5 ways to soak up fall in Jefferson 🍂
Fall in Jefferson feels like it was made for slowing down. The air is crisp, the leaves are bold, and somehow everything tastes better with a warm drink in hand. If you’ve ever thought, “What would the perfect fall day here look like?”, I’ve got a plan for you. :)
Start your morning with coffee (and a fun treat!)
Mornings hit different once the air turns cool. There’s nothing like a fall latte waiting at Greene Bean or Chirp Coffee. Pumpkin spice, caramel apple… you get the idea. If coffee isn’t your jam, Vault Nutrition has these colorful energy drinks. And yes, you should get the pastry, too. Coffee + crisp air = instant fall mood.
2. Take in the views
Forget scrolling Instagram, this is the real deal. Head up to the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower and soak in the 360-degree view of fall colors. The view from the top makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. And if you’re in the mood to move, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is right there. A walk or bike ride on a fall afternoon? That’s peak Midwest living!
3. Explore shops
Sweater weather calls for… more sweaters and shopping. Think vintage treasures, fall candles, and home décor that screams “yes, I decorate seasonally.” Whether you’re hunting for the perfect plaid or just window-shopping, you’ll get that small-town charm vibe in every store. Small-town shopping is less about rushing through errands and more about soaking up the pace of life here
4. Enjoy the Orchard
It isn’t fall without a stop at Deal’s Orchard.
Pick apples
Wander the pumpkin patch
Grab a cider donut (or two)
Sip cider or hard cider at the Apple Barn
Take photos in the Zinnia and Sunflower fields
It’s a full fall experience in one spot!
5. End the day with dinner and a show
When evening hits, head out for dinner. Choices include:
Casa de Oro (chips, queso, salsa, and all the fixings)
Peony Chinese (don’t forget to order crab rangoons!)
Doc’s Stadium (sports bar classics)
Breadeaux Pizza (pizza and pasta)
Lucky’s (grilled shrimp and house specialties)
Bett and Bev’s (smoked meats)
Wrap up the night at the Sierra Community Theatre. It’s newly renovated with new chairs, lighting, and more! Popcorn in hand, feet up, the perfect close to your day.
Find Your Custom Fall Itinerary
At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay, but which fall thing is actually me?” Some days you might be all about the orchard life, and other days you might just want to wander through shops. That’s why we made a quiz! Which Fall Jefferson Experience Are You? It’s quick and fun! Click below, take it, and then send it to your friends so you can compare results!
That’s the Jefferson fall day I’d plan for a friend coming to visit! It’s simple, full of charm, and a reminder that you don’t have to go far to have a day worth remembering. Fall never sticks around long enough, so pull out the flannel, call up your people, and make it happen.