Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, located in Lafayette, offers a delightful blend of seasonal activities and unique experiences on its picturesque campus. This family-owned apple farm features U-Pick orchards, allowing visitors to handpick fresh apples while enjoying the scenic views. The country store provides an array of apple-based products, while the on-site cidery and distillery produce exceptional hard ciders, apple wines, vodka, and gin. Beak & Skiff also hosts a popular summer concert series and live music events at the orchard, making it a vibrant destination no matter the season.This renowned orchard has been perfecting the art of apple growing for over a century. Wander through vast apple orchards where you can pick your own apples from among their 300,000 meticulously cared-for trees. Enjoy the flavors of fall at the 1911 Tasting Room, Tavern and Distillery with fun fall cocktails and delicious hard cider, spirits and wine.
Beaver Lake Nature Center
Beaver Lake Nature Center, located just outside of Syracuse in Baldwinsville, is a natural haven spanning over 600 acres of diverse habitats. This serene sanctuary features nine miles of maintained trails that meander through forests, wetlands, and along the shores of Beaver Lake, offering an immersive experience in nature. The center provides ample opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing and more, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Educational programs and guided tours further enrich the visitor experience, highlighting the ecological significance and natural beauty of this pristine area.Experience the vibrant beauty of autumn at Beaver Lake Nature Center. This tranquil haven bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change. Enjoy leisurely hikes along over nine miles of scenic trails, paddle across the lake to take in the stunning fall foliage or participate in guided nature programs that highlight the seasonal splendor.
Erie Canal Museum
The Erie Canal Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Erie Canal, emphasizing its significant impact on the region and beyond. The museum is housed in the 1850 National Register Weighlock Building, the last of its kind, offering visitors interactive exhibits and original artifacts that illustrate the canal's story. They are open seven days a week with free admission (donations appreciated).In early fall, you can take an outdoor guided tour. The museum has several murals depicting life on the Canal, Canal businesses, elevation changes along the Canal, and the operation of a lock, showing the true colors of this important piece of transportation history. For a spookier experience, ask your docent for stories of the paranormal activity that takes place around the museum – like the pair of men who can be heard arguing through the 150-year-old hallways.
The Everson Museum of Art
The Everson Museum of Art is renowned for its extensive collection of American art and ceramics. It was the first museum dedicated to American art and has acquired over 10,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and one of the largest international ceramics collections in the nation. The museum's iconic building, designed by I.M. Pei, is known for its bold architectural design and galleries that host various rotating exhibitions alongside the permanent collection.If the autumn air is a bit chillier, you can trade the reds, yellows, and oranges of the fall foliage with the vast range of colors of the thousands of pieces of art that call the Everson Museum home. If you’re visiting in September, you can check out ‘Food Truck Fridays’ and enjoy food from local eateries with live music and, of course, art.
Green Lakes State Park
Nestled just east of Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is a serene escape renowned for its stunning glacial lakes and lush landscapes. The park's two beautiful meromictic lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, are celebrated for their striking blue-green waters and unique ecological characteristics.Sit by the stunning waters and enjoy vibrant colors in the fall. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking and leaf peeping along scenic trails, strolling along sandy beaches, kayaking, and fishing. The park also features a historic 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, and campsites, cuddling up near cozy campfires when that fall chill hits the air.
Highland Forest
Highland Forest is a stunning county park located just southeast of Syracuse. This expansive park offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking and mountain biking on its extensive trail system. In the winter, the park transforms into a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Highland Forest also features breathtaking panoramic views, particularly from its Skyline Lodge, making it a picturesque destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in nature's tranquility.Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of autumn at Highland Forest. This expansive park becomes a canvas of vibrant fall colors. Explore over 20 miles of trails perfect for hiking or enjoy a scenic drive through the park to witness the stunning foliage.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Set within the spacious Burnet Park, the accredited Rosamond Gifford Zoo is home to more than 700 animals representing 216 diverse species from around the globe. It is among the top 10 percent of zoos in North America awarded accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The zoo is dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging guest experiences, exceptional animal care and unparalleled conservation education and actively collaborates with its non-profit partner, Friends of the Zoo, to provide visitors with experiences that excite, memories that endure and knowledge that inspires global wildlife conservation.Visitors can stroll through the Zoo amidst the vibrant colors of fall, observing majestic creatures like Asian elephants, Amur tigers, and playful penguins. The zoo's engaging exhibits, interactive educational programs, and scenic picnic areas provide a fun atmosphere for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. In the autumn season, the Zoo offers exciting activities like Zoo Boo, a "kooky-not-spooky" daytime Halloween celebration. The zoo transforms into a hauntingly fun destination for the whole family with trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, photo ops and costume parade!
Springside Farm
Springside Farm, located in the picturesque countryside of Central New York, offers a variety of activities and experiences throughout the year. This diversified farm raises Christmas trees, alpacas, sheep, and Holstein cattle. Visitors can enjoy educational field trips, participate in the annual Shearing Festival, and shop at the Alpaca Trading Post for unique alpaca clothing, yarn, and gifts. In the summer, the farm offers u-pick blueberries, juneberries and raspberries.Springside Farm invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the autumn season with a plethora of seasonal activities. Explore the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving, wander the corn maze and savor freshly made cider and warm apple cider donuts at the farm store.
Tim's Pumpkin Patch
Tim's Pumpkin Patch offers a quintessential fall experience that delights visitors of all ages. This family-run farm features an extensive pumpkin patch where guests can pick their perfect pumpkins straight from the vine. Beyond pumpkins, the farm is packed with fun activities like tractor rides, corn mazes, apple cannons, and hay forts. Visitors can also meet adorable farm animals at the petting zoo. The on-site bakery serves a variety of seasonal treats, including pumpkin donuts, pies, and their fan-favorite Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, along with specialty drinks like Apple Cider Floats. Open from Labor Day through Halloween, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch provides a fun-filled, memorable autumn experience for the whole family.
Village of Skaneateles & Skaneateles Lake
This charming lakeside village exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its historic architecture, quaint shops, and delightful eateries lining the picturesque streets. A stroll through the village reveals a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts, making it the perfect spot to unwind and explore.Skaneateles Lake, known for its pristine, crystal-clear waters, sits right at the heart of the village. Its stunning scenery provides a serene backdrop for a variety of leisurely activities.Each fall, the crisp air is filled with excitement as the annual Fall Fest brings the community together with local crafts, delicious seasonal treats, and lively music. Adding a touch of whimsy to the season, the Witches Walk invites visitors to don their most enchanting costumes and join in on a parade through the charming, decorated streets. Whether you're exploring the village, savoring autumn flavors, or participating in the spirited events, Skaneateles offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.
