Pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor – it’s shorthand for all the cozy, seasonal stops that make an autumn drive feel complete. From coffee shops to cideries, bakeries to roadside cafés, the question is: when cravings hit, do North Carolinians stick with familiar national chains or seek out local gems along the way?
To find out, White Hot PR surveyed 3,021 respondents and mapped where locals prefer to get their true “fall fix.”
Their top 3 choices were:
#1 Smelly Cat Coffeehouse – Charlotte
Smelly Cat has that lived-in neighborhood charm that feels especially warm once the season shifts. The clink of mugs, the chatter of regulars, and the scent of beans roasting all blend into a rhythm that matches autumn’s slower pace. A latte here feels like more than just a drink — it’s a small seasonal ritual tucked into the day.
#2 Sky Top Orchard – Flat Rock
Sky Top becomes a kind of autumn pilgrimage. The rows of apple trees stretch out under crisp skies, the mountains rise in the distance, and the whole place hums with families strolling at their own pace. The crunch of leaves, the scent of cider, and the laughter across the fields make it less about apples in a bag and more about stepping fully into the season.
#3 Loaf – Durham
Loaf glows with a simple, unhurried charm in the fall. The counters brim with rustic breads and spiced pastries, the air carries a sweet, buttery weight, and the hum of customers feels both cozy and familiar. Picking up a loaf or a pumpkin-flavored pastry here is less about necessity and more about savoring a little autumn indulgence.
