Published October 18, 2024
Falling for Buffalo: A Guide to Autumn Adventures
The greater Buffalo area always has something going on, and the arrival of cooler weather doesn’t slow things down one bit. As someone who is not from Buffalo, I’ve enjoyed discovering the many fall activities the city has to offer, and truthfully, I don’t think I’ve scratched the surface!
Whether you’re from Buffalo and need a refresher on seasonal fun, or this is your first fall here, this list of fall activities has something for everyone.
Visit a Cider Mill
When thinking of local cider mills, Mayer Bros Cider Mill is the first one that comes to mind. If you visit a grocery store in Western New York during the fall, you’ll likely see their apple cider in the coolers — Mayer Bros is truly staple of autumn in the region. Located in West Seneca, they are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout fall. Along with their fresh cider, they offer baked goods, slushies, apple cider donuts, and so much more.
Why limit yourself to one! There are more cideries around the Buffalo area you can visit, such as Becker Farms and Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill, both of which also offer apple picking.
Pick your Own
While on the topic of picking your own fall produce, there are various options around Buffalo to do just that. Whether you are after apples or even pumpkins, here are a few great spots:
Apple picking
In addition to Becker Farms and Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill, you can visit Baker Farm Market & U-Pick, open daily Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. LynOaken Farms also offers a fantastic selection of apples, with a guide on their website detailing when each variety is available for picking.
Pumpkin picking
There are plenty of places to pick pumpkins too, such as Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm or Pumpkinville, but one of the most popular is The Great Pumpkin Farm. Located in Clarence, it’s a bit of a drive, but well worth it. Throughout September and October, they host a Fall Festival, featuring a 5-acre corn maze, zombie paintball, hayrides, and lots of fresh-baked pies and pastries.
Go to a Farmers Market
Farmers’ markets are fantastic spring and summer activities, but they are just as fun in the fall. Many farmers markets in Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs run through October and even early November. Here are a few to check out:
- Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers’ Market: Open Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine through November.
- East Aurora Farmers’ Market: Open Wednesday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, until November 24th.
- Williamsville Farmers’ Market: Open Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, through late October.
The Williamsville Farmers’ Market is my personal favorite, and if you go, I highly recommend visiting the Kornerstone Coffee stall!
Hike and See the Leaves Change
Fall foliage in Western New York is truly breathtaking. Though you’ll be able to see the leaves change no matter where you go, if you're looking for specific spots where they're at their peak, Step Out Buffalo has a great list. It includes parks and trails throughout the area, perfect for a fall hike. Some standout spots to experience nature include Letchworth State Park, Akron Falls State Park, and Devil’s Hole State Park. Another great option that I personally love to visit is Glen Park located in Williamsville. It’s a small park tucked away off Main Street in Williamsville, a perfect spot if you need a place if you want to take a walk or relax and read a book!
P.S. If you visit Devil’s Hole State Park, you might want to swing down and visit Niagara Falls as well!
One of the best things about Buffalo is that there's always something going on. While this list offers plenty of options, there's so much more to explore. Use it as a starting point to dive into everything Buffalo has to offer as we transition from summer to the cooler months. And don't worry—there's still plenty to do once the snow starts falling!
