News

  Dear EscapeMakers -- It is officially that time of year when summer starts to fade and fall foliage begins to cover the landscape of CNY. Fun fall festivities are underway, and we’ve got you covered. Kicking off the harvest season is Family Farm Day on August 24. Explore local farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware counties taking tours, engaging in activities, getting the opportunity to be up close with the animals and enjoying samples from the various farm vendors. Celebrate the spirit of fall homecoming in beautiful Sharon Springs at the Beekman 1802 Harvest Fest. On the weekend of September 14, shop the villages for one-of-a-kind gifts, take a tour of the farm and experience a modern-day Pasta Alla Tavola. Central New York is America’s Craft Brew Destination and they celebrate their hops heritage each fall with the Madison County Hop Fest. Enjoy craft beer sampling from local breweries and other brew-related activities September 13-15. Keep an eye out for some of the Brew Central partners who are sure to be in the mix. Gather up the kids and head to a popular CNY destination, The Farmers’ Museum, to celebrate the 41st Annual Harvest Festival. Relish in the live performances, music and family activities to bring in the season harvest. Apples, pumpkins, entertainment: oh my! Make your way to the 33rd Annual Greene Apple Fest in Ball Flats, Greene. Walk around exploring a variety of local crafters, food stands and more. Upcoming Events: Friday – Sunday August – September 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. New York’s Craft Beer Revival Central New York’s breweries and beer experts share their stories and process in a vibrant and engaging exhibition at the Farmers’ Museum. August 24 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Windsor Corn Festival & Tractor Show Embrace all things corn related.

Dear EscapeMakers, Grab your friends and flasks and make your escape to Central Jersey, where their craft beverage scene is booming once again! Regulatory changes and sophisticated consumers are powering a boom in craft beverage making, including wines, beer, hard cider, and distilled spirits!   Self-guided bootlegger's trail! Use the new Central Jersey Canal Region Map to help you design your own Central Jersey craft beverage tour. Stops include: • New Jersey's farm distillery, Sourland Mountain Spirits, has returned the making  of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, and other spirits to a Central Jersey mountain region once famous for bootleggers. • Ironbound Hard Cider in Hunterdon County has been generating press related to its historically-inspired, high-quality hard ciders as well as it's 26-foot high "mother grill." • Three of Central Jersey's original craft breweries: Harvest Moon, River Horse, and Triumph Brewing, continue to lead the way amid an explosion of smaller brewers. • Central Jersey's winemakers offer extraordinary wines, often paired with great local music. Recently featured in the local press, Unionville and Old York Cellars are just a few miles apart in Hunterdon County. Scattered around Mercer County, you'll find Hopewell Valley Vineyards with its own brick oven, Terhune Orchard Winery, located on an active farm and Working Dog Winery, near the NJ Turnpike. Where to Stay: Find an overnight haven at the affordable 100-room Chauncey Hotel, located on a bucolic retreat less than 10 miles from the Terhune and Hopewell Valley wineries, Triumph and River Horse brewing, and from Sourland Spirits! If you prefer a quaint historic respite, try the Inn at Glencairn, where you'll enjoy your coffee in a tavern room that was once the site of a Revolutionary War incident! Visit: DiscoverCentralNJ.com for a wide range of farms to visit, restaurants, historic sites, arts and recreational opportunities!