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Fall is officially here! Run, don’t walk to your nearest coffee shop, pick up a Pumpkin Spice Latte + Vanilla Scone, and let’s welcome the changing of seasons in the most basic way we know how. If I managed to get a smile out of you, I suggest you keep on reading because you’ll surely enjoy the rest of this post. If you’re starting to contemplate how you stumbled upon this blog in the first place, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace your fall feelings and before you know it you’ll be screaming “October is my favorite color” just like the rest of us.
October is my favorite color
Fall comes and goes with the blink of an eye, especially here in Reno/Tahoe. One second we’re frolicking through ombre orange leaves with a hot drink in hand, and the next we’re wearing our 800 fill insulated down jackets blowing water vapor from our mouths. So let’s take the next couple of months (if we’re lucky) to enjoy some of the below fall favorite festivities here in Reno!
Coffee Shops
No fall morning has ever been complete without a warm drink in hand. Sure we all opt for a homemade cup of coffee most days of the week, but for those days we don’t, you best believe I’m not settling for just OKAY. Below are some of the best shops that not only serve up an exceptional cup of Joe, but also provide you with the fall coffee shop experience we're all looking for.
Leave your house a couple minutes earlier if you’re going to Hub this time of year. Ask for a to-go cup and bring a coat, because unless you have extraordinary will power, you won’t be able to resist a walk along the river under the foliage afterwards.
Where are all my PSL girls at?! Coffee Bar is your place. I repeat, Coffee Bar is your place. The baristas here use only the finest, REAL ingredients to craft specialty lattes all year-round, so you can bet their Pumpkin Spice Latte is nothing short of exceptional. Pro Tip – pair it with their vegan pumpkin donut hole for the ultimate fall experience.
This shop is just as inviting as it is cozy. Their midtown location is walking distance from many restaurants and bars, so pop on in any time of day for your caffeine fix. Their pour-over is simply amazing, however if that doesn’t quite quench your fall thirst, try anything off their seasonally changing menu. I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.
Scenic Hikes
In case you weren’t aware, we are entering prime hiking season people. We just surpassed the triple digit heat and aren’t quite in the below freezing morning temps yet. So grab your walking shoes, your dog, the new iPhone 11 and get ready to take some serious Instagram worthy pics.
This family friendly hike located in North West Reno, is perfect for anyone looking for that simple “stroll in the park” type of adventure. There is a paved path with beautiful trees and the Truckee River flowing next to you. Pack a lunch, and stop to eat at one of the serene picnic tables the park offers.
This hike is a favorite amongst all Reno locals. It runs you a little over 5 miles in total and ends with a beautiful waterfall as your final reward on the way up. The combination of stunning foliage paired with an active waterfall makes for the perfect fall time hike.
Rancho is one of the best all around parks in Reno. It’s home to the Great Reno Balloon Races, a dog park, a wetland habitat, and a botanical garden. This park is truly beautiful year-round, and exceptionally gorgeous during the fall months.
Pumpkin Patches
If you’re still reading along, congratulations and thank you. It seems like an acceptable time to reward you with what you truly came here for in the first place – pumpkin patches. Let me just start by saying, I don't care if you’re a 13 year old teeny- bopper or a 40 year old bearded burly man, we all like a good pumpkin patch (or know someone who does). So bust out the fall sweaters and scarves, and let the pumpkin carving parties commence!
Hay rides, corn mazes, baby goat yoga, and pumpkins – need I say more? The fall festival starts this upcoming Saturday the 28th and is open from 9:30am – 10pm. Take my advice: beat the crowds and go early!
Head out to Andelin Family Farm for an all day event. This farm truly offers something for everyone. From a large selection of pumpkins, to a 5K run, to Zombie Paintball and Corn Creepers, it’s almost impossible to fit everything in just one trip. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance!
This slightly smaller, yet beautiful pumpkin patch has a great selection of pumpkins and activities for children. It's open from Sept 27th – Oct 27th, Thursday – Sunday and offers other attractions such as gold panning, a bouncy house and a hay ride.
