New York State’s heartland beckons.
The Farmers Museum in Cooperstown is a living museum and working farm community where the festivals never end, like Harvest Festival, September 15-16, featuring performers, exhibitors, artisans and animals in a 19th-century setting. October 20-27 brings out the shivers with Things That Go Bump In The Night, and Thanksgiving at the Farm on November 23 is just what the name promises.
Board the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, a restored vintage railroad service, at whistle stops between Utica and Lake Placid for scenic excursions that relive the golden age of railroading. Two-hour fall foliage runs reveal explosions of color, woodland scenery and wildlife between Utica and Thendara, September 16 to October 28, aboard climate controlled coaches or exhilarating open cars.
Just a short hike north of Utica, The Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts, September 22-23, features 250 exhibitors in every category you can imagine, a farmers market, artisans and entertainment, all served up with a dash of the rural Welsh traditions that shaped the region.
Leave some shoe leather behind on 20 miles of year-round trails at the "Adirondacks of Central New York,” Highland Forest. Pick up a free map at Skyline Lodge. A self-guided Nature Trail is a good introduction to six square miles of rugged forest terrain. You’ll cover ground even faster with guided horseback rides, available through October 8, while cyclers can tackle park roads.
For some old fashioned fun, follow the squeals of children to Sylvan Beach Amusement Park on Oneida Lake where admission is free to shooting galleries and penny arcades, bumper cars and kiddie rides, the thrilling Galaxi Coaster and a restored 1896 carousel.
For more information visit Central New York.