For local flavor and a break from the regular weekend routine, the Ellicottville Fall Festival is…read moredifficult to beat. While in Buffalo recently, friends suggested we make the hour trek to Ellicottville to check out the festival. It's located in a small ski village, and -- never one to turn down the chance to check out a new place -- I jumped at the chance. Street parking was relatively easy to find, and we soon were meandering through the downtown at the foothills of the ski resort. With hills all around us and brilliantly color-changing leaves, it was here to beat the beautiful setting. If you know local festivals, you know what to expect -- booths with all sorts of arts, crafts, snacks, and unique local finds lined the middle of the streets, which had been closed off for pedestrian-only traffic. We perused the different booths and stores before stopping a spell for lunch. Happen to be out this way in the fall? Head on over and check it out for a relaxed afternoon in a colorful and cozy setting.

As a San Diego transplant that hasnt experienced fall in a good 10 years, this was a perfect way to…read moreenjoy all the season has to offer. The drive down the (do I need to stop saying "the" in front of highways?) 219 was beautiful, and the weather was just the right amount of chilly to be enjoying my flannel and boots and hot apple cider. The main downside here is the traffic getting into town, but there really is nothing that can be done about it. You just have to be ready and be patient. The church just inside town was graciously offering "donation" parking (as opposed to the $10 parking further into town), and since it was on the edge of town, made it super easy to leave when we were done. The town of Ellicottville is also very charming, and I would love to come back again to enjoy the area on a normal day!

I try to make it back for the festival every year. Great music, food, crowds over 3 1/2 days. I…read morelike the events on the commons most, but the parade (Thurs night) and the party at Stewart park (Sunday) are pretty sweet too.

The best of Ithaca! Usually held during the first weekend of June, the Ithaca Festival celebrates…read morethe vital role of the arts in the community. Local food, arts and crafts fair featuring over 80 crafters and artists (jewelry, pottery, paintings, furniture, photography, wooden creations, handmade toys), healing arts fair (massage, reiki, acupuncture, herbal medicine), Gorges Green Expo (learn about environmental awareness, energy conservation, and other green initiatives. Also features a Taste of Tompkins, where you can taste locally grown vegetables, local cheeses, locally made desserts, and wine), family fun (face-painting, storytelling, performances, etc), an Ithaca Festival Parade, and a Paint Off (local artists are asked to produce a piece of art on site in just one hour and the best piece is auctioned off). There's a lot of other stuff going on, too, that I'm probably missing. It's a great place to take your family, date, friends, anyone!

Like a trip back in time …read more The apple umpkin festival in Wyoming county has a real throw back vibe. The town truly is quaint, and very lovely in the fall season. There were plenty of vendors selling seasonal goods, crafts and antiques. There were plenty of reasonably priced pumpkins of all shapes, colors and sizes being sold as well . Just a very cute little festival that I would attend again . There were food vendors with many delicious seasonal foods to try. The apple sausage is back and said to be very good ! Amish baked goods were delicious, chowder , salt potatoes , apple cider slushes and much more . I wish there was more of a draw for children , I think there were some things for the kids, but there could be more . Overall we enjoyed the trip and the surroundings , got some great pumpkins and home decor and had some delicious fall treats ,

My first time going, I wish there was more activities then just vendors & crafts. Maybe some more…read moreactual apple and pumpkin themed things? But I loved the balloon arch display and live music! not sure why there was a trump store/vendor here. . . Kinda put an odd vibe on a cute craft fair, especially the f bombs on half the flags they had on display. In my opinion, not worth the drive from Rochester.

A small country festival with enough activity to last the whole family all day. The morning parade…read morewith so many pipe bands was amazing!

Great day at a fun fair. Fun to taste apples from a variety of local farmers. I also loved the free…read moresamples of cider. It was crowded, but not too crowded and other vendors if you got tired of the apples, but who gets tired of apples. Fun memorable date or outing for kids. Free to get in and very reasonably priced items. Parking close can be challenging if you get there later in day.

Awesome! Usually held the first weekend in October. Living up to its motto, "Tempting to the Core,"…read morethis festival attracts over 30,000 people and features performers, entertainment, farmers, wineries, bakeries, crafters, food vendors, an apple pie eating competition, music, dancing, eating, food from local restaurants, education, a Ferris wheel, giant slide, Iron Chef event, crafts, and APPLES. The Festival also tries to be environmentally friendly, as it uses compostable utensils and paper plate. A local favorite is the kettle corn. I'm a fan of the candied apples. Om nom! Lots of fun, definitely come enjoy the celebration if you're in Ithaca around this time!

The fireworks were great but I wish they brought bck the laser We enjoyed the laser show last year…read moreand was looking forward to see it again this year plus we were happy to see the shuttle this yr but Very Upset that we had to wait over an hr to get on a shuttle bck to the race track that has discouraged us for coming bck next year

Always amazing fireworks! Lots of great music all across the festivities. The trolley (D bus) is…read morewell worth the 3 bucks for all you can ride. It especially came in handy this past weekend with the downpour. Wine court has lots of free samples. Don't forget to pick up a bottle and enjoy it with live music and fireworks show! I would like to see more food trucks to better support local businesses. Also, there were no recycling bins available and hope to see that improved for next year!