Pumpkin Spice and Fall at Lake Oconee
Autumn at Lake Oconee is more than changing leaves—it is the season of cozy flavors, warm drinks, and sweet treats from local favorites. From fall-inspired lattes at Compassion Café to cozy sweaters at The Lazy Lounge, every stop around the lake offers a taste of the season. Visitors can sip a Campfire Old Fashion at Table at the Lake, shop fresh pumpkins at City Market in Greensboro, indulge in pumpkin scones at Cafe 44, or even try a frozen pumpkin spice espresso martini at The Burch x Boathouse. And this year, Cafe du Papa has joined the fall lineup with their irresistible S’mores Donuts, piping hot and topped with chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and toasted marshmallows.
Table at the Lake - Fine dining with autumn flair
Table at the Lake in Greensboro is Lake Oconee’s fine dining jewel. The New American restaurant sits at 1010 Cowles Clinic Way and features seasonal menus built around locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Executive chef Casey Burchfield and managing partner Jon Altizer-Bieger combine culinary creativity with welcoming service, creating a casual yet elegant atmosphere for dinner or special occasions.
Fall inspires cozy cocktails and desserts. The restaurant’s Campfire Old Fashion arrives under a glass cloche, with aromatic smoke swirling around a bourbon‑based old fashioned and a toasted marshmallow on top. The bar staff smokes the drink tableside, adding theater to the experience.
Café 44 - Sweet treats and artisan coffee
Located in Greensboro’s Village Park Drive, Café 44 is a beloved breakfast and lunch spot known for its freshly roasted coffee and homemade bakery goods. Chef Lane took over the café in 2023, offer made‑to‑order breakfast, crisp salads and artisan sandwiches. Their California Club sandwich has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top sandwiches, and the café’s catering services and attentive service have earned praise.
During fall, Café 44 pairs its rich coffee with pumpkin‑spice scones and moist pumpkin bread. Guests can choose between hot or iced coffee to complement these seasonal baked goods. The cozy seating invites visitors to linger over breakfast, while the quick counter service accommodates those who need a grab‑and‑go treat. No matter the pace, Café 44’s emphasis on quality ingredients and guest satisfaction shines through.
Cafe du Papa - S’mores Donuts for the Season
Known for its cheerful service and melt-in-your-mouth beignets, Cafe du Papa has quickly become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. The café is always ready with a smile, a fresh cup of coffee, and something sweet from the truck.
This fall, Cafe du Papa is bringing cozy campfire flavors straight to downtown Lake Oconee with their S’mores Donuts. Freshly made and served piping hot, each donut is topped with rich chocolate, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and perfectly toasted mini marshmallows. It is the ultimate autumn indulgence—warm, gooey, and made to be shared with friends or paired with your favorite fall beverage.
Compassion Cafe - Fall drinks with heart
Compassion Cafe blends purpose and flavor. The community‑focused coffee shop in Eatonton operates on the philosophy of “Pouring with a Purpose,” where every purchase supports local causes and partnerships. Guests enjoy friendly service, locally baked pastries and rotating specials, making it a welcoming place to catch up with friends or relax.
For fall, the cafe’s menu gets a seasonal makeover. Caramel Apple Cove combines lime, caramel drizzle, apple cider and whipped cream for a fruity treat. Sam’s S’mores balances toasted marshmallow, espresso, cinnamon and caramel. Southern Sweater Weather blends butter pecan, vanilla, espresso, cinnamon and caramel drizzle. Granny’s Apple Pie features apple‑pie spice, cinnamon, honey (or caramel) and espresso, while Pumpkin Harvest adds pumpkin‑pie syrup, whipped cream and cinnamon to rich espresso. Each drink reflects the cafe’s mission to make people feel welcome while enjoying the tastes of the season.
City Market - Harvest goods in downtown Greensboro
Formerly known as Ripe Thing Market, the specialty grocer continues to be the go‑to place for fresh produce, prepared meals, homemade soups and specialty foods. Co‑owners Richard and Whitney Lea have expanded the offerings to include a bar menu with appetizers, beer, wine, non‑alcoholic drinks and desserts, turning the market into a versatile stop for both shopping and casual dining.
In October the market fills its shelves with fall favorites. Shoppers can pick up pumpkin‑spice gelato, apple cider and apple butter, cinnamon‑apple jam and crisp apples for snacking and baking. They also sell pumpkins for carving or decorating. Whether customers want to stock up on seasonal treats or enjoy a relaxed lunch, the downtown market’s combination of convenience and local flavor makes it a central part of Lake Oconee’s fall food scene
Lake Country Books & Gifts - The perfect spot to slow down and savor the season
Step inside and you’ll be greeted with shelves of stories that pair beautifully with crisp autumn days—like the charming Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore and other new fall book releases that feel just right for sweater weather.
Beyond the books, visitors can discover creative ways to celebrate fall indoors. Pick up an Autumn Watercolor Workbook from Emily Lex Studio to paint the season’s beauty or settle in with a cozy fall puzzle that makes the perfect family night activity. Whether you’re looking for your next read, a mindful project, or a gift that captures the warmth of autumn, this beloved local shop has everything you need to make fall at Lake Oconee feel even more special.
Sweet Kneads Bakery & Café - A community bakery on the lake
Sweet Kneads Bakery & Café has served Lake Oconee residents since 2002. Known for its award‑winning quiche and famous chicken salad, the Eatonton café also offers pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches baked fresh each day. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m., and the friendly staff makes the café feel like a community gathering spot.
In autumn, Sweet Kneads leans into seasonal ingredients. Their bakers create warm apple crisps that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Patrons can dine on the patio or take their desserts to enjoy by the lake. With its emphasis on hospitality and from‑scratch baking, Sweet Kneads continues to be a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking comfort food
The Burch x Boathouse - Lakeside dining and pumpkin spice cocktails
Chef Casey Burchfield’s food‑truck success led to The Burch x Boathouse, a waterfront restaurant at Harbor Club Marina in Greensboro. The venue features indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic lake views. Guests order at a counter and pick up trays when the buzzer rings, embracing a casual dining style that suits boaters and families. Live music on the patio and large screens for football games create a lively atmosphere.
The Boathouse offers a full bar that includes craft cocktails and refreshing beverages. This fall, bartenders mix a frozen pumpkin‑spice espresso martini, blending pumpkin‑pie flavors with creamy espresso and ice. The drink embodies the playful spirit of The Burch brand while providing a cool contrast to warm autumn afternoons. Arriving by boat or car is part of the experience, underscoring the restaurant’s role as a lakeside hangout where community and cuisine converge
The Lazy Lounge - Cozy lake apparel and gifts
A short drive from the lake’s marinas, The Lazy Lounge at 44 Marketplace offers more than clothing. Owner Sandra Golden curates comfortable, on‑trend pieces that suit both relaxed boat days and evening outings. The boutique stocks cozy cover‑ups, dresses, accessories and buttery‑soft shoes, alongside locally themed gifts and unique souvenirs. Thoughtful touches such as complimentary gift wrapping and a friendly atmosphere encourage shoppers to linger.
As temperatures drop, The Lazy Lounge highlights fall sweaters, fringe jackets and sparkle. These lake‑themed layers pair well with evenings on the water or fireside gatherings. The boutique’s ever‑changing inventory makes it easy to find something new each visit, and Sandra’s focus on customer satisfaction ensures that every purchase feels special.
Discover fall flavors at Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee businesses make autumn a celebration of community and taste. Whether savoring a caramel‑apple drink at Compassion Café, shopping for cozy sweaters at The Lazy Lounge, sipping a smoked old fashion at Table at the Lake, browsing fall produce at Scratcher’s Creek City Market, enjoying pumpkin breads at Café 44 or clinking glasses over a frozen pumpkin‑spice espresso martini at The Burch x Boathouse, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the season’s offerings. A stop at Sweet Kneads rounds out the experience with comforting baked goods. These local favorites remind everyone that fall at Lake Oconee is about more than pumpkin spice—it’s about gathering together and savoring the simple joys of lake life.
Did we miss any of your favorite restaurants that serve Fall flavors? Please let us know in the comments below! Happy Fall Y’all!
Best Wishes!
The LOL Team
