7 Towns In WNY That Are Perfect Places To Celebrate Autumn All Day
Fall is kind of officially upon us. It officially starts on September 22, 2022. But for many of us Western New Yorkers, the start of school and Labor Day weekend mark the beginning of autumn. If you are someone who loves to enjoy pumpkin spice everything and all that fall has to offer, here are 7 towns in WNY where you can spend the day doing 'autumn' activities like apple picking, hay rides, making smores, hay rides, and more.
1. Gasport, NY
Spend The Day At Becker Farms
3724 Quaker Rd, Gasport, NY 14067
Becker Farms Free Fire Fridays are free to attend every Friday through September 30th from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can purchase smores kits in the Brewpub. Admission to Becker Farms is free Monday through Friday.
On Saturdays, starting at 10 am, Becker Farms hosts Fall Fun On The Farm. It's the perfect way to spend the day enjoying autumn in WNY. Tickets include picking apples, live music, a playground, a mega slide, a corn maze, a petting zoo, a rope maze, and more fun activities. Your ticket will also cover parking, as well as access to the Garden Market, Beer Garden, Brew Pub, and Apple Barn.
2. East Aurora, NY
Enjoy A Picnic At Knox Farm State Park
437 Buffalo Road, East Aurora, NY 14052
Knox Farms is the perfect place to spend a Saturday or Sunday enjoying a picnic or walk in the cooler weather. Grab your sweater, pick up some fall snacks and enjoy the day on the property.
Knox Farm State Park is the former country estate of Buffalo's renowned Knox Family. It is located adjacent to the historic village of East Aurora, birthplace of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement and former home of Millard Fillmore. The park's 633 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands (pastures and hayfields), and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds and several wetland areas.
3. Niagara County, NY
Follow The Niagara Wine Trail
(Various Locations)
The Niagara Wine Trail includes 14 wineries. While there is no actual train or another type of vehicle that takes you from winery to winery, it's a great opportunity to enjoy WNY wines. The trail is hosting a Harvest Festival on September 24 and 25. Let me tell you, a day spent drinking wine with no judgment sounds like Heaven to me lol.
Enjoy a sample of a harvest-themed appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, or dessert with your wine pairing at each participating member winery.
4. Akron, NY
Take A Hay Ride At Akron Acres
12607 Stage Road, Akron, NY 14001
Akron Farms offers pumpkin picking, hay rides, a corn maze, pony rides, and more. It opens on September 24 and is open each Saturday, Sunday, and Columbus Day from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
5. Clarence, NY
Check out the Great Pumpkin Farm
11199 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031
The Great Pumpkin Farm hosts its Fall Festival from September 17 through October 31 from 10 am to 7 pm each day. Tickets aren't required on weekdays, except Columbus Day. Weekend activities at the Great Pumpkin Farm include a 5-acre corn maze, a zombie paintball train, jumping pillows, apple cannons, a boo barn, and more.
6. Ellicottville, NY
Ellicottville Fall Fest
Ellicottville, NY 14731
Ellicottville offers several autumn events, including its annual Fall Festival, the EVL Half Marathon, and Holiday Valley Beer & Wine Festival.
7. Arcade, NY
Ride The Railroad Fall Foliage Train
278 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009
Enjoy a round-trip train excursion during peak times in Western New York. At the halfway point, you depart the train at Curriers Station, where you can do a self-guided tour. Kids’ activities and concessions are offered. Restrooms are available on location.
Don't forget to get fall snacks for your day:
Pick Up Some Fall Favorites At Dunkin Donuts
2340 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
180 Perry St, Buffalo, NY 14204
3640 Main St, Amherst, NY 14226
2200 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14223
1145 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224
2112 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150
Dunkin Donuts has many locations around WNY. It always has a robust fall menu, including Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, pumpkin bakery line-up, and Maple Sugar Bacon, Blood Orange Dunkin’ Refresher, and Nutty Pumpkin Coffee.
Start The Day With Paulas Donuts
2319 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14150
8560 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14221
936 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
872 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
Credit: Paula's Donuts via Youtube
Before you head out, stop by one of Paula's locations and pick up some donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, coffee, juices, smoothies, water, and more.
Check Out The Mayer Bros. Cider Mill And Bakery
1540 Seneca Creek Road, West Seneca
Credit: Mayer Brothers Cider Mill & Bakery via Youtube
If you're looking for a place to celebrate the change in season and enjoy some of the food and beverages that come with it, try Mayer Bros. You can find apple butters, bread & muffin Mixes, donuts, jams and preserves, maple syrup, salsas, and cider of course.