Written by Kirstin Hawthorne
As the summer heat begins to wane and the leaves turn vibrant colors and autumn takes center stage. Fall entices us with crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spice delights. In this seasonal guide, we’ll navigate through the best fall has to offer, with a variety of ideas to make the most of this delightful time of year.
Fireside Dining (Hot Damn!)
If you’re looking for a restaurant with an outdoor heated space, these places are some great options to consider.
- Evening Star Café (Del Ray)
- King & Rye (Alexandria)
- Red’s Table (Reston)
- Ruthie’s All Day (Arlington)
- The Barrel and Bushel (Tysons Corner)
- Trattoria Villagio (Clifton)
Quaint Bakeries (Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice)
Here’s a list of some local small bakeries where you can enjoy some of autumn’s specialty flavors created with pumpkin and apples.
- Amphora Bakery (Herndon)
- Happy Tart Bakery (Falls Church)
- Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe (Arlington)
- Pie Gourmet (Vienna)
- The Golden Plum (Occoquan)
- The Swiss Bakery & Pastry Shop (Springfield)
- The Conche (Leesburg & Sterling)
- Lavender Moon Cupcakery (Alexandria)
- Shilla Bakery & Café (Annandale, McLean, Chantilly, Centreville)
Fall Festivals (Hay there!)
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season by attending a fall festival across the area from now until the beginning of November.
- Pumpkin Village Fall Fest (Leesburg): September 15 – November 5
- Cox Farms Fall Festival (Centreville): September 23 through November 7
- Clifton Day Festival (Clifton): October 8
- Capital Art and Craft Festival (Chantilly – Dulles Expo Center): October 13-15
- PetOberfest (Woodbridge): October 14
- Fairfax Fall Festival (City of Fairfax): October 14
- Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days (Alexandria): October 21-22
- Alexandria Fall Festival (Alexandria): November 5
Vineyards (Wine Not Enjoy It All?)
These vineyards offer a wide variety of wines, stunning landscapes, and often host seasonal events and tastings.
- Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)
- Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)
- Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard (Stafford)
- Stone Tower Winery (Leesburg)
- The Winery at Bull Run (Centreville)
Music & Concerts (Let Go of Your Trebles!)
“Fall” in love with these amazing venues and experience the energy that only a live concert can deliver, creating memories to last the whole season.
- Birchmere (Alexandria)
- George Mason EagleBank Arena (Fairfax)
- Jiffy Lube Live (Bristow)
- State Theater (Falls Church)
- The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC)
- Wolf Trap (Vienna)
National Sports (Hoop There It Is … Fall “Goals” for Your “Bucket” List!)
Feel the excitement as you cheer on your local favorites on the ice or on the court. Nothing beats experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of the crowd!
