Central New York is known for many things, but one thing people complain about is how cold it gets and sometimes it feels like there is nothing to do! Well, have no fear. Here are 10 different and cheap things to do in CNY during the beautiful fall.
1. Chittenango Falls
All my life I've lived in Central New York, but never took the trip to this beautiful 167 foot waterfall. The trail to get down to the bottom on both sides is relatively simple. This time of the year it can be very slippery, so be sure to wear good shoes. My dad and I really enjoyed the views here. We are thinking of checking it out during the winter when it has iced over.
Address: 2300 Rathbun Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035
Cost: $3-5 depending on the day. We went during the month of October on a Friday and it was free.
2. Haunted Trails (limited time)
My brother loves going to Haunted Trails during the month of October. I must say, though they might be scary, some are for a great cause. The past few years we have been going to Screamwood Forest. The proceeds go to the Phoenix Drama Club and all the people in the trail are from the club! It has always been such a welcoming, fun, and of course scary place to visit every year in the month of October!
There are a few to go to, but unfortunately Screamwood Forest ended this year. A few others are The Trail of Terror and Frightmare Farms.
The Trail of Terror: 425 Clifford Rd Fulton, NY 13069
Cost: $13 or more
Frightmare Farms: 4816 NY-49 Fulton, NY 13069
Cost: $17 or more
3. Walk along the Oswego River
A very simple activity, but my favorite way to enjoy CNY on a nice fall day. My dad and I enjoy walking along the river walk which is accessible from both the East and West sides of the river. There is also a beautiful pedestrian bridge that goes across the river as well. Sometimes you'll see people fishing too. Along the West side of the river, there are paintings from local people to check out while enjoying the river. This is a free activity, but sometimes when it is a little cold, some tea or coffee keeps you warm while you walk.
Taste of the World
Address: 193 W 1st St Oswego, NY 13126
Cost: Varies depending on what you buy, but there is a rewards program. Buy 10 get one free!
4. Beak n Skiff/Apple Picking
There are a ton of places to go apple picking, but many people know Beak N Skiff! If you're in the area, you have got to check it out. Not only is a place to bring children, but also for adults looking to try a variety of ciders and other beverages!
Address: 2708 Lords Hill Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084
Cost: Varies depending on activity
5. Colloca Estate Winery
Elizabeth my friend from Lake George, came to visit for a weekend and I thought, what should we do? This winery popped up on my phone and we took the drive out to check it out. On over 100 acres of land sits this beautiful winery right on Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, the outdoor area and bar were closed, but the tasting room was still open. During the summer time there are bands playing outside and sometimes weddings! After tasting the wines, we bought a glass each and walked down to the water front. As we sipped our wines we were able to enjoy the cool breeze by the lake and look at the various colors reflecting off the lake from the trees.
Address: 14678 W Bay Rd, Sterling, NY 13156
Cost: Tasting is $7, but free with a purchase of a bottle. You can also buy a glass of wine and a variety of cheese plates.
6. Listen to local live music
When it is a cold night, a great place to get warm and cozy is going to see live music. There are tons of places to check out lives music, here are a few of my favorites:
The Cellar Door:17 W Cayuga St, Oswego, NY 13126
Dave's Hideaway: 68 US-11, Central Square, NY 13036
Bistro 197: 197 W 1st St, Oswego, NY 13126 The Wild Horse: 720 County Rte 37, Central Square, NY 13036
Cost: Usually there is a cover of roughly $5, but otherwise it depends on what you drink!
7. Events at the NYS Fairgrounds
If you saw my post about the State Fair, you'll know that there is a new building there called the Expo Center. When my friend Elizabeth was visiting, we saw there was an event called, BestFest, located at the Expo Center. The event was sponsoring various local businesses, and each had their own stand set up. Wineries, breweries, distilleries, and lots of food places to try. Some gave away things for free and other were for a small fee. It was a great way to see what is around CNY!
The NYS Fairgrounds have a ton of events going on all year. Below is the address to the Expo Center, which will take you to the fairgrounds and also the website link to see what events are coming up!
Address: 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209
Website: http://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events
8. Grab brunch with friends or a coup of soup
Brunch, soup, and friends, how can you go wrong? The Oswego Tea Company has, I believe, some of the best soup you can find! You can go in and get a nice cup, or bowl, of soup with their fresh bread. One thing I highly suggest is to also try their Amazin' Raisin Bread, it'll have you going back for more!
Also, the Cellar Door, which I mentioned before for local live music, has a special going on. Every Sunday they are having Brunch for a limited time. The food is very different, but delicious! I wish they had it all year!
Oswego Tea Company:2656, 157 E 1st St #5, Oswego, NY 13126
Cellar Door: 17 W Cayuga St, Oswego, NY 13126
Another popular place is
Modern Malt: 325 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202
9. Salmon River Falls
Any season of the year, Salmon River Falls is a must see place! It is a 110 foot waterfall that you can walk to the top or bottom of. Hiking down to the bottom can be risky if not wearing the appropriate footwear. To walk to the top of them, it is a very easy path. My dad and I did it all and thought to take the trail that keeps going beyond the falls, but it was very muddy. While sitting at the bottom of the falls, the icicles that have formed around the rushing water started to fall down which was awesome to watch!
Address: Falls Road, Orwell, NY
Cost: Free
10. Enjoy Syracuse Sports
If you're in the area and it is a blizzard, raining, or even if there is sunshine and you'd like something to do, watch a Syracuse game! Basketball and football are two of the most commonly watched and promoted of their sports. If you can get tickets to a game that is even better. Whether you are at the game or a local bar, 'Cuse fans can get a little rowdy, so be prepared!
Tully's: (Multiple locations) 7838 Brewerton Rd, Cicero, NY 13039
Press Room Pub: 220 Herald Pl, Syracuse, NY 13202
Press Box: 29 E 1st St, Oswego, NY 13126
Muskies: 583 S 1st St, Fulton, NY 13069
Wolff's Biergarten: (great place for any game) 106 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202
No matter what the weather during the Fall, there is always something to enjoy here in CNY!
Comments