It’s fall, y’all!

I’ve always felt like this is the season most Texans have to create ourselves. In many parts of the state, the changing of the leaves happens so fast that if you’re out of town for a long weekend, you might miss it. There are very few times when any of us actually use our fireplaces, and sweater weather doesn’t often come till well into November.

But I’ve never shied away from a moment to be creative, and I love seeing North Texans all jazzed up for a changing season.

With all this said, of course, I had to bring you a DFW fall guide, so we can manifest a cinnamon candle reality together. Texans have long used the phrase “Faith, Family, Football” to describe their values. Today we’re coining our 3 F’s of fall: “Family, Food, and Foliage.”

Let’s have FUN!

Fall is such a great season for family-friendly activities that spark the sentiment in people of all ages. Here are a few ideas for your family. 

Texas Renaissance Festival: This year marks the 51st anniversary of the festival, running from Oct. 11 to Nov. 30. Each weekend has a specific theme, such as Oktoberfest, 1001 Dreams, Pirate Adventure, and Celtic Christmas.

Catch the pumpkin infinity exhibit: Visit Yayoi Kusama’s iconic exhibit, “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” at the Dallas Museum of Art. 

Make your own candles: Create your own scent and make the candle of your autumn dreams while enjoying drinks and appetizers. 

Find treasures at the world’s largest flea market: Explore 450 acres of crafts, collectors’ items, and food in Canton.

Find your favorite pumpkin patches: Give the kids what they want with a hayride at a local pumpkin patch. Some have corn mazes and live entertainment.

Experience a drive-in movie: Give your family a cute fall memory with a night at a drive-in movie. There are three theaters in our region. 

Enjoy apple cider donuts after cutting a pumpkin from the vine at Goober Bub’s. (Goober Bub’s)

By Sydni Ellis

Leaves are changing colors, the weather is (almost) starting to get cooler, and we’re fully embracing fall. It’s a season of change—and we can’t help but long for cozy sweaters and hot apple cider and all the things that come with autumn. One of the best parts of harvest season is, well, harvesting! At u-pick farms in North Texas, you can do just that at a beginner-friendly level.

Pick your own flower bouquets, cut pumpkins from the vine, and select produce for all your fall soups at one of these cool spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Many of these places also offer tons of fall activities for the whole family, like hayrides and corn mazes, as well as farm-made fare to buy and enjoy. Everyone from Grandma to the kids will enjoy these awesome u-pick farms this season.

A change in cuisine is one of the best parts about the seasons changing. The food and drinks below are some great places in the area to get the best of the best.

🥧 Pies

🍵 A Cup of Tea

🍲 Soups & Stews

Coming in October: Stay tuned for a fun collab from COURIER DFW and The Dallas Farmers Market, where I’ll feature creative recipes using the region’s seasonal produce. 

Find more food-forward adventures below. 👇

Fall foliage is one thing I really miss about living in the northern part of the US. It consumes you—not a green tree in sight, and orchards a-plenty for apple picking. That may not be the exact vibe in North Texas, but there are beautiful colors and gorgeous foliage to explore—as you can see from my photo, I get very excited when I encounter a fall beauty.

Here are a few places that deliver every year.

The Fort Worth Botanical Garden: See the maples burst in their Four Seasons Garden and walk aimlessly down pathways lined with marigolds. 

The George W. Bush Presidential Center: The 15-acre Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park hosts a variety of oak trees and Mexican plums that linger into October. The late-flowering bonesets attract monarch butterflies as they head south for the winter. 

Turtle Creek: This walkable neighborhood in uptown Dallas always puts on a show of fall colors that reflect on the creek’s water. And yes, there are turtles in the creek, and you may catch one hatching this time of year.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park: It’s probably no surprise that northern Denton County would serve up amazing nature views and wildlife spotting. Ray Roberts is a feast for the eyes once the weather shifts, and the colors here can last well into December. 

The Dallas Arboretum: If the natural scenery wasn’t enough, the abundance of golden mums will really put you in the autumn spirit. 

Before you go, let’s settle it.

What do you call this season?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Joi Louviere, featuring a story by Sydni Ellis. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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