Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Houston’s Best Fall Products

family in pumpkin patch

It’s fall, y’all! Well, sort of. We’re technically in the autumn season, even though it’s still in the 90’s. However, after a brutal summer, Houston is finally boasting some pleasant temperatures. Like any basic Southern girl, I love the fall season. It’s the perfect time of year for yummy pumpkin treats, comforting soups, crisp autumnal beers, and cozy fall mysteries. Though Houston may be lacking in the seasonal weather department, it is no slouch when it comes to cozy fall things. The Bayou City is teeming with family friendly fall fun, creative spins on fall flavors, and unique fall products.

To help you and your family get into the spirit of fall, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite fall things around Houston!

Houston’s Best Fall Products

Verbena Coffee‘s Pumpkin Pie Latte

Every coffee shop probably has their take on the classic PSL. The pumpkin pie latte from Verbena Coffee is, hands down, my favorite. Verbena is small coffee shop, tucked into a strip center, in the Memorial area. They source their beans from locally owned roasteries, and the resulting beverages are absolutely delightful. Their take on the PSL is bursting with real pumpkin flavor, with a perfect blend of pumpkin pie spices. With only a subtle hint of sweetness, the pumpkin pie latte is a fall treat that I make sure to regularly enjoy while it lasts!

fancy coffee

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Almond & Oat Non-Dairy Creamer

Of course, we can’t go to Starbucks or any other coffee shop on the daily…unless that’s part of your budget. So, I happened to pick up one of these babies in my local HEB, and let me tell you, it makes me so happy. I’m one of those people that read all the labels and look for options lower in sugar, and this one was, by far, the lowest {we’re talking 5 grams per serving} and I am so, so satisfied with the taste that I just thank Starbucks for producing these store-bought products that add a little joy to our everyday routines, and make us feel like we’ve frequented their coffee shop whenever our hearts desire.

Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce

In case you’re new to the Trader Joe’s scene, I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to the glory that is Trader Joe’s fall offerings. I wish I could list them all. I will highlight a few of my favorites, but check out their fall Fearless Flyer if you need more {and trust me, you need more!}.

Whenever I think pumpkin products, I usually think of sweet treats first. I tend to forget that pumpkin is also a common savory ingredient. Trader Joe’s is here to remind you of that with their Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce. Made with butternut squash and pumpkin, this thick and creamy sauce is wonderful with pappardelle pasta and topped with a sharp Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi

While I’m focusing on savory fall treats, let me point you to the pumpkin gnocchi, also at Trader Joe’s. I’m a huge gnocchi fan. I love it in soups, topped with pasta sauce {like the one above!}, and lately, roasted on a big sheet pan. Imagine my delight when I happened up on this pumpkin gnocchi! Pair it with roasted chicken and veggies, and you’ll have a quick and delicious fall dinner.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ginger Scones

Okay, okay, ONE more ode to this mastermind of a grocery store. And I’ll switch it up to include something sweet. One of my favorite regular traditions with my kiddos is an afternoon tea and story time. These cozy pumpkin and ginger scones were a delicious addition to our table. Slather them with butter, top them with whipped cream, or just enjoy them straight from the oven!

plate of scones

St. Arnold’s Oktoberfest

The rollout of fall beer is one of the highlights of the season for me. For each of my three pregnancies, I mourned as I was unable to partake in the vast array of autumnal beers that the Houston brew scene has to offer. There’s just something about enjoying a crisp, earthy beer on a cool fall evening. St. Arnold’s Oktoberfest definitely fits that bill. The website describes it as a “full bodied, malty, slightly sweet beer celebrating the Autumn harvest”, and that’s about right. This beer pairs well with chips and dip for the weekend football game, a cozy fall dinner, or just on it’s own, preferably on a patio!

St Arnold can of beer next to cup of beer

Shipley’s Pumpkin Spice Donut

There are so many Shipley’s locations that sometimes, I forget that this gem of a donut shop is a Houston OG {shoutout to the original Ella location, where traffic is literally stopped everyday because so many people are trying to get into the Shipley’s drive thru!}. When I saw that certain Shipley’s locations were rolling out with their new pumpkin spice donuts this year, I knew I had to try one. Y’all, it’s delicious. The pumpkin gives it a moist, melt in your mouth texture. The spice is subtle, which I love because I don’t just want to eat pumpkin bread in donut form. And I think it goes without saying that you should enjoy this treat with a cup of piping hot coffee or tea. Fall perfection. These babies will only be around until November 30th, so make sure to grab one!

Durham’s Hot Chocolate Almonds

I originally found these amazing delicacies one day at the end of the aisle when I was shopping at HEB. I was skeptical, but the moment I popped one in my mouth, I knew I was in trouble. My family indulged in these like there was no tomorrow. Sadly, when I went back to buy more, there weren’t any more in that flavor. So, I “settled” for their next creation on the market: the hot chocolate almonds. Little did I know these would blow the pumpkin pie ones out of the water. I have been back a few times and noticed this brand is now offering holiday season treats, including Eggnog and Candy Cane Peppermint almonds, which I’m sure are amazing too. Durham, whoever you are, you’re a genius.

chocolate almonds, pumpkin, and hot chocolate mix

Linden Candle Company Fall Festival Candle

Taking a whiff of this fabulous Fall Festival candle basically transported me to a crisp afternoon in Stars Hollow. I half expected to turn around and see Lorelai and Rory strolling out of Luke’s Diner, coffee in hand. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic. However, this candle does smell like fresh apples and cinnamon. And I’m not sure how they accomplish this, but I also get notes of a pie made with late summer peaches, sugary and decadent. It’s sweet and crisp, and you bet I scooped this up from my local Whole Foods immediately. The company is out of McKinney, Texas, and each candle is handmade with soy wax and a wooden wick, so it makes that lovely crackling sound as it burns.

Louisburg Apple Cider

Let’s be honest. Is it ever really fall until you take your first sip of fresh apple cider? It is usually displayed front and center at my local HEB whenever it’s in season, and I can never resist adding one to my cart and enjoying it in many different ways at home {for an amazing cocktail, follow this recipe.

Local Pumpkin Patches

Last, but not least, you can’t have genuine pumpkin products without the actual pumpkins themselves. Take a day with your family, and go enjoy the fun activities, shows and shopping these local farms have to offer. Houston Moms especially loves Dewberry Farm and Blessington Farms. Both boast tons of photo ops with the cutest staged backgrounds, and an outstanding variety of fresh pumpkins to take back home with you. We love picking out our pumpkins for the season at local pumpkin patches, because we know we will find some of the highest quality and varied species options out there and we have the opportunity to support a local, family-owned business.
toddler and baby in pumpkin patch
Our great city has so much to offer this season. What would you add to our list of Houston’s best fall products?

 

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Rebecca Slocum
Rebecca S. is a born and raised Houstonian; she grew up in Katy, graduated with a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston {go Coogs!}, and made a home in West Houston with her native Houstonian husband. She quickly realized that the chaotic lifestyle of the hospitality industry was not for her and soon found her calling in education. She taught while earning her masters in Library Science from the University of North Texas. Currently, she is staying home with her son, Thomas {2016}, daughter Charlie {2020}, son Zack {2021}. In her free time, she loves to read, write, run, and roam the world. While her roots are firmly planted in H-town, she takes every available opportunity to go on an adventure and explore historic cities, hike and run new trails, and, of course, try beers from every country.

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