Above photo: Vermont Tourism
Fiery leaves, crisp air, cozy sweaters, road trips….ah, the beauty of fall. There’s no better time to get out and explore the gorgeous regions around NYC. Grab your pals, pack up the car and escape for a day trip or weekend getaway to one of the endless agritourism destinations within reach. Don’t sleep on the endless breweries, vineyards and distilleries that dot the area! Sitting around a fire pit sipping a glass of local red wine or a crisp, hoppy brew is a great way to immerse yourself into the agriculture, food & beverage scene and general atmosphere of a new place. Here are some ideas for a crisp and delicious fall escape to a craft bev destination just outside the city!
Explore the wineries in the Finger Lakes. See for yourself why the Finger Lakes is considered to be the wine region of the East as you hop around to over 25 unique wineries on Cayuga Lake. Many of the wineries are kid- and dog-friendly, too! The kids can quench their thirst with some yummy grape juice and there is plenty of water around for your four-legged furry pal. And don’t forget, the Ithaca region has some incredible cideries to visit as well. Sample ciders made from locally sourced apples, grapes, and other fruits and find your new favorite!
Embark on a craft beverage journey through the Sullivan Catskills! Travel through the countryside on the Good Taste Artisanal Beverage Trail and sample the distinct flavors of the region’s brewmasters, distillers, vintners, and cider makers. Try a Callicoon Brown Cow Porter at the Callicoon Brewery or Devil’s Path IPA from Catskill Brewery. How about organic Sparkling Rambling Rose from Bashakill Vineyards? Check out Rock Valley Spirits, which infuses its Vodka with wild, hand picked berries! This delicious craft beverage trail is your oyster.
Bop across the Shawagunk Wine Trail in the Hudson Valley! Home to 13 wineries nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River, this trail is just 60 miles north of NYC. Their member wineries produce award-winning white wine, red wine and distilled spirits right here in New York State’s beautiful Hudson Valley.
From culture and history to countrysides to picturesque towns near the Delaware River to the soothing ocean waves along the Jersey Shore, dozens of top-notch distilleries, breweries and wineries await in the central part of New Jersey. Grab a cold one from Beach Haus Brewery, just a few blocks from the beach in downtown Belmar, NJ. Indulge in handcrafted wines that blend Old World traditions with New World flair at Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Famous for gin and trusted for craft, visit New Jersey’s Farm Distillery Sourland Mountain Spirits for a craft cocktail or tasting. Check out more breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the area.
Vermont is a no-brainer when it comes to stunning, leaf-peeping fall getaways. But did you know they have an entire beer trail dedicated to Dog-Friendly breweries? Bring your furry friend along on your weekend getaway while you sip some of the finest beer in the Northeast!
When it comes to craft beverage trail-hopping, Delaware has taken it to the next level! Their app – Delaware on Tap – allows you to dive into the state’s craft beverage scene to find unexpected delights! Whether you’re sipping wine looking out over a vineyard, tasting a flight of flavorful meads, mixing up creative cocktails, or discovering unique brews, this user-friendly app (trail map included) will take all the work out of your escape planning.
Remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver.
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