Autumn in New York State
A covered bridge
framed by mountainsides awash in brilliant crimsons, oranges and
yellows, bushel baskets of apples, fields of plump pumpkins and corn
mazes carved into the hillsides… many of the most iconic images of
autumn in America seem to have come straight out of New York State.
Autumn in the Empire State is more than a visual treat. It is also a
season of celebration. The Old English words for harvest (hærfest)
and autumn were the same, and anyone traveling through New York State
during the season quickly understands the connection. Roadside farm
stands, a plethora of farmer’s markets, wine trails and festivals
celebrating the harvesting of products from apples to zucchini make this
a fun and delicious time to explore the state.
framed by mountainsides awash in brilliant crimsons, oranges and
yellows, bushel baskets of apples, fields of plump pumpkins and corn
mazes carved into the hillsides… many of the most iconic images of
autumn in America seem to have come straight out of New York State.
Autumn in the Empire State is more than a visual treat. It is also a
season of celebration. The Old English words for harvest (hærfest)
and autumn were the same, and anyone traveling through New York State
during the season quickly understands the connection. Roadside farm
stands, a plethora of farmer’s markets, wine trails and festivals
celebrating the harvesting of products from apples to zucchini make this
a fun and delicious time to explore the state.
It makes sense that harvest season would be cause for celebration in
New York State. Nearly one fourth of the state’s total land area is
used as farmland and ranks among the nation’s biggest producers
of agricultural products including dairy, fruits, berries, maple syrup,
and a variety of vegetables such as sweet corn and pumpkins. New York
also ranks third in grape and wine production. Best of all, New York
State food is about quality, not just quantity. The Empire State ranks
among the top states for fine wines and organic farming, and a growing number of highly skilled cheese makers are creating quality, artisanal cheeses here.
What follows is a sampling of the iconic autumn experiences that beckon across the state.
Follow the Foliage. I LOVE NEW YORK’s weekly foliage reports begin September 11 and are updated weekly through early November at iloveny.com/fall.
The site provides a detailed update of foliage conditions across New
York State, including a map charting fall color progress, vantage points
for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and event
listings. You may also hear highlights of the foliage report by dialing
(800) CALL-NYS.
Some of the best vantage points are from the chair lifts at ski resorts like Peak ‘n Peak in Clymer in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, especially on October 12-13 and 19-20, when juried crafters and kids’ activities add to the fun, and at Hunter Mountain in Palenville in the Catskills, October 5-6 and 12-13 when Oktoberfest brings the region’s German heritage to life with Old World music and foods.
The site provides a detailed update of foliage conditions across New
York State, including a map charting fall color progress, vantage points
for viewing spectacular foliage, suggested autumn getaways and event
listings. You may also hear highlights of the foliage report by dialing
(800) CALL-NYS.
Some of the best vantage points are from the chair lifts at ski resorts like Peak ‘n Peak in Clymer in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, especially on October 12-13 and 19-20, when juried crafters and kids’ activities add to the fun, and at Hunter Mountain in Palenville in the Catskills, October 5-6 and 12-13 when Oktoberfest brings the region’s German heritage to life with Old World music and foods.
Wine and Dine Harvest Celebrations.
The grape harvest and release of the new wines is cause for celebration
by lovers of great food and wine as well as vintners. Among this year’s
top celebrations are the Finger Lakes Cork & Fork, September 20-21 at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls, NY, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest, September 7 – 8 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, and the September Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, held September 6-8 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. On Long Island, all things oyster will be celebrated at the annual waterfront Oyster Festival October 19-20 in Oyster Bay.
The grape harvest and release of the new wines is cause for celebration
by lovers of great food and wine as well as vintners. Among this year’s
top celebrations are the Finger Lakes Cork & Fork, September 20-21 at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls, NY, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest, September 7 – 8 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, and the September Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, held September 6-8 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. On Long Island, all things oyster will be celebrated at the annual waterfront Oyster Festival October 19-20 in Oyster Bay.
About New York State http://fallgetaways.iloveny.com/
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s
attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine
trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole
family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and
farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the
13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all
travelers. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s
attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine
trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole
family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and
farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the
13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all
travelers. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.
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