by Steven Doyle
It’s that time of year again where everything becomes pumpkin spiced, like it or not. It seems the pumpkin spice camp fits about half of those we polled for this story with quotes ranging from, “I spilled my pumpkin spice latte and now ants are making brunch plans and doing toga” to “I live for PSL season, dude”.
Regardless of where you “fall” on the subject of collection of spices made of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves, we prepared a list. A list of where to either find your favorite flavor, or steer clear. We think all things in moderation.
Starbucks: Starbucks is ground zero for the spice with its glorious homage to Fall in its Pumpkin Spice Latte. A 16 ounce PSL will set you back $4.95 and is loaded with 380 calories and 50 grams of sugar, but hey, you do not drink the stuff because of your dietary restrictions. Enjoy!
Nestlé Toll House Café:Cafés across North America have begun serving up their popular Pumpkin Spice Lattes and freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies. These fall favorites are only available through Nov. 4, there are a few locations in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Mudsmith: Tis local coffee haven has a nice alternative using local Avoca beans and can be enjoyed both iced and hot. Great option as a Dallas Fall switches back and forth from cold to blazing hot by the day.
Dugg Burger: With multiple locations in Dallas, Dugg whips up a nice frosty Pumpkin Spice milkshake that is above and beyond marvelous and uses Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream as a base. Get some of this.
Blue Bell: We have avoided the Blue Bell since they seem to have trouble keeping their customers alive, but all snark aside, they do make a Pumpkin Spice version for those who don’t mind.
Proper Baking Company: The lovely people located at the Dallas Farmers Market know your obsession and offer a lightly spiced sponge cake with pumpkin spice buttercream and apricot jam. This sounds up our alley.
Bisous Bisous: This place is all about macarons, and yes they have the pumpkin spice version.
Emporium Pies: Enjoy the Drop Dead Gourdgeous pie that is basically a pumpkin pie, but there is that whole spice element.
SusieCakes: More locations this year to please your Pumpkin Spice fantasies including their pumpkin spice cake and those delicious cupcakes also given the pumpkin treatment.
Pumpkin Spice 5-10-15k: This Fort Worth run has participants entering pumpkin pie eating contests, drinking Avoca coffees and teas, downing Rahr’s pumpkin ale, and much more.
Yolk: This is home to the Red Velvet Pancakes which is marvelous, but during the Pumpkin Spice season they offer a PS pancakes. Boom.
Cocktails: Need some booze with that Pumpkin Spice? Here ya go:
Ferris Wheelers: Have a gourd time at Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ with The Pumpkin Wheel – made with vanilla vodka, pumpkin purée, a splash of orange juice, Grand Marnier and a crushed graham cracker rim. Plus, on Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 11 a.m., Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ is teaming up with SESSION Pilates for a special mat class followed by a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased on Prekindle.com.
High Fives: Henderson’s favorite bar is creepin it real with The Drunkin’ Pumpkin – a new signature cocktail made with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, a splash of milk, simple syrup, pumpkin spice and topped with dunkel beer, available now through Thanksgiving.
Mutts Canine Cantina: Uptown’s premier dog park is celebrating fall with Barktoberfest! On Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Dallas and Sunday Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Fort Worth, Mutts will have local vendors, a signature Patron Pumpkin Margarita, a fall photobooth and more. Dallas DogRRR will also be onsite with dogs available for adoption. More info can be found on the Facebook event page.
The Rustic: The Rustic is partnering with TUPPS Brewery to host a spooktacular Halloween party on Sunday, Oct. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. Guests can Try TUPPS Full Grown Jack Beer and sample other favorites. There will be a variety of complimentary pumpkins at the TUPPS pumpkin patch available for guests to decorate and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Submit pumpkins to the carving contest for a chance to win gift cards from The Rustic and a prize pack from TUPPS.
