As the orange flaming orb in the sky makes its exit, a delicious orange roundish-shaped gourd makes its appearance on doorsteps throughout neighborhoods around the country. It takes the moniker Jack and is in everything from lattés to pies. And though it sounds like a load of hyperbole to say there is "pumpkin flavored everything," it's quite true if you venture in search of all that is pumpkin. I know because I did. Three Cheers to pumpkin flavored everything! 

Pumpkin Cake

Corina Bakery concocts some of the best baked goods in town with a plethora of cookies, pastries, cakes and pies. Along with your Americano, you can nibble on said baked goods, including a piece of pumpkin cake ($4.50).  This delectable cake is moist and not overbearing; it's a mellow spiced cake with only hints of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin adorned with rich cream cheese frosting. Added bonus for those with dietary restrictions: this cake is gluten free.

CORINA BAKERY, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 602 S. Fawcett, Tacoma, 253.627.5070

French Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt

Froyo, beloved icy treat of the summer months, does not stop tasting good simply because of the cooler weather. Located in North Tacoma, Proctor Frozen Yogurt boasts a phenomenal rotating lineup of froyo flavors, including seasonal favorite French Pumpkin. Top this creamy dollop of sweet treat goodness with graham crackers and caramel for the ultimate fall snack. It's like pumpkin pie, except you can daydream of Mister Sun's return while nibbling.

PROCTOR FROZEN YOGURT, noon to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, 2510 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.272.1565

Pumpkin Spice Martini

There's nothing quite like a cocktail to warm you up on a frigid day, and for chilly lovers of the pumpkin, The Social Bar and Grill serves up a sweet boozy treat in its spiced pumpkin martini ($8). Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka lays the foundation, which in and of itself hollers autumn from the mountain tops. The Social then adds some extra spice with a ginger liqueur and splash of clove syrup, then shakes this trio of ingredients into a cool cocktail and serves it up in a martini glass garnished with a cinnamon stick. The flavor profile is not for the faint of heart; it's SPICED pumpkin-y goodness, emphasis on the spiced. The clove packs a punch, as does the booze. It's not light on the alcohol content simply because it sounds "foofoo." Plus it's organic vodka, so it's good for you, right?

THE SOCIAL BAR AND GRILL, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835

See Also

Bars and Clubs of the South Sound