Summer isn’t officially over yet—well, at least, not for another couple of weeks. But we can still look ahead to the wonderfully crisp fall season, and the multitude of sensational seasonal getaways that are available for the taking. The ones we’ve chosen don’t even leave the great State of New York, so no need to worry about interstate travel restrictions. Simply grab your keys, open your Google Maps app and get gone.
Hudson Valley
Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route 9D, Garrison
Take a day trip to this early 19th-century, neoclassical mansion tucked away in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Though the museum was closed at press time, visitors can explore the mansion’s 68 acres of grounds, which include gardens and trails overlooking the Hudson River. Virtual museum tours are also available online for those visitors interested in learning more about the house’s history. boscobel.org
Tilly’s Table
100 NY-312, Brewster
Experience the rich culinary tradition of the Hudson Valley at Tilly Foster Farm & Educational Institute’s farm-to-table restaurant. The institute doubles as a working organic farm and education center in beautiful Putnam County. Tilly’s Table offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a menu featuring mouthwatering favorites made with locally sourced ingredients. Get an early start, and you can even enjoy a price-fixed farm brunch that includes bottomless mimosas. tillystablerestaurant.com
Beacon Bed & Breakfast
4 North Elm Street, Beacon
This historic B&B’s central location makes it the perfect home base for getaway-ers looking for adventure in the hip city of Beacon, known for its art scene. It’s a short walk from many of Beacon’s hottest attractions, including the Dia Museum and Beacon Farmers’ Market, or you can simply sit in a rocking chair on the B&B’s porch and enjoy the view. beaconbnb.com
Finger Lakes
Glenora Wine Cellars
5435 Route 14, Dundee
Spend the day tasting a wide variety of house-made wines (everything from Rieslings and fruit wines to crisp whites and big, satiny reds) on Glenora’s sprawling vineyards on the shores of Seneca Lake. In addition to making exceptional wine, this Finger Lakes winery boasts an acclaimed restaurant serving local cuisine and lake-view lodging. After all that wine and food, you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep. glenora.com
New York Kitchen
800 South Main Street, Canandaigua
Has all of this time holed up at home left you wishing you were a better cook? Reserve a spot in one of New York Kitchen’s popular cooking classes, during which you’ll be taught recipes and culinary techniques by an expert chef. If you want to impress your friends even further, you can take a “pairing” class to learn the fine art of selecting the perfect beverages to complement your creations. Beer and barbecue, anyone? nykitchen.com
Bristol Mountain
5662 Route 64, Bristol
What better place to leaf peep than from above the treetops? Peepers and peepettes looking for a tranquil getaway can take a scenic sky ride on Bristol Mountain’s Comet Express Chairlift to check out the Finger Lakes’ feels-inducing fall foliage. Feeling more adventurous? Sign up for a Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventure and go on a thrilling Zip Line Canopy Tour across the mountainside. bristolmountainadventures.com
Central New York
Beak & Skiff Orchard
2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette
Voted the best apple orchard in the country by USA Today in 2017, this fifth-generation business is an apple lover’s paradise. Pick from more than 20 varieties of apples in Beak & Skiff’s picturesque orchard, or visit its Apple Barn to grab already harvested fruit and a cup of fresh apple cider. Visitors can also sip on something a little stronger at the orchard’s 1911 Distillery, where it produces its own its own apple vodka, gin, wine and more. beakandskiff.com
Quarry Ridge Stables
5016 S. Onondaga Road, Nedrow
Experience the changing leaves from horseback on a peaceful trail ride with Quarry Ridge Stables, located just south of Syracuse. Quarry Ridge’s trained guides will lead you on an hour-long ride through the mountains, during which you’ll be able to view the fall foliage up close and personal. If you’ve never ridden before, don’t fret: The stable offers a variety of trail riding packages for horseback riders of all experience levels. syracusehorsebackriding.com
Green Lakes State Park
7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville
Sleep under the stars at Green Lakes State Park, known for its strikingly bright glacial lakes. During the day, check out the park’s 10 miles of trails, picnic spots and even an 18-hole golf course. To complete the outdoor experience, reserve a spot at one of the many campsites, or rent a quaint lakeside cabin. parks.ny.gov
North Country
Old McDonald’s Farm
14369 County Route 145, Sackets Harbor
Channel your inner child at Old McDonald’s farm, an educational dairy farm with fun for all ages. From mid-September through Halloween, visitors can take part in autumnal activities such as pumpkin picking, navigating a corn maze or taking a socially distant “hay-walk” in place of the usual hayrides. Don’t leave without trying one of the farm’s fresh cider doughnuts. oldmcdonaldhasafarm.com
The Wild Center
45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake
Feeling wild? Make the drive up to beautiful Tupper Lake to experience what Clarkson University President Anthony Collins described as an “unprecedented approach to engage people in the natural environment.” While the indoor exhibits at The Wild Center exhibits are closed due to COVID-19, nature lovers can still take the Wild Walk, visit the outdoor animal enclosures and meet an animal friend at Creature Feature @ the Patio. wildcenter.org
Adirondack Loj
1002 Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid
Want to go camping, but not too thrilled about sleeping in a tent? Book a stay at the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake—a rustic, 38-guest lodge in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. During the day, strap on your hiking boots and tackle one of the many mountains that surround the Loj, and then retire to a home-cooked meal and cozy stone fireplace. adk.org/stay
Mohawk Valley
Adirondack Railbike Adventures
2568 Route 28, Thendara
Explore the Mohawk Valley at your own pace via Railbike, a four-seat, pedal-powered vehicle that operates on unused portions of the Adirondack Railroad’s tracks. Railbike tours generally last about two hours and allow riders of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the beautiful Adirondacks from a unique vantage point. adirondackscenicrailbikes.com
North Star Orchards
4741 Route 233, Westmoreland
Stock up on all of your brisk-weather favorites at North Star Orchards, a family-owned orchard, farm market and bakery just west of Utica. You can pick your own McIntosh, Cortland, Empire and other apple varieties September 18 through mid-October; or take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect future jack-o’-lantern the first three weekends in October. Top off the experience with freshly baked cider doughnuts and seasonal pies available in North Star’s farm store. northstarorchards.com
Inn by the Mill
1679 Mill Road, Saint Johnsville
Spend a night or two at this cozy, upscale bed-and-breakfast in the Adirondack foothills, located in a 19th-century grist mill, with views of cascading waterfalls. Expect a peaceful and romantic stay in any of the inn’s private cottages, which come stocked with all the amenities (including complimentary desserts!). Select cottages also include an outdoor hot tub spa, so you can get in a good soak before a night of restful sleep. innbythemill.com
