- + PLACES TO GO
- SKIING / WINTER ADVENTURES
- + THINGS TO DO
- + WINE & DINE
- + STAY
- + TOURS
- MAP-IT
- + CALENDAR
- + BLOGS & MORE
- Site Search
Savor the Flavors of Fall Along the Finger Lakes Cider Trail
posted by Teresa Farrell at 2018-09-29 21:06:00
The Finger Lakes area is well-known as a world-class wine destination, and lately it’s been getting attention for its excellent selection of craft breweries, too. But that’s not all that’s on tap in this fruitful region New York State. The Finger Lakes Cider Trail is a must-do item to add to your agenda this fall.
The trail includes stops at wineries, breweries and cideries produce their own hard ciders, as well as orchards and farms that grow apples and bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes that serve local ciders. The locations range from the Finger Lakes area itself to Rochester and Cazenovia and include more than 25 stops to choose from, each serving up their own unique kinds of cider. Some are sweeter, some are more on the drier side; some feature other fruits alongside the apple, like cranberry or pear; some add in hops; and some are simple, clean, and apple-centric.
Though you can visit any time of year, one popular event is the Finger Lakes Cider Week, celebrating the delicious beverages and the bountiful harvest. The celebration takes place at various locations along the trail, with special events and activities like cider-themed dinners, harvest festivals, special tastings that include the chance to meet and talk with cider makers, release parties for new flavors, and even special events like cider-tasting lake cruises. Finger Lakes Cider Week takes place in late September/early October—the 2018 festival runs Saturday Sept. 28 to Sunday Oct. 7. There are similar cider weeks each year in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Western New York, as well.
Even aside from Cider Week, the usual fall events and activities can be found at many of these orchards and farms throughout the season, including corn mazes, pumpkin and apple picking, hayrides, cider donuts and fall festivals. There are also plenty of wine and craft beer producers along the route, including breweries and wineries that make cider too, so this trip is a great way to taste local fall flavors like cranberry and apple wines and Oktoberfest and pumpkin ales as well. And, of course, the Finger Lakes is filled with beautiful fall foliage this time of year; it’s the perfect time to walk through the woods, enjoy a scenic drive, explore a gorge, or picnic by the lakeshore and take in the views.
PHOTO CREDITS
Apple tree photo credit Emily Jackson
Cider Pour photo credit Finger Lakes Cider Alliance
Waterfall Foliage photo credit Andy Arthur
Cider in glasses photo credit Finger Lakes Cider Alliance
posted at: 2018-09-29 21:06:00, last updated: 2021-04-06 20:58:34