Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most exciting seasons in Wine Country. For our farmers and winemakers, it is the moment when harvest reveals what delicious treats we can expect to see and taste in a year or two to come. Our roadside stands are often filled with sweet grapes, corn, and other fresh produce, ready to take home and serve at your table. And, though the air may be chillier, the scene starts bursting with colors, welcoming leaf-peepers and photographers who have long recognized our destination as one of the top fall vacations to road trip to each year.
There are also a ton of fun things to do! We’ve decided to put together a guide to help you plan your visit and create those fun fall memories.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
As you road trip the region, you will notice plenty of pumpkins in many farmers' stands. Make sure to stop in to collect your pumpkins for the season, and don’t miss out on the corn mazes and other fun activities many of them have in place! Some considerations are:
Iron Kettle Farms, in Candor, NY - Their Spooktacular Pumpkin display is a hit with the littles and young at heart, and don’t forget to stop into their gift shop for homemade treats.
Bradley Farms, in Elmira, NY—Though its haunted house will be closed this year due to the pandemic, there is still a lot more to look forward to during your visit. Its corn maze is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and it’s ready for you to explore. Be ready to shop, as they have much to offer, including fresh baked goods.
Stoughton Farm, in Newark Valley, NY - One of the highlights of Stoughton Farm every fall is the corn maze, otherwise known as "The Maize," with 8+ acres of pathways, turning points, and dead ends. The maze opens to the public at the end of September. You can pick up local apples, pumpkins, and other goods from their farm store and have fun in any one of their activities, such as hay rides, cow train rides, their Pumpkin Blaster, Corn Cannon, 32' X 65' Jumping Pillow and 'Friendly Fire,' and Nerf Battleground.
Smithome Farms Pumpkin Patch, in Elmira, NY - With 6+ acres of u-pick pumpkins, hay rides, a corn maze, fresh apple cider donuts, and so much more, a visit to this farm promises a fun-filled afternoon. Don't miss their produce stand, and stay connected with them for information on their sunflower season during the warmer months!
Stop by the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning to make your own glass pumpkin. This popular activity is a favorite keepsake and collector's item. You can make your reservations online.
Apple Picking is a Must
According to the New York Apple Growers Association, New York State is the second-largest apple-producing state in the country. We average a whopping 29.5 million bushels annually on about 41,000 acres in six major production districts around the entire state. And we may be a bit biased in saying this, but our apples are the best around! Some to look out for are McIntosh, Empire, Red Delicious, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Rome, Idared, Crispin, Paula Red, and Gala. And here are some places where you can pick them yourself:
Riesinger’s Apple Country in Watkins Glen, NY - Their website is updated regularly to let you know what apples are available for picking before your visit. We also encourage you to make room for the apple cider donuts, which are always a big hit.
Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan, NY - Check out their U-Pick schedule before your visit, and stop into their farm store for fresh baked goods and other treats like their local maple syrup jars - another must-have. Extend your stay with a visit to their hard cider bar!
Apples & Moore in Watkins Glen, NY - This farm offers over 20 apple varieties, which are easy to pick from the ground and easily accessible to all. No ladders are needed, and wagons for easy hauling are provided. Make sure to taste their homemade apple cider donuts made every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Take home some of their homemade jam, jellies, and apple butter, made from the farm's fruit, in their in-house processing kitchen. Pumpkins, squash, and gourds are sold in mass displays by the sales barn.
Wickham's Tango Oaks Farm in Hector, NY - This 5th-generation family farm grows tree fruit, grapes, and other produce for U-Pick every season. Find your favorite apples from Honey Crisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, Empire, and more!
Grape Picking Made Easy
We often get asked about picking grapes with our farmers during harvest season. The truth is this hard work is unpredictable and often spontaneous depending on the climate and not really one that is opened to the public. But you can still get a taste of the experience at Fulkerson Winery in Dundee, NY. They also offer vineyard tours, home winemaking lessons, and have other fruits to pick as well. Bonus: farms such as Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan and Tango Oaks Farm in Hector, NY (see above) also offer concord grape u-pick!
Explore the Trails
Hiking is one of the best ways to get into nature and enjoy the colorful fall foliage. Luckily, we have tons of trails to explore. The Finger Lakes National Forest, which spans between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes region, has 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. Other trails to explore are:
Tanglewood Nature Center, in Elmira, NY. Check out their website for trail maps. Please note, dogs are not allowed on trails leading out or into the nature center. The map includes 5 easy, family-friendly trails to explore. All trails walked together make up a 5K loop with diverse views, from mixed forests to meadows. Also great for winter snowshoeing.
Keuka Outlet Trail runs from Penn Yan, NY, to Dresden, NY. This 7-mile trail borders the Keuka outlet created nearly 10,000 years ago between Keuka and Seneca Lakes. One can do much along the trail, from fishing to bike riding, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing in the winter. To top it all off, there are some great waterfalls along the way.
Catharine Valley Trail runs from Montour Falls, NY, to Horseheads, NY. This 6-mile trail (expected to cover 12 miles when construction is completed) follows abandoned railroad and canal towpath corridors and passes through various wildlife habitats. It is perfect for walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. A maximum of two dogs is allowed per visitor/group.
Lackawanna Rail Trail in Elmira, NY. This 8.7-mile trail is accessible, bike-friendly, and walking. Much of it follows the meandering Chemung River, which means “place of the big horn” in the local American Indian language. Confined initially within the city limits of Elmira, the trail now extends along the wooded river shoreline on an additional 5-mile segment completed in 2017.
Mitchellsville Gorge Trail in This 2.5-mile one-way hike runs along public and private posted land, so please be especially mindful of “trail manners” and stay on the trail. Take anything you bring, and don’t camp or have fires. The trails follow a wildflower field, an old historic railroad track, waterfalls, and a beautiful pine and hemlock forest. The trail is not very steep but has some moderate hills. Visit the official Finger Lakes Trail website for more information and directions.
Other honorable mentions include the hidden gem of Waverly Glen Park (pictured above) and the ever-popular Watkins Glen State Park.
More Fall Adventures
Looking for something more exciting to do? We’ve got a few ideas for you! Whether you want to take to the water or the skies, make sure you reserve early, as these activities often go till the end of October, and book up fast.
Harris Hill Soaring Corporation offers glider rides on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5:30 pm, depending on the weather through the end of October. Contact them to book your flight, as they fill up quickly!
Who said you can’t enjoy the lake during fall? Take to the waters on a kayak! You can do a guided tour or rent a kayak and explore independently. We recommend checking out Summit to Stream Adventures or Keuka Watersports for kayak rentals.
Enjoy the trails and vineyards on horseback! Painted Bar Stables in Watkins Glen, NY, offers small group rides, beautiful fall trail rides, and vineyards experiences to make the most of your fall visit. They even offer lessons if you plan for a longer stay and very small group rides for your family and friends.
Savor the robust flavors of fall when you dine at one of our many restaurants and eateries featuring locally sourced menus. Veraison Restaurant at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars is an excellent option with a great view and a delicious seasonal menu. Stay on the wine trail and enjoy brunch at Ryan William Vineyard. If you have limited time but want to taste what wine country offers in one sitting, reserve a seat at ONCE Finger Lakes, which offers food & wine pairing tasting experiences around curated themes and jazz on Fridays.
While road-tripping, stop at our many farmer's markets and farm stands! Check this list of many more Finger Lakes Wine Country wineries, breweries, and distilleries to visit. The question is - which ones will you choose?
