Fall is an absolutely beautiful time of the year in central New York. Having lived here 11
 years now I have visited a number of different places during the fall & "leaf peeping"
season. "Leaf Peeping" is going to see the fall foliage and changing leaf colors.
Those admiring the changing colors & leaves are "leaf peepers"
I thought I would share a few of my favorites fall places with you!

Fall Foliage Best Times

For All of New York State

First here is a brief overview of the best looks at fall foliage in the entire state.

• In The Last 2 weeks of September the foliage peeks in the most northeastern part of the state
  in the Saranac Lake & Lake Placid areas as well as in the more southern areas of the Catskills 
• In the last week of Sept. through the First week of October The Jamestown NY area might be a good bet
• The largest part of the state will peak in the 2nd & 3rd week of October
• Along the Hudson River & on the edges of The Great Lakes the peak would be in the last 2 weeks of October 
•  For the Long Island area the last week of October & first week of November.  

 SOME OF MY FAVORITE PLACES

Route 20 Between Lafayette NY & Skaneateles

NY Route 81 is a major hiway in central New York. Approx. 12 miles south of Syracuse NY on the 81 south you will arrive in Lafayette New York. The 17 mile drive on route 20 between Lafayette & Skaneateles New York is just breathtaking. The winding road will take you past miles of pretty country farms & gorgeous fall foliage. Lafayette is home of the famous
Apple festival during the first weekend in  October of every year. With sometimes an attendance of over 100,000 people, this can cause a bit of a traffic jam in the area.

Apple farms to visit along the way include 

1. Mc Lusky Orchards,
2. Deer Run Farms &
3. The premiere Apple Farm in the area 

Beak & Skiff.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins try Tim's Pumpkin Patch on Rose Hill Rd off Route 20. He is open Labor day through Halloween.

 Skaneateles is a quaint lakeside resort whose
 historic downtown district, shops and galleries & antique stores, are housed in restored buildings dating back to 1796. If you choose to eat lunch in Skaneateles try Johnny Angels for burgers, Doug's Fish Fry for fish, Joe's Pasta Garage for Italian.
The Blue Water Grill on the water front features classic American, Barbeque & Fish.
Higher end restaurants would surely be delighted with would be Rosalie's Cuchina & the Historic Sherwood Inn

 .

My Daughter & Family  Beak & Skiff Apple Farm

Cooperstown New York

In what is known as the Central-Leather Stocking region of New York you will find the quaint town of Cooperstown. Most famous for the Baseball Hall of Fame, you will find the drive into the town just beautiful in the fall. If you have children
they will enjoy the Farmer's Museum, which is actually a re-creation of a small village. Cooperstown was also the home of famous author James Fenimore Cooper. The artwork displays a his home are well worth the visit. If beer is to your tasting visit the Brewery Ommegang with it's Belgian style ales. Either on your way in or out of town a stop at Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard is a must. You will love their country store atmosphere, and many many food samples! They have numerous special events & happenings most weekends throughout the season.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad Trip

Catch the train at the wonderfully restored Union Station in  Utica New York and take a day long trip the quaint mountain town of Old Forge & back.
Relive the golden age of railroads as you travel through the gorgeous fall colors of the Adirondack Mountains. Pass sparkling lakes & streams, and enjoy the breathtaking views of nature's beauty. The stop in Old Forge affords you plenty of time to take in the sights there. Little stores & gift shops abound. You will surely love the time ( & money) you will spend at the Old Forge Hardware Store that has been open since 1900. You can find any variety of food from pizza & burgers to more gourmet meals. For finer dining try the Old Mill Restaurant or The North Woods Inn.
There are snacks available on the train as well. Fun time for families.

Lake George New York

This picture was taken on the property of the Lamplight Inn

Now Lake George is a lot of fun in the summer time, but much more crowded then. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, it is very pretty in the fall.
 On the drive there you will be sure to see much pretty foliage. The mountains surrounding the lake are ablaze with hues of reds, yellows & oranges.
We have stayed several times at The Lamplight Inn which is actually in Lake Luzerne just outside of Lake George. It is a beautiful bed & breakfast.
Fall in Lake George is a great time just for relaxing. Take a hike & enjoy the views. High Falls Gorge  in nearby Wilmington offers 4 magnificent waterfalls. You can ride on the Upper Hudson River Railroad (in North Creek NY) & bask in the views of the grand foliage from the train. North Creek is where Teddy Roosevelt was when then President McKinley was shot & Roosevelt found out he would be the next US President.  Enjoy the views from he decks of the sternwheel steamboat the Minni-Ha-Ha, or the 1908 steamer "Mohican".
 Like history?? Visit Fort William Henry (where the movie the Last of the Mohicans was filmed) or Fort Ticonderoga. If you bring kids there are los of fun thing for them too.  Have an early visit with Santa & his helpers up at Santa's Workshop. There address is actually North Pole NY. But let's not think of Christmas too early, as "leaf peeping" is much more appropriate at this time of year.

I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit to New York and our gorgeous fall surroundings, and I hope you will visit soon!

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