Where to Go for Fresh Fall Foods & Drinks in the Clifton Park Area
When I think about fall, I picture beautiful foliage, a packed bag of Honeycrisp apples, and my favorite homemade dishes like roasted delicata squash. If you're also a fan of the season's produce, then we recommend visiting these great places for fresh fall foods and drinks in the Clifton Park area.
Fall Foods and Drinks Near Clifton Park at a Glance
- Apple orchards: U-pick apples and a bakery at DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards (Halfmoon), plus weekend hayrides, farm animals, and the Apple Room at Riverview Orchards (Rexford).
- Pumpkin patches: Ellms Family Farm (Ballston Spa), Bowman Orchards (Rexford), Sunnyside Gardens (Saratoga Springs), Liberty Ridge Farm (Schaghticoke), and Kristy's Barn (Schodack).
- Farmers markets: Clifton Park Farmers Market (Mondays, June to October) and the Saratoga Farmers Market (Saturdays and Wednesdays, May to October, then indoors at Wilton Mall).
- Craft beverages: Adirondack Winery's apple pie wine and Nine Pin Ciderworks' New York-made craft cider in Albany.
Apple Orchards
Many of us have fond memories of apple picking with the family, and I especially enjoy trying different varieties before filling my bag. Whether you're looking to eat, cook, or bake your apples into a pie, there are plenty of options to choose from at local orchards.
Most offer a U-Pick Season during the fall, including DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards in Halfmoon, but you can also buy pre-picked bags of apples too. One of the perks of visiting DeVoe's is their bakery, which is filled with pies, muffins, sweet cider doughnuts, and more.
Another local option is Riverview Orchards in Rexford, where visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Weekend visitors can take a free hayride through the orchard, while families with kids will love seeing the farm animals. After picking, the orchard's Apple Room offers fresh apples, cider, cheese, and other local products, making Riverview Orchards a fun stop for a full day of fall activities.
Head to your favorite local orchard this fall and spend some time stocking up on apples.
Pumpkin Patches
Pumpkins are a fall staple, and I can't imagine my front porch steps without them this time of year. Although you can find them for sale at local grocery stores, nothing beats a trip to a real pumpkin patch.
If you want to add pumpkin picking to your fall itinerary, then Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa is a great starting point. The farm attraction offers pumpkin picking in their giant pumpkin patch, as well as over 40 other activities, including corn mazes, gemstone mining, slides, a sports center, and more.
In addition to Ellms, you can pick up pumpkins at the following local farms:
- Bowman Orchards: Located at 147 Sugarhill Road in Rexford
- Sunnyside Gardens: Located in Saratoga Springs
- Liberty Ridge Farm: Located at 29 Bevis Road in Schaghticoke
- Kristy's Barn: Located at 2385 Brookview Road in Schodack
Farmers Markets
For the best fall produce all in one place, you have to take a trip to a farmers market. If I could, I'd be there every weekend browsing the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables and seeing what else catches my eye.
Farmers markets are a convenient way to purchase items directly from local farmers. Most of the area's outdoor markets are open through October and overflowing with butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata squash, pumpkins, and other fall favorites.
The Clifton Park Farmers Market is open on Mondays from June - October at the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, and the Saratoga Outdoor Markets are open Saturdays and Wednesdays from May - October at High Rock Park. This market moves indoors to Wilton Mall starting in November.
Craft Beverage Producers
Do you enjoy fall drink specials? Cheers to the season at the Capital Region's excellent craft beverage producers.
Many places offer fall-themed beverages, like Adirondack Winery's "Home Sweet Home" apple pie wine, seasonal cocktails, and more.
For a true taste of fall, Nine Pin Ciderworks in Albany offers craft cider made with 100% New York apples and fruit sourced from Capital Region and Hudson Valley orchards. It's a great place to enjoy the flavors of the season while supporting local New York agriculture.
Plan Your Fall Harvest Trip Around Clifton Park
Fall in the Clifton Park area brings plenty of ways to shop and sip local, with apple orchards, pumpkin patches, farmers markets, and craft beverage producers all within a short drive. Hours and seasonal availability change throughout the fall, so check with each farm or market before you go.
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