It's almost fall, y'all! This quintessential New York season brims with changing leaves, steaming cider, crumbly donuts, and apple picking galore. There are endless farms and orchards that you can escape to from NYC, whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Check out the list below and make sure your next getaway includes a visit to one of these fabulous farms. U-PICK FARMS AROUND NYC Please note that hours, offerings and closures may vary. We recommend checking out orchards on social media and calling ahead to confirm apple varieties and availability. 1-2 Hrs from NYC: Outhouse Orchards (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Stuarts Farm (Granite Springs, NY in the Hudson Valley) Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY in the Hudson Valley) Orchards of Concklin (Pomona, NY in the Hudson Valley) Kelder’s Farm (Kerhonksen, NY in the Hudson Valley) Apple Dave's Orchard (Warwick, NY in the Hudson Valley) Masker Orchards (Warwick, NY in the Hudson Valley) Woodside Orchards (Aquebogue, NY on Long Island) Harbes Family Farm (Riverhead, NY on Long Island) Giamarese Farm & Orchards (East Brunswick, NJ) Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ) Melick's Town Farm (Oldwick, NJ) Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ) 2-4 Hrs from NYC: Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY in the Hudson Valley) Cedar Heights Orchard (Rhinebeck, NY in the Hudson Valley) Golden Harvest Farms (Valatie, NY in the Hudson Valley) Mead Orchards (Tivoli, NY in the Hudson Valley) Montgomery Place Orchards (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Rose Hill Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Prospect Hill Orchards (Milton, NY in the Hudson Valley) Greig Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Twin Star Orchards (New Paltz, NY in the Hudson Valley) Roger's Family Orchard (Johnston, NY
It’s almost fall, y’all! This quintessential New York season brims with changing leaves, steaming cider, crumbly donuts, and apple picking galore. There are endless farms and orchards that you can escape to from NYC, whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Check out the list below and make sure your next getaway includes a visit to one of these fabulous farms. U-PICK FARMS AROUND NYC Please note that hours,
Above photo: Eve's Cidery 2020 has sure been a wild ride. The holiday season is looking a little different this year, as we all know. But long after Small Business Saturday has passed, as we close out the new year and embark upon a new 2021 chapter, we encourage you to continue supporting the small local businesses, farmers, producers, and craft beverage makers who have kept you fed, happy, and well all year long. They need your support! Perfect for last minute gift ideas, holiday meal planning, new year indulging and simply treating yourself, check out some special ways you can support the folks surrounding NYC as we say goodbye to 2020. Catskill Brewery: Support this Sullivan Catskills gem when you snag the seasonal Spiced Winter Ale from Catskill Brewery! This beer is a winter warmer brewed with English malts, co-fermented with a Kviek yeast and house Freak Tractor yeast, and spiced with allspice, clove, star anise, vanilla, and orange peel. Stop by the Brewery before it is gone! Finger Lakes Cider: Pour yourself a glass of the Finger Lakes in person or at home! With 10 craft cideries within a 30 miles radio (the highest density of craft ciderines in NY state), visit Ithaca for the cider goods! All 10 cideries have their products online - check them out here. Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern: Ring in 2021 with a 3-night weekend stay in quaint Saugerties at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern. Indulge in a festive all-inclusive package including 3 nights in a King Deluxe rooms, dinner for two on New Years Eve with champagne toast, Brunch on New Years Day & a special 3 Course dinner on New Years Day all for just $975! Dogwood Farms: This farm (new location in Liberty Corner) in Central New Jersey, has
Above photo: Eve’s Cidery 2020 has sure been a wild ride. The holiday season is looking a little different this year, as we all know. But long after Small Business Saturday has passed, as we close out the new year and embark upon a new 2021 chapter, we encourage you to continue supporting the small local businesses, farmers, producers, and craft beverage makers who have kept you fed, happy, and well all year long. They
Join us for the 1st Annual "Pooches & Pumpkins" at Stone Ridge Orchard Bring the whole family, including your furry canine for a socially distanced and fresh-air filled day on the farm! And make sure you wear your Halloween costumes! Admission includes the following activities: Blanket Bingo Pumpkin Painting Storytime with children’s iconic literary costumed characters “Llama Llama”, “Curious George,” and the “Wild Thing” from Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” on stage for kid’s storytime and a safely distanced “meet & greet” with photo opportunities Magic Show with Magician Zach Alexander Pet Parade and Costume Contest Pet Photos Train for Kids on a vintage mini locomotive Pet-adoption event by Ulster County S.P.C.A. Blacksmith Demo by Canal Forge BlackSmiths Food & Beverages for sale in the market include: Wood-fired farm pizza Cider donuts and apples Apple pies and tarts Plus, we should still have apples for picking! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: To highlight the importance of local food and farmland preservation during Covid-19, Stone Ridge Orchard is hosting the third in a series of socially distanced events this fall with farm-fresh food, local NY State cider, kids’ activities, and more. The first annual “Pooches & Pumpkins,” a socially distanced Halloween farm event for the whole family and their canines, kicks off on Saturday, October 24th from 11 am-5 pm, at Stone Ridge Orchard – just two hours north of New York City in the Hudson Valley. Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes for the festivities, which will include socially distanced blanket bingo, a magic show, pumpkin painting, and a pumpkin patch, pet and kid’s costume contests, pet photos, visit with the ducks and “Balki” the pig and a trackless train ride for the kids on an adorable vintage mini locomotive. Visitors can hike up to the majestic 300-year old
Join us for the 1st Annual “Pooches & Pumpkins” at Stone Ridge Orchard Bring the whole family, including your furry canine for a socially distanced and fresh-air filled day on the farm! And make sure you wear your Halloween costumes! Admission includes the following activities: Blanket Bingo Pumpkin Painting Storytime with children’s iconic literary costumed characters “Llama Llama”, “Curious George,” and the “Wild Thing” from Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” on stage for
A lot of folks are wondering if New York's annual traditional of picking apples in bucolic orchards among the fiery fall leaves and baked cider donuts is a safe activity for 2020. EscapeMaker founder & CEO Caylin Sanders joined Heritage Radio Network to answer that question. YES! Supporting local farms and farmers is so important right now, so as long as proper precautions (Wear a mask! Wash your hands! Social distance!) are taken, apple picking is officially on for this season. Check out the podcast below for details on these questions and then continue down for a list of apple orchards across New York State. Heritage Radio Network's The Big Food Question: Is it Safe to Go Apple Picking? U-PICK FARMS IN NEW YORK STATE Please note that hours, offerings and closures may vary, so we recommend checking out orchards on social media and calling ahead to confirm availability. 1-2 Hrs from NYC: Outhouse Orchards (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Stuarts Farm (Granite Springs, NY in the Hudson Valley) Wilkins Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY in the Hudson Valley) Orchards of Concklin (Pomona, NY in the Hudson Valley) Kelder’s Farm (Kerhonksen, NY in the Hudson Valley) Woodside Orchards (Aquebogue, NY in Long Island) 2-4 Hrs from NYC: Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY in the Hudson Valley) Stone Ridge Orchard (Stone Ridge, NY in the Hudson Valley) Cedar Heights Orchard (Rhinebeck, NY in the Hudson Valley) Mead Orchards (Tivoli, NY in the Hudson Valley) Montgomery Place Orchards (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Rose Hill Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Prospect Hill Orchards (Milton, NY in the Hudson Valley) Greig Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Roger's Family Orchard (Johnston, NY in Central
A lot of folks are wondering if New York’s annual traditional of picking apples in bucolic orchards among the fiery fall leaves and baked cider donuts is a safe activity for 2020. EscapeMaker founder & CEO Caylin Sanders joined Heritage Radio Network to answer that question. YES! Supporting local farms and farmers is so important right now, so as long as proper precautions (Wear a mask! Wash your hands! Social distance!) are taken, apple picking
Dine on the Iconic Grounds of the Original 1969 Woodstock Festival! Dear EscapeMakers -- Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock with a farm-to-table feast on the sacred and iconic grounds of the original 1969 Festival. On Sunday, August 11, The Farmhouse Project will partner with Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to bring you their newest creation, Terrain & Table. As you arrive, you'll be greeted with a welcome cocktail inspired by the Woodstock Festival. Nosh on small bites, make new friends, take a selfie at the monument. Listen and sway to live music by Mike Miz. You'll learn more about Bethel Woods and the festival that graced this sacred ground in Bethel, NY 50 years ago. Once dinner is announced, take a seat at the most beautiful (and longest) farm table adorned with antique dinnerware, set for 150 guests from near and far. Enjoy a sumptuous family-style seasonal spread, made from local farm-fresh ingredients and global flavors. End the evening with a sweet treat - and new friends. The food, the music, the people, the place - this is a culinary and cultural event you don't want to miss. Reserve yours, today! Make a Weekend of It - Explore the Sullivan Catskills! Explore the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. You'll find 50 dove sculptures perched in villages, towns, and businesses; each hand-painted by a professional local artist and inspired by the legendary event. Visit The Museum at Bethel Woods, experience the bountiful farmers' markets, tour the craft beverage trail or get on the scenic wild Delaware River for tubing, kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. When you're ready to lay your head on a bed, you'll find a variety of lodging options - inns, resorts, BnB's, camping, vacation rentals.
Dine on the Iconic Grounds of the Original 1969 Woodstock Festival! Dear EscapeMakers — Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock with a farm-to-table feast on the sacred and iconic grounds of the original 1969 Festival. On Sunday, August 11, The Farmhouse Project will partner with Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to bring you their newest creation, Terrain & Table. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail inspired by the Woodstock Festival.
Here at EscapeMaker, we are on a mission to connect all you adventurous, curious, farm- and food-loving travelers to unique local experiences. We're here to open your eyes to the herculean effort that goes into getting those fresh apples into your farmers market tote, or crafting that crisp, hoppy pint of beer in your hand. In our new "Escape to the Maker" series, we hope you'll take time to learn a little bit more about the producers and craftspeople that are helping to make this region so special. And even more, we hope you'll be inspired to take a day trip or weekend getaway to visit these local treasures in person. Happy traveling! The Maker: Buck Brook Alpacas Who Are You?: We are a family run fiber farm specializing in alpacas and angora rabbits. We have over 150 alpacas, we offer hands on tours to meet our animals and learn about their history and purpose. We have a farm store on site, which features many handmade alpaca items. Location/ Contact: 35 Bestenheider Rd. Roscoe, NY 12776 / (845) 807-3104 Hours: 10-4 on weekends during the winter and by appointment during the week. Open 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Travel: No car? Take the Shortline Bus from Port Authority in NYC to Roscoe. Cab 6.5 miles from bus drop-off to the farm.Agritourism Offerings: Interactive livestock activities and tours; festivals; workshops/classes; children's activities; farm stay. Stay: Accomodations in Sullivan County.Highlights: You will leave feeling well informed!Local Attractions: 2 local breweries and a distillery are within 5 miles. Several restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Outdoor Offerings: Fishing, biking, boating, hiking, state parks, etc. More here.Learn: //buckbrookalpacas.com/Follow: Find Buck Brook Alpacas on Facebook & Instagram
Here at EscapeMaker, we are on a mission to connect all you adventurous, curious, farm- and food-loving travelers to unique local experiences. We’re here to open your eyes to the herculean effort that goes into getting those fresh apples into your farmers market tote, or crafting that crisp, hoppy pint of beer in your hand. In our new “Escape to the Maker” series, we hope you’ll take time to learn a little bit more about
One of the most special parts about living in New York is the quick access to so many different Northeast regions, famous for their fresh air and utter beauty. Spend the weekend in Central New York, where you can take off on a rare adventure below ground at the Howe Caverns! 156 ft below the earth's surface, your journey will wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, until you discover a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. Deep in the cave, solid rock appears fluid: creating strange formations, flowing sheets and dripping stalactites. Mysterious grottos lead off into distant, unexplored passages. Shadows hide secrets in deep cracks and crevices. The well-worn path twists and turns descending into the depths, downward to the glassy surface of an underground lake that trails off into the absolute darkness of the cave’s Eastern Terminus. An amazing experience for all ages! Visit Garden of Eve in Riverhead, NY for their Sunflower Festival Weekends (July 21 & 22, 28 & 29 9am - 6pm). For just a $5 admission fee, enjoy Fun Fields admission with 100,000 flowers, one sunflower to take home and you can cut your own as you explore the Sunflower Path (additional stems are $1 each), hayrides, farm animals and more! The farm café will include Sunflower specials and locally produced organic sunflower oil tasting! U Pick blueberries and other berries available! Get there via LIRR from Penn Station in NYC! If you can't get enough Sunflowers at these Festival Weekends, head up to Dutchess County to Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils. This year, they are offering U-Pick sunflowers in addition to their variety of sunflower oil products. Plan your visit for U-Pick fun from August 7 - August 12. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates! Get there via Metro-North Railroad
One of the most special parts about living in New York is the quick access to so many different Northeast regions, famous for their fresh air and utter beauty. Spend the weekend in Central New York, where you can take off on a rare adventure below ground at the Howe Caverns! 156 ft below the earth’s surface, your journey will wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, until you discover a subterranean riverbed
When the weather heats up, nothing cools us down quite like a crisp, chilled, local beer. With a surplus of brewery options these days in and around New York, it's impossible to pick just one hoppin' spot to visit. Check out a list of some of our favorite breweries - new and old - below and plan your weekend getaway to hit one, two or ALL of these delicious spots this summer! The Hudson Valley is brimming with beer. For decades, craft beverage makers have taken a locally-focused, earth-to-bottle approach in creating award-winning liquid gold. They take advantage of the regional climate, perfect for growing hops. Check out Westchester County gems Broken Bow Brewery, Peekskill Brewery and Yonkers Brewing Co. Take a tour, chat with brewmasters and quench that summer thirst! A few of our faves in Dutchess County are 2 Way Brewing Co., Hudson Valley Brewery, and Hyde Park Brewing Co. Want to enjoy a little history alongside your brew? Book our Dutchess Pints & Political Figures Tour on July 21 or 22 for a trip to some historic homes of famous political figures, all washed down with local brews from Hyde Park Brewing Co. Get up to the Hudson Valley via Metro-North Railroad and stay for the weekend -- lodging options here and here. Drive up to the gorgeous Catskills region in Sullivan County for a brew-filled weekend. Head over to Roscoe, NY - aka Trout Town, USA - for a little fly fishing along with your cold ones. Check out the new 1,600 sq foot store front, self-serve tap wall, tasting bar and lounge at Roscoe Beer Co. Make your own beer trail (with a designated driver, of course) and stop by Catskill Brewery and Callicoon Brewing Co. Make a weekend getaway out of it with one of these gorgeous luxury
When the weather heats up, nothing cools us down quite like a crisp, chilled, local beer. With a surplus of brewery options these days in and around New York, it’s impossible to pick just one hoppin’ spot to visit. Check out a list of some of our favorite breweries – new and old – below and plan your weekend getaway to hit one, two or ALL of these delicious spots this summer! The Hudson Valley
If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that by the time we've endured the long and frigid month of January, we NEED A VACATION! Even if we're still shivering into February across the Northeast, there are so many warm and cozy getaways just a short train ride or road trip away. If you're anything like us, you might agree that Valentine's Day in and around NYC is (ahem) overrated. The crowds, the costs, the Mission Impossible-level reservation making...it certainly doesn't always lay the groundwork for happy-go-lucky-love, am I right? Flip the holiday on its head, and rather than fight the crowds to make mid-week, balloon-covered plans this Valentine's Day, set up an escape later this month or even later this season! A weekend getaway beats an overpriced, overcrowded meal any time of year! We've got big ideas for a snuggly and romantic trip, whether it's with your boo, your fam or your bff! Nothing says cozy, romantic weekend getaway like winery-hopping! Spend a weekend in Ithaca where you can visit the oldest and longest running wine trail in America, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. You can hop around to over 25 wineries, with tours departing from various locations throughout Ithaca. Make your road trip upstate via ReachNow and meander around the breathtaking Finger Lakes region! Who says you need lots of activities for a weekend getaway? Simply curling up by the fire in a charming B&B, tucked away in a small town is sometimes better than making any plans at all. Plan a romantic escape to Central New York, which is chock full of villages, quaint inns, elegant local restaurants and more. If you haven't already, download the ReachNow app, book your BMW or MINI, and drive up to The Colgate Inn, an overnight favorite in Madison County. Book a romantic
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that by the time we’ve endured the long and frigid month of January, we NEED A VACATION! Even if we’re still shivering into February across the Northeast, there are so many warm and cozy getaways just a short train ride or road trip away. If you’re anything like us, you might agree that Valentine’s Day in and around NYC is (ahem) overrated. The crowds, the
The holiday season has arrived and it's time for giving, joy and festivities! There are tons of festivals and celebrations taking place just outside NYC this season. Spend a little extra quality time with your loved ones this year sipping cider and spirits, participating in icy competitions, shopping for local gifts, and more! Check out some of the featured events coming up in December and have yourself a merry little weekend getaway. Taste fresh Wassail and learn how to create this festive holiday beverage that warms your home and soul at Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard's Wassailing Weekends. The Central New York celebrations will take place from 10am - 4pm most weekends in December (Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, & 23) leading up to Christmas! More on lodging here. No car? Grab an Amtrak up to Schenectady, NY and rent a car for a gorgeous 1.5 hour drive to the Mill. Or, book a ReachNOW and enjoy a road trip with family and friends! Ithaca Ice Festival returns to the Ithaca Commons, December 7-9, 2017! Ice Fest is an annual tradition in Downtown Ithaca! What holiday season would be complete without a celebration of cold weather and cold weather sports...like ice carving. Witness the nation’s finest ice carvers as they compete during a breathtaking competition in Downtown Ithaca. The festival features impressive display sculptures, fire demonstrations, and the ever-popular Ice Bar: an outdoor bar made entirely of ice, serving beer, wine, and hot cocoa, and a tasty Chowder Cook-off. Road trip upstate via ReachNOW or book a seat on Amtrak to Syracuse, rent a car and meander around the gorgeous Finger Lakes! Spend the weekend exploring the chilly and festive outdoors in Ithaca, lodging info here. Spend a festive holiday weekend in Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley, just a couple hours outside NYC.
The holiday season has arrived and it’s time for giving, joy and festivities! There are tons of festivals and celebrations taking place just outside NYC this season. Spend a little extra quality time with your loved ones this year sipping cider and spirits, participating in icy competitions, shopping for local gifts, and more! Check out some of the featured events coming up in December and have yourself a merry little weekend getaway. Taste fresh Wassail
