conveniently located in the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Camino Bakery is a perfect stop in the morning for a PSL loving travel nurse before they start their day. Their commitment to the value of community has brought together a team of food artisans to create delicious menu items. Their pumpkin latte features their homemade pumpkin syrup and is sure to come with some beautiful latte foam art!
Ipsento Coffee in Chicago, Illinois
The Pumpkin Patch Latte is becoming a fall tradition at Ipsento Coffee. A blend of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon are added to espresso and signature pumpkin-coconut syrup for a delicious brew.
Apple Cider Donuts
It’s possible that no baked good smells better than an apple cider donut. Laden with sugar, cider, and cinnamon flavors, these donuts make the rounds at every orchard, farm stand, and market every fall. They’re dense, moist, and absolutely delicious.
Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Like any good cider donut, these are made from scratch. What sets them apart from others is that the cider they include is homemade right on the farm. Customers get to enjoy a mouth-watering display as they watch the donuts be made right before their eyes.
Meadow Ledge Farm in Loudon, NH
Meadow Ledge Farm includes the classic experiences of all orchards: apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and potted chrysanthemums for sale. They’re also renowned for their apple cider donuts, having been voted #1 in the state of New Hampshire. For context, New Hampshire produced more than 24.5 million pounds of apples each year, and it is widely regarded as the state with the best cider donuts in the country.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, Vermont
Just a half hour or so away from Burlington is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Curious visitors can explore the facility, where tours of the cider making process are offered. You can also enjoy a meal at their Luncheonette, which offers homemade meals from 8:00-3:00. Lunch, naturally, is served with hard cider. For dessert, visitors can enjoy a number of fresh baked goods, including the famous donuts.
Did any of these locations make you hungry? What fall flavors will you find on your next assignment? Check out open postings here on Wanderly!