From fine dining to rustic fare, no one leaves hungry.
The Cooperstown Beverage Trail is a must-do with tours and samplings at Bear Pond Wines, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown Brewing Company, Fly Creek Cider Mill, Butternuts Beer & Ale and Rustic Ridge Winery. Last year over 20,000 thirsty souls hit the trail for tastings and tours.
Come during the Cooperstown PumpkinFest, September 22-23, and take in the foliage, food, fun and Giant Pumpkin Paddling on Otsego Lake. You won’t believe the size of these prize winners.
Watch a vintage 1856 water-powered cider mill press sweet cider at Fly Creek Cider Mill, then sample the batch, weekends September 8 through November 20. See cider being made the old-fashioned way from fresh-picked apples, and explore interactive exhibits in the Mill´s Cider Gallery. Admission is free.
Madison County is hops country and Oneida’s Madison County Hop Fest is proof. September 14-16, enjoy special paired meals, brewing demonstrations, hop history and food sampling from local restaurants. Tour the beautiful hop houses of Madison County and sip some of the finest craft brews in the state.
In and around Binghamton, fall is cooking at events like Zoo Brew at the Binghamton Zoo, September 15, when a selection of unique local and specialty beers complement a tasty BBQ dinner.
Binghamton Restaurant Week, September 18-27, promises something for every taste with offerings from many popular downtown eateries.
Artisan foods, local produce, an authentic pig roast, and a giant Harvest Feast featuring all local ingredients are just a few of the ways to chow down during the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival, September 15-16. Live music, blacksmithing and fly fishing demos, more than 100 crafters, and walking tours of historic Sharon Springs will keep you busy.
Apple Festival puts some crunch into your Saturday on September 22 with fresh from the orchard apples, handmade crafts and music.
Enjoy an 18th-century Evening at the Tavern at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, October 13 and November 3. Dine back in time at historic Bump Tavern with a four-course candlelit meal based on 19th-century tavern food. Enjoy period music and hospitality. By reservation.
Critz Farms needs all of autumn to fit all the food and fun during their Fall Harvest Celebration. Fresh-picked apples, sweet cider and warm cider donuts are a must, while pumpkin picking, a petting zoo and wagon rides keep all hands entertained every weekend through October 21. Watch cider-presing and visit the Critz Farms Hop House.
Think wines and chocolates are a heavenly match? Syracuse’s Wine and Chocolate Festival beckons you to sample the region’s finest wines—and chocolates—on November 24 at the NYS Fairgrounds. Calorie counting is not allowed at this tasteful event, with music and amazing wine and chocolate pairings. Designated drivers get a special discount.
For more information and delicious ideas, visit Central New York