With summers that linger much too long, it’s no wonder Austinites celebrate a drop in temperature. Between football season, holiday lights and, yes, pumpkin spice, we're craving that fall feeling any way we can get it. Here are a few ideas to get you into an autumn mood before you start hearing holiday music at Target.
1. Visit a cidery
The taprooms at Texas Keeper in Manchaca or Argus Cidery on Fitzhugh Road are open on weekends.
2. Plan a trip to Wurstfest
Get the gang together and head on over to New Braunfels from November 3 through 12 for German food, music and lots and lots of beer.
3. Dust off your insulated North Face vest
Hey, who needs sleeves when your core is toasty AF?
4. Visit a pumpkin farm
These fall wonderlands are found on the outskirts of Austin and make for fantastic ’gramming.
5. Switch to a darker spirit
Frosés and Aperol spritzes are so last season. Sip on an old-fashioned or hot toddy, which basically kill all seasonal colds (so, you know, they're totally good for you). You can find one of our favorite old-fashioneds from happy hour hot spot, The Roosevelt Room.
6. One word: tailgate
Don’t forget your burnt orange and a koozie.
7. See fall colors up close and personal
Both Lost Maples and Garner State Park are three-hour drives from Austin, and during peak season—usually the last week of November—the orange and red foliage are at their best.
8. Grab a fall-inspired brew
Head to Rainey Street’s Craft Pride or Banger’s for craft beers infused with fall flavors like pumpkin, spices, pecan and cranberry.
9. Create a Friendsgiving event on Facebook
Let’s face it: Friendsgiving is better than the get-togethers of your childhood when you were forced to hang out with your weird cousin.
10. Order a (cringe) pumpkin spice latte
If you must, at least have a good one: Picnik’s pumpkin spice, grass-fed butter coffee is packed with energizing ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, maple syrup and whey protein.