This year’s fall getaways highlight some of our local counties. Upstate New York certainly leads the country, in our humble opinion, in chuck full entertainment and sites to behold when Fall reigns supreme. You really never have to leave your county or surrounding counties to experience the best that our Northeast Fall has to offer. You just may be shocked that all this glory is in your backyard. Bravo Capital Region counties.
Fulton County
44lakes.com
Fulton County, where the Adirondack Park meets the Mohawk Valley, offers an active getaway or an ideal locale for relaxing. October is a great time to visit Fulton County’s farms and agricultural businesses. Our local farms and farm stands offer a variety of products to fill your basket – from mums, cornstalks, apples, pumpkins, to cider and donuts! The autumn season is also a great time to visit our picturesque lakes and hiking trails. Cyclists can enjoy the FJ&G rail trail or our Mohawk Valley Path Through History cycling routes. These cycling routes were designed to highlight our regional historic sites via bicycle and can be accessed on bikethruhistory.com. On October 6th, Johnson Hall State Historic Site, in Johnstown, presents Hunting and Harvesting: Preparing for Winter in the 18th Century. Visitors will journey back to the 18th century to experience what it was like to hunt, harvest, and preserve enough food to last the cold and harsh winters. Hunting and harvesting equipment from the 18th century will be on display as interpreters provide a firsthand look at the tools and labor required to achieve the task. Despite all the preparation, equipment, and labor, each winter brought the same unnerving question for some; will there be enough food to last until spring? Whether you are visiting our local farms, historic sites, or trails, it is a spectacular time to enjoy the colors of the season! Visit our fall foliage blog and learn about the status of leaves and when we are about to reach peak season at 44lakes.com/blog. Discover 44 Lakes…44 Choices in Fulton County. For more information log on to 44lakes.com or call 1.800.676.3858.
Oswego County
visitoswegocounty.com
Whether you’re an angler or an observer, Oswego County’s legendary rivers and streams offer some of the most exciting fishing in the U.S.! Every fall, thousands of Chinook and Coho salmon run the Salmon and Oswego Rivers and their tributaries. Anglers can try their luck landing a hard-fighting fish, and spectators can watch the excitement as massive salmon negotiate their way upstream. Weather plays a big factor, and the peak of the Salmon Run is usually around Columbus Day weekend. Starting in late October, and continuing through the winter months, the feisty steelhead gather in the riverbeds to gorge on salmon eggs. Twelve miles of public fishing rights and two private fishing preserves offer plenty of options for fishing the Salmon River and nearby tributaries. Anglers can fish the Oswego River in the heart of downtown Oswego for more than a mile on the west linear park. Professional guides and charter captains provide expert advice and the necessary equipment all around Oswego County. Fall is also the perfect time to visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar, and the nearby Salmon River Falls, a spectacular 110-foot waterfall. With Fall holidays approaching, make your plans now to spend a 3-day weekend in Oswego County! You’ll find friendly accommodations and restaurants, and numerous guides and tackle shops to assist with gear and techniques. For fishing conditions, events and visitor information, go to visitoswegocounty.com or call 1-800-248-4FUN.
Rensselaer County
renscotourism.com
Fall is the perfect time to explore the beauty of Rensselaer County; from farms bustling with pumpkins, and apples to the shops and eateries in historic downtown Troy. There is truly something for everyone in Rensselaer County. Stretching along 30 miles of the Hudson River, Rensselaer County is home to three state parks, and miles of trails and nature preserves offering biking, hiking, and kayaking options for every level of adventurer. Can’t-miss events are plentiful this fall with the ever-popular Troy Chowder Fest on Sunday, October 7th in Monument Square and throughout downtown Troy and the 30th Annual Goold Orchard Apple Festival and Craft Show on October 13 & 14. The Apple Festival is a fall family favorite with live music, kids activities, a New York wine tent, apple picking and of course the yummy cider doughnuts! Rensselaer County farmers offer a bounty of apples, pumpkins, hayrides (haunted and not), petting zoos and corn mazes. Contact tourism@rensco.com to get your free Rensselaer County Farm map. Outdoor concerts continue with Brown’s Fall Sessions at Brown’s Brewing Company in Troy on October 4 & 11. The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market & Makers Market continues on Monument Square and River Street through the end of October. Rensselaer County Historical Society offers History Walks every Saturday in October. The popular Taste of Troy Food Tours has tours on October 20 & 27 and then will be back in the spring. For more information on events and attractions visit renscotourism.com, follow us on Facebook at Rensselaer County Tourism and on Instagram at RenscoTourism.
Putnam County
visitputnam.org
Whether you’re seeking the majestic beauty of the Hudson River, gentle rolling hills, quaint villages, or the bucolic tranquility of farm life, Putnam County has a wealth of offerings for visitors seeking the best of the Hudson Valley. Conveniently located and easily accessible to and from New York City, Putnam offers unexpected year-round attractions just an hour’s drive north of midtown Manhattan. Looking for outdoor recreational activities? Putnam has a range of possibilities – from swimming, hiking, and golf on elite courses in the warmer months, to snowboarding and skiing each winter. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be thrilled at how our innovative chefs transform fresh, local ingredients into superb artisanal dining offerings. Arts lovers will be drawn to Putnam’s numerous festivals, theaters, galleries, museums, and music venues. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll find significant historical sites and well-preserved, elegant 19th-century estates. Children will always find something fun to do, with countless educational programs and the annual Putnam County Fair. And given the diverse options in lodging, including inns and B&B’s, families will always find a welcoming home away from home. So, come join us! Explore some of the hidden gems of the Hudson Valley by spending a day, a weekend, or even your next vacation in Putnam County, where there’s something for everyone, no matter what you may be looking for.
Schenectady County
discoverschenectady.com
Schenectady County is your destination for fun this fall! October is full of family-friendly events like the 7th Annual Downtown Schenectady Wing Walk on October 6th and the Fall Foliage Festival at the Mabee Farm Historic Site on October 14th. For tricks and treats to celebrate Halloween, get dressed up and attend the Capital Masquerade on October 26th at the Schenectady Armory, or grab the kids for some trick or treating at VIA Port Rotterdam on October 31st. Fall is also a great time to check out our world-class entertainment options! Get your tickets to Broadway blockbusters like Anastasia, A Bronx Tale or Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, all at Proctors. Or, check out Rivers Casino and Resort for tons of fun ranging from comedian Tracy Morgan to live music from Dylan Scott and the Lords of 52nd Street and another round of CAGE WARS 39 all throughout November. Looking for some food and beverage fun? Follow our food blog at schenectadeats.com for the latest and greatest in Schenectady restaurants to try. This fall will also bring the launch of the Schenectady Ale Trail – a passport allowing you to sample delicious craft beers at all six Schenectady County Breweries. Stay tuned for news about how to get yours at schenectadyaletrail.com. Follow all of our Schenectady County adventures at discoverschenectady.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to use #DiscoverSchenectady in your posts for a chance to be featured on our website!
Washington County
washingtoncounty.fun
Washington County is your destination for authentic experiences. From the natural scenic beauty to the diverse cultures and offerings, there are endless reasons why thousands call this home. See, taste, and explore everything our area has to offer. Nestled between Vermont and the Green Mountains on the east and Warren and Saratoga Counties to the west, Washington County is opportunely situated to provide you everything you’re looking for in your next getaway. Whether it’s agri-tourism, arts, history, recreation, craft beverages, or farm to table experiences, you can be sure we have something for everyone. Our vast trails and bodies of water are an outdoor adventurer’s dream. Test yourself on the mountains surrounding Lake George, or take an easier path to go birding for the day. The Washington County landscape is just about as diverse as it gets. Perfect for the avid hiker as well as the beginners just starting to get out there. The numerous farms and craft food and beverage producers are a farm to table lover’s treasure. Grab a bite at a locally sourced restaurant and wash it down with some beverages made right down the road. The local craft scene has been rapidly growing in recent years, resulting in an abundance of fresh, local products, and handcrafted beverages for you to try. Come experience Washington County. A diversity of scenery, experiences, and cultures awaits.
