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
Hey, EscapeMakers! These past few summer/fall seasons, our team has had the privilege of posting up in the Greenmarkets across NYC and chatting with all of you about farm escapes, green travel, weekend getaways and more. We absolutely love hearing from you and getting your feedback on what you're searching for when it comes to the perfect escape. After having several people come to us with specific inquiries about local destinations that were wheelchair accessible and suitable for persons with limited mobility, we decided to put together a list!* We can't thank you all enough for smart questions and engaging conversations that inspire our content. While some agritourism destinations in the region are difficult to navigate or are still in the process of retro-fitting or getting ADA-compliant with things like adding accessible means of egress and power-assisted doors, many have identified readily-achievable barriers for removal and have made it convenient for everyone in your family to enjoy. Check out a few of these spots below and plan your escape this fall and next spring when growing season starts again!** 1-3 HOURS FROM NYC: Hawthorne Valley Farm Store (Columbia County, Hudson Valley): Hawthorne Valley is a biodynamic farm & store filled with beautiful Hudson Valley products. They strive to offer as many locally grown or produced fruits, vegetables, grocery products, and household items as possible and are committed to supporting local farmers and artisans. Their 18-year old cow Kohlrabi is featured in EscapeMaker's upcoming (and first-ever!) Agritourism Ambassadors Calendar for 2018, which benefits the farm. You can purchase yours here! For more on area lodging, click here. Crown Maple Estate (Dutchess County, Hudson Valley): Crown Maple Estate is located on 800 acres of pristine land at Madava Farms in Dutchess County, New York, and truly sets the standard of excellence in maple production and flavor. From bark
Hey, EscapeMakers! These past few summer/fall seasons, our team has had the privilege of posting up in the Greenmarkets across NYC and chatting with all of you about farm escapes, green travel, weekend getaways and more. We absolutely love hearing from you and getting your feedback on what you’re searching for when it comes to the perfect escape. After having several people come to us with specific inquiries about local destinations that were wheelchair accessible
Take any road through Dutchess County, head in any direction, and eventually, you'll pass a farm. More likely, several. Agriculture is a driving economic force in the Hudson Valley, and a way of life. To get the complete Hudson Valley Farm Fresh experience, avail yourself of the many opportunities to enjoy its bounty. Many family-owned farms welcome you to pick-your-own produce, make purchases from their farm stands, or join them during family-oriented festivals. Vineyards will invite you to taste their vintages from local grapes, and perhaps stay for a picnic or concert. Reserve your spot NOW for the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tours, beginning September 2nd through October 29th on Saturdays and Sundays. Explore quaint Hudson Valley towns, pick apples, tour distilleries, visit farm animals and more on a variety of tour itineraries. Book your spot before they sell out!
Take any road through Dutchess County, head in any direction, and eventually, you’ll pass a farm. More likely, several. Agriculture is a driving economic force in the Hudson Valley, and a way of life. To get the complete Hudson Valley Farm Fresh experience, avail yourself of the many opportunities to enjoy its bounty. Many family-owned farms welcome you to pick-your-own produce, make purchases from their farm stands, or join them during family-oriented festivals. Vineyards will
We're in the thick of county fair season, EscapeMakers! Go take a ride on the ferris wheel, peruse antiques and artisanal goods, listen to live music, say hello to some four-legged friends, and get your deep fried everything just outside New York City! Take a look at the fairs near you (below) and plan your escape today. ESCAPE TO A LOCAL COUNTY OR STATE FAIR via ESCAPEMAKER.COM Booneville Oneida County Fair, NY 7/25 – 7/30 -- Lodging info Jersey State Fair, NJ 8/4 – 8/13 Delaware County Fair, NY 8/14 – 8/19 -- Lodging info The Vermont State Fair, VT 8/15 – 8/29 Little World’s Fair, NY 8/18 – 8/20 -- Lodging info Dutchess County Fair, NY 8/22 – 8/27 -- Lodging info The Great NY State Fair, NY 8/23 – 9/4 Luzerne County Fair, PA 9/7 – 9/11 -- Lodging info The Big E, MA 9/15 – 10/1 Orange Country Fair, CT 9/16 – 9/17 Long Island Fair, NY 9/16, 17, 23 & 24 For more info on county fairs, u-pick farms, wineries, craft beer trails, day trips and agritourism getaways, visit EscapeMaker.com!
We’re in the thick of county fair season, EscapeMakers! Go take a ride on the ferris wheel, peruse antiques and artisanal goods, listen to live music, say hello to some four-legged friends, and get your deep fried everything just outside New York City! Take a look at the fairs near you (below) and plan your escape today. ESCAPE TO A LOCAL COUNTY OR STATE FAIR via ESCAPEMAKER.COM Booneville Oneida County Fair, NY 7/25 – 7/30
There's no better time than summer to get out there and plan an outdoor adventure! Did you know that exciting treasure hunts await just outside your door? One amazing way to get out there and explore your surrounding areas -- the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, Finger Lakes and more -- is geocaching. Haven't tried geocaching before? Geocaching.com, guide to all things geocache, defines the game as a "real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location." It's simple! Sign up at Geocaching.com -- even simpler, download the Geocaching App -- and you can follow virtual treasure maps wherever you are to uncover clues and items planted in plain sight all around you. You can even make a day trip or weekend getaway out of it! Need inspiration? We've got you covered... Take Metro-North Railroad up to Westchester County and explore the number of hidden geocaches in the area. Maybe even leave your own! Rent a car near the Croton Harmon train station and explore the area, which is rich with agriculture, sweeping landscapes and farms to visit. While enjoying your treasure hunt, stop by and visit Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center -- bucolic, 187-acre farm with pastures, crop gardens, historic buildings and forests dating to the 1600s. Pick vegetables, have a picnic, and hike the woodland trails! After that, head a couple miles down the road to out Meadows Farm and load up on sweet corn, fresh vegetables and herbs at their farm stand to take home with you. Finish up your adventure at Faraway Farm Alpacas -- located on a beautiful hilltop farm. You can schedule a visit to meet the alpacas and friendly Icelandic horses. Learn about
There’s no better time than summer to get out there and plan an outdoor adventure! Did you know that exciting treasure hunts await just outside your door? One amazing way to get out there and explore your surrounding areas — the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, Finger Lakes and more — is geocaching. Haven’t tried geocaching before? Geocaching.com, guide to all things geocache, defines the game as a “real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.
We had the pleasure of spending the day with travel blogger The Culture Collective during our Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tour FAM Trip in June. Check out her thought provoking musings on the importance of traveling and eating local here. And get a sneak peek at some of her gorgeous photos below! Check her out @KelleyTravels. Feeling inspired to sample and explore the infinitely delicious offerings of the Hudson Valley? You can experience these gorgeous farms, sweeping vistas and delicious craft beverages yourself. Book your Farm Fresh Tour for the fall today at EscapeMaker.com/farmfreshtours.
We had the pleasure of spending the day with travel blogger The Culture Collective during our Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tour FAM Trip in June. Check out her thought provoking musings on the importance of traveling and eating local here. And get a sneak peek at some of her gorgeous photos below! Check her out @KelleyTravels. Feeling inspired to sample and explore the infinitely delicious offerings of the Hudson Valley? You can experience these gorgeous
With Mother's Day fast approaching, we know what's going through your mind: breakfast in bed? That book she mentioned she'd like to read? A trip to her favorite nail salon? Family gathering over brunch? Flowers again? While all these gestures are lovely and universally mom-approved, maybe it's time to switch it up and give the moms in your life something new, like a weekend getaway! Flowers wilt, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Hop in a Zipcar or grab a train ticket via Amtrak or Metro-North Railroad and take a special lady to do something unique this year! Fresh out of ideas? You've come to the right place! Check out some Mother's Day inspiration below... Visit Ithaca on Saturday, May 13th for the Honey Bee Jubilee at Varick Winery & Vineyard. Taste wines and enjoy honey-inspired foods! Or head up on Sunday, May 14th for a Mother's Day Supper Club with Northland Sheep Dairy. $55 per ticket include cheese and cider pairing in the pasture and a 4-course supper with Good Life Cider pairings. If there's one thing most moms can agree on, it's CHOCOLATE! Visit Dutchess County this Mother's Day weekend and enjoy wine and chocolate tastings at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The tastings take place on Saturday, May 13th and Sunday, May 14th with two tasting reservations at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Prepare to be dazzled by Oliver Kita Chocolate from Rhinebeck, NY and a handful of Millbrook wines. Is your mom an outdoor adventurer? Hop on the train to Westchester where you can hike, bike and walk through trails offering picturesque scenery, parks, picnic spots, restaurants, historic sites and nature preserves along their routes. Pack a special picnic to celebrate Mother's Day and enjoy the spring season! Or maybe she's up for a fishing adventure!? Getaway
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we know what’s going through your mind: breakfast in bed? That book she mentioned she’d like to read? A trip to her favorite nail salon? Family gathering over brunch? Flowers again? While all these gestures are lovely and universally mom-approved, maybe it’s time to switch it up and give the moms in your life something new, like a weekend getaway! Flowers wilt, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
Tax season is, at last, behind us...now what to do with that lovely refund? Treat yourself to a little R&R with a weekend getaway. Our craft beverage packages offer scenic views, artisanal eats and endless craft brews, ciders, wines and spirits. With so many amazing regions and places to visit, check out our escapes and pick what works for you! The Hudson Valley Region, located 1-2 hours from New York City by Zipcar, Amtrak or Metro-North Railroad, is known for its trendy restaurants, celebrity chefs and innovative cuisine. Home to a number of cutting-edge culinary educational institutions like Westchester County's Stone Barns Center and the Culinary Institute of America, the area has seen a rise of a new crop of malting houses, breweries and distilleries. Book packages to visit Dutchess County's Rhinebeck, Red Hook or Hudson and get a taste of the local ingredients, artisanal eats and craft brews and bubbles the area has to offer! A few must visit spots: WM Farmer & Sons, The Crimson Sparrow, The Rhinecliff Hotel, and Daughters Fare and Ale. You could also plan a getaway to the Sullivan County Catskill Region, 2-3 hours from NYC by car or by bus, and known for its tranquil beauty, rugged outdoor recreation and craft beverage trails! The area has become seriously popular for outdoor enthusiasts and beer and spirit lovers in search of a new adventure. Check out the Roscoe NY Beer Company and Prohibition Distillery! Book your vaca here. Want to check out the beautiful and bustling Capital of New York State? Book a trip to Albany County, just 3 hours from NYC. The bucolic farms (i.e. Indian Ladder Farms), scenic landscapes (check out the Glen Sanders Mansion) and rolling countryside are the perfect pairing for a warm weekend getaway to sip craft brews from
Tax season is, at last, behind us…now what to do with that lovely refund? Treat yourself to a little R&R with a weekend getaway. Our craft beverage packages offer scenic views, artisanal eats and endless craft brews, ciders, wines and spirits. With so many amazing regions and places to visit, check out our escapes and pick what works for you! The Hudson Valley Region, located 1-2 hours from New York City by Zipcar, Amtrak or
Women's History Month may be coming to a close, but the celebration of women cannot and should not be limited to one month out of the year. This evergreen celebration is as important now as it has ever been, and for those of you looking for special ways to remember and honor strong females past and present, we've got a few ideas for you...day trips, weekend getaways and the perfect spring escapes! Plan a getaway to the Finger Lakes to visit the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY. The Hall of Fame is the nation's oldest membership organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of great American women, including inspirations like Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Betty Ford, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Coretta Scott King, Annie Oakley, Rosa Parks, Janet Reno, Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Edith Wharton, Oprah Winfrey and so many more. Make a whole weekend out of it by booking EscapeMaker's Craft Beverage Package in the Finger Lakes! Discover New York State's Women's Heritage Trail, filled with historic sites and museums that celebrate the achievements and history of women in NY. Visit the Hudson Valley's Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Dutchess County; the Matilda Joslyn Gage Home just outside of Syracuse, celebrating Gage who was a noted speaker and writer on woman’s suffrage, and an abolitionist; the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum in Chautauqua County; or visit the national historic landmark, the Susan B. Anthony House, in Rochester. Or, celebrate women in agriculture by visiting some of the female-led farms and producers across the state and in New York's citywide Greenmarkets. Meet two of the Hudson Valley's finest: Elizabeth Ryan of Breezy Hill Orchard in Dutchess County and Beth Linskey of Beth's Farm Kitchen in Columbia County;
Women’s History Month may be coming to a close, but the celebration of women cannot and should not be limited to one month out of the year. This evergreen celebration is as important now as it has ever been, and for those of you looking for special ways to remember and honor strong females past and present, we’ve got a few ideas for you…day trips, weekend getaways and the perfect spring escapes! Plan a getaway
For those of you who weren't able to make it to Union Square Greenmarket for EscapeMaker's 2nd annual Maple Fest, you were missed! But for those of you were were able to attend and returned home with gallons and gallons of local maple syrup, you might be wondering...what to do with all this sweet, sticky goodness? Although the New York Maple Weekends are over, there are a few festivals still going on in Vermont (check the event calendar) and a few of them in or near towns off Amtrak's Vermonter, like the 51st Annual Maple Festival in St. Albans! And even if Maple Weekends are coming to a close in and around New York, the liquid gold is still flowing! We've got a few ideas for what to do with it: Maple Glazed Carrots: In a large skillet, combine 3 lbs sliced carrots, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup water, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes.(Crown Maple) Maple Stout Float: Divide 1 pint maple ice cream into 4 pint glasses. Pour beer (24 oz stout divided) slowly into each glass until full. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in each glass. Grab spoons and enjoy! (Vermont Maple) Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Place ½ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper (to taste) into a blender. Pulse to combine, then add 1 cup olive oil in a steady stream with the motor running. (Crown Maple) Banana-Nut Pancakes: Combine dry ingredients (1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 2 1/2 t baking powder, 1/2 t baking soda, 1/2 t salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans) in a large bowl and toss to mix. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs until frothy, then whisk
For those of you who weren’t able to make it to Union Square Greenmarket for EscapeMaker’s 2nd annual Maple Fest, you were missed! But for those of you were were able to attend and returned home with gallons and gallons of local maple syrup, you might be wondering…what to do with all this sweet, sticky goodness? Although the New York Maple Weekends are over, there are a few festivals still going on in Vermont (check
