Around town: Fall-ing in love with Buffalo

Starbucks employees knew it was coming.

 They’ve been training for this battle since they were handed their first green apron. They knew what they signed up for, but they were not ready for Aug. 27. 

 They weren’t ready for the return of pumpkin spice, but UB students were.

 With the first day of fall kicking off this week, it’s spooky time. Before Buffalo is blanketed in 10 feet of snow and the freshmen are scavenging for caribou, the city prepares its annual month of Pinterest-worthy activities. Fall is known to be beautiful in New York State, and Buffalo is no exception. From pumpkin farms and corn mazes to rustic train rides and apple cider, Buffalo has a lot to offer those seeking Instagram-worthy experiences. To alleviate the pressure from Starbucks employees, we compiled a list of upcoming fall activities and events.

The Great Pumpkin Farm, Sept. 14 - Oct. 31

11199 Main St, Clarence 

 The Great Pumpkin Farm is a classic addition to the fall-season roster. The annual festival offers great opportunities for photo-ops in front of hundreds of pumpkins along with a petting zoo, corn maze, hayride and multiple food vendors. 

 Patrons can purchase from a pre-picked assortment of gourds, which cost roughly 45 cents per pound. The farm will also sell decorated pumpkins, assorted pies and outdoor decor including corn stalks and hay bales. It also hosts a Halloween-themed general store selling Halloween crafts and decorations.

 Spending all your money won’t be difficult when the smell of cinnamon and baked goods causes an inevitable blackout. 

Ellicottville Fall Festival, Oct. 11-13

Ellicottville Village

 The annual Ellicottville Fall Festival claims to be the oldest and largest foliage festival in the area, drawing in thousands of people every year. Tucked away in the Enchanted Mountains of Chautauqua-Allegheny county, surrounded by thick forests and sparkling lakes, the festival isn’t average. It boasts ski chair lifts over the autumnal foliage, a birds of prey show, live music and a 5 mile run. 

In addition to its unique activities, patrons flock to Ellicottville every year for its food, art and carnival rides. The event hosts multiple vendors specializing in fine art, crafts, clothing and Upstate New York memorabilia. 

Plus, no one can hear you cry on a ski lift.

The Pumpkin Fiesta at Becker Farms

3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport

Becker Farms is another classic Buffalo pumpkin farm for fall activities. The farm hosts an annual family-friendly festival featuring hayrides, a petting zoo, goat races and pony rides. Patrons can buy freshly made jams, seasonal pies, cookies, cakes and wine.  

Although the Pumpkin Fiesta may be geared more toward families with children, Becker Farms also offers apple and pumpkin picking, a bakery and a brewery. The farm operates its own brewery and winery, offering tours of their vineyards and facilities.

And nothing will make you forget about your upcoming exams like watching a goat race.

Mayer Bros Cider Mill Store

1540 Seneca Creek Rd, Buffalo

 The Mayer Bros Cider Mill has been pressing apples into sweet, sweet cider since 1852. The Mayer brothers had a dream, a dream that a pretty blonde girl wearing UGGs, Lululemon leggings and an oversized sweater would walk into their shop one day and think, “And I oop. Big mood.” And that dream came true.

 The cider mill offers fresh-pressed cider, fresh-baked doughnuts and seasonal pies. There is also a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and horse-drawn carriage rides. The scenic location will take visitors back in time as they oogle the Upstate baked goods. 

Fall Foliage Train Rides, Medina Railroad Museum

530 West Avenue, Medina

 The famed Medina Railroad Museum is a fall activity Upstate New Yorkers may overlook. Every season, the railroad offers two-hour trips around Western New York to view the local foliage. The trains travel through wooded areas and alongside the Erie Canal and morning trips offer pre-packaged lunches.

Samantha Vargas is the senior features editor and can be reached at Samantha.Vargas@UBSpectrum.com and on Twitter at @SamMarieVargas.

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