Ask any student in the Northeast what it’s like to live and go to school here in upstate New York, and chances are good they’ll reference one of the four seasons. And that’s because we get ‘em all, and we love ‘em all. (Yes, even the winters.)
If we haaad to pick a favorite though, it’s really hard to beat the fall.
Siena postcard-perfect this time of year, and the Capital Region and our surrounding areas are constantly buzzing with something to do. Harvest festivals. Pumpkin picking. Halloween parties.
Here are five of our favorite things to do around here this time of year.
1) Apple picking
Our campus is within driving distance to SO MANY local farms that open themselves up to the public for apple picking and pumpkin picking. It not only gives us good exercise and a batch of fresh Fujis to nosh on around campus, hitting up farms gives us a good excuse to sample an upstate NY specialty: cider donuts*, usually sold right there, too.
Visiting soon? Indian Ladder Farms, Goold Orchards and Altamont Orchards are popular options, if you want a literal taste of life at Siena.
2) Outdoor events
Google "Harvest Fests" in the Capital Region and take your pick. Nearly every neighboring town and city hosts some sort of outdoor festival throughout the season. The famed Troy Waterfront Farmers Market also stays outdoors for as long as possible (and you have to try the coffee at Jacob Alejandro!)
There are other popular events every fall, too, including Larkfest on Albany's vibrant Lark Street, Troy Chowderfest (yes, so much chowder), and the Adirondack Balloon Festival.
3) Hiking
The Capital District has beautiful fall foliage and trails for hikers of all ability levels to get the best views of the exploding colors. Thatcher Park offers both trails and a paved scenic overlook (an option for those who want the view but don’t want to leave the car and muddy their boots). Peebles Island has pleasant walking paths and Vroman’s Nose is a slightly more challenging but worthwhile hike.
4) Haunted tours and hayrides
Think our Capitol Building might be haunted? Take one of the ghost tours that are open to the public and find out. For those who didn’t get their fill of the farms during apple picking, many have after-hours haunted hayrides and haunted corn mazes. And, if you’re up for about an hour drive, you can get to Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses—as seen on The Today Show.
5) Awesome 5ks and 10ks
Runner or spectator, it doesn’t matter—our local races are honestly so much fun for everyone who comes, whether you’re lacing up your sneakers or holding a sign. From the Oktoberfest 5k in Albany to the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon, the Choices abound. Take a look.
*Wondering what a cider donut is? It’s time to make the drive here, ASAP.
