It’s almost pumpkin season! From the apple and pumpkin spice aromas in the air to the leaves changing color, Aiken is showing signs of fall. However, it isn’t fall without a fun outing to a festival or a fair – especially the food! Many of Aiken's restaurants feature fall menus. Plan a day trip or a weekend to enjoy the taste of fall in Aiken.
Fair Food
Everyone loves the classic tradition of going to a state fair, and for many it means food! The Western Carolina State Fair returns with sno-cones, funnel cakes, and a variety of caramel apples. Experience foods you've never seen or tasted before. It could be a deep fried cloud cake or a chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick.You can get chicken or beef on a stick. Maybe a hearty turkey leg or a corn dog is more to your liking. It’s the type of event where it’s okay to eat junk food!
Everything pumpkin spice
Try the Great Pumpkin Charliet Brown at Polo Grounds Cafe or the famous pumpkin muffins and pumpkin latte at New Moon Cafe. La Parisienne French restaurant & bakery's barista special is the pumpkin spice latte – get it hot or get it iced! It doesn't have to be pumpkin spice, anything goes with this cooler weather.
Fall Brew
As the green summer leaves turn into autumn colors, beer lovers go from summer quenchers to rich fall brew. Mellow Mushroom is getting cozy for this autumn weather by offering a selection of seasonal beers such as Paulaner Hefeweizen draft, Sam Adams Octoberfest draft, and Dogfish Head Punkin Ale draft. Aiken Brewing Company is giving off fall vibes with their German Kolsch, (brewed with German Pilsner malt), Nut Brown Ale, Old Aiken Ale, German Oktoberfest and Thoroughbred Red with hints of caramel. The Alley Downtown Taproom is the place for craft beer and Kombucha with a variety of 48 taps of beer, ciders, wine, kombuchas and sodas. Sit back and sip on various flavors; and cleanse your palette with some local seasonal brew.
Fall Dining{image_5}
If you have a serious love for apples and pumpkin, The Willcox has a fabulous seasonal menu featuring the Harissa Pork Chop which is pureed carrot, soy glazed apples and cauliflower, and apple pie for dessert. Sheffield's at Rose Hill has the butternut squash soup topped with toasted pinenuts, brasised short ribs, and sweet potato cobbler with peacan praline icecream. Fuse Aiken changes their menu weekly, and their dishes include butternut squash, duck and apples. There are many culinary attractions to experience.
It's no secret that charming Aiken brings in the flavors. The South’s finest hospitality awaits you so plan your trip today.