While the warm summer weather has been stubborn in sticking around this year, it officially falls in the Bluegrass– which means local bakeries, ice cream shops, and other eateries will be serving up no shortage of pumpkin-spiced, salted and caramel-ed, and otherwise seasonally curated goodies. Here are some fall-inspired treats from three iconic Lexington spots to look for over the next several weeks.
Where to Find the Best Fall Treats in Lexington:
North Lime Coffee and Donuts
With four locations, two in Lexington and two in Louisville, the love Kentuckians have for this local donut chain (which got its start here in the former) is serious business. Across both North Lime’s Greyline Station and Clays Mill Road locations, you’ll see some fall favorites pop up on the menu both in pastry and drink form:
Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts – While North Lime may be known for its great coffee in addition to its famous donuts, one of their most beloved treats with the name “pumpkin spice latte” is, ironically, not a drink but a pastry. Indeed, the Pumpkin Spice Latte donut is one fans may recall from autumn past, along with a bevy of other delicious options like Caramel Apple and year-round recurrent characters such as the Cinnamon Roll Fritter and Maple Bacon that will satisfy your fall sweet tooth, too.
Chai-der – Just as the name suggests, North Lime’s Chai-der consists of some especially tasty apple juice combined with their richly spiced chai syrup, creating an apple-cider-like delicacy that even the most dedicated iced-drink enthusiasts have to try served hot (trust us.) There are, of course, classics like their Caramel Macchiato that are also absolutely delicious, but be on the lookout for new additions to their rotating drinks menu throughout the fall season for additional coffees and teas you’ll only find this time of the year.
Crank & Boom Ice Cream
While winter-themed ice cream menus never disappoint at Crank & Boom, some see fall as the “last chance” to eat ice cream weather-appropriately…especially with the warm start to the season we’ve had thus far!
Caramel Apple Crisp Ice Cream – In addition to seasonal flavors like Brown Butter Pecan (a tasty gluten-free option) and Oktoberfest (yes, made with real beer– from iconic local brewery Ethereal Brewing, no less), Crank & Boom has a Caramel Apple Crisp ice cream on the menu this year, complete with all the essential flavors to both caramel apples and apple pies packed into one ice cream flavor. It’s a flavor that could very well be used in one of the best apple pie-flavored affogatos around, as the local ice cream chain is known for combining their frozen treats with coffee and assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink mixes.
Non-Dairy Pumpkin Chip Ice Cream – Crank & Boom’s vegan ice cream is coconut-milk based, giving it that signature rich, creamy texture of ice cream and its sweetness, but with the dairy-sensitive in mind. This pumpkin and dark chocolate combo may sound unusual to those who find themselves firmly in the pumpkin-spice or chocolate flavor camps, but rest assured, these flavors will satisfy even those jaded by the influx of fall-flavored goodies this time of year with its unique flavor. It’s also gluten-free, in addition to being dairy-free and free from animal products.
Lussi Brown Coffee Bar
Known for coffee and cocktails, Lussi Brown offers various drink types that cater to multiple tastes. Although the bar doesn’t open until later in the day, the coffee department gets things going bright and early.
Classic PSL – Lussi Brown makes its Pumpkin Spice syrup in-house, adding some additional cinnamon for good measure and serving this quintessential fall latte hot and iced. You can also choose from an impressive slate of milk options, including three non-dairy options (almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk). The more adventurous may want to add some different syrups like Bourbon-Smoked Caramel or their House-Made Vanilla, but no matter how you order it, this one’s as classic as it gets.
Run Rabbit Run – A cocktail of coffee and bourbon cream mixed with a pumpkin sauce made in-house; this is an excellent choice for those who like their whiskey and their cold brew. You’ll also find on the menu a blackberry and peach margarita, the Jussi Lussi, that matches their iced tea of the same name and strikes the perfect balance between end-of-summer nostalgia and start-of-fall coziness.
As fall settles into the Bluegrass, there’s no better time to explore Lexington’s seasonal treats and local favorites. From pumpkin spice donuts to caramel apple ice cream, these flavors capture the essence of autumn. To stay in the loop with more exciting updates, community news, and helpful insights for apartment living in Lexington, follow our blog. We regularly share tips, recommendations, and important news to keep you informed and connected with the local scene and apartment community.
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