Savor the Hard Apple Cider of Upstate New York

The Finger Lakes region is known far and wide for our wineries and renowned wine trail tours.  However, sometimes (especially in the fall) my guests' tastes run less to the grape and more toward, say, the apple.  When that happens, I'm only too happy to let them know about our area's cideries.  In fact, this is the perfect time to tell you more because Finger Lakes' Cider Week is Setptember 28 - October 7, 2012!

Cider

At the start of America's colonization, apple cider was often found at tables because water was seldom safe to drink.  Sometimes this cider would take a slightly alcoholic turn when the cider was fermented.  While the term "cider" was once the proper name for fermented apple juice, the times have twisted the language so that today's "cider" is non-alcoholic, and "hard cider" is the alcoholic version.  In this article, I will use the two interchangeably to mean the alcoholic beverage.

Today's methods of producing cider can yield a drink of almost any tannin-content.  True cider apples produce richer tannins and are drier in nature.  Mixing apple varieties results in a sweeter product.  Both are fermented and may then be mixed with carbonation to produce a "sparkling" variety, much like apple-based champagne.  The non-sparkling products can be consumed at any temperature, and some even choose to add mulling spices and heating up their cider for a hot winter drink.

Producers
Trumansburg is lucky to have its own establishment that creates hard ciders:  Bellwether Hard Cider is located about two miles north of town.  This cidery produces a full range of 10 different ciders, ranging from sparkling-sweet to still-dry in tannin.

Two additional cider distilleries are within a reasonable distance to visit during your bed and breakfast vacation:

• Redbyrd Orchard Cider - This family-owned cidery in Burdett (14 miles southwest) produces artisanal craft ciders annually.  You can also find them on Facebook.
• Montezuma Winery produces wines of apple/blend varieties in Seneca Falls (about 31 miles north of our Trumansburg inn).  They also produce other fruit wines as well.

FLX Cider Week
Fall is truly the time to honor the apple!  Cider-friendly restaurants, bars, bistro, shops, cheese-mongers, and farmer's markets celebrate and showcase ciders and cideries from New York and the Eastern Region.  Trumansburg's own Farm Market will feature a Cider Salon on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 for your tasting pleasure.  Trumansburg's Black Diamond Farm, Crystal Lake Cafe at Americana Vineyards, and the Hazelnut Kitchen are all participating in the celebration with apples available at the Farmer's Market (from Black Diamond), and incorporating apples and cider into daily dishes (at the Crystal Lake Cafe and Hazelnut Kitchen).

If the crisp fall air has brought you to Upstate New York, you're just in time to celebrate and enjoy this year's apple crop and apple wine offerings!  If you would like any more information during your Bed and Breakfast stay, just ask me, your helpful innkeeper!


Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com

1-800-387-7712 | 607-387-6033

Celebrate at Finger Lakes NY Winieries With Their 2011 Rieslings

It's time for the wine in Upstate New York.  And some would argue that our Riesling grapes are our specialty since we plant in the realm of 1000 acres throughout the area thanks to the amazing climate and slate soils that support this delicate grape.  If you're in the area for a bed and breakfast vacation during the month of September, this is the time to catch all the Riesling Launch events in the beautiful Finger Lakes area.  Twenty wineries in this region offer their 2011 products, and invite you for a taste!

For your visiting convenience, the following wineries are located between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and are all easy drives from our vacation lodging option in Upstate New York.  Each will certainly be featuring their Riesling releases throughout September, and through the fall during their own events at their respective wineries.  Interested in knowing what's happening during your stay?  Just ask - I will be glad to help!

On the Cayuga Trail:
Hosmer Winery:  their 2011 Dry Riesling should be released this fall or winter.
Knapp Winery and Vineyard:  also releasing a 2011 Dry Riesling.
Lucas Vineyards:  currently unknown release.  Lucas has traditionally launched a "Mandolina" wine in September.
Montezuma Winery:  launching their 2011 Dry Riesling in September.
Sheldrake Point Winery:  launching their 2011 Riesling on September 22!
Sweedish Hill Winery:  has already launched their 2011 Dry Riesling.  Come help them celebrate!
Thirsty Owl Winery: has also launched their 2011 Dry Riesling at this writing.  Why not give it a try?

On the Seneca Lake Trail:
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars:  has launched their 2011 Red Oak Vineyard Riesling.
Red Newt Cellars:  has launched their 2011 FLX Riesling.
Standing Stone Vineyards:  has launched their fruity, semi-dry 2011 Riesling.
Three Brothers Wineries:  has already released their 2011 Riesling, 2011 Dry Riesling and 2011 Sweet Riesling varieties.
Wagner Vineyards:  Three of their four 2011 Rieslings have already won awards!  Try the 2011 Semi-Dry, Sweet, and Ice Wine Rieslings.  The brand new 2011 Dry Rieslings has yet to compete - this is their September release!

Upcoming large-scale events in the area:

TONIGHT - September 18, 2012:  Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel Cold Water Bar hosts Tasty Tuesday Riesling style!  Fulkerson Winery's 2011 Semi-Dry Release is featured along with a specially prepared dinner pairing.  By-the-glass and Wine Flight specials are also available on other Rieslings.

September 22, 2012:  Sheldrake Point Winery Riesling Release and Dinner Celebration.  From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, the winery urges you to try the wines, give online reviews for those who can not attend, and enjoy a casual grilled dinner along with bluegrass tunes by The Notorious String Busters.  $5 Riesling and Ice Wine Flights, or purchase by the glass.  No general admission charged!

Whether Riesling is your favorite, or if it's something you even just like occasionally, now is the time to plan your NY Wine Country getaway!  Besides the amazing wines, there is also the leaf-peeping, fall events to attend, and just the incredible feeling of being here in the fall.  I invite you to experience the relaxation and welcome that can only be found at the Inn at Gothic Eves!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com

1-800-387-7712 | 607-387-6033

Leaf Peeping: Fall Foliage Vistas In Upstate NY Near Trumansburg

If you've ever been to the northeast during autumn, then you'll understand why I've been talking so much about fall in Upstate New York.  If you haven't been here, then you're in for a beautiful surprise!  If you consider a bed and breakfast getaway in the area this fall, make sure you set aside some time to indulge in some leaf peeping.  The variety of deciduous trees that are native to our state practically guarantee some of the most colorful views in the country!  In fact, there are vistas full of fall colors everywhere you look here, but the following are some of my favorites.

Taughannock Falls State Park:  The Rim trail is just over 2.5 miles total that follows the edge of the gorge, offering views into the gorge, of the lake, the falls, and the glorious colors throughout.

Cornell University Campus in Ithaca:  The college sits on a hill overlooking Ithaca, however if you head to the 5th floor of the Johnson Museum of Art, you'll find a 360-degree view of the entire campus, all of Ithaca, and Cayuga Lake.  This is a great vantage point from which to see the riot of colors painting the landscape!

Cayuga Lake:  Indulge in a Winery Tour by Boat or a general Boat Tour of the lake to get the best panoramic views of the trees on the steep shores.

The Winery at Atwater Vineyards:  Located on the southeast side of Seneca Lake, the vineyards overlook Seneca Lake and the trees on the far side.  The Winery offers both wine tastings sure to please the palette, as well as these gorgeous views.  I personally love their delicious and playful sparkling wines, so give them a taste!

The View from Atwater Winery

Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca:  View the foliage from on top of the trees!  The Nature Center features a six-story tree house that offers close-up views of the immediate foliage, and is a great place to take the entire family.  If you climb to the very top, the leaves seem more like a blanket rather than a canopy - all the way out to Cayuga Lake!

Views From the Air:  If the treetops aren't lofty enough for you, let the Liberty Balloon Company take you even higher, turning the canopy/blanket of trees into a colorful carpet for the eyes!  Their Finger Lakes Wine Country Balloon Tours launch just south of my inn vacation accommodations and give sweeping views of the lakes, trees, and valleys (depending on wind and altitude, of course)!

Have I convinced you to visit?  I would be happy to host your autumn stay at my Finger Lakes accommodations between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes!  While you can drive almost any road in the area, or hike through any park to see the amazing colors of fall here near Trumansburg, these are the places from which I enjoy my leaf-peeping.  And I hope you enjoy them too.


Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712 | 607-387-6033

Fall is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Upstate New York Visit

The school year has begun and kids have returned to a more-regular schedule.  After-school activities have them, and their parents, hopping in many different directions at once.  College students have returned to campus to continue learning for their future.  Here in Upstate New York, it means that everything is a bit calmer during the week.  Even on the weekends, kids' activities keep them and their parents tied to home more and more.  The quiet season has arrived - just in time for our fall guests to enjoy the beauty and wonder of a Finger Lakes bed and breakfast getaway!

Watkins Glen Waterfalls
(photo from nysparks.com)

When the weather is still warm, but nature begins to change:  THIS is the best time to visit!  The parks are less crowded (especially during the week), meaning a more relaxed park experience for all our guests!  Taughannock Falls, just to the east of Trumansburg, offers hiking and nature trails, not to mention the 215 waterfall!  The Finger Lakes National Forest to the west of town offers 30 miles of trails with plenty of hidden surprises.  If you are on Pinterest, you have most likely seen the gorgeous photo of nearby Watkins Glen State Park on the south end of Seneca Lake - its waterfalls can leave visitors spellbound in their beauty.  Those are just three perfect choices at which to spend a day outside here in the central NY beauty.

Besides the effects of nature, the air truly smells sweeter than normal with grape harvesting season happening at the area wineries.  Why not choose one (or a few) to visit and taste their offerings?  Most even offer non-alcoholic varieties, so anyone can enjoy a tasting trip!  There are several wineries within a few miles of the Inn along Cayuga Lake alone!  I can fill you in on the best ones to visit during the particular dates of your visit.

As discussed last week, fall events will soon be in full swing in this area.  If that post fails to give you some ideas of things to do, I will be glad to offer suggestions on other events to experience - all within a reasonable drive of my historic inn.

Fall is also a wonderful time to walk around our downtown area.  Visit the Farm Market on a Wednesday or Saturday, visit the antique stores, have some coffee and a snack, and enjoy the beauty of our town!

And of course, there is the fall foliage.  The Red Oak, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, White Ash and Sugar Maples paint the landscape in gorgeous reds, oranges, yellows, and greens during this time of year!  Stay tuned for next week's post when I discuss the best places to go for foliage viewing!

When you think of taking a fall trip, there truly are very few places that are as perfect of a destination than our area of New York.  Between the wine, the lakes, the parks, and the culture, we truly do have something for just about everyone!  So make your plans and reserve your room at my Trumansburg Inn, where you will be welcomed with comfortable accommodations with the best service and amenities I can provide!


Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712 | 607-387-6033