Autumn in Central New York: Apple Picking

As a native central New Yorker, I’ve come to appreciate the changing seasons, particularly Fall. Fall in New York State is a really beautiful thing. The leaves change, there’s a chill in the air every morning, we start describing the weather as ‘brisk.’ Fall in Syracuse includes all of these characteristics, with the addition of some great fall-only activities. Visiting an orchard and going apple picking is quintessential to fall in Central New York.

In central New York, apple picking is more than just picking apples. It’s all about the experience. One local farm that has been making that experience the best around is Beak & Skiff apple orchards. Beak & Skiff is located in LaFayette, about 20 minutes from campus. On the way to the orchard, you head off the beaten path and start to see a lot more of what central New York really is. The city of Syracuse is one of the most populated areas in Central New York and on your way to Beak & Skiff you’ll notice quite a contrast.

As soon as you start to feel like you’re lost on back roads, you’ll start to see signs for Beak & Skiff Orchard. Pull into the parking lot on what they’ve named Apple Hill and you’ll see two typical CNY views. In front of you will be Beak & Skiff’s collection of red barns, a farming community staple. Behind you you’ll get a beautiful view of the valley lined with trees with changing leaves. Beak & Skiff is really in a prime location.

Apple Hill includes all of my fall favorites. The apple orchards are most important. At Beak & Skiff, they bring you into the orchards to pick your apples on a trailer pulled by a tractor. They bring people back and forth consistently throughout the day, loading and unloading their apples. Next to the apple picking pick up is a café and the home of Beak & Skiff’s newest addition, their tasting room. They’ve recently developed their product, 1911 distilleries. The distillery offers a number of products that are made from their apples, including the ever popular hard ciders as well as apple vodka.

Apple Hill also includes a small store with lots of knick knacks, local goods and apple related products. Beak & Skiff also makes fresh donuts on Apple Hill, which you can pair with their fresh cider at the bakery building. And if you want to visit Beak & Skiff, but you’re not so interested in picking apples, you can visit the apple barn and take home fresh apples picked on site.

Apple picking truly is a central New York experience and a great group activity for you and your friends. Summer is sadly gone, but you can ease yourself into fall with something fun.