NEWSLETTER
Can fall in New York get even more colorful? Besides the changing leaves, come experience epic outdoor adventures, family-friendly farms, historic sites, and so much more!Whether you’re sipping locally made wines or fall-themed craft beers, picking your own apples, hiking to scenic summits, or looking for new ways to celebrate Halloween, this season will surpass your expectations. Get ready to breathe in that crisp air—fall in New York is a time to create vivid memories. Photo Credit: @uprootedphotos on Instagram.
1. Say Cheers to Harvest Season
Credit: Emma Frisbie
Wine lovers rejoice! Harvest season is here, which means it’s time to tour New York State’s illustrious wine regions from Long Island to the Finger Lakes. Sample red, white, sweet, dry, and dessert wines at Duck Walk Vineyards while overlooking 30 acres of vineyards in the Hamptons. Raise a glass while taking in the Seneca Lake sunset from the Atwater Estate Vineyards deck, sample world-class wines during a tasting experience at the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery along Keuka Lake, or visit Living Roots Wine & Co.'s winery and tasting room overlooking Keuka Lake in Hammondsport. Venture to nearby Heron Hill Winery to enjoy live music throughout the fall months. Through September, Johnson Estate Winery in Chautauqua-Allegheny hosts its annual Great Grape Walk. Tour the vineyard and fill a basket with grapes before enjoying a wine tasting paired with a small cheese and charcuterie board.
2. Get into the Spirit of the Season
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See thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns light up the night at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (pictured) in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts puts a groovy spin on its jack o'lantern display paying homage to Woodstock legends at Peace, Love, and Pumpkins. Looking to add more fall-themed fun to your itinerary? Navigate a corn maze and hop on the zombie paintball train at The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival in Greater Niagara’s Clarence (September 14-October 31); a tractor-pulled train ride and singing chickens await at Pumpkinville in Chautauqua-Allegheny’s Great Valley (September 16-October 31); and see who takes home the title of “Biggest Pumpkin of the Year” at The Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest (September 23). See pumpkins get catapulted into the St. Lawrence River at Clayton’s Punkin’ Chunkin’ (October 19) and celebrate fall’s bounty at the Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival (September 28-29) and Peek’n Peak Fall Fest (October 12-13 & 19-20).
3. Blaze Trails on a Fall Hike
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Take in the beauty of fall with a hike through New York State’s stunning landscapes. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is home to waterfalls and plunging gorges and also features the one-mile Autism Nature Trail, offering eight distinct sensory experiences. Get a glimpse into the untouched world of the "Forever Wild” Adirondacks when you hike Mt. Van Hoevenberg, also a Lake Placid Olympic legacy site. From Taughannock to Chittenango, hike to picture-perfect waterfalls with spectacular vistas to make your autumn travels even more magical. For short but scenic hike options, try Mount Severance in Schroon Lake and Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island.
4. Find Your Way Through a Corn Maze
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Test your problem-solving skills during the back-to-school season by navigating through a corn maze. Tackle the three-acre corn maze at Springside Farm in Fabius and then test your skills further in the tree and jungle mazes. In Ballston Spa, try the Amazing Maize Corn Maze at Ellms Family Farm, which takes about 90 minutes to complete. Bringing younger kids? Have them follow along the Kiddie Maze, where there is no getting lost! Near Rochester, make your way through the five-acre logic cornfield at Long Acre Farms by day or under the starlit sky with Friday moonlight maze nights. Fort Ticonderoga makes history fun with its heroic corn maze located on the shores of Lake Champlain.
5. Experience the Arts
Whether you’re into theater, music, or dance, treat yourself to a stirring performance as the arts come alive for a new season this fall. The Met Opera season opens September 23 with the premiere of Grounded by Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori. The NYC Ballet and New York Philharmonic also return in September with a series of world premieres and exciting performances. McNeal, starring Robert Downey Jr., and Our Town, with Jim Parson and Katie Holmes, are among the new additions coming to Broadway and you can catch other Broadway favorites like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport and Some Like it Hot at Shea’s in Buffalo. There’s even more to discover at museums across the state from the Frederic Remington Art Museum to the Bethel Woods Center For The Arts.
6. Find the Apple of Your Eye
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McIntosh, Empire, Fuji, Red Delicious, Macoun—the list of New York-grown apples goes on and on. Don a sweater and sip on crisp artisan ciders and sparkling wines at Finger Lakes Cider House paired with views of the changing leaves and shimmering Cayuga Lake. There's acres of fun at Harbes Family Farm with delightful attractions from pumpkin and apple picking to an amazing corn maze, hayrides, and more! Pick your own apples or purchase them in the Apple Barn at Beak & Skiff (pictured) in LaFayette. While you’re there, taste-test the orchard’s 1911 ciders, spirits, and wines. Find apples in the Capital Region at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont, where you can also get homemade pies, cider, produce, and more. For freshly made cider donuts, head to Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard in Cooperstown, Cider Belly Doughnuts in Albany, and Mayer Brothers Cider Mill and Bakery in West Seneca.
7. Spend the Day With New York’s Most Adorable Animals
Zoos from Rochester to Buffalo to NYC all offer visitors the opportunity to see different species of animals while highlighting the importance of conservation. Take a step into Africa or discover creatures from the river’s edge at Seneca Park Zoo (pictured). See epic fall foliage and exotic animals on a monorail tour into the heart of the Asian wilderness at the Bronx Zoo or go boo at the zoo in Buffalo for Halloween. Get up close and personal with an unforgettable rhino or giraffe encounter at Central New York’s Animal Adventure Park or embark on a drive-thru safari experience at its sister facility, The Preserve. Looking for a more active experience? Spend the night and take advantage of 500+ acres of horseback riding at the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch Resort.
8. Explore the Home of Baseball
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While the minor and major leagues end their seasons in September and October respectively, baseball is always in season in Cooperstown no matter what the calendar says. Discover the history and cultural impact of America's pastime at the National Baseball Hall of Fame (pictured) through exhibits that honor the legacies of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, pay homage to female players, and document the rise of the game in Caribbean nations. Cooperstown is also home to Doubleday Field, widely recognized as the birthplace of baseball, and the sport is at the heart of many restaurants, including Doubleday Cafe and the cozy Cooperstown Diner, where many Hall of Famers have sat down for a meal.
9. Go on a Haunted Adventure
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Looking for a spine-chilling activity this Halloween season? New York State has you covered! Follow Ichabod Crane’s flight from the Headless Horseman on a hair-raising hayride through the Hudson Valley’s Sleepy Hollow and tour Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (pictured) to learn the history behind the well-known burial ground, Washington Irving, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Make your way through five creepy haunted houses at Frightworld in Buffalo. Bring your family to Fright Fest at the Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor in Queensbury. Family-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and a scream contest will be held during the day at Kids Boo Fest. If you’re looking for more fright, walk through the park after 5 pm to explore a blacklight maze and halls filled with zombies. For even more eerie fun ranging from ghost hunts to guided tours, explore the attractions on the Haunted History Trail of New York State.
10. Celebrate Cultural Months
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The fall is a great time to experience culture in New York State. Mark Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) exploring vibrant neighborhoods from Washington Heights to Buffalo’s Avenida San Juan (pictured), tasting authentic cuisine from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Mexico, and catching amazing theatrical and dance productions by Latino performers. See the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village and visit other historical landmarks to learn about New York’s unparalleled role in advancing LGBTQ rights during LGBTQ History Month (October 1-31). Central New York’s Iroquois Museum and NYC’s National Museum of the American Indian are among the many places you can learn about the traditions and contributions of Native Americans during Native American Heritage Month (November 1-30).
11. Take a Fall Foliage Cruise
CREDIT: @TRAVELLERARI ON INSTAGRAM
Witness the beautiful shades of autumn reflected on the water’s surface as you cruise along New York’s historic canals, pristine lakes, and tranquil rivers. Embark on a scenic voyage along the Hudson River on two Oktoberfest-themed cruises with Circle Line. Sail by the beautiful Adirondack wilderness on the crystal clear waters of Lake George aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha with Lake George Steamboat Company, capture breathtaking views along Chautauqua Lake on the Mississippi River-style steamboat Chautauqua Belle, or see Niagara Falls surrounded in the colors of autumn on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. Click here to discover even more cruises to book this fall.
12. Satisfy Your Taste Buds at Food Festivals
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This fall, enjoy a cornucopia of food festivals. Celebrate everyone’s favorite fuzzy stone fruit at the Niagara County Peach Festival where you can sample peach shortcake and witness the crowning of the “Peach Queen” (September 5-8). The Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival, happening September 28–29, is home to more than 130 food and craft beer, wine, and distilled liquor vendors, along with a farmers’ market. For a unique experience you’ll never forget, visit the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival September 28-29 in Saugerties. From October 19-20, have a shucking good time at Long Island’s famed Oyster Festival (pictured) where you can sample stewed, fried, and raw oysters while enjoying live music, pirate shows, and more.
13. Travel the Path Through History
Photo Courtesy of Wayne Peters/Old Fort Niagara
With 13 themes covering everything from the Revolutionary War to New York’s leading role as a beacon for civil rights, New York State has plenty for history buffs to discover. Explore the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America at Old Fort Niagara (pictured), witness Olana—the greatest masterpiece of Frederic Edwin Church, or visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum to see the “I Love Lucy” set in living color and learn about how Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball went on to become the first woman to own a major television studio. October marks New York State History Month and Path Through History Weekend (October 12-14) is an especially good time to visit the many historic and cultural destinations across the state.
14. Sample Farm-Fresh Produce at a Farmers Market
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If a laid-back trip to a farmers market is more your style, pick up some fresh-off-the-farm goodies to take home from the famous Ithaca Farmers Market (pictured) located right on Cayuga Lake. While you’re there, be sure to try the breakfast burritos or a variety of global cuisine ranging from Sri Lankan to Korean while you listen to live music. Or visit the Union Square Greenmarket to pick up ingredients for the perfect fall picnic where New York City’s top chefs do their shopping.
15. Experience Art & History Outdoors
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See the incredible colors of fall as you explore Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the Hudson Valley. Art Omi, located in Ghent, features paintings, drawings, as well as sculptures and architectural pieces by several different artists both in a gallery and across more than 100 acres. Discover more art in nature with our guide to New York’s sculpture parks and gardens.
16. Explore Magnificent Castles
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Feel like you’re in a fairytale at one of New York State’s majestic castles. The Thousand Islands’ Singer Castle is an impressive structure with detailed architecture and furnishings—on your visit, try to find one of the castle’s many secret passageways (open through October 13)! The 120-room Boldt Castle on nearby Heart Island offers tours through October 14. Venture to the Hudson Valley’s Bannerman Castle (pictured) to learn about the significant history of the Scottish-style castle on a guided or self-guided tour offered through October. Long Island’s Gold Coast is home to OHEKA Castle, a French Chateau-style historic mansion built 100 years ago. Take a tour of the estate and gardens, or perhaps spend a night or two in one of the castle’s lavish guest rooms.
17. Reel in a Good Time
Bask in nature and make unforgettable memories with a fishing trip in New York State. From deep sea adventures off Long Island’s famous shorelines to top notch bass fishing in the St. Lawrence River you’ll find ample opportunity to cast a line. Catch fly fishing at its best in the Catskills where you’ll find the Beaverkill River, a legendary trout stream that’s stocked annually with over 18,000 brown trout, and the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum.
18. Sample Seasonal New York State Beer
Credit: ThisIsCooperstown.com
Try unique seasonal beers or stick to year-round favorites like Rare Vos or Witte at Brewery Ommegang (pictured) in Cooperstown. The Adirondacks’ Lake Placid Pub and Brewery always has house beers on tap, and pub food options to choose from. For a seasonal beer, try the Pumpkin Ubu Ale or Autumn Rye. Brooklyn Brewery, located on the north side of the borough, offers Brooklyn Oktoberfest and Post Road Pumpkin Ale during the autumn season. As the temperature begins to fall in the Capital region, Druthers Brewing Company brings out their Oktoberfest beer, a traditional German-style lager. In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, taste offerings from numerous New York-based breweries at the Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival (November 9).
19. Cheer on Runners or Participate in Seasonal Races
Credit: Saratoga Bridges
Fall is a perfect time for running—cool temperatures, crisp air, and a beautiful backdrop of changing leaves. On October 6, the Guthrie Wineglass Marathon will take runners on a picturesque course through the Finger Lakes from Bath to Corning. Walk, run or ride a 5K or 10K in September at the Great Pumpkin Challenge (pictured) in Saratoga Springs. See spectacular foliage as you run through the village of Rhinebeck at the Fall Foliage ½ Marathon & 5K on October 13. Additionally, be inspired by more than 50,000 runners at the New York City Marathon on November 3! Runners from around the world will test their stamina as they run 26.2 miles through the five boroughs while the entire city cheers them on.
20. Binge on Cinema at a Film Festival
‘Tis the season for film festivals. Watch incredible films and celebrate talented filmmakers at the New York Film Festival (September 27–October 14). The centerpiece of this year’s festival is Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, making its U.S. premiere at Alice Tully Hall on October 4. Attend the Woodstock Film Festival (October 15-20) to see independent film premieres, listen to panel experts and connect with other film lovers. Also check out the Hamptons International Film Festival n Long Island (October 4-14) and the Lake Placid Film Festival in the Adirondacks (November 7-10).
21. Cheer on Your Favorite New York Sports Teams
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Don your team’s colors, grab some nachos, and get ready to watch your team win! With three major sports seasons overlapping, you’ll have no problem finding a game to attend this fall! Football Sundays (and Saturdays for college games) are some of the best things about the weather changing. Catch the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium or go orange for Syracuse University at the JMA Wireless Dome. Finish out the baseball season at a New York Yankees or New York Mets game in New York City. Can’t wait to be sitting against the glass? Watch the puck drop at a New York Rangers, New York Islanders, or Buffalo Sabres professional hockey game, as the preseason gets underway in late September.
22. Take a Scenic Fall Foliage Train Ride
All aboard! Experience New York’s gorgeous fall foliage on the rails. The Adirondack Railroad takes you through forests and over rivers and streams with a colorful trip from Utica to Thendara. For more mountain views, hop into an open-air car and take a fall adventure train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad (pictured). Catch the Pumpkin Express to choose your own pumpkin that you can take home and decorate. The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railway heads out on a fall excursion along the tranquil Susquehanna River and through farm fields and forests. Amtrak, Metro-North, and the Long Island Rail Road also provide ample opportunities to explore fall foliage by rail.
23. Experience Larger-Than-Life NYC Fall Events
Credit: New York Comic Con/ReedPOP
New York City is host to some of the most world-famous events in the fall. Sample classic Italian dishes and catch the annual cannoli-eating competition on the streets of Little Italy at the Feast of San Gennaro (September 12-22). Superheroes, villains, and other costumed characters will descend on Manhattan for New York Comic Con (pictured) on October 17-20 and the iconic Village Halloween Parade will march its way through Greenwich Village on October 31. Before the turkey is trimmed on November 24, giant balloons, Broadway stars, marching bands, the Rockettes, and Santa will spread joy through the streets at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, ushering in the winter holiday season in epic fashion.
24. Take a Fall Road Trip
Check the fall foliage report and hit the open road for a colorful adventure through New York State. The changing leaves create a scenic backdrop for a fall drive through the Catskill Mountains along the picturesque Upper Delaware Scenic Byway while the High Peaks Scenic Byway takes you through the Adirondacks' highest peaks and along its pristine waters. Cruise along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, one of the first roads in America to be designated as a National Scenic Byway, and follow the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River on this 518-mile scenic driving route connecting Niagara Falls to the Thousand Islands-Seaway.
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