Serious question: Is there anything more amazing than a fall day spent fully embracing the season’s most popular traditions? I mean, just think about it! Some of my most favorite days I look back on, all have a couple similar factors. They were spent with Stefan, we were out and about and they likely happened during fall. That’s because fall is undoubtably one of the best seasons I believe we are so lucky to have. Now that you have just the slightest idea how much I love fall, you’ll realize why I just had to make yet another fall itinerary. Last year’s was so fun to put together, so take a look here. Once you’ve done that, read my newest installment of a local’s itinerary for the perfect fall day in Pittsburgh. You’ll have a full day planned out with your best friend or special someone in no time!
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A Local’s Itinerary for the
Perfect Fall Day in Pittsburgh
Your First Stop: Coffee Tree Roasters
Anytime “perfect” and “day” are brought up in the same sentence, you can be sure of one thing: that day will find me starting off the festivities at a coffee shop. There are many great coffee shops in Pittsburgh and if you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing ones, definitely pop on over to this page, to see all my recommendations. However if you’re looking for the perfect variety of seasonal drinks and vegan donuts, Coffee Tree Roasters is where you’ll want to stop first, for the perfect way to spend a fall day in Pittsburgh.
When visiting Coffee Tree, I ordered a cold brew with pumpkin spice syrup added to it but I went pretty plain, if you ask me! Stefan tried a more exciting drink from the seasonal menu, ordering a s’mores mocha. You bet I tried it and slipped into a blissful state, having tasted the sugary concoction!
Other seasonal drinks they offer are the classic PSL, hot apple cider, a cookie butter frozaccino and honey bee cortado. (espresso, steamed milk, and a touch of honey) If you’re in need of a little fuel in the form of food, I recommend trying the donuts. They sell pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts by Gluten Free Goat donuts and they’re vegan!
Second Stop: The Candle Lab
I cannot stress enough how essential it is to visit The Candle Lab during the colder months. I mean, you should totally visit year round but I think it’s pretty universally agreed upon that fall and winter are the best seasons for candle burning. So why not stop by during your fall day out in Pittsburgh, to make a candle? The process of making a candle is so relaxing and I’m not entirely sure why, but I’m not questioning it!
When you visit The Candle Lab, you’ll be greeted by the lovely ladies working there. You’ll be given a clip board to write your favorite candle scents on and this is where the fun begins! There’s a whole wall of different candle scents for you to try. After smelling many scents, write down your most favorite ones. You then sit down and one of the ladies helps you decide on the best scent combinations. From there, the process is fairly simple. I go here every year because the process of making a candle from choosing the scents to pouring the wax, is just so fun!
Third Stop: Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s isn’t exactly exclusive to Pittsburgh but you won’t find this grocery store in most cities. It’s a favorite of mine for their wide variety of health foods, vegan & vegetarian options and mostly, the flowers! Talk to any Pittsburgher and I guarantee most of them will tell you this. So what I recommend you do on your last stop out, to pop into Trader Joe’s for heirloom pumpkins and fall flowers.
If you haven’t quite finished decorating your front porch or inside, this would be the perfect way to add pretty fall touches to your home or apartment! Trader Joe’s sells many different greens and types of flowers individually, so it’s pretty easy to create a pretty bouquet of flowers! I always make sure to include eucalyptus in my bouquets. You may have noticed that heirloom pumpkins have become pretty trendy this fall and Trader Joe’s sells them! A quick stop by and your place will be looking beautiful!
How to Conclude the Day: Make Spiked Apple Cider
After a full day out of fun, what better way to conclude it than with a drink? I found the perfect recipe that is both sweet, budget-friendly and delivers a healthy dose of fall flavors to your mouth! So kick back, pour yourself a drink and end the night with a halloween movie. If you need any suggestions, I say you can never go wrong with any of Tim Horton’s movies and while the cheese factor may be high, Beetlejuice is a classic you simply can’t pass up. Try pairing this drink with kettle corn and burn the candle you made earlier at The Candle Lab!
Spiked Cider
- Spiced Apple Cider
- Caramel Vodka (I suggest Smirnoff)
- Pour yourself a glass halfway of spiced cider
- Top off drink with desired amount of vodka
- Bonus: Add a little cinnamon to the rim of your cup
- Viola! You’re done, now enjoy your fall in a cup
And with that, I conclude my itinerary for a fall day in Pittsburgh! If you found this blog post helpful, please pass it along to another local in need of seasonal recommendations. Comment below how you like to spend the perfect fall day and where you go. Locals, I’m especially talking to you. Now let’s get the conversation started below!
