October 3, 2022 by Olivia Clemmensen (’26)
Do you love fall, but not know how or where to enjoy it to its fullest? Are you looking for ways to take in the sights of Saratoga and upstate N.Y. in the fall weather? From the best places to go apple picking to where to go hiking to see the leaves change color, here’s a guide to almost all the ways you can enjoy Autumn in Upstate!
“Fall is going slightly out of your way to step on a crunchy-looking leaf” describes Ms. Cole. Lily says fall is “apple picking with friends.” It’s downtown festivities and getting cider donuts at apple orchards. Fall is “brisk and refreshing” Mrs. Plourde shares. It’s a comforting energy in the air, and fun weekend nights. It’s no surprise so many people favor Fall–Saratoga has so many ways to enjoy the season. Whether that be apple picking, corn mazes, walking downtown to get warm tea, or laughter while staying warm with family and friends by a campfire on weekend nights, there is something for everyone.
Enjoying a freshly baked apple cider donut is something teachers and students at SSHS look forward to every fall. The perfectly crisp temperatures, fall foliage, and delicious treats bring cozy and colorful vibes, making fall a top season to enjoy while living in the northeast. Ms. Cole, an 11th and 12th-grade teacher, shared that she enjoys the upstate fall weather by reading outside on her porch or in her hammock. Slowing down and enjoying a good book inside by a crackling fire or outside with the chirping birds is not only good for the mind but also good for the soul. Making time for yourself during the fall can be both relaxing and fun!
Cooper and Lucia, both members of the SSHS freshman class, said their favorite part of fall is “going outside and looking at the leaves,” and that it’s the “most unique and beautiful season.” Leaves of amber, golden rod, crimson, and chestnut, covering trees like colorful decorations are a beautiful welcome into fall. Each leaf is different from the next, all with beautiful color combinations in interesting shapes and sizes. Only in the fall do we see the trees’ leaves turn their true colors for a quick display of beauty… shortly followed by the slightly more dreary winter. These leaves gently flow in the wind and softly glide into the grass when they are ready, soon blanketing the ground with a beautiful bed of leaves.
While enjoying the beauty of the outdoors this fall, there are many ways to stay active in the colder weather of the coming months. Students and teachers said they stay active by working out, riding their bikes with friends, walking around their neighborhoods or in the park, and continuing with their indoor or outdoor sports. “Enjoying the outdoors while it’s not too cold,” says Claire, is one of the best parts of autumn.
To enjoy the fall weather and scenery, the student body recommends hiking by and visiting Moreau Lake (located on 605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831) walking around in the Saratoga Spa State Park (19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), visiting Loughberry Lake off Route 50, or even kayaking in Fish Creek (251 County Rt 67, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866). “Going out on the water in a rowboat or kayak” is one of rower Elias’s favorite activities to do in the fall. The State Park is a great place to admire the fall foliage, take pictures, and bike on the trails!
Get into the fall mood and dress to be warm and cozy! As displayed by the girls of SSHS, sweaters, layers, leggings, and cozy sweatshirts are the perfect pieces of clothing to keep you warm, ready for fall, and still stylish! Even staff at SSHS love the clothes of the colder months. Mr. Ubriaco, an English teacher, says he loves “flannel shirts and [the] return to corduroy jeans and jackets.”
For some students and teachers, the experience of fall is newer, and they have many hopes for the season to come. Mrs. Tully, a new English teacher to SSHS from Texas is looking forward to “hikes in the painted landscapes of changing trees, apple picking, debating if hot or cold cider is better, and telling spooky stories by [the] firepit on weekend nights.” These hopes are very similar to the fond memories and traditions of students and teachers who’ve spent years of falls here before. “I love fall!” says freshman volleyball player Alyssa, “It’s the perfect temperature outside. Usually, in the fall I go biking with friends, eat apple cider donuts, and watch scary movies… it’s my favorite season!”
To enjoy the beautiful weather, many staff and students like to go apple and pumpkin picking with friends and family. Some of the recommended places to go apple picking include Saratoga Apple, and Bowman Orchards. Saratoga Apple states that they are an “orchard and farm market open 7 days a week, 12 months a year, offering Pick Your Own during harvest months.” They sell many types of apples, cider, and homemade apple cider donuts all year round. Some of their late September to October apples are the Empire, Fuji, Sun crisp, Spy Gold, and the classic Granny Smith apples. To check out Saratoga Apple, search www.saratogaapple.com or go and see the orchards on 1174 Rt 29, in Schuylerville, NY. 12871.
According to Bowman Orchards, their orchards feature “pick your own apples, berry picking, and so many more seasonal activities.” There they have tours of the orchards and offer Pick Your own times as well. During this time of the year, they are selling many apple varieties such as the Gala, Fuji, Macintosh, Honeycrisp, and Empire. They are open for pick-your-own apples from now until October 30th from 9 am to 4:15 pm daily. To check out Bowman Orchards, search www.bowmanorchards.com or go and pick their apples at 141 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford, NY 12148. “There are so many options and the whole family has a good time together,” SSHS student Ella reminisced.
If you are interested in going pumpkin picking later in the fall for Halloween or just for more decor, Sunny Side Gardens is the place to go! At Sunnyside, their annual Fall Festival includes hayrides, corn mazes, bluegrass band music, homemade cider donuts, and many varieties of pumpkins and squash both for eating or decorating. If you want to have some fun with family or friends at Sunny Side, drive to 345 Church St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
To Ella, Elias, Mrs. Cole, and many other members of the SSHS community, fall is the best time of year, with the comfortable temperatures, beautiful landscapes and so many places Saratoga and upstate N.Y. has to make fall a fun, cozy, and festive time of year. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful transition from summer to fall–not all places have what we have. Some have one season all year round, and although it is sometimes hard to change from season to season, Mrs. Tully puts it best, saying, “perhaps it’s better to live in a symphony of change compared to a one noted song.”