Finger Lakes Blog

Chef Samantha Buyskes, originally from South Africa, has been cooking, teaching and catering in the Finger Lakes for over 20 years. Her first restaurant was Simply Red, which opened in Trumansburg in 2002. She released her first cookbook, Mama Red’s Comfort Kitchen in 2008 and has competed in several Food Network shows. You can find her now at her Simply Red Events which caters locally and hosts international culinary tours.

Her hyper-seasonal dishes highlight farm-to-table fare and regional

Fall is the most popular time of year to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country for many reasons. Conveniently located 6 hours from Washington DC, 5 hours from New York City, and only 4 hours from Philadelphia, it's the perfect place to escape the big city buzz and ease into casual country living. This 3-day fall itinerary for Finger Lakes Wine Country allows you to taste the flavors of the region during harvest and explore the beauty of nature.

You can smell the grapes in the air as harvest season

As one of the best wine regions in the nation, there’s an unlimited amount of fun activities to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country. That’s why we’re focusing on the ones that won’t break the bank. This list of free things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country includes activities for the entire family and is a great starting point for visitors and residents building an itinerary.

Go For a Hike

The Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira, New York offers free access to over 10 miles of hiking

Fall FLX Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

A local twist on traditional sangria, this cider-based sparkler is a perfect addition to your holiday table. Easy to make and even easier to drink, you’ll be toasting the harvest season in style with the combination of sweet-tart cider and smooth pear brandy. Raise a glass to the bounty of the season shared with friends and family!

YIELD: 6-8 servings

EQUIPMENT: Cutting board, knife, bottle opener, long spoon, large (at least 2 quart) pitcher

DIETARY INFO:

When the summer heat fades to cozy cuddle weather, a romantic fall getaway in Finger Lakes Wine Country is the perfect mix of pampering and adventure. From pumpkin-infused spa treatments and fireside wine tasting to fairy-tale castles and waterfall chasing.

The leaf peeping and long walks remind you of the things that make fall magical. A picturesque getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country will allow you and your partner to take a break, create new experiences together, and turn up the heat on

When the bewitching season begins and harvest is complete and it’s time to celebrate in Finger Lakes Wine Country. If the leaf-peeping or delicious fall flavors don’t pull you in, the holiday festivities will. We’ve rounded up fun Halloween events in Finger Lakes Wine Country this fall.

The more mature crowd will enjoy doing the Time Warp again at Rocky Horror Picture Show or exploring the Haunted Wine Walk at Hosmer Winery. Those looking for a fright will enjoy Phantom PhrightNights. While

Mushroom and Kale Risotto with Albee Hill Still Dry Cider

As the golden light of September illuminates the fields and lakes with its warm glow, the harvest celebration in the Finger Lakes begins. A simple and satisfying risotto for dinner helps calm the busyness of early autumn. Earthy mushrooms and kale compliment the creaminess of the rice, and Eve’s Cidery Albee Hill still dry cider lends the dish a gentle, apple-y sweetness. Raise a glass of cider to celebrate the enormous bounty of the

A fall trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country is ideal for families who enjoy amazing hikes, hands-on activities, and stunning lakeside views. This Finger Lakes Wine Country family-friendly fall travel guide will help you plan your next visit and create fun family memories.

There’s a chill in the air as trees start bursting with colors, and the fall foliage brings leaf-peepers and photographers. From chasing waterfalls to picking pumpkins, grapes, and apples, get ready for an active exploration of

We’ve already shared what to do and where to go in our 3-Day Fall Finger Lakes Wine Country Itinerary. Now we’re sharing how to experience the incredible fall flavors Finger Lakes Wine Country has to offer.

From apple cinnamon, apple cider, caramel apples, and candy apples the fall flavor profiles are endless and we haven’t even mentioned pumpkin. Locally harvested produce is one of the main attractions during fall in Finger Lakes Wine Country and the reason for many of your favorite flavors.

Fall is the most spooktacular season to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country. There’s no shortage of pumpkin patches to pick from, but also there’s something spookier. This place has a long history of tales from beyond and as the sunny days are replaced by darker skies the creepier side of the region begins to show. Which makes Finger Lakes Wine Country the perfect place to celebrate Halloween.

The small cemeteries that dot the back roads seem haunted among the barren trees. Whose leaves slowly