Falling for Fall?

More stories from Sabrina Riley

Photo+Courtesy+of+Syracuse.com

Photo Courtesy of Syracuse.com

It’s that time of the year when the leaves change colors, you can put on cozy sweaters, and watch scary movies on TV. If you are a fan of fall, check out two fun festivities you can attend this season [you can bring your pumpkin spiced lattes with you, don’t worry]:

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards:

One of the most famous apple picking spots around is located right here in Central New York. Beak & Skiff was recently nominated for USA Today’s list of the Top 10 best apple orchards in the country. USA Today selected 20 apple orchards and then voters selected their Top 10.

As of Oct. 2, Beak & Skiff was voted the No. 1 apple orchard in the country! The spokeswoman of the orchard Danielle Fleckenstein, said she’s proud that the family-owned business made the national list, according to Syracuse.com.

Beak & Skiff has their “Pick Your Own” area, which has been a tradition for families across Central New York for generations. You hop on a tractor that drives you to the very back of the orchard to pick your apples. Once you pick your apples, a tractor will then take you back to the front, where you can explore the rest of the apple hill. On the hill there are small shops, a cafè, and a tasting room. If you want a fresh cider donut or a warm apple pie, take a stroll into the country store or bakery. This store has something for everyone. There are a variety of products, such as honey, pancake mixes, fudge, and, obviously, everything and anything apple.

After you walk through the country store, head into the bake shop next door. You can find a delicious desserts to take back to your dorm for a midnight snack. And if you aren’t full from all the apples you’ve eaten, grab lunch in the new cafè next to the bakery. Then, relax with a glass of their 1911 hard cider or wine [if you are of age, of course] on the outdoor patio.

Beak & Skiff is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so make sure you get to the orchard before the picking season is over!

Frightmare Farms:

‘Tis the season! One of the best things about October is Halloween. If you want to participate in the haunting Halloween traditions, you should go to Frightmare Farms in Palermo. There are three haunted attractions that you can go through: Professor Whitaker’s Estate Tour Haunted House, The Condemned Mine Trail, and Professor’s Labyrinth.

Feel the fear with one of the attractions for $13. But, if you feel like living on edge…experience all three attractions for $25.

If you aren’t a person who likes things popping out at you, but you do enjoy solving puzzles, there is a new attraction called Escape the Estate at Frightmare Farms. You and eight other friends will be locked in a room with no way out until you solve the puzzle. There are clues throughout the estate that you will have to search for in order to get out. You will have 60 minutes to try to escape the estate or your fate will be sealed for good [not really though]. There will be a real estate agent in the room to explain your task, and then disappear…leaving you with nothing besides the help of your friends and your brain. This attraction is available through reservation only, so make sure you hold a spot for you and your friends!