Welcome autumn! With sweltering summer heat giving way to cooler evenings and mornings most Texans eagerly await the start of autumn with open arms. Changing leaves, less daylight and a certain scent in the air are signs that autumn is on its way. And it’s definitely not too late to make plans to welcome in one of our favorite seasons of the year. Whether you visit a farmers’ market, go to a pumpkin patch, or explore a nearby town there’s awesome outdoor fun to be had. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate the season and have your best autumn ever.
Seasonal Taste Sensations
Sip a Pumpkin Latte
When temperatures start dipping there’s nothing quite like a pumpkin latte to ward off a slight chill in the air. Even if temperatures are still in the 80s pumpkin lattes are an annual autumn tradition for avid coffee drinkers looking for a flavor change. At the very least it will put you in the mood for what’s to come. The Austin area is home to countless welcoming coffee shops. And right about now they’re offering delicious seasonal pumpkin drinks and treats too. Take a seat outdoors on a cool Sunday morning and enjoy.
Quench your Thirst with a Pumpkin Beer
Just as coffee shops are rolling out their special pumpkin recipes the craft beer scene is doing the same. Both frothy and refreshing, a cold pumpkin beer is the perfect weekend accompaniment while cheering on the home team. For those new to the thought of drinking a beer brewed from a winter squash check out this guide. If you’re the type that likes to keep it local, check out these Central Texas favorites.
Shop for Farm Fresh Produce
Farm fresh eggs, organic produce, locally sourced meats, home-grown herbs and much more are what make farmers’ markets hidden gems. In fall you’ll find rows of booths with colorful fresh produce like pumpkins, squash, eggplants and sweet potatoes. Pears, fresh-cut flowers, mums and pecans make an appearance too. But there’s so much more like fresh baked goods, handmade jewelry, crafts and pottery too. With every market having its own vibe you can keep it local and check out Travisso’s Savory Farmers’ Market. Or, you can go outside the city zone for a change of scenery and a drive out to the country.
Autumn Activities for Kids
Go to a Pumpkin Patch
For most families a trip to a pumpkin patch is an annual autumn ritual. Corn mazes, games, live music, farm animals, hayrides, bounce houses and pumpkin picking will keep kids busy for hours. For area favorites that includes hours of operation and admission information check out this list from Do512.
Take a Daytrip
Daytrips are filled with unscheduled stops, discovering small out-of-the-way towns, visiting local museums and making memories. They’re also the perfect solution for driving with kids. By the time they ask when you’ll be there, most likely you will be. The Austin area is centrally located to include a multiple of great destinations that are not only less than three hours away but family-friendly too. Whether you head north, south, east or west Free Fun in Austin has a published list of their Favorite Family-Friendly Daytrips from Austin covering all directions. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you can turn the air conditioning off and open the car windows.
Visit Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Many people know this restful respite located in the middle of Austin as the Peacock Park. Mayfield Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was given to the city in 1971 by Mary Mayfield Gutsch. Kids will love watching the peacocks. These beautiful birds roam freely throughout the park. Pack a picnic lunch then tour the grounds that include a historic cottage and two acres of gardens. The 21-acre preserve surrounding the park consists of walking trails and a natural wildlife habitat. Due to Covid-19 restrictions only the park’s outdoor areas are open to the public at this time.
Discover Travisso’s Move-in Ready Homes
Are you looking for your dream home? Check out Travisso’s current list of move-in ready available homes today. Specifically built for today’s busy lifestyles they offer open concept floor plans, media and game rooms, and large gourmet kitchens and gathering areas that make entertaining super easy. In addition, Travisso offers gorgeous Texas Hill Country views, a family-friendly neighborhood and endless recreational possibilities for the entire family. For additional information call 512-243-8583.
