Buffalo’s cool weather and abundant trees make the area one of the most striking places to spend the fall months. As summer draws to a close, here are ten activities to enjoy in and around Buffalo.

Make memories with an apple-picking trip.

The Buffalo area is home to several orchards. Many of these sites host fall festivities in the form of apple picking. Check out Becker Farms in Gasport or Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill in Lockport. Both sites also offer pre-picked apples if you’re in a hurry but still want a taste of fall. 

Choose your own pumpkins for Halloween fun.

What’s better than carving your own jack-o-lantern for October festivities? Choosing the perfect pumpkin for your creation, of course! The Great Pumpkin Farm, Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm, and Pumpkinville all offer the chance to find your perfect pumpkin. They also offer activities for kids and families, like The Great Pumpkin Farm’s corn maze and full Halloween-themed bar experience. All the fun at these farms makes pumpkin day a can’t-miss fall event.

 Enjoy the view at Ellicottville.

Ellicottville offers a truly unique Buffalo experience, especially in the fall. For an unforgettable view of New York’s striking fall foliage, take the chairlift at Holiday Valley. Holiday Valley Adventure Park offers fun for the entire family. There’s so much to do, you may need to make Ellicottville a weekend getaway – or plan multiple trips!

 Take in a fall festival.

Fall offers outstanding weather for outdoor festivals, but only a few weekends to enjoy it. Towns in the area take advantage of the opportunity by hosting festivals nearly every weekend in the autumn months. From Buffalo’s Oktoberfest to the lights at Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, every weekend offers something new and fascinating to do. Head downtown for fall fun, or explore neighboring small towns for new experiences.

Indulge in autumn treats at a cider mill, brewery, or bakery.

Cider and donuts are classic fall flavors. Local apple orchards and cider mills offer freshly-brewed and baked creations for the entire family. For an adult twist on fall, look for your favorite signature drinks at local breweries. Buffalo’s brewers offer pumpkin beer, craft cocktails, and more.

Stretch your legs on a hike.

Fall hiking is one of the best parts of living in western New York. Comfortable temperatures, fewer insects, and amazing displays of fall color make hiking a great way to spend your fall free time. Check out Letchworth State Park, famously known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and located an hour’s drive from Buffalo. If you’re willing to venture further, Watkins Glen State Park offers a chance to enjoy hiking in the Finger Lakes region.

Get haunted at a fun haunted house or a famous haunted site.

Want to have some spooky fun? Check out Frightworld on Hertel or Fright Fest at Darien Lake for a heart-pounding haunted house experience. The Haunted Forest offers the chance to combine two fall traditions – the haunted house and the old-fashioned fall hayride. For the aspiring ghost hunters, Buffalo also offers a bevy of haunted locales, from Iron Island Museum to Buffalo Central Terminal. The Buffalo Naval Park has even been featured on SyFy’s Ghost Hunters.

Spend an afternoon refreshing your fall wardrobe.

With so many amazing boutiques and local shops in and around Buffalo, finding the perfect scarf, sweater, or pair of boots to refresh your fall wardrobe is simple – and delightful. Many shops get into the autumn spirit with fun decorations, spooky music, and seasonal offerings, so you can enjoy the hunt for your new fall favorites.

Join the fun at the Rocky Horror Show.

If you’ve never been to Rocky Horror, now is the time. Whether you attend a live performance at one of Buffalo’s many theaters or take in the original motion picture, an evening of Rocky Horror with audience participation is a great way to have fun and embrace your inner weirdness. There are even special participation moments for first-time attendees!

Go tailgating at a Bills game.

If you don’t join the fun during a Bills game, are you even in Buffalo? Several local bars go all out for home games, or you can head to Highmark Stadium to join the fun in person. If you don’t want to leave home, fire up the television and throw a Bills party of your own!

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