Growing up in Central New York, I always knew there was something magical about the fall season, however, it wasn’t until I moved to the Sunshine State (Florida) that I realized it was actually my favorite season.
There is nothing better than the crisp, cool air (aka sweater weather), spending a sunny afternoon picking your own apples or simply watching the leaves change colors. And I may be bias (I mean, I totally am) but I really feel that there is no place better to experience fall than in Central New York.
Since I’m writing this on Labor Day, the unofficial start to the fall season, I thought it would be a great time to share my 5 Favorite Central New York Fall traditions with you…
1. Visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is located in the heart of New York’s award-winning Finger Lakes Wine Region. Boasting thirty-five (35) different wineries along the trail there are plenty of options to check out. A few of my favorite stops include Glenora Wine Cellars, Three Brothers Wineries & Estates and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (Hazlitt has two locations, the Seneca Lake location is in Hector, NY).
Clearly, Seneca Lake is a dream for wine connoisseurs but what makes it a great destination for fall enthusiasts?
I’m glad you asked! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a scenic route. So even if you’re not a big wine drinker, you’ll still get to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage sprinkled with lake views whether you stop at the wineries or not.
Leaf peeping tip: Mother nature has a mind of her own so it’s hard to pin-point exactly when the leaves will change but generally speaking, late-September through the first two (2) weeks of October is usually the best time to enjoy the fall foliage around Seneca Lake.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a beautiful destination for a weekend getaway or day trip. It is only an hours (1 hour) drive from Syracuse, New York, which happens to be the centralized location for every other “tradition” on this list.
Open During Covid-19?
Yes, but restrictions apply. Check with each winery you plan to visit for their specific Covid-19 policies. Group limitations apply on the Seneca Wine Trail, learn more here.
2. Scenic Ski Lift Ride in Old Forge, New York
Old Forge, New York is a small town in the Adirondacks. The town itself is located on Old Forge Pond (which connects to First Lake) and features lots of family-friendly activities such as camping, hiking and during the summer, trips to Enchanted Forest Water Safari (my favorite childhood amusement park).
Old Forge is about two (2) hours away from Syracuse, New York. Once you enter The Adirondack Park, the drive becomes more rustic. Tall pine trees, winding roads and the remains of some old roadside attractions will transport you into a simpler world.
Be sure to stop, breathe deep and put the phone a way for a bit to really connect with your surroundings – it’s worth it!
Once you get to Old Forge, check out McCauley Mountain Ski Area. In the winter, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and ski lessons are the prime activities on the mountain, but don’t be fooled, the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts.
In the warmer months, McCauley Mountain continues to run their scenic ski lift. Why? The views, baby.
Enjoy beautiful Adirondack views of nearby mountains, lakes and the village on a fun, scenic ski lift ride up the mountain. In the fall, the view gets even better.
Burning orange, bright reds and golden yellows turn an already exquisite view into a jam-dropping moment. Take another deep breath and this time, be sure to break out your phone because you won’t want to forget this moment.
Leaf Peeping Tip: Fall comes early to the ADK (Adirondacks). Late-September to early October is generally when you’ll see the best colors (conditions can vary year to year, nothing is exact). Check out 2019’s fall foliage report from Experience Old Forge to get an idea of the range for peak fall foliage.
Open During Covid-19?
Yes, ski lift rides are in operation. Practice social distancing. Face masks must be worn in line, while loading and unloading from ski lift.
3. Experience Farm Life at Tim’s Pumpkin Patch
Skip the pumpkin spice latte and go for the real deal – a trip to the pumpkin patch!
Tim’s Pumpkin Patch is just a short thirty (30) minute drive from Syracuse, New York and offers a fun-tastic farm experience for kids of all ages (you know, actual children and those of us who will forever be kids at heart).
Get out in the field and search the patch for your perfect pumpkin. Nibble on Pumpkin Funnel Cake or my personal favorite, Apple Fritters while taking in the sights and sounds of an actual working farm. For the grown-up kids (aka over 21), step into the Brew Barn on the weekends to sip on locally produced craft beers and hard cider. Before you go, round out your fun-filled day with a walk through the hay or corn maze!
Open During Covid-19?
Yes, view the guidelines.
4. Get Spooked on a Haunted Hay Ride and Corn Maze
Speaking of corn mazes, if you find yourself feeling fearless this fall, we know just the corn maze for you. Wood Creek Hollow in Rome, New York (45 minute ride from Syracuse) is known to put on some pretty good haunts. When the weather co-operates, you can test your courage and scream limits by visiting their haunted corn maze or by hopping on the haunted hay ride.
Open During Covid-19?
Maybe. Wood Creek Hollow operates through the month of October. This year, due to Covid-19, they are still working out their final plans in order to open safely. You can follow Wood Creek Hollow on Facebook to watch for their re-opening announcements and details.
5. Visit America’s #1 Apple Orchard, Beak & Skiff
What if I told you Central New York is home to USA Today’s #1 Apple Orchard? Well, guess what, it is! Fifteen (15) minutes south of Syracuse, in a small town called LaFayette, New York is where you’ll find Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard
What I love most about Beak and Skiff is its a family owned and operated. The business is over 100 years old, founded back in 1911, and continues to not only survive, but thrive in our modern world.
Visiting the apple orchard on the weekends with my family growing up was always one of my favorite fall activities. Even though I don’t get to frequent Beak & Skiff as often as I’d like anymore, it is still a fall tradition I cherish.
Back in the day, when I was just a wee one, there were maybe two buildings on the property. Today, there’s a lot more going on. They expanded the gift shop, still a charming space and the original live beehive is still located in this area, which is a fond memory from childhood.
In addition, they added a separate building to function as “The Stand” where you can find a variety of things to eat and also a newer, larger barn to house the cider production and apples you can purchase if you’re not in the mood to pick your own (in the orchard).
The biggest difference between today’s experience vs. my childhood memories, is the addition of the 1911 brand and the alcoholic beverages that go along with it.
Beak and Skiff is the original brand representing the apple orchard and majority of the apple products. 1911 is the new-ish spinoff brand featuring apple wines, hard ciders and apple based spirits. Together, they make up the modern day version of Beak and Skiff! I think the transition and growth of this family business over the years is pretty interesting, don’t you?
Ok, so if and when you choose to visit Beak & Skiff, there are a few things to note.
- Weekends get busy, fast – Hate crowds? Me too (even before Covid-19). If you can swing it, go on a weekday. You’ll be able to park, explore and enjoy the entire experience with ease.
- Take the tracker ride to pick your own apples. Its good old fashion fun. Its great if you have kids. It’s great to do with a group of friends. And it’s great for a day-date no matter how new (or old) the relationship.
- Visit the 1911 tasting room and give the wines and ciders a try. When you’ve found your favorite, order a glass and enjoy it outside on the patio. It’s a great way to just soak in a beautiful fall day.
Open During Covid-19?
Yes. View Beak and Skiff’s Covid-19 policy and message here.