NYS ROAD TRIP SERIES
Since COVID hit last March, I've had to alter my travel plans like so many people but I still have been traveling via road trips and staying in my home state of New York. I got to discover more places within a two hour drive than I may have otherwise. For me, the experiences have also served to unplug, recharge and remind myself to appreciate the moment; there's something about the fall in New York State, right? There's still time to enjoy these places:
1) Chautauqua, NY - Practically the entire drive there from Buffalo and especially when I got closer, was spectacular fall foilage. In this county, there's also the small community of Lily Dale which I visited for the first time. Just outside the guest house (South Comfort Inn) that I stayed in was a lake surrounded by one of the most beautiful fall scenes I have ever experienced. Whether your spirit-led or not to Lily Dale, get to Chautauqua!
2) Japanese Garden, Buffalo, NY - A popular place in the summers in Buffalo, but after a recent photo shoot on the steps of the Buffalo History Museum, I discovered this is also a great place to take in the colors, within my neighborhood. So, whether you live in Buffalo or just visiting, check it out!
3) Skaneateles, NY (the Finger Lakes) - Cozy B&Bs, views of the lake (one of NY's 11 Finger Lakes) and more to discover, it's widely regarded as being among the finest villages in the Finger Lakes Region. I'm not a wine drinker but there are many wineries in the Finger Lakes. I had a photo shoot at the Lockwood Lavender Farm (now closed to the public due to COVID) but I definitely recommend this place when they reopen.
4) Ithaca, NY - Another first for me - "glamping!" I went to Firelight Camps (open seasonally until Oct. 31) where it's "elevated camping" in a sort of large luxury safari tent and amenties. Social distancing and other COVID restrictions are enforced. www.firelightcamps.com.
A hilly town, Ithaca is just "gorge-ous." Take in Taughannock Falls and/or Buttermilk Falls or just one of the many gorges (one near the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve on Giles St. is worth the visit). My alma mater, Ithaca College rests at the top of hill making the view that surrounds you even more picturesque. I recalled those times every fall as I drove past the college to reach Firelight Camps (on the same road) and I have to admit, it was a bittersweet moment.
Don't miss Ithaca Bakery (sandwiches and more) and Purity Ice Cream (almond milk cookies & cream with carmel), if you go!
5) Becker Farms, Gasport, NY (open until Nov. 1) - my first time here and I think the Fall Experience would not be complete without it. Not only being able to pick your own apples (just $6 for a small bag) from rows of apple trees but the backdrop of the field of trees with the sun setting is amazing. www.beckerfarms.com
The drive too, especially within 15 minutes of arriving, is worth noting. A couple times, I pulled along the side of the road and got out to take photos including of horses just roaming about in a gated field. Brought me back to when I was just eight years old and rode a horse for the first time. I think a place for horse-back riding will be my next road trip. Who's in?!
6) Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY - Well, I'm sure this makes everyone's list. And for a photographer like myself, it's one of my dream locations for photoshoots. I've been many times and headed there again next week!
7) Great Pumpkin Farm, Clarence, NY (open until Nov. 1) - there's nothing like being in the moment with a child to experience fall. I took my eight year old nephew, and although this is a different (limited) experience this year due to COVID restrictions, we still walked away with the biggest pumpkin he has ever had; he got to see some deer (for the first time) on the way home and also took notice of the color of the leaves on the trees, so much that he insisted they were "red; not orange." www.greatpumpkinfarm.com
Photo at Becker Farms
COVID restrictions and limitations were enforced at all the places I visited but fall is not over yet so take it in!
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