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The first 5 signs of fall in Charlotte

By Katie Toussaint

Fall does not officially begin until Sept. 22. No, the sidewalks are not yet blanketed in flame-colored leaves. But I’ve started to notice signs of this impending season already. The occasional, crispy crunch of a browned leaf underfoot while jogging. The fact that I didn’t break a sweat until after mile one of my bike commute yesterday. The ever so slight hint of refreshing coolness in the breeze.

Fall is coming to Charlotte. I swear. Here are some signs:

(1) The emergence of fall-vegetable beers

The NoDa Brewing Gordgeous pumpkin ale is now on tap. Which means it’s time for me to put down my wine goblet for my annual glass o’ beer.

Birdsong Brewing releases their seasonal St. Tuber Abbey Ale, made with hand-cut sweet potatoes plus cloves, September through October.

(2) Pumpkin spice coffee is on some store shelves

I specifically found bags of pumpkin spice coffee at The Fresh Market at Carmel Commons last weekend. There are few things I adore more than a giant mug of coffee infused with that delicate fall taste of pumpkin and cloves, freshly brewed at home.

In other news: If you’re one of those Pumpkin Spice Latte fanatics, the McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte is coming. Also, a representative at the Starbucks on East Boulevard informed me they’ll unleash the PSL epidemic (my words, not hers) the last day of August. I still maintain that PSLs are characterized by the same thick, batter-like consistency as barf. Enjoy.

(3) Komen Race for the Cure advertisements

Race for the Cure signs popped up along sidewalks in Dilworth a couple of weeks ago, causing sudden discombobulation: Is it October yet?! Runners, you should probably start stocking up on fluffy pink boas and face paint now.

This year’s 20th annual event is Saturday, Oct. 1 at Marshall Park uptown. It’s pink, it’s proud and it’s for a beautiful cause. Register here.

(4) Panthers hype is up

‘Tis the season for friends and family members to get amped up about home games and tailgates and Cam Newton’s face on GQ. Meanwhile, I hit the proverbial sidelines in conversations while wishing I had the genetic disposition to get excited about football.

The next preseason game is Friday, Aug. 26: The Panthers vs. the Patriots. The first regular season game is Thursday, Sept. 8: The Panthers vs. the Broncos. Fans, don’t forget about the release of the Charlotte Observer book “Super Cam” documenting “Newton’s rise to Panthers greatness.”

(5) Pumpkin displays are out

But not the real ones, yet. I walked into Lowe’s in South End to buy a clay pot for my stoop and found myself standing, mouth agape, in front of an overwhelming display of artificial pumpkins, autumnal floral arrangements and an inflatable haunted house with a protruding Frankenstein.

As for the real pumpkins: I asked at the Mecklenburg County Market on Romany Road when they might be getting some pumpkins in stock, and was told late September. I’m coming back for you, pumpkin.

In the meantime, let us all soak up these fresh signs of fall. Before you know it, it’ll be time to order your family tofurkey for Thanksgiving.

Photos: Katie Toussaint

This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "The first 5 signs of fall in Charlotte."

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