The amazing thing about upstate New York for those seeking a weekend getaway is that every season offers nothing less than a world-class experience for unwinding, exploring nature, appreciating art, or cobbling together a romantic interlude with the apple of your eye.

Speaking of apples, have you ever considered an:

Apple Picking Vacation?

Apple picking is an activity especially fun for a family-oriented weekend getaway. Upstate New York is a prime location. The apple is the official state fruit of New York, and the orchards here are arguably the best in the world.

You can take your family to a place like Owen Orchards Cider Mill and Farm Market in Cayuga County. They let you pick incredible varieties of apples, such as Honeycrisp, Macoun, Empire, Gala, Courtland, and more. In the fall, finding a local Apple Festival can round out a picking vacation. Some examples are the Warwick Applefest and the LaFayette Apple Festival.

New York from Up in the Air

In the fall, the brilliant colors of the changing leaves are wonderful to behold from the vantage point of a scenic chairlift or gondola ride. A good place to get this experience is Hunter Mountain situated in the Catskills. Technically the Catskills are in southeast New York, so not specifically “Upstate,” but we include this location because Hunter Mountain is just such a superb place to relax and get lost in a mountain environment. Be sure to check out the Scenic Skyride that transports passengers up 3,200 feet for an awe-inspiring view of the northern Catskills.

Now the Romance

We promised a romantic getaway idea, so heading out to the Finger Lakes is a fantastic location to embark on a wine tasting tour with your beloved. It can be combined with a fall foliage adventure at the same time. There are more than 100 wineries and breweries in and around the Finger Lakes region. Take a walk along the pier at Watkins Glen that hugs Seneca Lake. You can grab a delicious nosh at an eatery overlooking the lake at the Ginny Lake Cafe of the Wagner Vineyards and Brewery.

Here you’ll find a unique “Upstate Salad” served with an Apple Riesling dressing. The stage will be well-set for romance with your partner.