By: Pam Kellman

Crisp weather beckons a pop of color and many heartwarming things to look forward to, namely tacky flannel shirts, scary

movies, pumpkin ale, apple cider, and the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, which made its annual debut Tuesday in Starbucks locations nationwide.

The University of Akron’s Starbucks locations of Polsky, the Exchange residence hall and the Student Union are no exception to the craze which leaves anticipating students lining up for their favorite fall beverage.

Others who just want their morning brew might be frustrated by the extra-long lines this week.

“Everyone drinks Pumpkin Spice Lattes; I’m tired of all the hype,” student Josh Bane said.

For others, the drink represents a rite of passage to the change of seasons.

“It just makes me feel like it’s fall,” barista and sophomore student Emily Clark said

when asked why the Pumpkin Spice Latte is her favorite fall pick. “I like to mix it with White Mocha; it makes it sweeter.”

Clark qualified that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is, in fact, the most popular fall item at Starbucks. Fans of the drink can expect to see it on the menu until December at the

Student Union Starbucks. Clark shared that the drink is served either until the season ends or the select store stops receiving

the seasonal syrup.

Senior Music major Lauren Anthony ordered her fall drink in a different form.

“It’s good even as a Frappuccino,” Anthony said after taking the first sip of her Pumpkin Spice Soy Frappuccino. “I didn’t know that I was waiting for this to come back, but apparently I’ve been waiting all summer.”

A group of women including seniors Sarah DeBruin and Katie Mertz, along with their friend Bryanna Hayes, made its traditional, “first-Pumpkin-Spice-of-the-year” visit to the Starbucks in the Student Union.

“We mark it on our calendars,” Mertz said. “Not like it’s a big deal, but it is!”

For $3.75 to $4.75 each depending on the size of your craving, some may question the logic of visiting Starbucks for a fall treat instead of, say, Circle K, where a 20 oz. Pumpkin Spice cappuccino is available, at select locations, for $1.29 every day.

“I only come here because [the drink] seems classier,” freshman Josh Whan said. “It’s actually put together.”

For some, like Bane, the Pumpkin Spice craze is overrated.

“I feel like the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a bit too sweet for me,” student Chelsea Wolpert said. “I would prefer regular coffee.”

For those like Wolpert who don’t feel quite hooked by the Pumpkin Spice Latte, yet want a break from their regular cup of joe, Starbucks also offers a new Salted Caramel Mocha drink for fall, or a Tazo Chai Tea Latte.