Fall Starts Today: What to Do First in Seattle (A Local's Guide)
Fall officially starts today, and this is my Seattle fall guide to what I actually do this season: pumpkin patches, where to see fall flowers, my favorite strolls with my dog Finn, cozy coffee spots, the best drives for fall color, the neighborhoods that do fall color best, and the nurseries worth a trip for mums and containers.
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Seattle
Craven Farm in Snohomish is one of my favorites for a classic pumpkin patch feel, and Maris Farms in Buckley is worth the drive if you want a full day out with the family. Closer in, Carpinito Brothers in Kent and Spooner Farms in Puyallup are both reliable picks. If you want a corn maze along with your pumpkins, Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm in Snohomish has a 12 acre maze as part of their Fall Festival, which just opened for the season.
Where to See My Favorite Fall Flowers
Volunteer Park Conservatory is in full dahlia bloom right now, and it is one of my go to spots for a slow morning. Kubota Garden is unbeatable for Japanese maples turning red this time of year. And if you are on the Eastside, Bellevue Botanical Garden is a favorite for fall color.
Fall Strolls With Your Pup
Finn and I have a rotation this time of year. Lincoln Park is a favorite for the waterfront views and the leaves changing along the trails. Schmitz Park has that old growth forest feel that makes it feel like you have left the city entirely. And Carkeek Park rounds things out with a mix of trails, creek views, and a little beach at the end.
Cozy Spots for a Coffee
Red Arrow Coffee in Ballard is my go to for a slow morning. Current Coffee in West Seattle is great for people watching along California Ave. And of course, Realfine Coffee is always on the list. My order there is a matcha with oat milk.
Best Fall Drives for Fall Color
If you want to get out of the city for the day, Chinook Pass is stunning this time of year. Icicle Road near Leavenworth is another favorite, especially paired with a stop in town. And the Snoqualmie Pass corridor is an easy, close in option if you only have a few hours to spare.
Best Neighborhoods for Fall Color
You do not have to leave Seattle to find great fall color. Madrona and Leschi are two of my favorite neighborhoods for tree lined streets that turn beautiful shades of orange and red. Capitol Hill has some great pockets too, and Wallingford is consistently one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city once the leaves start turning.
Favorite Nurseries for Fall Plants
If you want to get your porch or patio ready for the season, Swansons Nursery in Ballard has been Seattle's favorite garden store since 1924. West Seattle Nursery is my pick for mums and fall containers. Sky Nursery in Shoreline has a huge selection if you want to go all in. And Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines is a full garden center, so it is a great one stop shop, gifts included.
These are the spots I actually go to every fall, not just a list of recommendations. Want my complete Fall Guide? Get it here:
If you want more of what makes Seattle worth living in, from neighborhood guides to what to do each season, follow along on Instagram below or reach out anytime. I'm Carrie Watt with Rooted Northwest, and I would love to help you find your place here in Seattle.
Ready to talk next steps? I would love to help you!
Follow along on Instagram:
@rootednorthwest_co (http://instagram.com/rootednorthwest_co)
and @carrie_watt (http://instagram.com/carrie_watt)
Comments