I’ve said before how much I love it when my parents come out for a visit. This weekend was another wonderful example of why. New York is beautiful in the Fall, I must admit. The brisk weather, sweaters and scarves, the rich colors are irresistible. The weather cooperated with us for the most part, and I even took Monday off to extend the weekend. It was perfect weekend to spend with my family!
On the itinerary were some of the best Autumn activities: apple picking, pumpkin choosing and pie baking. Ben and I took my parents to our favorite apple picking place, Blackman Homestead Farm. The day was gorgeous with vivid blue skies and bright sunshine to keep us warm on the drive out to the country. We got our bags and began to fill them with perfectly ripe apples. Mom and I climbed a few trees to get the ones at the very top, which are always the best and only afterward did we spot the “Please don’t climb the trees” sign. Oops. Well, better after than before I suppose.
From those apples we made a delicious apple pie thanks to a few baking secrets from Ben’s mom. We also made some pumpkin bread which couldn’t have come out more perfect. Needless to say it didn’t last long. Mom made a batch of her chunky apple sauce and we still had plenty of apples leftover for eating or baking more treats.
My Dad has always had this knack for finding fun places to go, even when he doesn’t know where he is. After picking our apples, we decided to explore some of the little towns on Lake Ontario, as far north as you can go in New York without getting wet. None of us had ever been up there, but decided just to drive around and see what we could find. In no time my Dad had us parked and walking around a beautiful historic harbor, talking to the local fishermen and getting tips about where to go next. One thing lead to another and before we knew it we were in a little bar overlooking the harbor watching the football game and eating some delicious Buffalo chicken wings with the locals. They all seemed to know each other and would buy each other drinks every time the Bills scored a touchdown (which meant they mostly bought their own drinks). Anyways, it was a good little find.
Other great activities from the weekend included a lovely dinner at the Eagle House restaurant, beer and the ball game (Go Yankees!) and lunch at one of our favorite new eateries, Falafel Bar, which serves Mediterranean food. Every time we go I remember my first falafel in Amsterdam, Holland and I can hear my friend Leah yelling “faaaaa-la-feeeeeeeel” just because it’s fun to say. Funny, though, how most of our activities this weekend revolved around eating. We’re pretty good at that, I guess!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
So where are all the beautiful fall pictures? Fall is my favorite season as well….apples, pumpkins, cider, mums, and the colors….love it!
October 24th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Jennifer,
Thanks for capturing that wonderful weekend in words and pictures. It’s such a thrill to know you get genuinely excited to see your old Mom & Dad, not something all families have. The only problem is that I gain a few pounds on these visits. Well, I’m glad no one fell out of a tree.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Sounds like everyone had a great time and all the baking turned out wonderful.