The Flavor of Fall

By Bailey Hovland

Each season has specific flavors that embody that time of year. Ripe, juicy berries and watermelon remind us of hot summer days. Peppermint is reminiscent of the cold, brisk winter air, and gingerbread brings us memories of warm evenings spent with family and friends. Pastel-colored candies and deviled eggs take us back to Easter celebrations in the midst of spring. And when fall arrives, there is one flavor that always comes to mind: pumpkin.

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Pumpkin is a flavor that can be enjoyed in just about anything!

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bars, pumpkin bread… the list could continue forever. Log into Pinterest, search “pumpkin,” and you’ll be instantly overwhelmed (and perhaps amazed) at the amount of recipes, DIY projects, carving tutorials, and decorations that all feature pumpkins. The Willmar Lakes Area has whole-heartedly embraced fall and the tide of pumpkin-themed everything that comes with the season.

Local coffee shops feature specialty beverages and bakery items with our favorite fall flavor. The Goodness Coffee House makes its pumpkin spice flavoring in house, which you can sip with one of their pumpkin bars if you are looking for an immersive pumpkin experience. Middle Fork Café features

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Try a delicious pumpkin spice latte at one of our excellent coffee shops! Did we mention that LuLu Beans was voted WCCO Viewers’ Choice for Best Coffee Shop in Minnesota?

a pumpkin pie latte, paired well with any of their daily soup options or unique salad and sandwich combos. And Lulu Beans has rolled out three specialty items that showcase the flavor of the season: pumpkin pie delight, pumpkin spice latte, and pumpkin chai!

Maybe you love these fall-flavored drinks and desserts, but are searching for even more pumpkin fun for your home. After all, you have to take full advantage of the pumpkin craze. Kiyi Kiyi is an Etsy seller from Willmar who creates bath bombs, soaps, and bubble bars with local ingredients, promising 100% handcrafted quality with each product. Run by Carma Wood, this “micro-soapery” has come up with a few items just in time for fall— namely a ‘Big Pumpkin Bath Bomb’ and ‘Pumpkin Latte Soap.’ The seasonal bath bomb is made of apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter, all natural oils that are paired with the fragrance of delicious pumpkin spice latte, a combination of sweet pumpkin, cinnamon, and clove scents with a dash of vanilla cream. The ‘Pumpkin Latte Soap’ is made with Minnesota goat milk to nourish your skin and scented with sweet cream pumpkin, complimented by notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger, buttery vanilla, and rich espresso coffee.

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Pumpkin carving is a fun tradition for all ages!

Looking for an actual pumpkin? Drive over to Stacy’s Nursery & Floral in Willmar in search of that perfectly sized pumpkin for carving or some fall décor items that’ll make your house ready for the season. Wander through the expansive greenhouse and admire the fall-themed floral arrangements with pinecones, gourds, and plenty of autumn leaves. As you take a look at the wide variety of pumpkins, you’ll be sure to find a plump, healthy pumpkin, that’s perfect for carving. With warm cider by your side, you could enjoy an afternoon of carving pumpkins and watching Halloween movies.

After all of these pumpkin-centric features of the Willmar Lakes Area, it’s hard to see yourself celebrating the flavor of fall anywhere else. So come visit us and treat yourself to a specialty pumpkin beverage. Grab a few seasonal bath bombs for ultimate fall relaxation. And find that perfect pumpkin for an afternoon of carving. Whether you’re joining us for a week or have been here for a lifetime, come celebrate the flavor of fall in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

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Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

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