One lovely way to celebrate this crisp fall weather is to spend some time outdoors at one of these gorgeous local venues, enjoying the crunch of lush greenery fading to brown underfoot, and the scent of freshly picked apple or freshly dunked cider donut. It’s hard to say which of these grounds are “the best” but with the cool fall nights sweetening the produce each day and a spat of cloudless weather ahead, you may have time to check out more than one and decide for yourself.
Pro-tip: hit the orchard early if it’s baked goods you crave! Our visit to Indian Ladder Farms included a wait in a line with hundreds of donut-craving new friends!
Famous for their apple varietals, cider donuts, and adorable, rustic cafe, Indian Ladder Farms is newly featuring a cidery/brewery–occasionally featuring music by local artists in addition to it’s usual pick-your-own options. Pumpkins and berries are available for pick and purchase, as well. Birthday party and wedding options are available–and mark your calendar for early May, when the baby animals are the hotspot of the farm!
Altamont Orchards is a stone’s throw from Indian Ladders, with some slightly different highlights. Pick-your-own happens on the weekends, and the seasonal gift shop has an online presence in addition to the Orchard activities onsite.
You’re still in time for Goold Orchard’s Apple festival, the weekend of October 7, featuring music by perennial favorites Hair of the Dog, local cloggers, and a New York State Wine tent. The festival events are rain or shine!
Engelke Farm in Troy, with a presence at the local farmer’s markets at The Crossings and The Empire State Plaza, offers additional options for enjoying the autumn ambience, including haunted hayrides, a corn maze, and a zipline! The zipline experience is available with reservation only, so be sure to call ahead.
Had it with apples? Lavanlair is a lavender farm–harvest your own, purchase fresh or dried lavender, or wander through the lavender maze. The short jaunt to Washington County offers lots of opportunity for leaf peeping on the way. Or check out the amazing stock of perennials, dried flowers, and wreaths at Noch Fiernan Farms. A short drive from Albany, in Duanesburg, NY, features wonderful home decorating items, native perennials to enhance your garden, and fabulous gift ideas for the holidays.
And don’t miss the chance to get a peek at our beloved Capital Region from the overlook at Thacher Park. If you’ve never seen it before, it will take your breath away; if you have, be assured its impact doesn’t lessen.
Happy autumn from Monticello Licensed Real Estate Brokers!
