Incredible ways to see the fall foliage 🍁

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Happy Thursday, Capital District! Today, we’re taking you out for the best leaf-peeping excursions in upstate New York 🍁 Plus, Oktoberfest kicks off our Top 5 Weekend Picks.

Raise your 🍺 ladies & gents!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

The fall foliage is glorious: 3 ways to see it while it lasts 🍁 

Autumn in upstate New York offers some of the most stunning fall foliage displays in America—and we’re lucky enough to live a short drive away from the heart of leaf-peeping country.

First, be sure to check out the fall foliage report at ILoveNY.com, which is maintained by volunteer field observers. Right now, the Adirondacks are reaching their peak, with the Catskills not too far behind. The Capital Region is about a third of the way to peak season.

These next 3 weeks are prime time for the fall show. Here are some awesome ways to immerse yourself in the glorious autumn colors:

1. Take a hike (or a drive)

Of course, the simplest way to enjoy the fall foliage is to go for a walk. But if you’re gonna hit the trails, might as well tackle one with a treat at the end. Check out the 14 best waterfall hikes in upstate New York.

Don’t wanna work too hard to see the colors? Here are 7 easy-peasy fall foliage trails (no climbing required). We’re partial to the Walkway Over the Hudson. Even easier, go for a drive! See the 10 best autumn drives in the Capital Region.

2. Make it an adventure

For thrill-seekers, ziplining over the autumn canopy is a unique way to appreciate the fall colors. In Voorheesville, you can zipline at WildPlay at Thacher Park. This weekend, the leaves at Thacher will be at 35% of peak season.

Scared of heights? A gondola ride is a safe and spectacular way to get a bird’s eye view of the foliage. Gondolas are operated at Gore Mountain and Hunter Mountain. Combine your visit with the Gore Mountain Harvest Fest (Oct. 12-13) and make it a weekend to remember.

Wanna work your quads? Revolution Rail Co. offers tours of the fall foliage by rail bike 🛤️ There’s a location just 20 minutes from Saratoga.

3. Do it with a llama (seriously)

You’ve never gone leaf peeping like this. Dakota Ridge Farm in Saratoga County offers guided treks through woodland trails with llamas 🦙 😲 The treks are private so you won’t be herded into a large group. Wed-Sun, by appointment only. $35 for adults, $25 for children.

May the fall foliage force be with you 🍁

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🍽️ The Times Union has just released its 2024 Guide to the 75 Essential Restaurants in the Capital Region, curated by award-winning dining critic Susie Davidson Powell and TU senior writer Steve Barnes (a 518 subscriber 🙌). This reminds us that we really need to get out to Ala Shanghai in Latham.

🏠️ Station 25 is bringing affordable housing to Albany in a charming way. The 51-unit, $22 mil development is tucked behind a restored firehouse. Rent for 2-bedrooms range from $620 to $1,336, depending on income. [Times Union] Btw, the average monthly rent for a 2BR in Albany is around $1,777 😬 

❄️ The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts another mild winter season for Albany and the Northeast. Temps are expected to be above average, particularly in January. The coldest periods are forecast for mid-December and late February, while snowfall will be slightly below normal. [JackAndKitty]

⭐️ Break out your lederhosen. Wolff’s Biergarten is the place to be for Oktoberfest on Saturday. Celebrate Bavarian culture with traditional bratwurst & bier, live polka music, street vendors and Dachshund dog racing! 11a-6p, $23.18. Details here.

Also happening: Glenville Oktoberfest | Bar Vegan’s Oktoberfest bar crawl | Frog Alley’s Frogtoberfest | Druthers Brewing Co’s Saratoga Oktoberfest | Oktupperfest in Tupper Lake.

⭐️ On Friday, get out to Troy Night Out when downtown businesses stay open late. Then at 8 pm, head over to RPI for a very cool drone show in honor of the college’s bicentennial! The show is free, but you must RSVP.

⭐️ Angel Olsen’s vintage country-inspired warble and raw emotional connection is something to behold. Olsen’s early minimalist acoustic work has evolved into richer, more dramatic arrangements across multiple albums. She’ll be playing songs from her entire oeuvre, at The Egg on Saturday eve. Btw, we’ve got tix to this show, so you might run into us!

⭐️ Karley’s favorite exhibit, the Mummies at the Albany Institute of History & Art, comes to life for Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play. Learn about Osiris, the first mummy, and details of the mummification process. Plus, participants of all ages can create and mummify their own clay figures. All activities are included with museum admission. Sat, 12-4p. Btw, the library right next door has Albany Institute day passes to check out for free!

⭐️ On Sat and Sun, the 30th Annual Capital Apple & Wine Festival in Chatham is a great way to take in the bounty of the autumn harvest. Tix are $17 online, $22 at gate; children under 17 free.

🍁 MORE NOTABLE EVENTS

TODAY

Already bored with the grey weather? Rainy days are made for folklore, so get off your duff and go see New York Folklore’s 80th anniversary exhibit. Up through Oct. 13.

FRIDAY

We love baos of any kind, but you can grab wheat-free ones at The Gluten Free Bao Company’s popup at Arthur’s Market in Schenectady.

Autumn Glow Festival is an opportunity to experience childlike joy and wonder. Starting at 6:30p, $26 and under, through Nov. 2 at Mabee Farms.

Did you know that the iconic Fuze Box has been renovated? Also, their club nights on Fri & Sat look so 🔥 

SATURDAY

The 9th Annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest is a family-friendly event featuring some of the biggest gourds you’ve ever seen (yes, pumpkins are gourds). Downtown Saratoga, 10a-3p, Sat, free.

Albany’s Bar Vegan on Lark Street is hosting an Oktoberfest bar crawl, with visits to 4 different venues. Starting at 4 pm, $24.01 for tickets (group rates available).

It’s Free Fishing Day in NY State, which means you can fish without a license.

The Schoharie County Fall Festival takes place at Old Stone Fort. $10 adults, kids free.

SUNDAY

Upper Madison Street Fair | 12-5p, free. Pine Hills blocks traffic and comes alive with arts & crafts, dancing and drumming and a big ole kids zone with a bundle of activities planned.

Bellevue Swing at Mojo’s Cafe | 3-5p, Mojo’s opened earlier this year and has proven to be a solid spot with great music and cool folks. Also, big ups to owner-occupied spaces like this; we love to see it 👏 

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