It’s starting to cool off (slightly, maybe), the shadows are creeping in a bit earlier, and football season is officially underway. 

So I know this means you are on the prowl for a fall date guide in Jax! 

Where are the best spots to go and what is going to impress your date? 

Fret not; read on for all the answers. 

1. Pumpkin Festival & Fall Market – October 5

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2wWCKqhvQL/

The 2nd annual Pumpkin Festival is GOING DOWN at Wicked Barley to celebrate all things fall! So grab your girl, or your man, and get in on the live music, special beer releases, and Fall Market with local vendors. You can both get a nice buzz going and dance the night away. (Wicked Barley Brewing // 11am – 11pm // Free admission)

2. Oktoberfest on Main St – October 5

Springfield is ready to show you a good time with Oktoberfest! You and your date can celebrate all things local: food trucks, bands, traditional German music, delicious craft beer, artists, and games. If you REALLY want to make your date memorable, they have a Stein Holding Competition at 3pm, so you could cheer on your cutie! (Springfield Historic District // 1-9 pm // Free admission)

3. Chris Stapleton – October 10

If you’re a country girl or guy, and you’re hoping to bond with your date over some sweet, sweet tunes, consider heading to the Chris Stapleton concert on October 10th! You can indulge in some great music, dress up all cute in those cowboy boots, and snuggle up on your date. (Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena // 7 pm // $87+)

4. 2019 Beaches Oktoberfest – October 12-13

This is a 2-day festival, so pick a time to meet up with your date or maybe even try a double-date. There will be 40+ types of beer, 20 food trucks, 50 vendors, corn hole, and many games! Admission is free, so this is a great chance to stroll in, pay for some beer, and head out to the beach afterward with your cutie pie. (Seawalk Pavilion // 12pm on Sat. – 8pm on Sun. // Free)

5. Congaree and Penn 

What could set the romantic mood better than a quaint small farm? With a kitchen, taproom, farm tours, pumpkin patch and sunset cruises, there’s no way to have a bad time. Oh, and if you go with an animal-lover, just imagine your lady oogling over some super cute goats. A farm tour is only $10, so win-win! (Congaree and Penn // Wed – Sun, 10am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm // $10+)

5. Southern Grounds & Co

If you want to have a casual date that embraces the fall vibes, try Southern Grounds coffee! With tons of craft coffee and tea options, indoor & outdoor seating, and a great ambiance, this coffee shop is a popular favorite. Plus, they have got all your pumpkin spice options right now. (200 1st St, Neptune Beach // 6:30am – 9pm // $$)

6. Topgolf

Just a heads up that this date could get a little pricey if you golf and get drinks or food, but it is a BLAST. Show off your golf skills (or make your date chuckle by your lack of golf skills) and swing from your bay! The bars surround you, so you have an option to get drinks at any point, too! (10531 Brightman Blvd // 9pm – 12am // $12.50+)

#FrayLifeTip: Pricing is way lower from 9am – noon AND it’s half price every Tuesday, so I highly recommend squeezing it in then.

7. 13th Floor Haunted House

First things first: make sure you have a date that won’t hate you if you scare the crap out of them. If you have a girl or guy that loves the adrenaline rush of pop-outs and scary clowns, then try 13th Floor Haunted House! Attractions include a Weeping Woman, scary clown, and many other horrifying things, so maybe your date will jump into your arms…(9230 Arlington Expressway // 7:30-11 pm // $10+)

8. Nekter

Açaí, smoothies, juices…mmmm…Nekter has it all! If you are looking for an affordable date, may I recommend Nekter? With a Pumpkin Almond bowl as their fall favorite, now is the time to savor the sweetness with your sweetie. (Nekter Juice Bar // 7 am – 7pm // $$)

9. Pumpkin Patch

Christ United Methodist Church has the cutest little pumpkin patch in Neptune Beach that is fully stocked! And it only costs roughly $5 per pumpkin. Open all week, you and your date can stroll through, get some cute pics, and head home with charming pumpkins! If it feels too quick, there are also tons of coffee shops nearby so it would be easy to keep the magic going. (400 Penman Rd. // 10am – 8pm // $5)

10. Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop

This place is always a hit because, duh, there’s candy. But it TAKES OFF in the fall with all their specialties! Chocolate-covered apples, caramel-covered popcorn, fudge, and all their yummies! Let your lady know she’s sweet by getting her a sweet treat. (Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop // 10am – 5pm // $$)

If you’ve conquered the hard part of securing a date, I’ve done the rest of the work by giving you a lot of options! Get stoked and saddle up for your fun fall date. When you’re out having the time of your life with your SO, share a pic with us by tagging #FrayLife #JaxFray!

Want more awesome ideas for things to do this fall? Here’s a list of something fun to do every single day this October.