My ‘Fall in DC Bucket List’: Pumpkin Patches, Cider and Cozy Adventures

Lifestyle
Written By Rachel Gang

I’m one of those people who rejoices at the very first sign of fall. While I love summer, I’m a cold-weather person at heart. I live for sweaters, warm lattes (though not the PSL, sorry!) and football games. And ever since having kids, fall festivals have become an absolute must. Pumpkin patches are a staple in our house, and since we just wrapped up one of the coolest Augusts on record, my mind is already in full planning mode for the season ahead.

Here are a few of my favorite fall destinations in the DMV that I think are worth checking off your own bucket list:

Mt Defiance Cidery 

Nestled in picturesque Middleburg, this cidery is a favorite destination for the fall season. With a full food and beverage menu it’s the type of place you can park yourself for hours. The live local music is always a highlight, and best of all, it’s both kid- and pet-friendly — the perfect weekend spot.  

Hope Flower Farm

You know I had to include a flower farm, right? 

Founded by award-winning floral designer Holly Chapple, Hope Flower Farm is part working farm, part vineyard, part gift shop, and part floral workshop hub. This fall, you’ll find everything from pick-your-own dahlia days (trust me, this is a must if you love flowers) to her iconic Flowerstock festival. If you’re looking for a day that feels like it leapt straight out of Pinterest, Hope Flower Farm is the place to go.

Lucketts Store

When I think of Fall destinations where I could happily spend an entire day, Lucketts Store is always top of the list. This quaint country shop (ok, it’s way more than a shop) overflows with seasonal treasures from plants to pumpkins to gifts to antiques. It’s fabulous year-round, but there’s a special type of charm for the autumn season. Check out their Fall Market from October 17-19 for extra special fare and entertainment. 

Wayside Farm

The entire Virginia countryside is magical in the fall, but Berryville is a little extra magical.  Wayside Farm is nestled in Berryville at the end of a fantastically scenic drive. It’s the quintessential pumpkin patch experience that’s perfect for families with young kids. Corn mazes, slides, a pumpkin patch and cider donuts are among our favorites each visit.  

Cheers to a fabulous fall season ahead in our little town!

– Rachel


SEE ALSO:  Cooper Mill: A New Gem for Intimate Events on Alexandria’s Waterfront

Rachel Gang

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Owner | Helen Olivia Flowers

Rachel Gang is the owner of Helen Olivia Flowers, a boutique flower and home décor shop, located in Del Ray, Alexandria. She developed her love for flowers while working as an event planner in the busy Washington, D.C. events industry. Along with her husband and team of designers at Helen Olivia, Rachel works with brides and corporate clients to create unique and captivating designs. Her work has been featured in Traditional Home Magazine, HGTV, Borrowed and Blue, and Style Me Pretty.

Helen Olivia is a boutique floral design studio located in the Del Ray neighborhood. Known for a lush and timeless style, the shop is a favorite among locals. Outside of beautiful flowers, Helen Olivia is a destination for house plants, decorative pottery, and an endless selection of stylish front door wreaths. The shop is also well known for its weekly floral design workshops -- come visit us and try your hand at flower arranging! Helen Olivia is owned by Chuck and Rachel Gang who are veterans of the bustling Washington, D.C., events industry. Both are D.C. natives, and reside in the Ft Hunt neighborhood of Alexandria with their son Jack.

www.helenolivia.com

1519 Leslie Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22301

703.548.2848


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