Pumpkin Spice Latte: Where, When You Can Find an (Early) Taste of Fall

One of the first hints of fall? The leaves begin to turn, the kids head back to school....and Pumpkin Spice Latte makes turns up on coffee shop menu boards.

Officially, fall begins Sept. 22, but many symbols of the season start a little early, even as temperatures soar. If you're a parent dropping off your child on their first day of school, you might be in the mood to grab a celebratory "PSL." Here's where and when you can get your first taste of autumn (all chains available in Northern Virginia):

• Starbucks: Last year, Starbucks unveiled its Pumpkin Spice Latte on Tuesday, Sept. 8; so far this year, the mega-coffee giant is playing it coy. But you can get your fix from Starbucks while you wait for the date with all things "PSL" here.
• Dunkin' Donuts: You can dunk your pumpkin flavored donuts (or, for a limited time, a Caramel Apple Croissant) in your Salted Caramel or Pumpkin latte at Dunkin' Donuts, starting this week, the company announced. They unveiled the new flavors Monday.
• McDonald's: The Golden Arches will bring back its McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte on Wednesday for the first time in three years, People reports.
• Peet's Coffee: Also debuting Wednesday, Peet's will unveil four Pumpkin flavors, according to GrubStreet: Pumpkin Latte, a Pumpkin Javiva, a Pumpkin Chia and a Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Mocha.

PHOTO: McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte photo courtesy of McDonald's; second photo: Shutterstock