While the passing of summer has many mourning the long days of fun in the sun, it has many excited for the crisp air, brilliant fall foliage, cozy sweaters… and pumpkin everything. If you’re a self-proclaimed pumpkin addict, this is the perfect fall bucket list for you! Check out these 12 incredible stops in York Durham Headwaters where you can go beyond the latte to satisfy your pumpkin craving.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Let’s start off with the classic that kicked off the trend – a pumpkin spice latte. It may have gained popularity thanks to that chain with the mermaid logo but we all know that local joints do it better! Roost Café in King City is the perfect spot to go in York Region for the iconic fall caffeine boost. They use the freshest ingredients they can find and locally-roasted Barocco coffee to craft their spin on this tasty beverage. If you find yourself along the eastern shores of Lake Simcoe, pop into The Shortiss in Beaverton for your latte. Pair their pumpkin spice latte with the beautiful views of the Beaver River for a match made in heaven!
Pumpkin Spice Milk
What if coffee isn’t your style? More of a tea drinker or just want to add a dash of fall to any recipe? Why not give pumpkin spice milk a whirl? Sheldon Creek Dairy in Loretto is well known for their unique seasonal milk flavours. Sourced only from their herd of cows, milk doesn’t get any fresher!
Pumpkin Spice Honey
Add the spice of fall to any creation with some pumpkin spice honey! Peter Chorabik and Sarah Allinson-Chorabik, the husband and wife team behind Ontario Honey Creations in Mulmur offer raw, seasonal terroir honeys sourced from their 600 beehives across the GTA! While they have a variety of offerings, their pumpkin spice creamed honey is where it’s at during the fall season. Villa Vida Loca Market in Sutherland is another fantastic option as their passion for beekeeping shows in each of their products. While honey is where they started, their boutique market has since expanded to include a number of products that are farm fresh, homegrown, handmade and the personally chosen.
Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty autumn treat? You have to indulge in a pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnut from Crave Doughnuts in Whitby. Their signature brioche dough is all decked out in sugars and spices to bring you a fall spin on Durham Region’s best doughnut. You’ll certainly taste the difference from other doughnuts as they make all of their custards, glazes and creams in-house!
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too in York Durham Headwaters! Head to Pine Farms Orchard in King City and pop by their bakeshop for their pumpkin spice cake. Topped with caramel drizzle, these tasty morsels are single-serving and you know what that means… no obligation to share! For even more pumpkin-y goodness, try one of their pumpkin spice squares or a pumpkin pecan crunch pie.
Pumpkin Pie Gelato
Speaking of pumpkin pie – why not try it in gelato form? Head to Flavours of Unionville in Markham where you’ll want to scream because this ice cream is so good. They take their flavours seriously as you’ll even find pumpkin pie bits throughout it! Even on the chilliest of fall days, any pumpkin lover will enjoy this un-cone-ditionally.
Pumpkin Pie Ale
Looking for an excellent beer to enjoy on those crisp fall days? Brock Street Brewing in Whitby has just the brew for you! Their amber ale features hints of pumpkin, brown sugar and spices – the trifecta for an autumn beer. It also makes for the perfect dessert when you’re absolutely stuffed from dinner!
Pumpkin Spice Cider
If beer isn’t your thing, never fear because pumpkin spice cider is here and there are not one but TWO places you can enjoy it in York Durham Headwaters! Head to Spirit Tree Estate Cidery in Terra Cotta where this seasonal beverage is made right from pumpkins roasted in their wood fired ovens. The other fantastic option is Slabtown Cider Co in Uxbridge where this is easily their most popular seasonal cider. With notes of bold cinnamon and hints of cloves, nutmeg and fresh pumpkin, it’s the perfect tribute to our favourite fall flavours!
Pumpkin Moonshine
Last but certainly not least, head to Applewood Farm & Winery in Sunderland and round out your YDH pumpkin bucket list with a bottle of their pumpkin smash moonshine! Rumour has it that adding some pumpkin smash moonshine to your after dinner coffee is a fantastic idea. While you’re there, pop by the pumpkin patch and see if you can navigate their 3 km corn maze – it’s one of the biggest in Durham Region!
So, think you’re up to the challenge of experiencing all of the gourd-ness York Durham Headwaters has to offer? You’ll want to hurry since these seasonal treats won’t be around for long!
