Written by Tracey Barrett

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.

• The Garden (Del Ray Alexandria)
• Ruthie’s All Day (Arlington)
• Trattoria Villagio (Clifton)
• Lazy Dog (Chantilly / Fairfax)
• Ireland’s Four Provences (Falls Church)
• Maggie McFly’s (Springfield)
• Red’s Table (Reston)
• Firebirds Wood Fire Grill (Woodbridge)

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.

• Pastry XPO (Mosaic Fairfax)
• Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe (Arlington)
• The Upper Crust (Middleberg)
• Amphora Bakery (Herndon)
• Happy Tart Bakery (Falls Church)
• Jireh Cafe (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.

• Cox Farms Fall Festival (Centreville): September 14 through November 5
• Historic Downtown Manassas Fall Jubilee (Manassas): October 5
• Clifton Day Festival (Clifton): October 13
• Capital Art and Craft Festival (Chantilly – Dulles Expo Center): October 11-13
• Fairfax Fall Festival (City of Fairfax): October 12
• PetOberfest (Woodbridge): October 19
• Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days (Alexandria): October 19-20
• Alexandria Fall Festival (Alexandria): November 3

Vineyards and Breweries (Wine Not Enjoy Some Witches’ Brew)

These vineyards and Breweries offer a wide variety of wines and brews, 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)
• Bunnyman Brewing (Burke and Lorton)
• Lark Brewing Company (Aldie)