Casa Larga Winery
Photo Courtesy of Romolo Celli
New ways to take in the essence of Fall
Despite the fact that the summer of 2009 gave us very few “dog days” to make us feel that a crisp autumn would be a welcome respite right now, I can’t help but look ahead longingly to the fall activities that await us as the leaves begin changing. Rochester and the Finger Lakes undoubtedly offer us so many opportunities for hiking, biking, apple picking, farm markets, winery tours and so many other ways to enjoy the outdoors in autumn, but the thought of expanding my horizons, and deviating from the traditional seems so appealing to me this year. So here are a few ideas to make this fall one to remember…
Autumn is a time for harvest, and experimenting with new foods that are in season is something I love to do in my kitchen as the days get cooler. Rochester’s Public Market is a wonderful place to take in the sights, smells and tastes of fall, and their Chef's Days on Saturdays from 10am until noon offer plenty of opportunity to learn how to whip up something new with the fall harvest.
Fresh harvest at the Rochester Public Market
Not a good night to stay in and cook? How about checking out these cozy spots whose ambiance and menus are just right for cooler evenings and fall fare…
Tastings Restaurant in Pittsford, known for its changing, seasonal menu, brings you wonderful dishes created by Chef Chris Brandt using the freshest ingredients from the Wegmans Organic Research Farm. Their warm, inviting atmosphere will make the cooler temperatures something to look forward to this season.
If local, seasonal, organic, and sustainable are words that describe your ideal fall harvest, look no further than to Lento Restaurant at Village Gate, who’s daily changing menu and newly added Raw Bar will have you sampling fall fare at its freshest.
Whether your idea of fall is sipping a red wine in front of a stone fireplace, or sitting outdoors beside a fire pit while watching the stars replace the fading light, Stonecutters Tavern at the Belhurst Castle offers eclectic tavern fare and a beautiful view of Seneca Lake. This is the perfect place to stop after that drive into the country to take in the fall foliage.
Growing up, I was a big fan of the board game Clue, and the idea of getting dressed up as Ms. Scarlet while attending the real life version of the game is very intriguing. In October, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic State Park offers four evenings of its Mansion Mysteries- live performances where guests get to attend in period costumes and watch the ever popular “who-done-it” come to life, and help catch the suspect! Check out their website for all the details.
If just drinking in the fall harvest doesn’t seem like enough to you, how about taking a “feet-on” approach at Casa Larga's Purple Foot Festival. This annual event is the largest grape stomping festival in the United States, complete with hayrides, live music, local foods, seminars, and of course, plenty of wine to sample!
As if all this weren’t enough to discover all that our area has to offer this season, why not look at our beautiful fall landscape from a different vantage point? How about above?
The chair lifts at Bristol Mountain are not just for getting skiers to the top. In the fall, the resort offers up their lifts for a spectacular ride above the fall color. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the season with their "Sky Rides" which take you back down the mountain, or give you the option of hiking back at your own pace. Either way, this brings you fall color like you’ve never seen it before!
Hot air ballooning over the Finger Lakes
Like the view from the top, and don’t mind spending a bit more to linger up there longer? Floating in a hot air balloon over the Finger Lakes will definitely make this autumn one to remember! Sunset Adventures will show you why you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but above Rochester and the Finger Lakes at this time of year!
New York State is unparalleled for enjoying the fall season at its absolute best.
So, whether you like your feet on the ground, or a bird’s eye view is your idea of savoring the flavors, colors, and smells of autumn, there are plenty of opportunities locally to make the most of this short, but beautiful season.
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