Summer has turned into fall in Central New York, which always brings beautiful scenery, some of the best weather and some of the most exciting off-campus activities. Here are some suggestions to get out there and experience the Syracuse area before winter rolls in!
Lafayette Apple Festival
The 50th annual takes place Oct. 7-8 and features local vendors, live entertainment, farming and agriculture displays, and many more exciting activities to enjoy! The festival has food attractions such as a cider mill, Donuts N’ Dumplins, apple pies, apple turnovers and many more fantastic options. Admission to the festival is $6 and parking is free.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards
has grown the best apples possible in Central New York for over 100 years. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards offers a tasting room, tavern, general store, bakery, apple barn and more, all made from apples from their 300,000+ trees! If apples aren’t your thing, you’ll love the scenery while participating in yoga in the orchards!
Skaneateles Lake
Near downtown Skaneateles, Skaneateles Lake is a clear blue lake offering a relaxing atmosphere, even as temperatures drop. Known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country and one of the nation’s largest sources of unfiltered drinking water, Skaneateles Lake is the perfect relaxing nearby getaway.
Tim’s Pumpkin Patch
If you’re willing to make a trip a little further from Syracuse, is worth the experience. Located in Marietta, New York, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch offers activities such as pumpkin picking, farm animals, a bakery, corn mazes and more. Tickets can be bought on-site or .
BONUS: Tipperary Hill Upside-Down Traffic Light
While you’re driving around enjoying all that Syracuse has to offer, you may come across arguably Syracuse’s biggest oddity, . In the early twentieth century, Tipperary Hill’s large Irish population couldn’t stand seeing “British” red above “Irish” green. After consistent destruction of regular traffic lights, the city agreed to hang the light upside down, and the light near 432 Tompkins Street has remained that way since!
Written By Esteban Quiñones ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This list is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.