Falling for Fall in Southeast Texas
Autumn Attractions in Beaumont
Fall’s a funny time in SETX as the lack of colored leaves and weather make it feel like more of a trick than a treat, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still break out the sweaters and UGGS and celebrate making it ¾ of the way through the year. The Beaumont area has a calendar full of amazing autumn activities all October so if you’re looking to welcome fall in all its glory, ‘tis the season to feel spooked and satisfied.
Fall Eats and Treats
Put away the sweet tea and lemonade because pumpkin spice season has arrived in full force with everything from desserts to drinks getting a blast of cinnamon sugar.
Get festive with the decorated seasonal cookies from Rao’s, try the pumpkin spice donuts from Toasted Yolk (the cream cheese dipping sauce is what dreams are made of), put some pep in your step with a pumpkin spice biscotti from the Avenue, or get a sugar rush from the pumpkin spice funnel cake from Miller’s Drive Thru Concessions in Buna (which you can pair with a snow cone if you’re truly in denial summer’s over).
For other tasty fall flavors, the Avenue has Hot Chocolate Hockett Pocketts (their version of a homemade pop tart) and butter pecan cookies.
And of course, sip on the drink that started it all, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you’re looking to forgo Starbucks for something a bit more local, you can snag a hot or cold one from Rao’s, The Avenue, or even a frozen adult version from MacKenzie’s at Brentwood.
Speaking of adult beverages, if you’re looking to make your own Oktoberfest try a seasonal pour from one of the area breweries. Pour Brothers has a new fall ale, while Struggle Street has exciting fall flavors like “Froot Loops” and blackberry lime tart. Local area restaurants like Doc’s Yardhouse, J.Wilson’s, the Logon, and many others also have taps on drafts that celebrate the season.
Places to Play
If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, hit up the area farms. Berryland Farms of Texas in Winnie has their “Fall at the Farm” festival in full swing, which includes kiddie rides from slides to swings and fun for older kids from roller coasters to paintball, pumpkin chunking and a mechanical bull.
Further afield, Old MacDonald’s Farm in Humble has train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and playground, plus all kids leave with a free pumpkin. In Jasper, Third Day Farm and Ranch has hayrides through the long horn field, a petting zoo with adorable piglets, photo ops, and a hay maze.
If you’re looking for something to do Halloween day, The Texas Energy Museum is hosting a Drive-Thru Dinosaur Day on 10/31 with free crafts and activities provided by the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
Throughout the month, you and your furry friend can also participate in Virtual Dogtoberfest. Dress up your pawsome pal in his finest costume and enter the online contest for best dressed and most talented.
Things to Do
What better way to get in the Halloween spirit than to Paint a Pumpkin? Snag one from Ellis Home & Garden, The Pumpkin Patch at Wesley UMC, or any other shop in Beaumont and drop it off at the Beaumont CVB on 10/14-15 to be entered into our decorating contest. There are prizes for most creative, best Beaumont theme, and fan favorite. You can see all the pumpkins on display downtown from 10/17-31 for a socially-distanced fall stroll.
Pose for a photo op. If you’re looking to step up your Instagram game or take some snaps for this year’s Christmas card, there are a variety of great backdrops around the area. Village Market in Lumberton has cute cutouts and spooky silhouettes, while Urban Habitat antiques has a vintage car and thoughtfully curated fall-scape. Any of the aforementioned farms are also great photo spots.
For those who enjoy getting spooked this season, the Haunted Hotel downtown can provide quite the scare. Further afield, the Haunted Drive in Houston is a drive-through haunted experience, appropriate for the times. On all Hallow’s Eve, chill and thrill with a double feature of classic scary movies in the French Family Graveyard.