I absolutely love this time of year. I’m not sure if it’s because I enjoy cooking much more when the temperature drops or I have a better closet full of clothes (it’s true, I’m just saying). I guess it’s a little bit of both. Honestly, I began thinking why I do love the fall almost more than summer. Our anniversary is in October, so that always brings a smile to my face. But more than anything else, I have sweet memories spending it with my 3 boys along with my parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. When we’re complaining of the taxes and long winters we experience in upstate NY, it’s so easy to take for granted the beautiful landscape, especially this time of year. I personally live only 10 minutes from Skaneateles Lake, which I explain to others not from here, as “The Hamptons of the Finger Lakes”. Otisco and Owasco Lakes are also within 20 minutes from my home. This area of NYS is spectacular with its hills, lakes and the collage of color among the trees. There are plenty of activities to do in this area, but some places are near and dear to my heart.
Beak & Skiff is just that place. This is situated high in the hills of Lafayette at 2708 Lords Hill Road off route 20. When you walk up to the orchard, don’t forget to turn around. The scene is breathtaking. I remember bringing my oldest son when he was only about 4 or 5 years old. I can still picture him in his jeans and gray GAP hoodie. He had a smile ear to ear while riding the tractor into the orchard. What little boy doesn’t love to ride big machines? That was in the late 90s and all I remember was the orchard and one building where cider, cheese and syrup were sold. Back then, since he was the only grandchild, it was just us along with my parents and occasionally one of my brothers. Fast forward a few years, when we were all married and added more offspring to the bunch. Now we had a whole posse and took up at least one side of the tractor. http://beakandskiff.com
Today, Apple Hill has grown into quite the empire. The orchard is open everyday with wagon rides until 5pm for everyone. If you choose not to pick your own apples, the Barn has them available. Nestled in between the Barn and Bakery is the General Store. There are plenty of things to purchase besides the items mentioned above. It’s worth taking a look inside, you might find some creative gift items for the holiday season which is just around the corner. What I love about it here, is that they have created a place to make memories for everyone. The children will enjoy the playground and petting zoo. The adults have their own “playground” at the Tasting Room which is open everyday. The 1911 Distillery, which is just down the road on route 20, allows visitors on the weekends 12pm-8pm. B&S has a wide selection of hard cider, spirits, and wine. You can grab a snack or have lunch at the cafe, bakery or tavern. I know my boys always seemed to have an appetite as soon as we arrived. It didn’t matter if I just gave them breakfast or a snack, they had to eat apple fritters. I mean, who can resist? For me personally, nothing welcomes me into the fall season like the smell of apples and cinnamon.
Many times throughout the years, we would start our day at Beak and Skiff and then make our way to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. It’s just over 10 minutes of a drive to 2901 Rose Hill Road in Marietta. Talk about a place that has expanded over the years. This was quite literally, only a pumpkin patch when my boys were younger. They’ve always had the barn where you can see their goats, pigs and donkeys. Nowadays, there is a wealth of activities to choose from. Besides the obvious pumpkin picking, they have a corn maze, skee ball, hay bales to climb and the farm animals are still there for the kiddos to enjoy. A tractor ride is available for those who don’t want to trek far down into the field. They have a large building with baked goods and merchandise for sale. Scattered throughout the grounds are a few small snack shacks where you can buy pizza, nachos, hotdogs, fritters and drinks. My granddaughter personally loved the apple cider slushy. https://www.timspumpkinpatch.com
From looking at the faces of adults, it seems they enjoy coming here to meet friends just as much as the children love to run around the farm. It is worth mentioning, there is a fee to enter. On the weekends, adults pay $6 and the kids are $5 (2 years old and under is free). You can pay online or when you arrive. This place is packed on the weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s $4 for everyone on weekdays. A nice option for families, especially if you’re coming more than once, is a season pass for $25. They are open 7 days a week 9am-6pm until Halloween.
Thank you for this trip down memory lane. My boys are now grown and are busy with their own lives. But the tradition continues and I am blessed to have my granddaughter to spend time with doing the very same things her daddy did at her age. There is just something about this time of year and these places that fill me with nostalgia. And that’s saying a lot from someone who isn’t that sentimental. I hope if you are in upstate NY, you take time to create memories of your own at these venues. Visit their websites and see that there is even more to discover! As I write this, my pot roast is in the oven and I have to prepare my apple fritters. There’s nothing like my youngest son coming home from work and asking what that wonderful smell is.
