Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Fall Activities in New York State

As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, New York State becomes a fall wonderland brimming with activities and experiences that showcase the best of the season.

From scenic wine trails to pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and festive fall events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this comprehensive guide will help you explore the fall magic across New York State, from the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley to the stunning landscapes of the Finger Lakes.

Sip and Savor: New York State’s Best Wineries and Breweries

New York is home to some of the country’s most celebrated wine regions and craft breweries, making it the perfect destination for wine and beer enthusiasts. Fall is an ideal time to visit, with harvest season in full swing and tasting rooms offering warm and cozy atmospheres.

1. The Finger Lakes Wine Region

The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and world-class wines, particularly Rieslings. Fall is the perfect time to take in the stunning views of the lakes framed by vibrant fall foliage. Here are a few must-visit wineries:

• Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport): One of the most famous wineries in the Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank is known for its exceptional Rieslings and unique sparkling wines. The tasting room offers panoramic views of Keuka Lake, making it a perfect spot for a fall visit.
• Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery (Lodi): Situated on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Wagner Vineyards offers a wide variety of wines, including excellent Rieslings and reds. They also have a brewery on-site, making it a great stop for those who enjoy both wine and craft beer.
• Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Dundee): This family-owned vineyard is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their Rieslings are consistently rated among the best in the country, and the winery’s charming setting is especially beautiful in the fall.
• 
  

2. Hudson Valley Wine and Cider

The Hudson Valley, with its rolling hills and historic towns, is a top destination for wine lovers in the fall. The region is also famous for its hard cider, a perfect drink for the season:

• Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook): Often referred to as the “flagship winery of the Hudson Valley,” Millbrook offers award-winning wines in a stunning setting. Their Chardonnay and Tocai Friulano are standouts, and the winery’s scenic grounds are ideal for a fall picnic.
• Brotherhood Winery (Washingtonville): As America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood offers a unique blend of history and quality. Their tasting room is steeped in history, and the winery often hosts fall events, including haunted tours of their historic wine cellars.
• Angry Orchard (Walden): For cider lovers, a visit to Angry Orchard’s Innovation Cider House is a must. The orchard’s fall season is filled with events, tastings, and beautiful views of the apple trees against the autumn sky.

3. Craft Breweries Across the State

New York’s craft beer scene is thriving, with breweries across the state offering seasonal brews perfect for fall:

• Saranac Brewery (Utica): A historic brewery with a wide range of craft beers, Saranac’s fall offerings often include pumpkin ales and spiced lagers. The brewery also offers tours and tastings, making it a fun stop for beer enthusiasts.
• Other Half Brewing Co. (Brooklyn): Known for its innovative and flavorful brews, Other Half Brewing is a favorite among craft beer aficionados. Their fall releases often include unique and experimental brews, perfect for those looking to try something new.
• Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown): Located near the Baseball Hall of Fame, Brewery Ommegang is known for its Belgian-style ales. The brewery’s fall offerings include seasonal brews and events like the “Belgium Comes to Cooperstown” festival, which celebrates Belgian-style beer and food.

Haunted Houses and Ghostly Adventures: New York’s Spooky Side 

As Halloween approaches, New York State comes alive with haunted houses and ghostly tales. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a real paranormal experience, here’s where to find it:

1. Haunted Houses for Thrill-Seekers

• Headless Horseman Haunted Attractions (Ulster Park): Consistently ranked as one of the top haunted attractions in the country, Headless Horseman offers a terrifying experience with haunted houses, a haunted corn maze, and a spooky hayride. The attraction’s elaborate sets and live actors make it a must-visit for those seeking a good scare.
• Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park (Palermo): Located in Central New York, Frightmare Farms is known for its intense scares and immersive environments. The scream park features multiple haunted attractions, each with its own unique theme and backstory.
• House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs (Buffalo): Western New York’s premier haunted attraction, the House of Horrors offers a variety of experiences, including haunted houses, escape rooms, and even a zombie-themed shooting range. It’s a great spot for those who love a good fright.

2. Real Haunted Locations for the Brave

• The Amityville Horror House (Amityville): Perhaps the most famous haunted house in New York, the Amityville Horror House has a chilling history that has inspired books and movies. While it’s a private residence and not open to the public, its eerie history makes it a must-see for ghost story enthusiasts.
• Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany): Known as one of the most haunted locations in the country, Rolling Hills Asylum offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations. The former poorhouse and asylum is said to be home to numerous spirits, and visitors often report strange occurrences.
• The Stanley Theater (Utica): This historic theater is not only a beautiful example of Baroque architecture but also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Ghost tours of the theater are available, where visitors can learn about the theater’s haunted history and maybe even encounter a spirit or two.

Pumpkin Picking and Fall Festivals: Embrace the Season 

Pumpkin picking and fall festivals are quintessential autumn activities, and New York State offers some of the best spots to experience them:



1. Top Pumpkin Patches

• Harbes Family Farm (Mattituck, Long Island): This family-run farm on Long Island’s North Fork is a favorite for pumpkin picking. The farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins, from traditional orange to unique white and multicolored varieties. In addition to pumpkin picking, Harbes Family Farm features corn mazes, hayrides, and plenty of fall treats.
• Critz Farms (Cazenovia): Located in Central New York, Critz Farms is a family-owned business that offers an array of fall activities, including pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and apple picking. The farm also produces its own hard cider, which you can sample at their tasting room.
• Grieg Farm (Red Hook): This Hudson Valley farm is a beautiful spot for pumpkin picking, with a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds. Grieg Farm also offers berry picking, a market with local goods, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

2. Fall Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

• The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson): One of the most popular fall events in New York, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze features thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminated throughout the historic grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor. The event is a visual spectacle that’s perfect for families and Halloween lovers.
• Apple Harvest Festival (Ithaca): This annual festival in Ithaca celebrates the apple harvest with a weekend of food, crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy apple-themed treats, including cider, pies, and donuts, while exploring the vibrant downtown area.
• Ellicottville Fall Festival (Ellicottville): Located in Western New York, the Ellicottville Fall Festival is one of the oldest and largest fall festivals in the state. The festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, carnival rides, and a 5K run, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful fall foliage in the Allegheny Mountains.
  

Fall Dining and Seasonal Treats: A Taste of Autumn in New York 

Finally, no fall adventure in New York State is complete without indulging in some seasonal treats. From farm-to-table dining to cozy cafés, here are some places to satisfy your autumn cravings:

• Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Pocantico Hills): For a true farm-to-table experience, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is a must-visit. The restaurant’s seasonal menu highlights the best local ingredients, with dishes that celebrate the flavors of fall. Located on a working farm, the setting is as beautiful as the food is delicious.
• Cider Belly Doughnuts (Albany): Nothing says fall quite like a freshly made apple cider doughnut. Cider Belly Doughnuts in Albany offers some of the best, with a variety of flavors and toppings that make each bite a taste of autumn.
• Phoenicia Diner (Phoenicia): Located in the heart of the Catskills, Phoenicia Diner is a cozy spot to enjoy a hearty fall meal. The diner’s menu features comfort food classics with a focus on local ingredients, making it the perfect place to refuel after a day of leaf-peeping or hiking.

From sipping on world-class wines to picking the perfect pumpkin, New York State offers a wealth of fall activities that cater to every interest. Whether you're exploring haunted houses, hiking through vibrant forests, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, fall in New York is a season to be savored.

So grab your favorite flannel, plan your weekend getaways, and discover all the autumn magic that New York State has to offer!