5 Faves on our Buffalo Autumn Bucket List

Just because Summer in Buffalo has ended doesn’t mean that the fun has to come to an end as well. Of course, the cool breeze of autumn means that football season is back in full swing, but it also means there are countless festivities to be found in the city! Tailgating and pumpkin spiced lattes hold a place on an enormously long bucket list of fall festivities we can’t wait for you to experience. The changing of the seasons opens up a whole new array of experiences in Western New York, and there’s no better way to appreciate all that Autumn has to offer than by checking off these bucket list items. From tailgates to trick-or-treats, the crisp air of autumn is upon us so get out and get festive!

One: Soak in the Scenery

One of the best things about living in Western New York is getting to witness the beauty of the seasons changing. What better way to appreciate the city than to get out and explore the myriad of colors that fall brings? Whether you want to get some exercise in and go for a hike or just take a scenic drive, the views can’t be beat. If you want to truly immerse yourself in nature, Hunter’s Creek will give you all the feelings of a National Park and has some easy hiking trails to explore. If a Sunday drive is more your style, traveling the Scenic Byway loop is a sure-fire way for you to lay your eyes on those vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that fall foliage has to offer. Another beautiful viewing spot for autumn is Chestnut Ridge Park. Here, you can bike, hike, and explore expansive grounds filled with hundreds of trees changing color. You can even get a distant view of Niagara Falls on a clear day!

Two: Tıckle your Tastebuds

What would fall in Buffalo be without the delicious flavors of apple and pumpkin? Apple picking is such a classic autumn activity that will never go out of style. Get the family out of the house for the day, or even take a little day date to one of Buffalo’s well-known farms. Apple picking doesn’t just mean going home with a bushel to bake your famous apple pie. You can spend some time at the farm, taking a horse-drawn hayride, sipping on some cider, and indulging in a delicious apple cider doughnut, too! There are a couple places in the area famous for their cider doughnuts, and they serve them a variety of ways. Add in a corn maze and a pumpkin patch, and you’ve got yourself the quintessential fall day.

Three: Get Spooky

One must-do on any fall bucket list is getting spooked. Whether a haunted hayride or walk through a house is on your list, there’s nothing like a good scare to get you in the spirit of haunted fun! Experienced all the classic spooky seasonal activities and looking to spice things up a bit? Visit a real haunted place. There are some truly well-known haunted spots in the area that will take you off the beaten path and transform your traditional spooky season into an adventure all its own! You can also sign up for a guided tour of some of these scary places around the city.

Four: Imbibe in Autumnal Libations

Breweries are popping up all over the Buffalo area, and what better way to support your local brewery than by sampling some of their best seasonal varieties! Several area breweries create an array of tasty fallinspired beverages like Oat Cream IPAs, pumpkin brewed beers, and hard ciders. Oktoberfest is also big in Buffalo, and one way to celebrate is by visiting the Botanical Gardens for Dining at Dusk! You’ll be serenaded by authentic German music while chowing down on brats, beer, and soft pretzels.

Five: Find a Festival

Every Saturday in October, Everhaunt will host Family Fall Festivals! Here, you can enter a costume contest, get your face painted, and sample some eats from the variety of food trucks in attendance. Erie County Fall Fest also has a ton of family fun in store with a number of local vendors and live entertainment! Into arts and crafts? Check out the Fall Fest Craft and Vendor Fair. Located at Elks Lodge, this fair will host some of the best local vendors and artists around. Do some shopping, enjoy an array of yummy goods, and support your local businesses in a fun and festive way!