Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival

"I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves." -Ann Drake

Fall has officially arrived in Ithaca...the leaves are beginning to change color, the temperatures are falling, boats are beginning to leave the marina and fall festivals are everywhere. The little roadside vegetables stands that were full of fresh corn this summer are now full of pumpkins and gourds.

Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival was this weekend, it offered an introduction to the rich farm and artist community in the Finger Lakes region. It's a celebration that focuses on fresh local foods, craft cider tastings, handmade crafts, homemade baked goods, games, live performances and, of course, New York apples. 

The smells at the festival were amazing. The sweet aromas of fresh cider donuts, apple crips, caramel apples and hot apple cider were wonderful, but the savory smells were even more enticing. The streets around the Commons had a diverse option of food trucks that included Thai, South African, Indian, mac & cheese, fried chicken, lobster rolls, chowders and much more. Add to the mix the normal carnival favorites like kettle corn, funnel cakes, cotton candy and blooming onions and our sense of smell was working over time.

I think this sign says it all...fall is fine, but winter is coming and it's almost time for us to get out of town. 

The Cellar D'Or offered a cider tasting Friday night that was very informative...and tasty.