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

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

Celebrate spooky season with this homey loaf, leavened with beer instead of yeast. Horsehead Brewing Pumpkin Ale brings warm autumnal notes to this bread, and topping it with a brown butter glaze adds a luxurious finish. Without the glaze the bread is vegan, so simply omit if you avoid dairy. If there are nut sensitivities in your household, substitute toasted pumpkin seeds for the pecans and prepare to chase away the ghosts and goblins with a hearty slice of bread!

YIELD: 1 loaf
EQUIPMENT:

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

Autumn is without a doubt one of the most exciting seasons in Wine Country. For our farmers and winemakers, it is the moment when harvest reveals what delicious treats we can expect to see and taste in the year or two to come. Our roadside stands are often filled with sweet grapes, corn, and other fresh produce, ready to take home and serve at your table. And, though the air may be chillier, the scene starts bursting with colors, welcoming leaf-peepers and photographers who have long recognized