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I’m getting excited.
It’s that time of year when the air is a bit cooler and crisper.
Long sleeves and flannel are starting to come out.
And all sorts of fun flavors are popping up at coffee shops and breweries.
I love getting into the fall spirit by tasting the season. Trying the latest and greatest flavor is thrilling and fun, and many local establishments are part of the frenzy.
My favorite beer concoction this time of year is none other than Orange is the New Ale from Susquehanna Brewing Company. It’s tangy and sweet and instantly relaxes you. I swear it’s more like a medicine, so prescribe yourself some this season.
Then there’s the Pumpkin Spice Latte from McDonald’s that guests were treated to Wednesday night at the location’s grand re-opening on Kidder Street in Wilkes-Barre Township.
Owner Pat Stella and her dutiful staff were on hand, greeting guests and inviting them to sample new foods, cake and the latte, which is ideal for the fall sweater weather upon us.
If you stop in to try it, you can order on the new state-of-the-art kiosks which were installed as part of a renovation and technological transformation.
Part of the special ceremony included donations to charities the Ronald McDonald House, the United Way of Wyoming Valley and Paint Pittston Pink, in sponsorship of Times Leader Publisher Mike Murray’s participation in this weekend’s Gentlemen’s Dash.
Seeing the nonprofit donations was a tremendous way to christen the renovated restaurant.
Other things to look forward to this fall include:
• Sunday’s Designer Bag Bingo at Best Western Genetti’s Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are $25 at the door and you could win bags from brands such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke. From what I’m hearing around town, these shindigs are all the rage right now. This one benefits the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association and is being put on by the Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Rotary Clubs. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and play begins at 1 p.m.
· The Demonz Gate Haunted Ride is happening at 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27 at Irem Country Club in Dallas. Who doesn’t love a spooky ride this time of year? Just be careful as you pass creatures from your nightmares dwelling in the darkness.
· An In-Person Conversation with Kathy Najimy is taking place Friday, Oct. 11 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. Surely you recall Hocus Pocus, the Halloween movie centered around the hilarity of witches, which Najimy starred in. That night she’ll answer questions, tell behind-the-scenes stories and be there for a screening of the movie.
Those things and so many more are happening around the Wyoming Valley this month, kicking off the season.
So, grab your broom and take a ride to whichever destination most fits your fancy.
And if you find one that’s truly spook-tacular, let me know.