Fall Guide for Orleans County, NY

As summer starts to end here in Western New York, residents and tourists of Orleans County eagerly await for the crisp air of autumn to strike. Orleans County transforms into a beautiful landscape of all colors of foliage, harvests, and fall festivities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide will help you on your journey through fall in Orleans County.

1. Fall Foliage Train Ride | Medina Railroad Museum

Fall is the perfect season to visit the Medina Railroad Museum and enjoy a leisurely, old-fashioned way to experience the beauty of autumn in western New York. Enjoy a two-hour round-trip train ride through the wooded scenery and along the Erie Canal. As the leaves transform into brilliant hues of reds, oranges, and gold, you won't miss a beat as you pair your trip in our vintage cars with the magnificent sights of the season. There is no better time to enjoy a train ride than during the autumn as the trees are ablaze with fall foliage!

Click HERE to reserve your seat!

2. Apple Picking

Orleans County has a huge variety and sweet selection of apples. As per their reviews, many say that LynOaken Farms in Medina, NY has the biggest and best variety of apples in Western New York. At LynOaken Farms, they offer a unique opportunity for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts to come together and hand-pick their fresh fruits straight from the trees. They also offer baked goods and have an onsite winery as well, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. You can also enjoy a unique apple-picking experience at Hurd Orchards in Holley, NY. In September & October, their Apple Barn is open from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm for ‘Apple Pie in our Barn!’. Enjoy a la carte Apple & Apple Raspberry Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, glasses of mulled Apple Cider & more – showcasing the best of the season and celebrating all things Fall!

4. Craft Beverage Tasting

Savor the flavors of the fall season in Orleans County. Attend the "Ale in Autumn" hosted by the Medina Area Partnership in Medina, NY on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. Hosted by the town's charming small businesses, take a stroll through downtown Medina and be introduced to ale from local breweries. Buy tickets here! Enjoy award-winning wines at Schwenk Wine Cellars in Kent, NY beginning with recipes passed down from their great–grandfather, a winemaker from Germany. They have been making award-winning wines since 1983 and growing grapes in Orleans County since 1970. As mentioned before, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina, NY brings you four generations of taste-making from their soil and through their soul. 

5. Take in the Foliage

Orleans County exhibits some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the region. Explore Mount Albion Cemetery for the most beautiful views of fall. 100 acres of hills and dales encompassing 30,000 gravesites. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument Tower contains over 400 names of Orleans County Civil War casualties engraved in marble slabs and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Climb to the top of the tower for a wide view of the foliage.

Explore the trails throughout the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Over 10,000 acres of wooded swamps, marshland, and meadows provide a stopping point for an estimated 80,000 Canada geese and many other birds during their spring and fall migrations. A pair of bald eagles nesting at the Refuge may be viewed on TV monitors at the Visitors Contact Station via a remote camera installed at the nest. Other activities include nature trails, overlooks, photography blind (by permit), canoeing, fishing, hunting (by permit), and cross-country skiing/snowshoeing.

Take a scenic drive along the Lake Ontario State Parkway for stunning views of the warm autumn leaves reflecting over Lake Ontario. 

6. Hauntings of Orleans County

For those who love fall just for a bit of spooky fun, look to Orleans County for haunted tours. The Pratt Event Center in Albion, NY consists of three adjoining buildings, all of which have been connected at different times in their history. All three buildings have been undergoing serious restoration efforts over the last 15 years. The owners have recently made the premises available for paranormal investigations. (By appointment)

Spend the night or several at The Hart House Hotel in Medina, NY. Of all the buildings in Medina, the Hart likely had more souls tread over its threshold than any other building in town. With a long, storied past, original floors, and intact historic windows, it's no surprise that this building is haunted. People have reported hearing names called aloud when no one is around but the spirit seen most often is a woman in a long, flowing dress with shoulder-length brown hair that stands at the top of the first staircase and greets visitors unexpectedly.  

7. Cozy Dining

After spending a day in the crisp fall air, warm up at one of Orleans County's local restaurants. For a fine dining experience visit Harvest Restaurant located in Bent's Opera House in Medina, NY.  At Harvest, they strive for perfect balance in flavor and to source seasonally sustainable ingredients, so that every meal will be satisfying. Or visit Zambistro's in Medina, NY where Chef Michael Zambito blends seasonal flavors and bold ingredients to create his spin on upscale comfort food. Newly opened in Albion, NY is the Tavern on the Ridge. Formerly known as Tillman's Village Inn, experience their dynamic new menu and revitalized atmosphere. Now open under expert chef management.

For a more casual dining experience visit the Country Club Restaurant in Medina, NY for authentic Greek foods, or visit the Village House Restaurant in Albion, NY open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week while providing four or five homemade soups, fresh fish daily, pasta, prime rib, fresh veal, seafood, and daily specials. 

Warm up with a cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte along with some delicious pastries in a cozy atmosphere at the Coffee Pot Cafe in Medina, NY. Experience everything from coffee to cocktails at the Shirt Factory in Medina, NY. From breakfast cocktails to delicious dinners, the Shirt Factory does it all.