Chris Gmyr

The weather is getting colder and fall is here and for some of us, that might mean bundling up and cuddling up in the house with a good book or getting out those warmer clothes or even some cleaning. For other people though, this means, apple picking, cider, and pumpkin carving and much more. So why not put away that book and those cleaning supplies for just a bit longer and take the kids for some fall fun the whole family will never forget on some apple orchards.

One of these farms is Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard near Cooperstown, NY. You and your family can enjoy specialty foods such as mill made fudge, cave aged cheddar cheese, salsa, apple wines, and hard ciders. You can also take self guided tours through the Mill Store Marketplace, the Cider Gallery and more. Then you can stop in for a bite to eat and some sweet treats at restaurant and bakery. At the marketplace, you and your family can sample some specialty foods and make a gift basket with the help of a mill gift basketing expert or shop online when you get home at the mill’s online store

At the restaurant and bakery you can enjoy fresh baked goods, soups, sandwiches, BBQ, ice cream, cider floats, doughnuts, coffee and more. There is seating inside and on the boardwalk overlooking the Millpond. It is open seven days a week nine o’clock until five-thirty pm. The whole cider mill and orchard is open until 9am-6pm every day until December 20th (http://www.flycreekcidermill.com).

The other place to do some good apple picking and buying is Beak and Stiff apple farm located in Lafayette, NY. This place includes an apple orchard, farm market and even a new farm cider/winery. Here you can pick some quality fresh apples and enjoy some fresh cider. This is a family business and they take real pride in their work and their products, bringing locals and tourists just the very best (http://www.beakandskiff.com/).