My absolute favorite month is October. With perfectly crisp weather, leaves changing, and all things spooky going on, I feel like Norfolk comes alive in October. Make sure to get the most out of the rest of this month with so many fun things to do and try around the city! Here are my top things to do in October. 

Snack and Sip on Fall Treats

I love trying all of the different fall lattes and treats at local coffee shops and bakeries. While I’ve still got a lot of ground to cover, I have a few favorites. 

• The pumpkin spice latte at Vessel in West Ghent. I really like that their lattes aren’t overwhelmingly sweet, but provide subtle flavors. They also offer fall flavors of cold brew for the iced coffee lovers.

• Fall treats from May’s Parlor and the Bakehouse. This is my favorite time of year to enjoy a cozy, sweet treat and both May’s and the Bakehouse are in full force with a wide range of options, whether you’re a pumpkin lover or not. I tried the pumpkin Nutella pop tart at the Bakehouse and it took me back to my childhood while also fully soaking in the goodness of fall with every bite.

• Many restaurants are also offering fall goodies. Orapax has the best Piece O Pie Martini, which tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass. Truly delicious with every sip!

• The pumpkin pie espresso martini is a limited time seasonal drink being offered at Craft on Colley. This cocktail is perfect for sipping next to a firepit on the outdoor patio.

• Don’t forget about the fall flavors being offered at Lolly’s! Cookie Monster, a year-round regular flavor is perfect this time of year. But you can also enjoy their specialty October flavors including Trick or Treat or Apple Cider Sorbet.  

Enjoy the Scenery

October offers perfect strolling weather, from the changing leaves to the fall décor on people’s doorsteps. I love enjoying pumpkins and mums on the front porch, and as we get closer to Halloween, seeing all of the different spooky decorations come out. A perfect evening activity is grabbing a warm beverage and walking through Norfolk neighborhoods to admire Halloween décor.

Attend Events

Last but not least, enjoy the variety of events around Norfolk all October long! Whether you like spooky season or not, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of the remaining events going on in October, ranging from fall festivals to haunted temples.

·      Norfolk Haunted Temple at Norfolk Masonic Temple October 26 – October 29 at 7pm

·      Masquerade in Ghent on October 27 at 7pm

·      Haunted Norfolk Tours October 27 & 28 at 7:30

·      Lava Halloween Extravaganza block party at Toast on October 28 from 3pm – 11pm

·      Spooky Vintage Market at Elation Brewing on October 28 from 1 – 5pm

·      Frightmare on Waterside Drive on October 28 at 7pm

·      Boos and Brews at Afterglow Brewing on October 28 at 7pm

·      ERT Halloween Puppy Parade at Dogtown on October 28 at 12pm

·      Fall Festival Block Party at 1127 Surrey Crescent on October 29 at 4pm

·      Halloween Harvest Festival at the Chrysler on October 29 from 1 – 4pm