Apple Season: Where to Pick, Sip and Celebrate

There is no better way to celebrate fall in Central New York than stepping into crisp autumn air, grabbing a bushel basket, and picking fresh apples straight from the tree.

Whether you’re hunting for crisp Honeycrisps for snacking, Granny Smiths for baking, or just an excuse to drink hot cider in a cozy sweater, Syracuse and Onondaga County are packed with historic, picturesque orchards. To help you plan your ideal autumn outing, here are four top picks across the region.

Abbott Farms

Backed by four generations of farming heritage, Abbott Farms is built for a full day of autumn entertainment. Beyond their extensive U-pick apple orchards, the farm features stroller-friendly paved and dirt paths connecting a pumpkin patch, a sprawling corn maze, vibrant sunflower fields, and friendly barnyard animals. It’s an essential stop for families with toddlers and kids looking for an easygoing fall festival environment.

Beak and Skiff

A true Central New York institution since 1911, Beak & Skiff rests along the rolling hillsides of Route 20. Regularly voted one of the top orchards in the nation, this historic spot blends classic apple picking (featuring varieties from Gala to specialty heirlooms) with adult-focused entertainment. After filling your bag, head to the 1911 Tasting Room to sample small-batch hard ciders, spirits, and wine, or catch a live concert at their outdoor amphitheater.

Navarino Orchard

Located just south of Syracuse, Navarino Orchard has been helping local families make fall memories for over two decades. Growing more than 20 distinct varieties of apples, it’s a go-to spot for serious home bakers and snack enthusiasts alike. The farm boasts a warm, community-focused vibe, and animal lovers will appreciate meeting the resident goats, chickens, and friendly golden retrievers roaming the grounds.

Woznica Orchards

For over 100 years, the Woznica family has operated their farm along Route 31 in Cicero. If you prefer to skip the heavy crowds, amusement rides, and parking fees in favor of pure, traditional harvesting, this is your spot. Expect lush trees stocked with classic favorites like Honeycrisp, Empire, Fuji, Cortland, McIntosh, and Goldrush.

As September rolls in, it’s time to swap summer spritzers for autumn's finest craft pours. Across Syracuse and Central New York, regional orchards and craft cideries are turning local harvests into crisp hard ciders, honey-sweet apple wines, and small-batch spirits.

Whether you’re stopping in for a weekend tasting flight, taking home a growler, or snapping a picture of a decadent seasonal treat, here are three essential stops to add to your fall drink trail.

Abbott Farms

Beyond their picking orchards and family activities, Abbott Farms features an in-house cidery and wine bar inside their country store. They pour small-batch hard ciders crafted from apples grown right on site, along with local New York wines. Their must-try drink is the seasonal apple cider float!

Beak and Skiff

No Central New York cider trail is complete without a stop at Beak & Skiff, one of the region's premier beverage destinations. Their on-site 1911 Established Tasting Room offers flight pours of everything from classic dry and sweet ciders to barrel-aged apple wines and handcrafted spirits (including vodka, gin, and bourbon distilled from their own apple harvest).

Critz Farms

Operating under the motto “They grow it, you drink it,” Critz Farms takes true farm-to-glass production seriously. Located just southeast of Syracuse in Cazenovia, their craft cidery infuses local harvests with unique regional flavors

Want to experience peak autumn in one of Upstate New York's top apple-producing regions? Mark your calendar for the 52nd Annual LaFayette Apple Festival, returning this fall for a full weekend celebration of Central New York's rich orchard heritage. This year, the Apple Festival will take place on October 10th and 11th! 

Held in the heart of LaFayette, affectionately known as the "Apple Capital" of the region, this beloved festival brings together local growers, bakers, artisans, and families for one of the biggest fall events near Syracuse.

What to Expect at the Festival

 Everything Apple (and More)

Come hungry! The festival grounds feature an irresistible lineup of apple-inspired treats and fall classics:

• Sweet Treats: Warm apple cider donuts, freshly baked pies, apple crisp, and cider slushies.

• Savory Eats: Hearty pancake breakfasts, local farm cheeses, and classic festival fare.

• Fresh Fruit: Take home bags of freshly harvested local apple varieties directly from regional orchards.

Family Fun & Activities

• Kid-Friendly Entertainment: Hayrides, carnival games, face painting, and petting zoos.

• Friendly Competition: Watch local bakers and creators go head-to-head in the annual best apple pie bake-off and creative scarecrow contest.

• Artisans & Crafters: Browse hundreds of local vendor booths featuring handcrafted goods, fall decor, and regional specialty foods.