Biker Bars
A nutritious snack that starts with a date base. Vary the flavor with playful combinations of seeds, nuts and fruit. For the Sunshine in My Basket variation, orange zest combined with cherri...
Edible Season
Seize the Season
3 ways to hike, bike, snack, sip while the weather is at its peak
Fall Pairings
There is something about the light in fall. The days seem tinged with gold. It’s not just the color in the trees, although Western New York does that beautifully. It’s as if the sun is wringing out extra warmth into the afternoons. The glowing days set a perfect stage for local day trips.
What’s the plan? Visit a winery? Take a hike? Tap into a brew pub? Take that bike trip you’ve been promising yourself? Why not create a day trip that makes the most of local attractions by pairing a hike or bike with relaxing refreshments near the trail afterwards? Here are three day-trip pairings to enjoy near home.
The Long Route
Long Point State Park paired with a brew
Long Point State Park extends into the middle section of Chautauqua Lake. It offers a variety of hiking or biking experiences with over 50 named short trails that combine into lots of interesting loops to explore. Birders should bring binoculars, as 120 species have been identified in the park. The Chautauqua Interactive Trail Map is a great planning resource for the park with notes on distances and trail types to help you plan your day to suit your ability and interests. After exploring the park, Bemus Bay Trail takes you to Bemus Point (1.71 miles) where there are a number of places to dine including Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua. Sit lakeside and enjoy a local brew and a bite after your ride.
Step Back into History
Erie Canal paired with wine, coffee or ice cream
Explore a segment of the Empire State Trail (750 miles long, in total) from Lockport. Start at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, where you can learn about the historic Flight of Five Locks built to take barges and boats through the Niagara Escarpment. You can see the 19th century locks next to the currently operational Locks 34 and 35. If you can time it right to see a boat navigate the locks you will certainly be wowed. Travel west towards Middleport (about 12 miles) along the north side of the Erie Canal enjoying historic urban sights, farmland and scenic water views. If you make it all the way to Middleport, stop and enjoy a cup of joe at Alternative Grounds Caffe right by the trail before you head back.
For a shorter one-way trip of about five miles, plan your trip to end at Spring Lake Winery & Ristorante, about a mile from the trail. Enjoy a meal by their eight-acre private lake or in the pavilion and take advantage of their own walking trails. A round trip to and from Lockport can end with a treat at Lake Effect Ice Cream. Their slogan is “It’s never too cold for ice cream,” so even on a crisp fall day feel free to indulge! Other points of interest include the Upside Down Bridge and the Locks District Museum (weekdays only in late fall).
Lake Effect
Presque Isle paired with various libations and BBQ.
Being near big water always seems to reinvigorate your senses and provide perspective. The 3,200 acres of sandy shores and trails in Presque Isle State Park provide a refreshing tonic. Extending out into Lake Erie, the peninsula is a favorite of hikers, bikers … and migrating birds. There are trails of varying difficulty, from 0.2 miles with picnic tables to more rugged treks. Bikes are not allowed on all trails, but the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose National Trail is a 13.5-mile circuit with restrooms, water, picnic tables that is popular with not only bikers, but also inline skaters. It is also ADA accessible. Begin your journey at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, an educational and research facility featuring exhibits about Presque Isle and a 75-foot glass tower offering panoramic views of the environs.
After a ride around the park’s loop, you may want to stop at Underdog BBQ. It’s about a mile from the park entrance and is known for its scrappy and saucy offerings. There are also at least a dozen wineries, breweries and even a couple of meaderies along the shore of the lake, all around a half hour’s drive of Presque Isle, to explore and take part in a variety of tastings.
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