Although we all mourn the loss of the lush scenery and fun outdoor activities that accompany summer, many of us fail to realize that there are still plenty of great ways to spend time outside during the autumn months.
One activity in particular goes unnoticed by many college students who often spend their weekends hanging around, surfing the web and watching movies. This activity is none other than apple picking. It’s a great way to spend time outside with friends while embracing fall’s stunning foliage.
Nestled in the hills of Binghamton, there are several local orchards, all of which offer a wide variety of fun fall activities. One orchard in particular, Fiato’s, prides itself for being higher up in the hills than most of Binghamton’s other apple orchards.
According to Fiato’s owner Kathy Turney, the location is another definite plus.
‘It’s a really relaxed atmosphere up here,’ Turney said. ‘It’s not just about the apple picking but more the experience of being out in a farm atmosphere. It’s a beautiful place.’
Open from now until Halloween, there is plenty of time to head over to Fiato’s. And with 29 varieties of apples, including honey crisp, gala and Cortland, the orchard isn’t going to run out any time soon.
Besides apple picking, Fiato’s and many other local orchards feature many fun and exciting weekend activities. Fiato’s has an area where you can pick pumpkins and gourds. The orchard also has hay rides, a hay maze and a small petting zoo with goats, sheep and ducks.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth for fall treats, the market at Fiato’s will be sure to satisfy your craving. The market not only features a bakery that has pies, cookies and donuts, but also has fresh cider, candy, cheeses and a variety of food from local vendors.
It’s easy to understand why Fiato’s draws such a big crowd on a crisp fall day.
‘I think apple picking is really just a great family event,’ Turney said. ‘People associate fall with fresh apples and being able to pick locally-grown things. People love cider, donuts, pumpkins and just about anything that’s associated with the fall. It’s really just a lot of fun.’
And apple picking isn’t just a kid-friendly activity anymore. Although the orchards see a great deal of kids and families, more and more BU students are making their way to the orchards every year.
In fact, Fiato’s owner is even considering getting a shuttle bus that will run from Binghamton’s campus to the orchard during the autumn months. Considering apple picking’s large popularity among students, this might not be a bad idea.
Rachel Leitner, a junior majoring in human development, seemed to agree.
‘When I was a freshman, my friends and I wanted to go apple picking so badly that we took a cab all the way up to the orchards,’ she said. ‘Although it was a bit pricey, it was one of my best freshman year memories. The orchards were beautiful, and my friends and I had such a fun and relaxing day, picking apples and hanging out. I think a shuttle to the orchards would be a great idea.’
So the next time the weather is beautiful, do something other than spending the day in bed watching ‘Jersey Shore’ reruns. Grab a few friends and head over to one of Binghamton’s local apple orchards. The rolling hills and beautiful fall foliage will be sure to provide you with unforgettable memories.