Pumpkin Spice fans, this is your moment. That familiar blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gets people rushing for their cozy sweaters and Instagram-worthy lattes. It's basically fall in a cup or pastry, and let's be honest, it's become a lifestyle more than a flavor at this point. 

Where to Find Pumpkin Spice in Ocean City:

1.  Barn 34 -  This local favorite goes all out with their fall breakfast menu. Try their legendary PUMPKIN SPICE PANCAKES topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. You'll be in a pumpkin coma before noon.  Try their Apple Cider Mimosa for a full fall flavor experience!
2. Jay's Cafe - You can't talk about pumpkin spice without mentioning lattes. They brew up a creamy DIRTY CHAI W/ PUMPKIN COLD FOAM that's perfect for a Sunday morning stroll or a mid work-week treat.
3. Fisher's Popcorn - CARAMEL PUMPKIN SPICE POPCORN is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Freshly made every day to satisfy your need for that fall pumpkin flavor. 

 Why Pumpkin Spice Might Win:

• Nostalgia Factor: Pumpkin Spice screams fall. It's like getting wrapped in a cozy blanket while jumping into a pile of leaves.

• Versatility: Pumpkin Spice isn't just for lattes! Pancakes, muffins, pies and even ice cream have taken on this autumn trend.

• Trendsetter: Let's be real: Pumpkin Spice is the T. Swift of fall flavors. It's everywhere from big coffee chains to local spots. And it's not going anywhere, except in a nice warm cup, with you, to the pumpkin patch for your next IG post!

Now, don't count out apple spice just yet. Sure, it doesn't get as much hype on social media, but it's quietly been making fall taste delicious for generations. Think crisp apples, a hint of cinnamon, and that subtle, sweet warmth of cobbler. Apple Spice brings the cozy, without the drama. It's like the underdog who always pulls off a surprise win. 

Where to Find Apple Spice in Ocean City:

1. Bayside Skillet - Start your day with their HOT DUTCH APPLE CREPES. Red Fuji apples bakes in butter and brown sugar, wrapped in warm crepes and topped with toasted almonds, served with a side of Chantilly. It's a fresh and fruity start to your fall morning by the beach. 
2. Dolle's Candyland - Famous for its Caramel Apples all year round, in the fall they offer their APPLE ORCHARD GUMMIES that will warm you up from the inside out. Try their pumpkin fudge for a full fall flavor experience!
3. Liquid Assets - Post dinner indulgence, treat yourself to their APPLE CIDER DONUT or ICE CREAM SANDWICH featuring their special donuts with ice cream in the middle and a warm bourbon caramel sea salt sauce drizzled on top. It's got all the sweet and fall spice goodness you crave, in every bite. 

Why Apple Spice Could Take the Title:

• Classic Comfort: Apple Spice is like the reliable best friend you can count on. It's got that home-baked goodness that just feels right. 

• Health Halo: Apples are, after all, fruit! You can trick yourself into thinking apple spice treats are practically health food.

• Balance of Sweet and Tangy: Apple Spice has a lovely balance that pumpkin spice can't always achieve. There's a brightness to the flavor that pairs perfectly with the fall. See you on that next hay ride with your apple cider of choice!

So, who's the real king (or queen) of fall flavors in Ocean City, MD? In honestly depends on your style. Are you team Pumpkin Spice, living for that cozy, comforting sweetness in every sip and bite? Or do you prefer Apple Spice, with it's crisp, tangy edge that feels like biting into a fresh orchard apple?

For the Pumpkin Spice Lovers:

You're probably already mapping out your OC cafe stops for the season. Start with Jay's Cafe for your Latte fix, then swing by Fisher's to grab a pail of popcorn for the road. Pumpkin Spice might be the most basic choice, but it's basic in all the best ways. 

For the Apple Spice Diehards:

Your fall in OC is all about those classic flavors. Grab a caramel apple for Dolle's and maybe some fudge to snack on as you walk along the pier. Really spoil yourself with an apple cider donut from Layton's on 92nd. You can't call yourself an Apple Spice fan without indulging in one!

In the great PUMPKIN SPICE vs APPLE SPICE debate, Ocean City restaurants are serving up some serious contenders for both flavors. Whether you're a die-hard pumpkin fan or a loyal apple supporter, fall in OCMD has you covered. So grab your scarf, head to your favorite spot, and let the fall flavor festivities begin. But the real winner? That's for your taste buds to decide.

Let the battle of the spices commence!