Things we Love: 6 Must-Do Buffalo Fall Activities
Our beloved season has kicked into full swing, I mean, it already seems like it has been a lifetime of PSL's, no? Well, here we are sharing some of Candie's favorite seasonal adventures to go on in the Buffalo area.
To begin, take a drive to Skaneateles to see the leaves change along the way, and then add in a stay at…
The Sherwood Inn
26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Last year, my husband had a work gathering at a place in Skaneateles. We decided to make it a little date night since each agent could bring their significant others. One of his co-workers caught wind that I would be in attendance and recommended we stay at The Sherwood Inn. I fell in love. The hotel used to be an old stagecoach stop and is in the heart of the historic Village of Skaneateles. The hotel and the village are SO charming, and you'll feel like you landed in a really romantic movie. It is located on the north shore of Skaneateles Lake, and the view and the rooms are amazing. Each room is homey and cozy and is equipped with a fireplace. Romantic much? Their food is fantastic, there's a bar downstairs, and the atmosphere and the staff are lovely. We just stayed on their sister property, just next door, called Packwood House (it wasn’t my favorite - it’s much newer and way less charming than The Sherwood), but you check in at the Sherwood and have breakfast there as well). It was pretty chilly and rainy, so we didn’t get to walk the village shops, but we did take a walk by the Skaneateles Lake and it made me want to book a stay during the winter months…this place must be gorgeous on a snowy day!
Foodie tip: I just tried their chicken wings for the first time and they give Duff’s and Anchor Bar a run for their money…yes, I’m serious! Also, the Autumn Squash Soup was to die for!
Apple Picking at Becker Farms
3724 Quaker Rd, Gasport, NY 14067
We started a tradition with our close friend group last year. We all had babies within six months of each other, so we packed the kiddos up and met at Becker Farms. We had grand plans of hopping on their cute little trucks to do some apple picking, but the time coincided with the Bills game, and the lines were so crazy long, that the boys ended up drinking some beer at their Brewpub and we all watched the game outside. Of course, anyone who could have gluteny delicious cider donuts did and I savored the new Fall feeling and enjoyed everyone's company. We have plans to do this again this year, and we can't wait!
The Great Pumpkin Farm
11199 Main St, Clarence, NY 14031
Another tradition that I love. This one started six years ago before our son was even a glimmer in our eye. We love to hop in the car, take a drive through the Clarence Hollow and bring home our pumpkins, gourds and mums! The atmosphere here is so great - there is a little barn, called the Witches Brew Bar & Cafe, where they have beer and hard cider on tap, you can savor some hot apple cider, walk around their gift shop, and snack on some donuts and baked goods. The best part for me is walking around the pumpkin farm, with their super instagrammable pumpkin layout, and picking out my gourds and mums. This year, I'm excited to take our son to see the barnyard animals, take a tractor-drawn hayride and show him the amusement rides for the bigger kids. They also have festivals and live music, and it's really just a great way to get excited for Halloween! I might have dressed little man up as Charlie Brown and had a little photoshoot at the patch. I highly recommend it.
Pro-tip: If you’re not interested in the amusement rides, the corn maze, hayrides or festival type things, such as live music, then go on a weekday and save on admission!
Hiking the Eternal Flame at the Eternal Flame Falls
Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127
You guys. Have you ever done this? This is a fun hike. Also, not a crazy one, so you can strap a baby on your back (or front) and get moving. There are three waterfalls at this park, and the hike leads you to a small cavern that houses a natural gas spring. With the changing leaves, this is the place to be. I highly recommend for families and a little weekend date! Pack a picnic or bring some meat to grill on their grills!
Mayer Brothers Cider Mill
1540 Seneca Creek Rd, Buffalo, NY 14224
This is a tradition that my husband and I started when we moved out to Clarence. We always go right at the beginning of Fall, when the leaves are changing, and the air is freshly crisp and Fall-like. If it's a warmer day, we'll get a cider slushie, but sometimes, you're just in the mood for a cup of piping hot cider. This typically kicks off Fall for us. It's usually within the same weekend that I decide it's finally time for me to decorate the house with Fall things and while we're at the mill, we stock up on some cider, maybe a cider donut or two (for him, I'm gluten-free, and as much as I love this place, they're not gluten-friendly, so I miss out and get pretty sad about it) and sometimes we'll grab some cheese curds, maple syrup or apple butter!
Picnic in Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
While the weather is still mild, pack a picnic and make the hour or so drive to Letchworth. You can hike, you can take a romantic stroll, or you can break out a bottle of wine and a charcuterie plate and just enjoy the fresh air and the view of the “Grand Canyon of the East”. Of course, there is so much more to do in the summer and winter months, but this list is really about just taking in the views that we’re so lucky to have at just a stone’s throw from us, living in Buffalo. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a hot air balloon or two take off!
These selections reflect our personal opinions and we receive no sponsorships or promotions of any form. We’re just sharing things we love to do and think you will love, too!