In the fall, the Hudson Valley is home to indescribable beauty. There is so much to do and see that adventures seem limitless. From beer celebrations at Bear Mountain to the prime hiking spots at Mohonk, there are a ton of events and activities in the area this autumn to keep you occupied every weekend! Here is a guide to the top events happening in our area that are worth checking out.
1. Hard Cider Experience
From 12-5 p.m. on November 1 and 2, Applewood Winery is hosting a food and cider pairing. Live music and special cider blends make for the perfect mid-autumn tasting!
2. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses
Looking for a scary treat? This hayride extravaganza is featured in Ulster Park, New York, runs every weekend in October. Among other awards and recognitions, this event has the honor of being named the World’s Best Haunted Hayride by AOL News, voted America’s Scariest Haunted house in the Northeast by MTV, was named #1 on the Planet by New York Daily News and #1 Hallow Scream by the Weather Channel.
3. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Taking place in Croton-on-the-Hudson on November 1, 5-8 and 13-15 is the largest and most electrifying Jack O’Lantern event in the Tristate area. This is a visual walkthrough experience that takes participants through a historic 18th century riverside experience, the Pumpkin Planetarium, the Circus Train and many other ghoulish adventures.
5. Red Hook Chocolate Festival
On November 7 the village of Red Hook opens it’s town up to celebrate the wonder that is chocolate (for free!). This festival offers cooking demos, tastings of all things chocolate, cook-offs, live music, a chocolate bomb skateboard race, and a multitude of vendors.
6. The Rosendale Pickle Festival
On November 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. is Rosendale’s 18th Annual Pickle Festival! This festival features music, friends, contests, fun, games, food and pickles.
7. Apple Picking
New Paltz is home to some of the best apple orchards in New York State. Apple Hill Farms, Dressel Farms, Jenkins- Lueken Orchard, Wilklow, Hurds, Twin-Star and Minard Farms are just a few. Spend a day roaming through these orchards, snacking on apples and enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Hudson Valley. Pick out the perfect apples to make pie with, or purchase a warm pumpkin spice doughnut.
