Must-Try Fall Delicacies
Sure, there’s pumpkin everything, but there’s so much more!
Have you heard that you should only enjoy oysters in months that end with “r”? With cooler weather approaching, a wealth of delicious seasonal foods are on the horizon.
So, why not venture to places where the food is freshest and eat “super local?” Here are the top picks for scrumptious fall foods and where to find them.
Fresh oysters are best enjoyed in the fall (ideally paired with wine and lemon!)Oysters
The old adage isn’t entirely accurate anymore—steering clear of oysters in the summer was largely due to the lack of refrigeration. However, wild oysters spawn (release their eggs) in the warmer months, making them more flavorful, so you can truly start savoring them in September!
New to tasting mollusks? Enjoy them with a side of cocktail sauce!
Where to feast: Portland, Maine, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Long Island, New York, Halifax, St. John, and various coastal cities in Canada.
Even the fussiest eaters will enjoy the delights of apple season.Apples
Fall signifies the arrival of apple season. Whether you’re exploring the pick-your-own orchards throughout New England or the premier apple-producing state of Washington, enjoying fresh, crunchy apples is a must in the fall.
Savor them in pies, sweet or hard ciders, turnovers, apple cinnamon donuts, crisps, sauces, sprinkled on salads, or dipped in caramel!
Where to indulge: The regions around New York and Seattle are fantastic for fresh local apples.
You can shake things up this autumn with pumpkin ale!Pumpkin
While pumpkin spice is ubiquitous, for a richer flavor experience, opt for the real deal. Many pumpkin patches offer carving pumpkins, which you can save and roast the seeds from, but there are also smaller pumpkin varieties meant for eating.
Consider roasting your pumpkin before crafting a seasonal soup or salad, or whip up your own pie using fresh ingredients instead of canned filling.
You can also discover pumpkin beer at local breweries this season—Boston is a traditional beer hub with some fantastic choices.
Where to indulge: The northeast, Norfolk, Virginia, and surprisingly, around Los Angeles.
Sweet potato fries are delicious, but they can’t compete with the richness of pie.Sweet Potatoes
It's no wonder sweet potato pie hails from the South, with four of the top five producing states located here. You can savor this beloved dish from North Carolina—where over half of the nation's sweet potatoes are cultivated—all the way to Texas. Don’t forget to ask for a dollop of whipped cream on top! Sweet potatoes are also delicious as fries, in mashed form, or blended into a bisque!
Where to enjoy: The Carolinas, Louisiana, and Texas.
Fall presents both hard and soft shell varieties for lobster enthusiasts.Lobster
September marks the height of lobster season in Maine. As summer winds down, you can indulge in both classic hardshell lobsters and the sweeter, saltier soft shell varieties. While soft shells are best enjoyed fresh from local waters due to their fragile nature, they are much easier to crack open! So grab your bib, head north, and get ready to feast!
Where to indulge: Visit Portland, Maine for a lobster extravaganza.
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