Pumpkin Spice Returning to The Hudson Valley in August

Sure, we're in the middle of a heat wave in the Hudson Valley and sweating out the summer heat daily. But that doesn't mean we can't get a jump on fall.

What's the best kind of pick me up that makes you want to wrap yourself in your favorite flannel shirt and stomp around in the bright red, yellow and orange leaves? The answer is obviously Pumpkin Spice.

I full heartily believe that Pumpkin Spice will cure COVID-19 (along with wearing a mask and practicing proper social distancing).

Dunkin' must agree with me, because in a press release they announced that they will be rolling out their fall flavors on August 21st. That, of course, includes all of their pumpkin flavors for lattes, iced coffees, muffins,donuts and lip balm.

They're also introducing the new Dunkin' Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Signature Latte.

On August 14th Dunkin will be pumping pumpkin swag into 8 select Dunkin' locations around the US. That day they will give out 250 free hot or iced Pumpkin coffees. There is no word yet on what locations they will choose, but they gave us a hint. Dunkin' said:

The initial letters of seven of the cities and towns where the temporarily rebranded Dunkin’s will be located spell out the word P-U-M-P-K-I-N-’.

As a Pumpkin Spice enthusiast, I have found that the past few years Dunkin' locations in Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park usually had Pumpkin Spice first. Looking at those initials, I'd say we're pumpkin spice picking in Poughkeepsie this August.

Personally, I think all coffee shops in the Hudson Valley should start serving pumpkin spice now. Why you may ask? Because fall in the Hudson Valley is the best time of year and it will be a nice distraction from the bust of a summer we've been having thanks to COVID.

I have seen some local businesses getting into the spirit. Halfsies Cookies out of Marlboro has been whipping up their delicious Pumpkin Spice and Caramel cookies as well as Christmas Cookies for a Christmas in July celebration.

Is it too early for Pumpkin Spice?

(NEVER!)