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Enjoy the Arrival of Autumn in Western New York

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2019-09-30 21:07:00

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Fall is here, and as the leaves change and the air gets crisper, there’s no better place to soak up the season than Western New York. Thanks to its beautiful countryside, gorgeous natural features, and the events and activities you’ll find in the bustling cities and quiet small towns along the way, there’s plenty to see and do in this region at any time of year, but fall is an especially perfect time to go exploring here.

For one thing, the views just can’t be beat. During peak foliage season, while the trees are ablaze with shades upon shades of red, orange and yellow, the already-breathtaking vistas in this area really take the beauty factor up to another level. The area has tons of state parks to stroll through, but for something extra special, consider a place like Letchworth State Park, which has earned the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East” and was actually voted the best attraction in the state in 2017. With towering cliffs and deep gorges carved by the Genesee River, thundering waterfalls, and a variety of overlooks that provide views deep into the canyon, Letchworth is a one-of-a-kind place already, but the extra pop of color adds a whole new dimension to its beauty. And of course, who could forget the famous Niagara Falls, which looks even more stunning with a backdrop of gorgeous, crisp fall colors framing it.

Of course, while there’s plenty of nature to explore, there’s also a lot to see and do within the city limits. Western New York is home to the big cities of Rochester and Buffalo, with all the accompanying amenities, as well as plenty of smaller towns with a charming feel. Between all the options, you can find anything from quiet escape to a bustling downtown scene and anything in between.

Wherever you go, there’s plenty of opportunity to find shopping, dining, entertainment and festivals, art, antiques, museums and historic sites, and just about anything else you could hope to enjoy during an autumn weekend away. And there are plenty of places to stay, too, from quaint and quiet inns and B&Bs to five-star hotels, so you can plan to spend as long here as you like.

Being in an area known for its miles of rolling farmland not only makes for great views, but also presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the freshest flavors of fall. Farm stands are operating well into the autumn, and many orchards open their doors this time of year, too. Pick your own apples, or pick up pies and baked goods, freshly-pressed cider, hot cider donuts, or one of the tons of other local favorites you find in these places, like honey, real maple syrup, artisan cheeses, and homemade jams. Of course, the area supports plenty of wineries, craft breweries, hard cideries, and distilleries as well, so you’ll have your choice of beverages to wash it all down with.

Whatever your perfect fall weekend includes, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Western New York before the season is over and give yourself a chance to take in the views, enjoy the local flavors, explore the cities and towns, and most importantly, make memories that’ll last all winter long.

Photo Credits:

Letchworth balloon over falls photo credit Letchworth State Park
Niagara Falls in autumn photo credit Mike
Rochester in fall photo credit Visit Rochester
Buffalo waterfront photo credit flickr
Glass of wine with fall leaves file photo

posted at: 2019-09-30 21:07:00, last updated: 2020-03-17 18:11:57

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