Fall Coffee Walks: Enjoying Spicy Fall Sips While Getting Your Steps
If you ask me, there are few things more enjoyable than a walk on a sunshiny fall day. During this time of year, the sun shines a little differently, glinting through the tree branches and illuminating the colorful leaves along the path. The air smells fresh and crisp. And the cooler temperatures make those brisk walks a little more bearable.
Admittedly, I haven’t experienced a whole lot of those days yet. Though it’s been officially fall for a couple of weeks now, our daily temperatures are still well into the 80s—and even on my morning walks, I’m still sweating in my short-sleeve shirts. But it’s just a matter of time before I’ll be layering up.
When those cooler fall days arrive, there’s just something about enjoying a cozy fall drink while on a crisp fall walk. You may love apple picking or visits to the pumpkin patch—but, to me, a fall coffee walk is the ultimate fall experience.
Here are some fall drinks to sip while enjoying your stroll:
PSL, Obviously
These days, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a bit of a fall cliché—but it’s become a cliché because people love it. Each August, fall coffee lovers count down the days until their favorite coffee shop brings pumpkin back. It’s sweet and spicy and so very pumpkiny. Basically, it’s fall in a cup.
Cinnamon and Spice
If you love the spice but not the pumpkin, stick with a cozy cinnamon drink instead! As an added bonus, cinnamon drinks are generally less sugary than the typical fall drinks—so they’re also lower in guilt.
Apple-Inspired Drinks
My favorite fall apple drink isn’t a coffee drink; it’s the Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks—a sweet, spicy blend of apple, cinnamon, and caramel. Yum! Or, if you still want the caffeine kick, try an Apple Crisp Macchiato for a hint of caramel apple in your morning brew.
Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut
Hazelnut may be a year-round option at most coffee places, but it just feels a little more fitting during the fall. Or try a Maple Pecan Latte for another cozy fall twist on your same old morning coffee order.
Around the Campfire
I love the smell of campfires in the fall—and campfires mean toasted marshmallow! Add a little bit of toasty sweetness to your favorite brew with toasted marshmallow—and, while you’re at it, you might as well add a little bit of chocolate for the full s’mores effect.
Or…Just Keep It Simple
While some people race out to their favorite coffee shop the second fall flavors become available, you don’t need a shot of pumpkin or cinnamon or apple to make your fall walk complete. Sometimes a nice hot cup of black coffee, some hot chocolate, or your favorite hot tea is just the thing to warm your hands while you’re out for a stroll. No one’s out on the trail to judge you; so drink what makes you happy!
Pro Tips for Your Fall Coffee Walk
Dress Accordingly
As the temperatures start to drop, you’ll want to layer up. And, really, wearing your favorite hoodie just makes walking with your favorite coffee drink more satisfying.
Choose Your Mug Wisely
If you’re stopping for takeout, be sure to grab a sleeve—or bring a colorful knitted one—to protect your hands from getting too toasty. If you’re bringing a mug from home, be sure it’s a spill-proof one that will allow you to move freely while walking.
Pick Your Path
Want to add to the adventure? Plan your path around your coffee stop! Start or end at your favorite coffee place—or create your own coffee shop challenge and walk to/from a new coffee shop each time!
Balance It Out
Sometimes those sugary drinks can mess with your head (or your stomach…or some other part of your body). So pack a little extra protein to balance out all of that sweetness—like a granola bar or trail mix.
Some Fall Drinks to Try
From those ever-present chains to your favorite local spot, everyone has some fall flavors to try! Here are some to check out:
Dunkin
Dunkin comes first because it’s my favorite, obviously. This year, in addition to the usual pumpkin flavors, Dunkin is also offering a Cereal Milk Latte. Personally, though, I’m picking up my fall favorite: the Nutty Pumpkin. Though the chain’s traditional Nutty Pumpkin is hot with cream, I get mine iced with just hazelnut flavoring and a pumpkin swirl. It’s [chef’s kiss].
Starbucks
Obviously, Starbucks is known for its PSL. As I mentioned above, if I make my way to Starbies (which, honestly, I don’t do often), I go with the Caramel Apple Spice. You can also try their Pecan or Crisp Apple offerings—like the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which drops on October 14th.
Tim Hortons
Since I married a Canadian, I’ve spent plenty of quality time at Timmy’s, where this year’s fall offerings include the typical Pumpkin Spice—as well as Cinnamon Caramel Apple. Personally, though, I’ll be opting for the Pumpkin Spice Iced Capp—because I just cant resist the super-sweet, creamy-cold drink.
Caribou Coffee
In addition to their pumpkin and white mocha flavors, Caribou Coffee is also offering a Honeycrisp Apple Syrup for those looking for a fruity fall twist. One to try: Honeycrisp Apple Caramel High Rise, which is a mix of apple, espresso, and steamed milk with a caramel drizzle (and whipped cream, of course).
Sonic
Sonic Drive-In is skipping the pumpkin—but you can pick up a Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee, which sounds pretty amazing. You can also pick up some Salted Caramel Toffee Croissant Bites while you’re at it, which makes me want to grab my keys and drive on over.
Scooter’s Coffee
Though Scooter’s has yet to show up in my neighborhood, those of you who have one nearby can try all kinds of delicious fall offerings—from pumpkin to caramel to caramel apple. What would I try first? Maybe the Oatmeal Cream Pie Latte—because the cookie version is a favorite in our house.
McDonald’s
It isn’t usually the first place I consider when I want to grab a coffee, but McDonald’s actually has some surprisingly good coffee for a fast food burger place. They don’t have anything fancy for fall, but you can pick up a PSL—or a pumpkin iced coffee, which would be my pick.
7 Brew
Our first 7 Brew recently opened nearby—and while I have yet to stop by (due to my drive-thru anxiety…but that’s a different discussion for another day), I’m already planning to stop by for a Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Blondie.
Dutch Bros
The closest Dutch Bros is 76 miles away, so…it’s not really a quick stop. But my long-distance bestie lives near one, which makes me a little jealous, since I’m now dying to try their Cookie Butter drinks.
Fall is the perfect time to combine two of my favorite things: coffee and walking. Whether you race to Starbucks to grab the first PSL of the fall or you prefer apple, cinnamon, or something else altogether, there’s a fall drink that’s just right for you—and it’s sure to make your next fall walk just a little bit cozier. So fill up your cup, lace up your shoes, and enjoy your Fall Coffee Walk!
Do you have a favorite fall beverage? What will you be bring along on your Fall Coffee Walk?
