The Surprising Thing That Now Makes Fall Perfect in Minnesota
Pumpkin spice might dominate the fall conversation, but Minnesota millennials say the perfect autumn isn’t found in a latte cup. Instead, it’s something that captures the true spirit of the season in the North Star State.
The autumn season in the Land of 10,000 Lakes seems to be magical for many reasons: the crisp, cool days and nights (once we get through our 'second summer,' where the heat and humidity linger even though the calendar says it's mid to late September), football returns, along with those vibrant fall colors and traditional autumn activities including trips to the corn maze and apple orchard.
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But those classic Minnesota fall events and activities aren't necessarily what today's millennials in our fair state say is the best part about fall. And no, it isn't the much-ballyhooed pumpkin spice latte, either.
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A new survey of 1,500 Americans aged 18–34 (commissioned by entertainment platform BetMGM Casino) reveals fall 2025 is less about pumpkin spice latte clichés and more about cozy nostalgia.
According to their research, this year's fall season looks and smells like cinnamon hot chocolate, sounds like Taylor Swift, and feels like a Harry Potter marathon in a cozy sweater. Wait, what?
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When asked what their favorite fall aesthetic was, the majority of respondents in the BetMGM Casino survey *didn't* say leopard print, cottagecore, cowboy, grunge revival, or browns and burgundy. Instead, here's what topped the list:
Cozy sweaters were number one on the list of the best things about fall 2025, according to this survey. However, that lovely part of fall was quickly followed by the second-favorite part about autumn: our favorite fall comfort drinks. But the autumn beverage that topped the list might surprise you:
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That's right, move over, pumpkin spice latte, and make way, apple cider, there's a new favorite fall beverage in the Bold North -- hot chocolate took the top spot according to the survey.
The other favorite parts of fall 2025 included:
- Celebrity: Taylor Swift (33%) — not Lana Del Rey, Harry Styles, Meg Ryan, or Sarah Jessica Parker.
- Comfort drink: Hot chocolate (53%) — not pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apple lattes, chai lattes, or any latte at all.
- Binge-watch: Harry Potter series (32%) — not Twilight, Hocus Pocus, Gilmore Girls, or the classic rom-coms.
- Nostalgic scent: Cinnamon & apple (29%) — not pumpkin spice, bonfire smoke, rain, or baked pastries.
- Tradition: Movie night in (23%) — not pumpkin patches, apple orchards, haunted houses, or football Sundays.
Now, while a trip to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard didn't top staying inside for a classic movie night in Minnesota, they're still a part of fall that many Minnesotans enjoy. Just like a good corn maze, right? And if you're looking for some of the best in our entire state this year, just keep scrolling!
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10 Impressive Corn Mazes to Explore in Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now
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