Do Your Thing in Syracuse with our Fabulous Fall Fun List

  1. While the U-pick season may be over you can still pick up some of your favorite apple varieties, not to mention some delicious apple cider (and an apple fritter, of course!) at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards, voted the #1 Apple Orchard by USA Today. Although they’ve transitioned to late fall hours, the general store, bakery, 1911 tasting room and apple barn are still open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  Don’t miss out on some of the last Ida Red, McIntosh and Empire apples of the season! And if you’re feeling a bit festive check out one of their free classes as a part of the 1911 Distillery cocktail series. On December 11th and 15th they will offer Crafting the Perfect Holiday Cocktail, look on the Beak & Skiff Facebook page for more information.

 

  1. While the changing leaves are past their peak colors in most parts of upstate New York, the weather is still perfect for a beautiful fall hike in one of the area’s many parks, and everyone knows that playing in leaves is much better than just looking at them! Located a few minutes east of Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park offers 10 easy hiking trails with fantastic views of its two glacial lakes. Highland Forest, in Fabius, features over 20 miles of trails at the “Adirondacks of Central New York.” The oldest county park also offers riding trails* (horseback trails close October 31). To the west of Syracuse, the family-friendly Beaver Lake Nature Center is home to 9 miles of trails. The Center offers yoga classes, weekend guided walks and full moon guided walks as well as special exhibitions and programs year-round.

 

  1. Why not check out some great trout fishing while in the region? While you just missed one of New York State’s free fishing days, on November 11th, you can still take advantage of some of the best fall fishing at beautiful Skaneateles Lake. A pristine gem of the Finger Lakes Region, Skaneateles is touted as one of the area’s best trout fishing lakes and as cooler fall temps move trout closer to shore you might just be able to add some truth to that fish story. If lake fishing isn’t your thing, take a 40-minute drive up to the Salmon River, one of the state’s best fall fishing spots. November is the best time for trout fishing here and you may even be able to hook a lingering king salmon. *Special regulations apply to fishing the Salmon River and its tributaries. Visit the NYS DEC website for regulations or here for quick Salmon River guide. And if you’re looking for another free fishing day, mark your calendars for February 18-19, 2017.

 

  1. One of the perks of being located in Central New York is that it’s a short drive to anywhere in the state. With that in mind, we recommend taking a drive down to the Corning Museum of Glass, just two short hours away in Corning, NY. There you can create your own glass pumpkin, through November 30, take a look at the world’s largest glass pumpkin (which took 50 hours to make) or just sit back and watch professional glass pumpkin making demos.

 

  1. Syracuse is quite the foodie town and this fall you won’t want to miss out on all your apple, caramel and pumpkin flavored favorites. Local hot-spots serve up all the seasons’ best with a bit of creative flair. Start with a few of our suggestions below then explore the area to find your favorites.

  • Pumpkin Whoopee Pie: From the newly opened Modern Malt Bakeshop, a new addition to the modern diner of the same name where you can find menu items such as pineapple upside down pancakes and Canadian gold poutine.

  • Jive Turkey: A stuffing waffle with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy from Funk N Waffles. If Thanksgiving on a waffle isn’t your style try one of their drink specials, the classic steamed apple cider, trendy lavender latte or a sweet treat you can’t say no to, the Nutella latte, with whipped cream of course.

  • Butternut Squash and Chicken Sausage Lasagna or Sweet Potato Ravioli: From Pastabilities, a Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives, featured restaurant. Other seasonal dishes include a Roasted Purple Baby Beet appetizer and the Salad of the Month featuring mixed greens, kale, red quinoa, local apple, pomegranate seeds, cashews, piave, delicate squash and apple cider vinaigrette.

  • Caramel Apple Martini: A fall favorite for any Oncenter hosted or catered event, find the recipe to make yourself - right here!