No one could have predicted the explosion in hard cider production and cideries in New York State over the last few years! That is except for a few visionaries that took a gamble with a dollar and a dream. In 2013, an inspired young man from Columbia County had a dream to support New York agriculture by crafting quality hard ciders using apples grown in Hudson Valley orchards -- those that he explored, harvested and enjoyed throughout his childhood. Choosing an unassuming, gritty industrial warehouse near the Hudson River in Albany (and just under the shadow of a 32-ft. high towering rose that his artist father had painted 20 years earlier on the neighboring building’s brick wall) Alejandro del Peral established Nine Pin Ciderworks -- New York’s FIRST Farm Cidery in Albany’s revitalizing Warehouse District, just north of Downtown. A licensed "farm cidery" must manufacture more than 50 gallons and less than 250k gallons of hard cider or less per year, can do tastings within the state and must exclusively sell hard cider produced from New York State-sourced apples wholesale. Today, there are over 40 in the state and the New York Cider Association holds "cider weeks" across the state. If you're looking to tap into Alejandro's sensory memories of crisp apples and cool autumn days, you'll not only want to go apple picking in the Hudson Valley, New York State's #1 agritourism activity, but also take a tour of his 17,000 sq. ft. facility in Albany where Nine Pin Ciderworks crafts all of its hard ciders. His cidery tasting room offers experimental ciders and beer and cocktails made with New York farm-based beers and spirits, as well as gourmet light fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Nine Pin Ciderworks also offers an interesting array of events and activities. At any
No one could have predicted the explosion in hard cider production and cideries in New York State over the last few years! That is except for a few visionaries that took a gamble with a dollar and a dream. In 2013, an inspired young man from Columbia County had a dream to support New York agriculture by crafting quality hard ciders using apples grown in Hudson Valley orchards — those that he explored, harvested and
Dear EscapeMakers -- Who doesn’t love fall - the crisp air, warm cider donuts, cozy sweaters, and leaves crunching beneath your boots? Fall is best enjoyed in Ithaca, the heart of the Finger Lakes: hundreds of gorges, scenic views, winding trails, hidden spots and moments to take your breath away. An enjoyable scenic 4-hour ride from NYC, Ithaca is most well-known for Cornell University, being named America’s Best Wine Region (for the second year in a row), and its fall foliage. Whether you are alumni returning after a few years, families looking for an engaging experience, couples exploring a new city, or someone looking for a joyful getaway, Ithaca has a community for you. Ithaca’s waterfalls and gorges are the must-see attraction in the region. Taughannock Falls is the tallest, single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and in the entire state of New York. Yes, it’s even taller than Niagara Falls! However, Taughannock isn’t the only impressive waterfall, visit Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls, or one of the 150 in the region. Between the lake, gorges and streams, there's plenty of outdoor recreation on the water. Witness the history of glacial migration and appreciate the presence of trickling water by hiking the trails along the gorges. Ranging from a flat casual stroll to an exercise-forward hike, there are varying levels of hikes available. In between outdoor excursions visit one of the many farm-based culinary or craft beverage producers. Meet goats and taste their cheese, eat a hyper-local lunch while sipping a flight of cider, pick your own produce and play amongst the nature. Camp outdoors by a cozy fire or stay at one of their nature-based accommodations. Ithaca’s farm-to-fork scene is always available and constantly growing. Just one month away, Finger Lakes Cider Week is 12 days of agriculinary filled
Dear EscapeMakers — Who doesn’t love fall – the crisp air, warm cider donuts, cozy sweaters, and leaves crunching beneath your boots? Fall is best enjoyed in Ithaca, the heart of the Finger Lakes: hundreds of gorges, scenic views, winding trails, hidden spots and moments to take your breath away. An enjoyable scenic 4-hour ride from NYC, Ithaca is most well-known for Cornell University, being named America’s Best Wine Region (for the second year in
Fall may be known for apple picking, but there's nothing like a warm cider donut and cold pint of hard cider in the dead of winter! All of these cider-makers (and so many more) have fabulous farms and cozy tasting rooms that you can visit for a day trip or weekend getaway all year long. Check out a few of our favorite New York Ciders that you can visit in person below. Brooklyn Cider House (New Paltz, NY): At Twin Star Orchards in New Paltz, NY, they have free cider tastings, delicious wood-fired pizza and burgers, and they sell fresh baked goods and seasonal produce from their garden. They also have a great selection of New York cider, wine, and spirits and pick-your-own “ugly apples” in the fall. Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider (Rhinebeck & New Paltz, NY): They produce a line of exceptional farm-based ciders with style and character. Drawing on classic European cider making techniques, these highly drinkable ciders have a robust new world flavor profile. The cidery is based at two beloved Hudson Valley farms, Breezy Hill Orchard near Rhinebeck and Stone Ridge Orchard near New Paltz. The farms are known for their commitment to ecological growing and the production of highly flavored fruit. The orchards produce over 100 varieties of apples and have just planted a dedicated hard cider orchard with a number of traditional cider apples including Dabinett, Bedan, Binet Rouge, Kingston Black, Chisel Jersey, Ashmeads Kernel, and others. Doc's Draft Hard Cider (Warwick, NY): The apples in their handcrafted cider come straigt from their orchard in the foothills of the Hudson Valley. They grow more than 60 different apple varieties in the orchard, each selected for maximum flavor and unique taste. Visit the pick-your-own farm in the fall and experience what it truly means
Fall may be known for apple picking, but there’s nothing like a warm cider donut and cold pint of hard cider in the dead of winter! All of these cider-makers (and so many more) have fabulous farms and cozy tasting rooms that you can visit for a day trip or weekend getaway all year long. Check out a few of our favorite New York Ciders that you can visit in person below. Brooklyn Cider
Soak in the Last Days of Summer in the Sullivan Catskills! Dear Escapemakers - Summer may be winding down but the Sullivan Catskills is still hot! Here are FIVE great ways to experience farms, food and fun this August… 1. Farming with Kids - Saturdays August - October Children of all ages, toddlers to teens, can perform farm chores while having a great time and learning something new. Apple Pond Farm is an 80-acre organic farm and renewable energy education center offering farm stays and special programs like Farming with Kids which runs every Saturday through October. Chores start promptly at 10am, reservations not required. 2. Alpaca Farm Tours - Saturdays in August Rosehaven Alpacas opens its doors on 10am-12pm on Saturdays.Enjoy time with the alpacas, learn about them, and meet the crias (babies) of Summer. Pack your camera! 3.Cooking Classes - August 11, 15, 18 Put on your apron and get into the kitchen at Henning's Local. Learn how to preserve the harvest with lacto-fermentation on August 11, uncover the science of pie with a crust intensive on August 15 and try your hand at cheesemaking on August 18. These hands-on classes are sure to be fun! 4. Bagel Festival - August 12 From 9am-4pm, Broadway Monticello turns into "Bagel Boulevard!" Listen to live music, let the kids jump around in the inflatables, shop a variety of vendors, check out the classic cars, feast on bagels and more. 5. Grahamsville's Little World Fair - August 17-19 Mark your calendar for the longest running independent fair in New York! Enjoy three days of old-fashioned family fun at the 139th annual Grahamsville Little World Fair featuring agricultural and livestock exhibits and contests, daily entertainment, rides for all ages, an array of great food, games, vendors, and a whole lot more. Admission
Soak in the Last Days of Summer in the Sullivan Catskills! Dear Escapemakers – Summer may be winding down but the Sullivan Catskills is still hot! Here are FIVE great ways to experience farms, food and fun this August… 1. Farming with Kids – Saturdays August – October Children of all ages, toddlers to teens, can perform farm chores while having a great time and learning something new. Apple Pond Farm is an 80-acre organic
Dear EscapeMakers -- Take advantage of EARLY BIRD PRICING or buy the series at a discount! We've brought together local farmers, chefs and producers offering artisanal sips and bites for an evening Local Tasting Showcase Series! Get inspired to visit these great folks in person on your next local getaway!Our series includes 3 evening events and serves as a fundraiser for Fulton Stall Market, a shop that features 60+ local food & beverage producers, a CSA, and a community hub for events and education. Discover the shop open daily (11am-6pm) in the trendy Seaport District! Event attendees can sample 8-10 new tastes from food & beverage partners, enjoy live jazz, folk & Americana music, visit with neighbors, browse the shop for new ingredients and pick up local travel info to farms, wineries, craft beverage trails and farm tours from EscapeMaker.com's Agritourism Pop-Up Shop inside the market! Local Food & Wine Tasting Showcase BUY TICKETS Thursday, February 8th (6:00pm - 9:00pm) Fulton Stall Market, 91 South St., New York, NY 10038 Featuring: Cascade Mountain Winery, Millbrook Winery, Mysto Mead, Balsam Vermouth, Om Champagne Tea, Riss' Knishes, local cheese, mixed green salad by Hudson Valley Cold Pressed oils, Jessie's Nutty Cups, Lorna's Natural's sample and a local Farm Animals 2018 Wall Calendar! Live Jazz music! Local Food & Craft Beverage Tasting Showcase BUY TICKETS Tuesday, February 27th (6:00pm - 9:00pm) Fulton Stall Market, 91 South St., New York, NY 10038 Featuring: New Paltz Brewing, Island to Island Brewing, Om Champagne Tea, Granola Lab, appetizers by Spread Mmms and appetizers & cocktails by the Tuck Room's Chef & Bartender Adam Seger and Chef Greg Power, dessert by Beth's Farm Kitchen and a local Farm Animals 2018 Wall Calendar! Live folk & Americana music! Local Food, Cider & Spirits Tasting Showcase BUY TICKETS Thursday,
Dear EscapeMakers — Take advantage of EARLY BIRD PRICING or buy the series at a discount! We’ve brought together local farmers, chefs and producers offering artisanal sips and bites for an evening Local Tasting Showcase Series! Get inspired to visit these great folks in person on your next local getaway!Our series includes 3 evening events and serves as a fundraiser for Fulton Stall Market, a shop that features 60+ local food & beverage producers, a
Escape to the Perfect: Fall in the Great Western Catskills Dear EscapeMakers -- Just about 2 hours from New York City, find yourself in true farm country in Delaware County.This harvest season, as the stunning fall foliage adorns the rolling mountain landscape, their farmers welcome you to enjoy their bounty in the most literal sense - community events featuring local food, drink and farm life: Taste of the Catskills (Oct. 7-8) is a family fall festival that showcases the food, beer, crafts and wine of the region during a fun-filled weekend on the historic Maple Shade Farm. Plattepalooza (Oct 7) is a day on Plattekill Mountain with fall fare, beer, foliage chairlift rides, apple cider pressing and tons of family fun. Ponypalooza (Oct 7) at Rosemary Horse Sanctuary gives kids a chance to meet rescue horses and enjoy fun activities on the farm. While there, make the most of your stay by embarking on outdoor adventures such as world famous fly fishing, boating, hiking, golfing and much more. View this video for an overview, and visit greatwesterncatskills.com to plan your escape to the perfect in Delaware County. Visit greatwesterncatskills.com to plan your escape to the perfect in Delaware County.
Escape to the Perfect: Fall in the Great Western Catskills Dear EscapeMakers — Just about 2 hours from New York City, find yourself in true farm country in Delaware County.This harvest season, as the stunning fall foliage adorns the rolling mountain landscape, their farmers welcome you to enjoy their bounty in the most literal sense – community events featuring local food, drink and farm life: Taste of the Catskills (Oct. 7-8) is a family fall
Dear EscapeMakers -- Spring may have just arrived, but Ithaca NY is wrapping up the wintery weather in style! Before the snow melts, marvel at one of 150 majestic waterfalls that are frozen in time, and enjoy seasonal tastings at award-winning craft breweries and wineries. Dine at one of Ithaca's renowned farm-to-table restaurants while relishing their warm and cozy ambiance. Engage in family-friendly, hands-on experiences at local museums and festivals. Enjoy the final frosty days in Ithaca, where the awe-inspiring beauty and flavors of the region evolve with the seasons, creating new and unique adventures all year-round! Take advantage of Ithaca's Wine-ter Wonderland Getaway Package! Explore all of Ithaca's Wines and Waterfalls! Experience the Farm in Downtown Ithaca at AGstravaganza! Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing is in Season! Sign up for their Farm to Fork Ithaca newsletter check out their 2017 Visit Ithaca travelguide online, request a hardcopy or follow them on social media: Visit Sponsor EscapeMaker.com 172 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217
Dear EscapeMakers — Spring may have just arrived, but Ithaca NY is wrapping up the wintery weather in style! Before the snow melts, marvel at one of 150 majestic waterfalls that are frozen in time, and enjoy seasonal tastings at award-winning craft breweries and wineries. Dine at one of Ithaca’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants while relishing their warm and cozy ambiance. Engage in family-friendly, hands-on experiences at local museums and festivals. Enjoy the final frosty days
