NEWSLETTER
Magnificent fall beauty, weekly foliage reports, new festivals and activities make autumn one of the best times to visit New York State
NEW YORK – September 8, 2023 – As chilly weather begins to creep across the state and warm jackets and boots become required travel gear, travelers can look forward to the start of New York State’s long fall foliage season. Nature’s colorful palette comes to life, and visitors can immerse themselves in the bounty of the season at one of many festivals and events celebrating everything from oysters to whiskey to paranormal activities. There is no shortage of options to fill up a weekend getaway this fall. To help travelers plan and explore New York's 11 vacation regions, I LOVE NY will offer weekly foliage reports beginning September 13, featuring color progression observations from at least 85 volunteer spotters throughout the state.
I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "New York State residents and visitors are fortunate each fall to have a front row seat to nature’s spectacular show of color. Each week brings changing hues, and temperatures that welcome both outdoor and indoor activities. From Woodstock pumpkins to beers to the harvest moon, there is a festival or event each weekend that will put everyone in the autumn mood. I LOVE NY's weekly fall foliage reports give travelers the inside track for the best time to plan a getaway. With the ability to experience some of the world’s best autumn travel experiences without ever having to get on a plane, it’s so easy to love New York."
Here is a sampling of what not to miss during your fall getaway in New York State:
BRAND NEW AND RETURNING FALL FESTIVALS
- The Moon Festival (Hudson Valley) – The Moon Festival in Port Jervis celebrates an ancient cultural holiday that occurs when the moon is at its fullest and harvest season ends. Traditional moon cakes representing family and harmony, and cuisine from various Asian countries will be shared at the all-ages friendly event on September 16-17.
- Syracuse Inner Harbor Fest (Finger Lakes) – Attendees of all ages can enjoy the highly energetic Dragon Boat Races while cheering on their favorite teams from September 29-October 1. Food and beer trucks with local vendors, music, rides and fireworks will add to the festivities.
- Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest (Catskills) – The popular ski resort transports attendees to Oktoberfest over three weekends in September and October with food vendors, German beer and a wide array of entertainment. It all takes place on the weekends of September 30-October 1, October 7-8 and October 14-15.
- Panama Rocks Foliage Festival (Chautauqua-Alleghany) – Chainsaw wood carvings, glass blowing and blacksmithing are artisan crafts featured at this two-day festival scheduled for September 30-October 1 at Panama Rocks. Visitors can also hike large rock formations covered in moss, along with its many lesser-known paths.
- Long Island Oyster Week (Long Island) – The first-ever Long Island Oyster Week debuts October 10-15 focusing on local oyster farms and businesses. Participating restaurants, breweries and oyster farms will offer oyster specials and limited-time menu items.
- Peace, Love & Pumpkins (Catskills) – The artistry and creativity of hand-carved pumpkins will be on full display October 13-29 at this enchanting walk-through Halloween experience at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Attendees will see the gourds transformed into mythical creatures, characters and icons, complemented by live music with snacks and warm drinks available.
- Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival (Finger Lakes) – A highlight of this new harvest season festival taking place in Geneseo on October 20-21 will be samples of craft whiskey and bourbon. Residents and visitors will enjoy the surrounding Finger Lakes region and local culture while joining in the celebration of craft liquor paired with live music.
THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
- Spooky Island (Capital-Saratoga) – The Upstate Ripper and Disciples of Darkness are just two “scare zones” awaiting those who are brave enough to step onto Spooky Island, a haunted carnival at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds featuring professionally designed haunted houses. Spooky Island is open to visitors looking for a good fright September 29-October 29.
- Cortland Curiosities: A Strange & Forgotten History Trail (Finger Lakes) – A month-long celebration of all things curious and paranormal will take place in Cortland County in October. Visitors can follow along A Strange & Forgotten History Trail to discover folklore including tragic pasts, murder mysteries and just odd, unexplained occurrences. Local storytellers sharing their own haunted tales and a group search for souls and spirits in a church add to the scary factor.
APPLES AND GRAPES
- Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards (Finger Lakes) – Whether you love Gala apples or prefer New York exclusives like SnapDragon and RubyFrost, Beak & Skiff Orchards will satisfy all types of apple cravings. The 112-year-old orchard offers a tasting room, distillery and a general store. The new UTV experience tours allow guests to self-drive and visit the production facility to learn about this historic five generation family business. Visitors can also rent one of four houses at or near the orchard for a more immersive experience.
- Grindstone Island Tours (Thousand Islands) – Once only accessible to residents via private boat, this beautiful island is open for visitors through Clayton Island Tours. The tour includes a 15-minute boat ride to and from the island, ground transportation, winery tour and an afternoon of tastings in a beautiful remote setting. Visitors will also stop at the Lowerhouse School Heritage Museum, where they will learn about the secluded island's history.
TEMPLES OF WELLNESS
- Hemlock Neversink (Catskills) – Opening this fall, Hemlock Neversink will offer peaceful wellness retreats on their 230-acre property in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Overnight guests can book one of the 33 guest rooms with the convenience of an on-site restaurant helmed by an award-winning culinary team. This comprehensive wellness facility and a nature focused spa provides individual wellness plans for their guests. Hemlock Neversink’s bucolic surroundings and a holistic approach will ensure guests check out restored and rejuvenated.
- AIREM (Long Island) – Located in Bridgehampton, luxury boutique hotel Topping Rose House introduces AIREM, the first Korean medical aesthetic spa in the United States. With a philosophy of self-care with purpose and intention, AIREM offers guests an elevated spa menu of clinical-grade skincare and wellness treatments.
For more information on new developments and other happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com. Press releases and other media assets can be found online in the press room or on X (formerly Twitter).
Weekly foliage reports with a corresponding map can be found at iloveny.com/fallfoliage
About New York State
New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a booming craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail. Add in the state’s unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it’s no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts.
CONTACT:
Helen Ames
Finn Partners
(212) 715-1646
Eric Scheffel
Empire State Development
(518) 292-5274