The leaves are starting to change, temps are finally starting to drop, and we’re done trying to resist all the allure of the fall season.  This year, we’re soaking up all of the pumpkin-spiced goodness that fall in DC has to offer.  Here are the events, activities, day trips (and more) that you need to try this year.

Seasonal Specialties To Sample

Don’t miss these tantalizing food and drink specials:

Apple Spiced Tonic from Slipstream – espresso, tonic, and spiced, cinnamon-y goodness

Pumpkin Chai from Compass Coffee – a delicious twist on the basic PSL

Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew from Saxby’s – for those who drink their coffee iced, no matter the season

Cinnamon Apple Cider Mule from Red Light – a seasonal spin on one of DC’s most popular cocktails

Punkin’ Chunkin’ from Mc Clellan’s Retreat – Gin, Allspice Dram, pumpkin puree, half & half, maple syrup

All About Eve from The Gibson – or any of their 10 other amazing seasonal offerings

Roasted Butternut Squash & Ginger Soup from Chez Billy Sud – comfort in a bowl (plus a hearty dose of veggies)

Roasted Squash Agnolotti with Brown Butter, Sage, & Hazelnut from Graffiato – switch up your usual order at this much-beloved pizza joint

Apple Butter Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream from Ice Cream Jubilee – so many good flavors all wrapped up in one cone

Events & Activities Around DC & At Home

Your fall bucket list:

Check out the changing leaves around the Tidal Basin, Rock Creek Park, or take a weekend/day trip to Shenandoah National Park.

Take a hike and enjoy the cooler weather at one of these nearby trails.

Go apple picking at one of the many DC-area orchards; some even offer extra treats like apple cider doughnuts, hay rides, and more.

Skip straight to the hard stuff with the Rock The Core Cider Festival.

Get your Halloween on with these local events and activities.

Get spooked with these 8 DC ghost tours.

Go on a photo safari to capture some of DC’s most Instagrammable spots in all of their fall-colored glory.

Step back in time by heading to the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Pick the perfect pumpkin at one of these nearby pumpkin patches.

Get your DIY on with these 5 unique ways to decorate with pumpkins.

Celebrate Oktoberfest (or create your own celebration) at one of these DC-area beer gardens.

Go wine tasting with your besties at one (or a few) of these Northern Virginia Wineries.

Imbibe at home with these great mulled wine and red wine hot chocolate recipes.

Cozy up by the fire at one of these DC restaurants.

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with one of these crockpot recipes.