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 -- Stroll through orchards rich with glistening fruit, gaze at the hills blanketed with autumnal-colored trees, and sip a golden, effervescent glass of goodness - Ithaca is the epicenterof craft beverages and culinary explorations! Plan that leaf-peeping, fall getaway around Finger Lakes Cider Week (September 27-October 6). Located at the base of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is home to Cornell University, over 150 waterfalls, a booming craft cider scene, and jaw-dropping scenic views. With the highest density of craft cideries in NY state (10 within a 30-minute radius),it's no surprise that cider lovers flock to Ithaca for a taste! TAKE THE SPECIAL "CIDER BUS" FROM NYC! Checkout the unique and rustic lodging options at one of the many Farm Stays and B&Bs FLX Cider Week kicks off with the three day annual Apple Harvest Festival. Cider makers, pie bakers, and apple-themed vendors line the streets of downtown Ithaca offering the famous cider donuts, delectable craft ciders and limitless apple-themed delicacies. Browse the craft fair or venture into the brick-and-mortar artisan shops; stop by the farm fair to meet animals or attend a farmer talk; participate in the Monks & Makers event to meet the cider makers and taste quality cider or sign up for Coltivare's farm-to-table cider pairing dinners or an educational event in their teaching kitchen. Cider Sunday at Cornell University is an all-ages event that offers orchard talks and fresh pressed and hard cider tastings with food pairings. What ties this Ivy League college to a regional cider event? Cornell's Horticulture, Pomology (study of fruit) and Hard Cider Project Work Team have had a huge impact on NY and national cider research and production. Renowned cider makers, Eric Shatt of Redbyrd Orchard Cider and Dr. Ian Merwin of Black Diamond Farm and Cider, come from Cornell and
Dear EscapeMakers — Stroll through orchards rich with glistening fruit, gaze at the hills blanketed with autumnal-colored trees, and sip a golden, effervescent glass of goodness – Ithaca is the epicenterof craft beverages and culinary explorations! Plan that leaf-peeping, fall getaway around Finger Lakes Cider Week (September 27-October 6). Located at the base of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is home to Cornell University, over 150 waterfalls, a booming craft cider scene, and jaw-dropping scenic views. With
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
Dear EscapeMakers -- Join us this July! DUTCHESS PINTS & POLITICAL FIGURES TOUR (VIA DIRECT BUS TO THE HUDSON VALLEY FROM BRYANT PARK) Saturday, July 21st & Sunday, July 22nd -- Included: Lunch & dinner, tours of Eleanor Roosevelt's Val Kill Cottage, the FDR Home "Springwood Estate" and Hyde Park Brewery, plus a beer sampler and a crash course in brewing! RESERVE NOW! DUTCHESS FRUIT FARMS & BERRY PICKING (VIA METRO-NORTH RAILROAD FROM GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL + SHUTTLE) Saturday, July 28th & Sunday, July 29th -- Take Metro-North Railroad to Dutchess County's Poughkeepsie Station and we'll transport you to Rhinebeck, Greig Farm, Rose Hill Farms, Mead Orchards and Kesicke Farm on our hop on/off shuttle for blueberry and peach picking! RESERVE NOW! Brought to you by: --
Dear EscapeMakers — Join us this July! DUTCHESS PINTS & POLITICAL FIGURES TOUR (VIA DIRECT BUS TO THE HUDSON VALLEY FROM BRYANT PARK) Saturday, July 21st & Sunday, July 22nd — Included: Lunch & dinner, tours of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val Kill Cottage, the FDR Home “Springwood Estate” and Hyde Park Brewery, plus a beer sampler and a crash course in brewing! RESERVE NOW! DUTCHESS FRUIT FARMS & BERRY PICKING (VIA METRO-NORTH RAILROAD FROM GRAND CENTRAL
Dear EscapeMakers -- Check everything off your summer bucket list with the ultimate vacation to the Central New York Vacation Region. Creating your own outdoor adventure has never been easier, whether you're reaching for the beach bag or a hiking pack. With eight counties of excitement to explore, there truly is something for everyone in CNY. Find solace in spending a night under the stars at one of many private campgrounds throughout the region. Set up the tent then head to the river and cast a line, or just relax on the shore. Headed to Otsego County for a camping trip, Oneida for a beach day or just looking to cool off after a fun-filled day? Opt for refreshing hard cider from 1911 or a Honey Blonde from Critz Farms Brewing and Cider Co. Comprised of over 70 breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries, chances are people of all palates will find something to sip on this summer. Nothing says fresh like hand-selecting your own produce, so pick up your favorite fruits, veggies, honey and artisanal goods at any local farmers market in Central New York. Pack a picnic of seasonal delights for your family to enjoy together while you savor every minute in Central New York. Upcoming Events: June 25th - July 1st 9am-5pm Discover Cooperstown: Summer Program Series Take a guided tour of the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, visit with a vendor to learn about the business of the ballpark or get a close-up view of baseball's past.July 4th Madison County July 4th Parade Bands, floats, fire trucks, youth group and civic groups celebrate our nation's birth.July 7th 8pm Glimmerglass Festival: West Side Story The Glimmerglass Festival will open its 2018 season with a production of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. This hip, urban take on Shakespeare's Romeo and
Dear EscapeMakers — Check everything off your summer bucket list with the ultimate vacation to the Central New York Vacation Region. Creating your own outdoor adventure has never been easier, whether you’re reaching for the beach bag or a hiking pack. With eight counties of excitement to explore, there truly is something for everyone in CNY. Find solace in spending a night under the stars at one of many private campgrounds throughout the region. Set up
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
Dear EscapeMakers, Make your New Year's resolution to explore some craft beverage trails! And if you enjoy hard cider, New York State is the epicenter! Book a cozy weekend in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills or the Finger Lakes or even beyond! And be sure to check out the New York Apple Association's statewide map of cider locations! Click here for a few local winter travel ideas!
Dear EscapeMakers, Make your New Year’s resolution to explore some craft beverage trails! And if you enjoy hard cider, New York State is the epicenter! Book a cozy weekend in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills or the Finger Lakes or even beyond! And be sure to check out the New York Apple Association’s statewide map of cider locations! Click here for a few local winter travel ideas!
Dear EscapeMakers -- Dutchess County offers 800 square miles of breathtaking vistas; fascinating historic and cultural sites; family-friendly activities; artisanal food and wine offerings; and colorful fairs and festivals. Beacon Sloop Club Annual Corn Festival: August 13 Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon Enjoy locally-grown and ready-to-eat Hudson Valley sweet corn on the cob, a variety of other great food, family fun, & folk music on the Hudson Riverfront. Jazz in the Valley: August 20 Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie Jazz festival on two stages, showcasing music performed by world-class musicians. Located on the banks of the Hudson River. Dutchess County Fair: August 22 - 27 Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck Experience the 2nd largest agricultural fair in New York State, with animals, rides, vendors and entertainment! Dutchess Farm Fresh Tours: September 2 - October 29 Dutchess County - Poughkeepsie, Beacon & Wassaic Metro-North Railroad Stations No car? No problem! Experience the best in agritourism! Reserve your spot on five Dutchess Farm Fresh Tours operating on weekends with Metro-North Railroad. Shuttles will take you to orchards for apple picking, distilleries and farms.
Dear EscapeMakers — Dutchess County offers 800 square miles of breathtaking vistas; fascinating historic and cultural sites; family-friendly activities; artisanal food and wine offerings; and colorful fairs and festivals. Beacon Sloop Club Annual Corn Festival: August 13 Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon Enjoy locally-grown and ready-to-eat Hudson Valley sweet corn on the cob, a variety of other great food, family fun, & folk music on the Hudson Riverfront. Jazz in the Valley: August 20 Waryas
