Welcome to a Top picks for this time-honored Upstate tradition
T
he waning days of summer are often used as literary symbolism for a transition. John Knowles and John Cheever come to mind, writers whose work was introduced to me during my studies in college. Though, in literature fall often forewarns the readers of something ominous, these transitional days in the Capital District welcome opportunities of change, and the promise of an apple cider doughnut. This time of year reminds me of weekend drives up north with a car stuffed with the life essentials of a 20-something-year-old boy en route to college. The two-plus hour drive was marked by apple trees. Just as we grew tired of the mountains, we’d be greeted by hundreds of apple trees after descending from the Adirondacks. It was always the harbinger of a new year, new experiences. When the north wind breaks through the last of the summer heat, these are the days I remember. The next best thing is spending time on one of our local apple orchards. Pittsburgh babies are born with a Steelers’ “Terrible Towel.” New Yorkers are born with an apple. Our Hudson Valley is ripe for apple lovers. When Johnny Appleseed went walking through the valleys, as evident by the abundance of orchards in our neighborhood, he spent most of his time here. Only Washington produces more apples. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New York produces
14 Family Now — September 2020
nearly 30 million bushels each year, grown on 55,000 acres across the Empire State. The Capital District is blessed with a healthy balance between the urban and rural that allows us all to take a short drive to reconnect with the country. That means, we’re never too far from a good place to pick apples. But, there’s more to it than just walking through the rows of trees with a bag in hand. Many of these places feature plenty of other activities in which families can partake. Hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, hard cider bars and live music — have become staple activities to expect at any one of these locations. However, with
