Did someone say leaf peeping? Albany and the surrounding area is a good starting point.
Before exploring the park above this farm, stop in and see some animals, find some produce, shop for local treats, pick your own apples, gaze upon the sweeping views of autumn colors, drink warm apple cider and indulge in apple cider donuts, hot ones!
Stroll around, there are plenty of photographic moments here.
You have to share some love at the petting zoo on the farm.
The local cuties.
Just a sample of local treats.
Pumpkin spice everything!
Other Autumn produce:
The apples, packaged for you, or as promised, pick your own.
Pick your own with a leaf peeping backdrop.
Grab some apple cider donuts for the road, a must in this area!
You will have views like this looking below from a ridge on a road turn out.
Gotta catch them all before the rain knocks them down!
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What is a pine barren?
"Pine barrens are plant communities that occur on dry, acidic, infertile soils dominated by grasses, forbs, low shrubs, and small to medium-sized pines. The most extensive barrens occur in large areas of sandy glacial deposits, including outwash plains, lakebeds, and outwash terraces along rivers."
There are trails here to walk and learn with interpretive booklets and corresponding markers.
The area is dominated by pitch pine.
Inside the discovery center you will learn about the unique area and the flora and fauna native to this place. you will learn more about the butterflies that frequent the preserve, such as the endangered Karner blue.
Want a bit of city life, head back into Albany.
The Capital building and performance venues.
When in a city why not elevate yourself in a tall building for a different perspective?
Cheesecake Albany style....Cheesecake Machismo.
Opposite the Capital building is a museum worth visiting, New York State Museum.
Think about a stroll through Washington Park, there are many colours to be seen as this park meanders over water features about town. The Ginkgo trees are a treat to see.
Heading back out of the city center a bit, a visit to Troy for a farmer's market.
Autumn type produce abounds!
Made to order, healthy and quite excellent curry bowls. I really do recommend!
Perhaps a Liege waffle bite, or two for dessert?
....With tummies full, take in the arts and crafts.
Head down to the Hudson river. At Peebles State Park, cross the bridge to Waterford.
Knock about with the boats just outside the Erie canal.
Take in the sights of a nice waterfall with your leaves.
Cohoes Falls
The falls are supposed to be best after a good dosing of rain and there is a different vantage point without the powerlines.
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