Top Spots In Syracuse To Eat & Leaf Peep, All In One Place

Pair stunning views with alfresco food and drink this fall in Onondaga County

When it comes to soaking up all the fall time feels, nobody does it better than we do.

Unlike any other destination in the country, Central New York is where people come to embrace the fun of all four seasons, and fall tops most lists when it comes to a favorite. We’ve got the cooler temps, crisp air, changing leaves and cascading views full of pumpkins, apples and all the fun fall has to offer. And what better way to indulge in the sights and seasonal flavors than by pulling up a chair and taking in the autumnal views with bites and brews? Check out our favorite fall destinations for al fresco fun this fall.

Yards Grille At Green Lakes State Park

A prime leaf peeping spot in the region, the Robert Trent Jones 18-hole golf course at Green Lakes State Park boasts a fantastic restaurant recently taken over by the locally loved Bull & Bear Roadhouse operators. Complete with an optimal view of Green Lake, the 1^st, 10^th and picturesque 9^th holes, both the indoor dining area and outdoor patio boast phenomenal fall views of leaves swapping green for orange and golfers enjoying their last swings of the season.

Start with a sample of the BBQ Poutine and Brie & Apple flatbread, and finish with a Cuban sandwich and Back Porch Margarita.

On the way home: Hit up Seneca Street Brew Pub to grab a glass of their Peanut Butter Porter and an Apricot, Brie & Bacon gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, all while taking in the maple-lined main street views of suburban Manlius.

Heritage Hill Brewhouse at Palladino Farms

Yet another destination known for its impressive panoramic views of rolling country hills, spacious farmland and Syracuse city skyline, Heritage Hill serves up family friendly farm experiences, tasty craft brews and a locally-focused menu fit for all appetites. Let the kids or your four-legged friends run around expansive acres chock full of farm animals, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor bars, barbecue and food trucks.

Order an app of the Brewhouse Pretzel Stix and Smokehouse Wings, then complete your meal with the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sammy and the Oh My, Pumpkin Pie seasonal yam beer, the perfect seasonal hoppy treat.

On the way home: Get cozy and comfortable on the new outdoor patio at Brian’s Landing in the quaint, tree-filled village of Jamesville. Order up a Pumpkin Spice Martini or Fall Sangria with a side of their Baked Caprese Dip.

Crazy Daisies Flowers and Garden Cafe

Tucked away in the suburb of Marcellus, just west of the city of Syracuse, this family-run greenhouse and garden café is abundantly decorated with enough fall-themed flower baskets and foliage to inspire even the slightest green thumb. Take in the hilltop views and mum-covered corners of this (literally) growing gem while gushing over their insanely fresh mimosa flights and farm-to-table foods. Grab some greenery and gourds to bring home and there's a complete fall day for the books.

Celebrate the season with one of their two cider-themed mimosa flights and a Pumpkin Drink (a baby pumpkin filled with your choice of cocktail) — it doesn’t get more fallish than that. And satisfy your hunger with one of their truly photogenic charcuterie boards.

On the way home: Swing by Red Hawk Brewing on your way back toward the city and sample their New England Farmhouse Cidre and a plate of the Loaded Nachos while taking in the scenic countryside sights.

1911 Distillery, Tasting Room & Tavern at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards

Overlooking a pristine valley with acres of apple trees along historic Route 20, Beak & Skiff’s 1911 Distillery and Tavern is the ultimate place to spend an afternoon sampling spiked ciders and spirits with friends and family. Renowned as the best apple orchard in the country according to USA Today readers, the Beak & Skiff campus boasts the best fall views just south of the city of Syracuse, complete with their house ciders, small-batch spirits, wines and a tavern menu of fresh fare to pair with your refreshing 1911 beverage.

Get your autumn on and grab a Tropical Cider and sample their Apple Pie Brandy, then check out their rotating menu for seasonal bites including cheese plates, burgers, sandwiches, starters and (of course) soups.

On the way home: Is it really fall if you don’t pay a visit to a local farm brewery? Brewing classic, wild, and mixed fermentation beers, ONCO Fermentations in Tully is a great spot to savor the flavors of fall in their spacious beer garden, deck, or open air indoor space. Try the ONCtOberfest or Pumpkin Pie Latte Milkshake IPA and grab a bite from one of the food trucks while listening to live music.