Pumpkin spice fever: The best pumpkin spice lattes in Fayetteville
It's that time of year, and the pumpkin spice latte fever is in full swing. As the fall season approaches, there's nothing like a good pumpkin spice latte to get you in the fall spirit.
I stopped by some of my favorite coffee shops in Fayetteville to rate their pumpkin spice lattes.
Rude Awakening
I got the pumpkin spice latte with white chocolate flavoring, as recommended by the barista. It was absolutely delicious.
The latte had just the right amount of pumpkin, and the white chocolate was the perfect pairing. It was sweet but not too sweet.
The outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to read a book or get some work done while enjoying the fall weather and sipping a warm latte.
I drank it so fast, I almost grabbed another one on my way out. Overall, I give it a 10/10.
Coffee Scene
One of my favorite coffee shops in Fayetteville, the Coffee Scene on Morganton Road makes me feel like I stepped into an episode of Friends.
I didn't taste a lot of pumpkin in their pumpkin spice, but I still really liked it. It was very sweet and tasted more like a white chocolate mocha to me. Overall, I give it an 8/10.
Vegabond Cafe
Another cute coffee shop in downtown Fayetteville is Vegabond Cafe. The coffee shop will start serving pumpkin spice lattes on Sept. 22.
Until then, their churro latte is the perfect fall drink. The spice and warmth of the cinnamon will make you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and book.
Until I'm able to try Vegabond's pumpkin spice latte, I give them a 7/10 since they still have some delicious fall-inspired drinks.
Personal Best Coffee
The newest coffee shop in downtown Fayetteville, Personal Best Coffee just opened up next to The Sweet Palette bakery.
One of the owners, Annette, said she's "anti-pumpkin spice." If you're also tired of pumpkin spice latte fever, the specialty coffee roaster has several other fall-inspired drinks.
I tried the ginger bread latte, which was a great alternative to the traditional pumpkin spice latte. Annette said her favorite is the dulce le leche latte.
The decor alone makes it worth the visit, in my opinion. The vintage brick walls combined with the minimalist, modern decor makes you feel like you've been transported to a coffee shop in New York City or Seattle.
The best part is you can walk next door to the Sweet Palette and grab a delicious dessert to pair with your coffee. Try the s'mores cheesecake, apple spice cupcake or pumpkin coffee cake cookie to really get into the fall spirit.
I give Personal Best Coffee a 9/10 for not giving in to the pumpkin spice fever -- and because everything is better with dessert.
Winterbloom Tea
For those looking for a unique alternative to the traditional pumpkin spice latte, Winterbloom Tea may have the perfect solution.
One of my favorite spots in downtown Fayetteville, Winterbloom has so many fun and unique drink options. If you're not a big fan of coffee, Winterbloom's tea options may be just what you're looking for.
Stop by the tea room this weekend and try the salted caramel chaga or spicy pumpkin.
I give them a 10/10 for creativity.
Leclair's General Store
Leclair's General Store did not have any pumpkin spice lattes on the menu, but the spiced Chai latte was a great alternative – especially if you're not a big pumpkin person.
Although they didn't have any pumpkin-flavored coffee options, they did have a few pumpkin-inspired ales. There was a pumpkin spice latte ale, a pumpkin barrel ale and also a s'mores stout.
Looking through the selection of fall-inspired beer, I couldn't help but picture my family and friends gathered around a bonfire enjoying the cool, crisp fall weather. All of the fun, fall flavors had me dreaming of cooler days and fall foliage.
Although they should technically get a 0/10 for PSL, Leclair's gets a 7/10 since they have some fall-inspired beers.
Which coffee shop in Fayetteville do you think has the best pumpkin spice latte? If you have another place to add to the list, email me at deyermann@wral.com.
