Fall brings a ton of fun to Central New York. Check out nine of the must-do activities that come with the season and tell your coworkers some of the ones we missed!
Attend a Syracuse Athletics event
Football and soccer and field hockey…oh my! With so many opportunities to flex your Orange pride on campus, you have every reason to support our student-athletes. Check out the full schedule of Athletics events on Cuse.com. Looking for an extra special opportunity? Faculty and staff will be celebrated at the Sept. 28 football game. Tickets are only $5, and there will be giveaways!
Central New York offers many wonderful locations for apple picking.
Go apple picking
Put on your best flannel, throw on some jeans and get your basket ready. Whether you’re team Gala or Red Delicious, there is an orchard for you. Apple picking starts today at Beak & Skiff, which is ranked as a top spot in the United States for apple picking. Other spots to check out are Critz Farms, Abbott Farms or O’Neill’s Orchard. However, every local has a favorite spot, so ask around.
Attend a fall festival
Everyone loves a good festival, and, thankfully, we have plenty to choose from. The highly coveted Enchanted Beaver Lake (Oct. 17-20) sets the perfect fall mood. Tickets sell out quickly, but you can get yours at the Golden Harvest Festival (Sept. 7-8). Looking for something else? Check out: Irish Festival (Sept. 6-7), Festa Italiana (Sept. 13-15), CNY Circle Autumn Equinox Festival (Sept. 21), Westcott Street Cultural Fair (Sept. 22), 17th Annual SU Human Rights Film Festival (Sept. 26-29), Lafayette Apple Festival (Oct. 12-13) and Wizarding Weekend (Oct. 26-27).
Hike amongst the leaves
With cooler temperatures and beautiful views, fall proves to be a perfect time to go for a hike throughout New York state. Take an afternoon for one of the local spots, such as Clark Reservation State Park or Tinker Falls; a day drip to Robert Treman State Park; or a quick getaway to the Adirondacks or Catskills regions.
Pick a pumpkin…or launch one
Don’t just settle for picking apples; pick pumpkins, too. A few spots, including Critz Farms, do both. Others specialize in the pumpkin. A few popular spots are The Pumpkin Hollow, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch and Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm. If you feel like bringing your pumpkin-ing to the next level, take a day trip to Clayton, New York, for its annual Punkin Chunkin. While there, catapult a pumpkin into the St. Lawrence River and enjoy some BBQ.
Fall is an awesome time for pumpkin-ing.
Snap a pic of fall foliage
Fall foliage pictures are for everyone… pumpkin spice latte and floppy hat not required. Head to Green Lakes State Park for a photo of the foliage reflected in the water, meander through Oakwood Cemetery while the leaves fall, explore Highland Forest and all it has to offer or make it over to Skaneateles and check out Carpenter Falls. When in doubt, snap a picture of the color-changing ivy on campus.
Find a fright
There are a lot of opportunities to lean into a wide range of spooky fun during October. When it’s time, be on the lookout for information regarding Zoo Boo at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Fright Nights at the Fair and haunted or family-friendly hay rides. For now, check out the Family Halloween Train, which brings families aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Bring awareness and/or celebrate your identity
The academic year kicks off with nonstop programming, a lot of which is centered on awareness initiatives. Take part in campus events and/or celebrate or bring awareness to your own identity through one of these initiatives: Domestic/Dating Violence Awareness Month (October), Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), OrangeAbility, Mental Health Awareness Week (October), National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (October) and Native American Heritage Month (November).
Kick off your #SU150 celebrations
This year kicks of the University’s 150th anniversary. Join in the celebrations this fall through 150th anniversary events on campus and post on social media using #SU150.
