As leaves begin to turn and the air adopts a crisp chill, the vibrant city of Binghamton, NY transforms into a vibrant palette of orange, yellow, and red, setting the stage for a series of fall events that are sure to foster a sense of community while creating memorable experiences. This is a season marked by family-friendly activities, irresistible fall foods, breathtaking outdoor activities and enchanting Halloween festivities. From pumpkin patches and farm festivals to apple orchards and cider tastings, outdoor shenanigans to delightful food and beverage festivals, there is indeed something for everyone to enjoy during autumn in Binghamton.
Farm Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Iron Kettle Farm in Candor, NY: A Fall Tradition
Iron Kettle Farm, located at 707 Owego Road in Candor, NY – about a half hour drive from Binghamton – becomes a hub of fall activities from late September to October 31. This family-friendly farm is open daily during the fall season, from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 7 pm on weekends. While there is no admission fee for the farm itself, certain activities, such as the cow train, corn maze, and haunted house, require purchase.
The farm’s centerpiece is an extensive pumpkin display depicting storybook scenes, a tradition that’s taken place here for over 50 years. In addition to picking out pumpkins, guests can navigate a corn maze, take a haunted house tour, ride on the cow train, or board a hayride. Freshly picked fall produce and homemade baked goods can also be purchased at the farm’s market.
Stoughton Farm in Newark Valley, NY: A Maze of Art
A half-hour north of Binghamton at 10898 State Route 38 in Newark Valley, NY, sits Stoughton Farm. Its extensive corn maze is its star attraction, intricately designed each year to depict a different picture when viewed from above. The farm is open for fall fun from mid-September to Halloween, seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm, with slightly extended hours (until 8 pm) on Fridays and Saturdays in October.
Admission prices, which vary based on age and whether you’ll be tackling the maze, include access to the bounce house, hay ride, cow train, and corn canon. In addition to selling pumpkins, Stoughton Farm also offers a wide range of fresh produce grown onsite. An eye-catching event here is the Night Maze, where brave guests navigate the maze after sunset with flashlights.
Embracing the Autumn Season in Binghamton
When it comes to celebrating the autumn season in a wholesome and entertaining way, Binghamton and the surrounding area does not disappoint. The region is dotted with farms that offer an array of enjoyable family experiences.
Apple Orchards and Cider Tasting
Discover Apple Orchards in the Binghamton Area
A particularly popular activity in the Binghamton area during this season, is spending a day in the expanses of glorious apple orchards. Two standout locations are Apple Hills and Lone Maple Farm. These renowned orchards offer U-pick experiences, making for a fun-filled family day out.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Broome County, just a short 20-minute drive from Binghamton, lies the Apple Hills Orchard. With over 20 different apple varieties that mature from August through October, Apple Hills boasts well-tended trees that make picking apples a joy, eliminating the need for ladders or awkward reaching.
Alternatively, Lone Maple Farm is a short ten-minute hop north of Binghamton. This location also provides a pick-your-own experience, with the spectacular backdrop of the farm set against spectacular fall colors enhancing the trip. The assortment of apple types, available from late August through October, ensures an enjoyable family outing.
Best Time to Visit Orchards
The best time to visit these orchards for apple picking is typically from mid-September to late October. The exact timing varies based on the seasonal weather patterns and the variety of apples.
Most orchards in Binghamton start their U-pick seasons in late summer, with early varieties available around late August. The season usually culminates with late harvest types, such as fuji or cameo, that are ready to pick in late October. It is best to check the orchard’s website or call them directly to confirm the availability of U-pick apples.
Facilities Provided by Orchards
Besides apple picking, these orchards also offer a medley of fall fun activities. Many orchards, including Apple Hills and Lone Maple Farm, house quaint cafes offering mouth-watering apple delicacies, farm-fresh lunch menus, and ample outdoor seating. While at Lone Maple Farm, visitors can enjoy their farm-to-table dinners while also partaking in wine, beer, and gourmet food tastings.
Children can enjoy hayrides, petting zoos, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes – a wonderful way for the family to relish the bounty and beauty of the season.
Cider Tasting
Visitors looking for a more adult-oriented outing can attend cider tastings at local cideries near Binghamton. The cider-making process is a fascinating blend of science and tradition. It involves fermenting apples into a full-bodied beverage that reflects the flavors of the region’s apple varieties.
Among the local favorites is the Awestruck Ciders located about 40 minutes from Binghamton. They offer a tasting room experience where you can sample their range of handcrafted hard ciders in a casual setting.
The breathtaking scenery and charming countryside of Binghamton, NY provide a delightful backdrop for a host of fall activities. This region, known for its apple picking and cider tasting opportunities, promises an engaging and colorful fall season for residents and visitors alike. With a wide array of activities for all ages on offer, the town truly comes alive during this beautiful time of the year.
Outdoor Fall Festivities
Experience the Fall Foliage Festival in Binghamton
As part of the fall celebrations, Binghamton hosts an annual Fall Foliage Festival in mid-October that showcases the stunning transformation of nature. Immerse yourself in this fantastic spectacle where foliage turns from green to a vibrant palette of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns. The festival, located in the town’s scenic Recreation Park, invites attendees to wander through its paths and marvel at the canvas of autumnal hues on display.
Artists and Craftsmen at Binghamton’s Fall Craft Show
Local artisans and craftsmen gather every September at the Binghamton Fall Craft Show in Broome County Farmer’s Market. This event showcases locally sourced and handcrafted products, such as ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and so much more. Thrill your senses as you walk around dozens of stalls brimming with unique finds. Participation is also encouraged, with hands-on workshops available for attendees.
Get Active with Binghamton’s Fall Hiking Events
Binghamton’s sprawling green spaces radiate a magnetic allure in the fall, with a plethora of hiking trails to explore during this season. The Cornell Botanical Gardens‘ fall hiking event in November is a delightful venture into the breathtakingly gorgeous display of flaming fall foliage. Detailed trail maps are available, and guided tours can also be arranged.
Savor Binghamton’s Fall Flavors at the City’s Food and Wine Festival
Indulge your taste buds with the array of culinary delights offered at Binghamton’s Food and Wine Festival, which takes place in the throes of the Autumn season, typically in late September or early October. This gastronomic gala highlights Binghamton’s growing food and wine culture with live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, wine-tasting sessions, and a chance to sample some delectable cuisines from contributing restaurants.
Concerts in the Park: Binghamton’s Magical Autumn Evenings
As fall evenings get more crisp and starlit, Binghamton’s Otsinango Park is usually abuzz with public concerts. Big names from the local and national music scene perform here to the public’s delight, usually beginning in September and continuing into Fall. You’ll want to bring a comfortable blanket or chair, your loved ones, and a picnic to make the most out of these free concerts.
Explore Binghamton’s Agritourism This Fall
As the leaves begin to change in Binghamton, NY, a host of farms in the area open their doors to the public. From mid-September to late October, these guided tours offer enthusiasts both fun and educational experiences. Enjoy scenic hayrides, learn about sustainable farming techniques, and, if you’re ready to get your hands dirty, participate in seasonal harvest activities.
Halloween Events
Experience Chills and Thrills at Binghamton’s Haunted Attractions
When the brisk autumn air settles in, the thrill of Halloween makes Binghamton come alive. From late September through the first weekend in November, Endicott’s Reaper’s Revenge Haunted Hayride offers a family-friendly journey through a series of spine-chilling experiences, including creepy carnivals, cryptic forests, and an ever-haunting ghost town.
For those seeking more goosebumps, the NY State Fairgrounds hosts Fright Nights at the Fair, where you can explore five terror-filled haunted houses.
Neighborhood Trick-Or-Treating
One of the most anticipated Halloween activities in the area is community trick-or-treating. Many neighborhoods in the Binghamton area arrange for scheduled trick-or-treating hours, usually on the weekend before or on Halloween itself. Be sure to check with local community calendars for exact times and dates.
Costume Parties
For adults looking for Halloween fun, Binghamton offers numerous costume parties and pub crawls. Local bars, restaurants, and event centers often host themed parties where attendees can participate in costume contests.
Halloween Parades
For a more family-oriented event, the local schools and community organizations often host Halloween parades and festivals. For instance, the “Pumpkin Parade” at the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier traditionally offers a fun-filled day of games, food, and a costume parade around the Story Garden.
Ross Park Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo”
The Ross Park Zoo runs an annual “Zoo Boo” event on weekends in October. Kids and their parents can spend the day trick-or-treating around the zoo, engaging in fun pumpkin crafts, and enjoying face painting and animal spotlights.
If you’re seeking an engaging fall event that caters to every adventurous spirit, look no further than Binghamton, NY. This bustling city offers a multitude of experiences, whether you’re after a family-friendly affair or a heart-pounding, eerie night of frights.