Towns in New York Basking in Autumn Embrace

Autumn in New York State is a magical time, with vibrant foliage, crisp air, and a variety of festivals and events that celebrate the season. Here are some highlights from across the state.

Wine Tastings and Halloween Celebrations

In Lockport, three vineyards – Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Freedom Run Winery, and Honeymoon Trail Winery – offer wine tastings for visitors to enjoy. Meanwhile, the village of Sleepy Hollow in Hudson Valley is synonymous with Halloween, hosting haunted hayrides, walking tours at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and performances of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'.

Outdoor Activities and Festivals

Several parks and forests provide beautiful autumn scenery and opportunities for strolling. Saratoga Spa State Park offers several paths for strolling during the fall season, while Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck is an old growth forest preserve filled with trails and a 79-foot fire tower.

Saratoga Springs offers walking tours, ghost tours, and vintage train rides during the fall season, making it an ideal destination for those who love history and the paranormal. For those seeking more adventure, Queensbury, nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, offers canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hearty meals at The Docksider and Queensbury Hotel.

Festivals and Events

Ithaca's 43rd Annual Apple Harvest Festival takes place from September 26-28, offering a variety of autumn offerings. The event includes live music, apple cider making, and local food vendors such as Moosewood Restaurant, Viva Taqueria & Cantina, Liquid State Brewing Company, and Ithaca Beer Co.

Lockport celebrates Locktoberfest on September 27 and the Mystic Market on October 18, with local artists, craftsmen, and antique dealers visiting various venues in Lockport, New York. Corning celebrates The Days of Incandescence, a 3-day festival honoring its unique history and the making of Thomas Edison's first light bulb.

Halloween Celebrations

Cooperstown hosts a Halloween Celebration on October 31, with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum offering spooky activities for all ages. The Cooperstown Art Association's luminous jack-o-lantern display is part of Pumpkin Glow, while Hyde & Shriek! Candlelight Ghost Tours take place from October 3-31, offering a chance to explore the town's haunted history.

In Utica, the Zoo's Spooktacular Harvest Festival takes place on October 18-19, offering a family-friendly event with costumes, treats, and animal encounters. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson features over 7,000 illuminated jack o' lanterns, creating a stunning display of autumnal art.

Haunted History and Fall Festivals

Many historic sites offer special events during the fall season. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Sleepy Hollow offers special fall tours, while Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving in Irvington, offers performances of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'. The historic main lodge at the Cayuga Nature Center houses the Finger Lakes' largest public aquarium.

Fall Fun Days at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome offer antique tractor pull rides, pumpkin painting, a corn maze, deer feedings, and fall food favorites. Wood Creek Hollow in Rome hosts a Fall Festival on September 20th and Haunted Nights at Wood Creek Hollow from September 26 - November 1.

In Rhinebeck, the New York State Wool & Sheep Festival includes a Leaping Llama contest, while the Rhinebeck Farmers' Market offers fresh produce and local goods. Pumpkinville in Ellicottville is open until October 31 and offers pumpkin picking, apple cider making, and a 360-degree view of fall foliage.

Cruises and Ghost Tours

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises offer a cruise through Lockport's famous 'Flight of Five'. The village of Tarrytown Halloween Parade in Hudson Valley includes costumed characters and a post-parade block party. The Fenimore Farm and Country Village in Cooperstown hosts Things That Go Bump in the Night Ghost Tours on Friday and Saturday evenings October 11-25.

The Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company has fall foliage cruises through October 18, offering a unique perspective of the stunning autumn scenery.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or Halloween enthusiast, New York State has something for everyone during the autumn season. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable fall adventure!

Towns in New York Basking in Autumn Embrace