When the leaves ignite in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, fall in New York becomes a masterpiece of color and celebration. Beyond the breathtaking foliage, visitors can discover scenic vineyards, vibrant festivals, thrilling hikes, and classic harvest experiences that showcase the best of the season. Whether you’re a wine lover, outdoor explorer, or theatre enthusiast, there’s no better time to experience all that New York State has to offer.
1. Say Cheers to Harvest Season
Raise a glass to fall at New York’s award-winning wineries. Across the state, vineyards come alive during harvest season, inviting guests to sip, swirl, and savor the flavors of autumn. On Long Island, Duck Walk Vineyards offers stunning views of 30 acres of vines in the Hamptons. In the Finger Lakes, enjoy tastings at the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery along Keuka Lake or relax with a glass of rosé overlooking the water at Living Roots Wine & Co. in Hammondsport. Nearby, Heron Hill Winery features live music throughout the season, while Johnson Estate Winery in Chautauqua-Allegheny celebrates with its annual Great Grape Walk (September 6–7), where visitors can pick their own grapes before sampling local wines paired with cheese and charcuterie.
2. Get into the Spirit of the Season
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| Credit: @sahquart on Instagram |
Celebrate the magic of fall with pumpkin-filled festivals and spooky seasonal fun. In the Hudson Valley, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze lights up the night with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, while Peace, Love, and Pumpkins at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts pays tribute to Woodstock’s groovy legacy. In Greater Niagara, The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival (September 13–October 31) features corn mazes, zombie paintball, and hayrides. Over in Chautauqua-Allegheny, Pumpkinville delights families with a tractor-pulled train ride and singing chickens. Watch giant pumpkins soar into the St. Lawrence River at Clayton’s Punkin’ Chunkin’ (October 18), or join the festivities at The Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest, Lewiston Harvest & Hops Festival, and Peek’n Peak Fall Fest for live entertainment, crafts, and fall-inspired treats.
3. Blaze Trails on a Fall Hike
 Credit: @theworldandthensome |
From peaceful forest paths to panoramic mountain summits, fall hiking in New York offers views that will take your breath away. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park features dramatic waterfalls, deep gorges, and the unique Autism Nature Trail, designed with sensory-friendly experiences. In the Adirondacks, hike Mt. Van Hoevenberg near Lake Placid for sweeping views and Olympic history. For waterfall chasers, Taughannock Falls and Chittenango Falls deliver postcard-perfect scenes framed by colorful foliage. Shorter hikes like Mount Severance in Schroon Lake and Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island offer gentle trails ideal for leisurely exploration.
4. See a Show
Autumn marks the start of a new performing arts season across New York State. In New York City, the Metropolitan Opera celebrates its 140th season with the premiere of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, while the New York City Ballet and New York Philharmonic return with stunning new productions. Broadway welcomes Keanu Reeves in Waiting for Godot, alongside long-running favorites like Wicked and Come From Away, also showing at John W. Engeman Theater in Northport and Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Western New York. Don’t miss Broadway Week (September 8–21), offering 2-for-1 ticket deals to top shows.
5. Find the Apple of Your Eye
There’s nothing more quintessentially autumn than apple picking in New York. Visit Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette, where you can fill your basket, then sample 1911 ciders, wines, and spirits. In the Finger Lakes, enjoy farm-fresh cider and stunning lake views at Finger Lakes Cider House, while Harbes Family Farm on Long Island offers apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes perfect for families. In the Capital Region, Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont serves up fresh pies, cider, and produce. For those with a sweet tooth, head to Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard in Cooperstown or Cider Belly Doughnuts in Albany for warm cider doughnuts. Celebrate your love of apples and cider at the NY Cider Festival, held in Rochester (September 13) and New York City (November 15).
Plan Your Fall Escape
From wine trails to hiking trails, pumpkin festivals to Broadway shows, New York State bursts with color, flavor, and excitement every autumn. Whether you’re traveling upstate or exploring the city, this fall promises unforgettable adventures at every turn.
For more information about fall travel experiences, visit
www.iloveny.com.
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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