Fall in New York is unlike any other season. The changing leaves, the chill in the air and the endless local apples and cider make the farewell to summer much easier! Though the apple growing season is winding down, the harvest festivals and cider celebrations are still in full swing. Check out some New York Apple-inspired getaways for your escapes this season.
Nine Pin Cider’s Cider Maze (October 25th)
Join Nine Pin Cider at Samascott’s Garden Market on Friday, October 25th from 6-11pm for their second annual Cider Maze! Try to navigate through Samascott’s “Nine Pin” maze while enjoying a crisp can of Nine Pin. Inside the maze, there are various punch points. If you find 4 of the 8 punches, you’ll receive $1 off a 12 oz pour at our pop-up Nine Pin bar outside the maze. Find all 8 punches and receive $1 off a second 12 oz pour, as well! A food truck will be on site for the event. This is a 21 and over event only. $15 entry gets you entry into the maze and your first can of cider to drink in the maze. Please bring flashlights as this event will be held in the dark!
Apple Picking & Corn Maze Adventure via Direct Bus from NYC (October 26)
Revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch on your own. Then we’ll stop at the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle. Next, we’ll travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019, they have added a cider tasting room. We’ll then proceed to the idyllic Greig Farm for pygmy goat feeding, the indoor farmer’s market and café (and more apple picking if you wish.) Tour includes guide, farm entrance fees, corn maze and transportation. Pick up at 9am and return to Bryant Park on NW corner of 6th Ave. / 42nd St. by 7:30pm. $79/pp.
Cider Pressing at Fly Creek Cider Mill (Oct. 26, 27; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)
The Fly Creek Cider Mill’s Boomer and Boschert press returns to service maintaining an autumn tradition for over 160 years in the Upstate New York hamlet of Fly Creek just minutes from Cooperstown. Known for its historically authentic machinery, the Mill makes its cider in the traditional rack-and-cloth method using the power of water from the Millpond. Visitors can witness the entire process in the Cider Gallery and expanded Learning Center overlooking the original equipment while operators demonstrate the cider-making technique and explain the process. This year’s apple crop is robust and freshly picked McIntosh, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Macound and Cortland are available for tasting in the temperature-controlled, pack-your-own apple display room. Beyond the Mill’s award-winning, fresh cider there are many more flavors to experience. Visitors can taste all kinds of gourmet specialty foods and signature items such as Apple and Corn Salsas, Mill-Aged, Extra- Sharp New York State Cheddar Cheese and Mill-Made Fudge. Also available for sampling are Hard Ciders and Wines from the Mill’s Farm Winery and freshly-baked pies and breads from the Bakery.
National Apple Cider Day (November 18th)
Celebrate the liquid gold of New York State on November 18th for National Apple Cider Day! There are so many ways to celebrate. From the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes to the Catskills to Central New York, visit a local cider maker or craft beverage trail to taste and enjoy. Or if you can’t escape for a cider weekend away, stop by a GrowNYC Greenmarket in your neighborhood and pick up a bottle to enjoy at home!
For a full list of cider makers across New York State, check out the New York Apple Cider Finder.
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