Great Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Season — Before It’s Gone! Chenea Gordon November 23, 2015 Arts & History, Family Travel, Food & Drink, Interests, International Travel This post was last updated on October 5, 2023. For all you pumpkin lovers out there, colder days are fast approaching—and so is the end of pumpkin season! But that doesn’t mean you still can’t stay warm with a cup of pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin beer, or pumpkin pie! With the end of pumpkin season right around the corner, now is the time to enjoy our favorite holiday fruit! (Yep—pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable. Shocking, we know.) Here are four unique ways to savor the last of pumpkin season before it’s over. You’re welcome! Pumpkin Patches Phase4Studios / Shutterstock Who doesn’t love a good pumpkin patch? Whether you’re in the mood to pick up a pumpkin for the dinner table or just want to take the kids out for the day, pumpkin picking is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. There are several different cities to choose from who have pumpkin patches open through November, including The Arboretum Pumpkin Festival in Dallas, Bishops Pumpkin Farm in Sacramento, and more. Halloween pumpkin carving may be over, but a good pumpkin is a terrible thing to waste! MaxyM / Shutterstock Pumpkin Beer Drink up! During this time, bars will typically serve seasonal drinks, including—you guessed it!—pumpkin beer There are hundreds of bars around the country claiming to have the best pumpkin ale, but depending on your location, you made need to narrow your search. If you’re in the Midwest, stop by Great Lakes Brewery Company in Cleveland, OH. The seasonal favorite at this bar is Franklin Castle pumpkin spice ale. If you’re interested in traveling further West, San Diego’s Slater’s 50/50 has a pretty impressive beer and tap list. Their options include, but aren’t limited to, Elysian Punkuccino Coffee Stout and Avery Gored Pumpkin Ale. Yum! For our beer lovers in the northeast, New York City has tons of options when it comes to dining out, and beers are no exception. Visit The Ginger Man for over 70 drafts including their seasonal pumpkin beer. Agnes Kantaruk / ShutterstockPumpkin Décor Pumpkin Decor For those of you who are arts and crafts enthusiasts, pumpkins could be the decorative highlight of your home during the fall season! If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year (like I am in my house—wish me luck!) try picking up a few pumpkins to add a very festive fall look to the occasion. There are many DIY projects that include pumpkin painting, pumpkin flower holders, pumpkin candle holders, and more! Maria Shumova / Shutterstock Pumpkin Recipes In addition to that tall glass of pumpkin beer, you have to eat! Pumpkin has so many fantastic uses when you’re in the kitchen. For an interesting twist on a Cesar salad, chop up bits of pumpkin with your greens and top if off with lentils and goat cheese. Pumpkin soup is a popular dish as it’s both creamy and hearty depending on the other ingredients. However you incorporate your pumpkin, don’t forget to save those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds make a great snack. Just add some salt for to enhance their flavor! FAQs: Q: Can I use canned pumpkin for these recipes? A: Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly for most recipes but fresh tastes the best. Keep in mind that many of the varieties of canned “pumpkin filling” actually contain no pumpkin at all but are rather made up of various varieties of squash. Q: Where can I find pumpkin-themed decorations? A: Craft stores, online marketplaces, and even local farmers’ markets often carry pumpkin-themed décor. Q: What’s a distinctive pumpkin cocktail recipe to try? A: How about a Pumpkin Maple Bourbon Smash? Q: Are there any savory pumpkin dishes to explore? A: Absolutely! Pumpkin risotto and pumpkin curry are worth trying. Q: What can I do with leftover carved pumpkins? A: Compost them or feed them to wildlife, but never let them go to waste. Have you enjoyed any pumpkin lately? What are your favorite destinations to enjoy pumpkin-flavored deliciousness? Let us know in the comments!
