#FallFun #FallActivities #DiegoCagara #SpotlightNews
October is finally here which means it’s officially time to immerse yourself in fall and even Halloween. Orange is this month’s main color, to match the falling leaves and the spooky pumpkins on residents’ doorsteps.
As we leave summer and September behind, a few of my coworkers and I have noted what we personally love about and look out for the new month.
Cider Donuts
Cider donuts have become a guilty pleasure and its frequent appearance at local farms and bakeries correlate with the apple picking season that’s happening every fall.
Typically with either apple cider or cinnamon, this delicious treat is available at several locations across the Capital District. The best is at Cider Belly Doughnuts, located on 25 No. Pearl St in Albany, which boasts plentiful flavors like Banana Split, Cookies & Cream, and Lovely Lemon.
Other noteworthy places include Yonder Farms Cider Mill & Bake Shoppe (4301 Albany St in Albany), Indian Ladder Farms (341 Altamont Rd in Voorheesville), Lansing Farm Market & Greenhouses (204 Lishakill Rd at Niskayuna), and Schuyler Bakery Inc. (637 3rd Ave at Watervliet).
Get Scared
Halloween is approaching and it’s the season for haunted hayrides, spooky houses and even corn mazes.
One great stop is Field of Horrors (100 Farrel Rd in Troy) which boasts attractions like the Return of the Mummy’s Curse, Trail of Terror Hayride, Death Trap and Toxic Terror. Another significant location is Double M Haunted Hayrides (678 New York Route 67 in Ballston Spa) which allows guests to encounter the walking dead, a creepy prison and the Museum of Horrors. A third option is Zombie Zip Line (300 Weatherwax Rd in Schenectady) where mature audiences would be guided by corpses through a serial killer-roaming forest before zip lining hundreds of feet from ground.
But if you’re really seeking as many thrills as you can get, visit each attraction! For more information on each location, visit their respective websites for hours and attraction details.
Festivals and Events
As temperatures slowly fall, it shouldn’t keep you from getting out to attend shows or festivals which can bring communities together.
First, Troy Chowderfest at Troy’s Monument Square is on Sunday, Oct. 7 from noon to 4 p.m. where people can peruse vendors, try different types of chowder and enjoy live music. For more information, visit http://www.downtowntroy.org/chowder-fest/.
Second, the Goold Orchard Apple Festival & Craft Show (at Goold Orchards in Castleton) will happen on Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14 at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which offers wine tasting, children entertainment, and fresh apples and pumpkins. Admission is $10 while children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit http://www.goold.com/festival.html.
Movie Night
“Perhaps one of the most relaxing, fall activities for when you’re not feeling so hot is to sit outside and watch a Halloween movie,” said Katie Lembo, engagement coordinator for The Spot 518. “‘Halloweentown’ is a title that comes to mind — a festive choice without all the gore and fright.”
Sitting outside watching the crisp, colorful leaves fall from the tree while enjoying a movie to get you into the start of the holiday season is a great way to celebrate fall, especially when you’re feeling particularly lazy on a weekend day.
Road Trip
“I’m a fan of the changing foliage this time of year,” said Michael Hallisey, managing editor of The Spot 518.
A drive up the Northway in mid-October may be the best way to take in this brilliant showcase of nature and its colors. It’s all too brief. Choose the wrong weekend, and you miss it.
“Plattsburgh State, my alma mater, always scheduled Parent’s Weekend at peak,” said Hallisey. “I think it was added assurance for parents that their kid made the right choice in school. I always find myself longing to take the family up north this time of year. Brilliant colors, crisp air and warm coffee is how I define my daydreams in the fall. Pair that with a perfectly-fitted hoodie with my school name on it, and I’m in heaven.”
