When we think of autumn we think of fresh apple cider, picking pumpkins from the vine and tastefully decorating our homes for the season, and for Halloween! Long Island is an unforgettable place for enjoying all fall has to offer and we've got you covered with a list of upcoming events you don't want to miss. Plus, read on for East End destinations the whole family can enjoy, a seasonal recipe and so much more.
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Assummer transitions to fall, many changes take place. In addition to changing landscapes, men and women may need to adapt their health and wellness habits to ensure that they stay healthy and happy. Part of that daily regimen includes how to care for skin as the seasons change. Just as skin requires certain protection from the sun and heat in the summer, skin has special needs in the fall and winter. Fall and winter are often characterized by cold, dry weather, which can
make these times of year particularly challenging for people with dry or sensitive skin.
• Don’t Skip The Sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a summer-only requirement. UV rays can damage the skin any time of year, even if the rays are not as strong as during the summer. UV radiation accelerates and increases the risk of skin cancer. It also can lead to premature aging. Utilize a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
• Invest In A Humidifier. Dry, cold temperatures can rob the skin of essential moisture, even indoors. Dermatologists suggest using a humidifier at home to boost the amount of moisture in the air. This can make skin more comfortable and can have other health benefits as well.
• Skip Hot Showers. It can be tempting to sit under a hot stream of water to warm up. However, hot water dries out the skin by depleting its stores of natural oils, says Glacier Med Spa. Take warm showers instead and don’t stay in for longer than 15 minutes.
• Limit Exfoliation. While exfoliation can remove dead skin, overdoing it can make already sensitive skin more raw. Increase the time between exfoliation treatments. Consult with a dermatologist for more advice about dealing with flaky skin.
• Don’t Forget Your Lips. Using a thicker moisturizer on the body and face can help add and retain moisture, but pay attention to your lips and eyes as well. Something as simple as petroleum jelly on the lips can help prevent chapping.
Apple & Pumpkin Picking Tips
Although scores of people cite summer as their favorite time of year, autumn also is a beloved season. Cool breezes and crisp air seem tailor-made for afternoons spent enjoying the great outdoors. The pleasant autumn weather and awe-inspiring foliage may be the reason so many festivals and outdoor events are scheduled this time of year. Apple- and pumpkin-picking are popular fall pastimes. Neighborhood orchards open their doors to the public, allowing men, women and children to scour their fields and trees for the perfect finds. Heed these picking tips to make the experience even more of a success.
APPLES
Many orchards that have open picking seasons plant dwarf apple trees to make the picking process easier, particularly for young children, so there’s no need to bring along a ladder. You should be able to find plenty of apples close to the ground.
A good farmer will know when certain varieties of apples are ripe, and he or she will likely cordon off trees that are not ready for picking. Ripe apples will be crisp and firm. Keep in mind that apples ripen from the outside of the tree inward. Those are the ones usually picked first, anyway.
Try to get to an orchard earlier in the season. If you wait too long, the trees may be picked of most of the best fruit. Depending on where you live, apple-picking season may begin in mid-September and continue into mid-October.
Apples can bruise, so don’t toss them into baskets when picking. Also, wait to wash apples until right before eating to prevent moisture-related spoilage. Apples keep best in a cool location.
PUMPKINS
Pumpkin patches are often found in close proximity to apple orchards. Picking pumpkins to eat or decorate the home is a
popular autumn activity, one that families often enjoy together.
When visiting a pumpkin patch, dress accordingly. That means wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as the patch may be muddy. Layer clothing in case it is a chilly day. Breezes are more pronounced in open fields.
Pumpkins are “long-keepers,” which means if they are uncut or not damaged, they can last for several weeks. This means you can pick pumpkins at the same time as apples. When selecting a pumpkin, look for one that is completely orange. After picking, a green or yellow pumpkin may never ripen to orange.
Bring along a small wagon and knife so that you can cut the vine, if necessary. Pumpkins are heavy, and a wagon will come in handy, especially with youngsters in tow.
Ripe pumpkins should not dent easily. Examine your pumpkin for holes or insects, which could indicate internal rot that greatly reduces the shelf life of the pumpkin. Remember, carving the pumpkin reduces its life expectancy, so be sure to reserve that task until close to Halloween.
If you desire a pumpkin to turn into a baked treat or other dish, you will need a type of small, sweet cooking pumpkin known as a “sugar pumpkin.” The meat of this pumpkin is much less stringy and more smooth than decorative pumpkin varieties.
Autumn is the season for apple and pumpkin-picking. This is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. If possible, visit an orchard on a weekday, when the crowds will be much smaller than weekends.
Making Fall Foliage Trips More Enjoyable
Millionsof people each year look forward to the magnificent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable views, whether you’re atop a mountain ridge or thick in the folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot and the earthy smell of the soil tempts the senses even more. Some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips that much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring.
PEAK VIEWING TIMES
Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. The Weather Channel offers maps and charts at www.weather.com/maps/ fall-foliage for tpeak times for many areas of the U.S.
PICK YOUR DESTINATION
Anywhere with deciduous trees provides the opportunity to witness blazing autumn color. During leaf-peeping season, travelers can go coast to coast and see awesome vistas. Some regions are particularly known for their leaf displays. New York’s Catskill and Adirondack regions are prime spots for visitors in the autumn. The travel resource Frommer’s offers more leaf-peeping locales to visit.
PACK THE RIGHT GEAR
While most people are not without a smartphone that can capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf photographers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for leaf-peeping excursions. Also bring along a map or a GPS-enabled device so you can explore back roads and areas off the beaten path more readily. There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and anything for an afternoon in the great outdoors.
—John Pawluk, Twisted Cow Distillery, East Northport
Infusing local ingredients into distilled spirits. This has been John Pawluk’s dream since he opened Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport. Through programs like our Main Street Revitalization and Vacant Space Revival, John qualified for more than $35,000 in incentives.*
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*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Chowder Ideal For An Autumn Afternoon
Thearrival of autumn signifies many changes, and cuisine is no exception. Some foods just match up with certain seasons. Such is the case with the following recipe for "Corn Chowder with Chiles and Monterey Jack" from "The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups" (Lebhar-Friedman). Though it works year-round, this recipe is ideal for that first brisk autum afternoon.
Directions:
Cut the corn kernels from the cobs with a sharp knife, capturing as much juice as possible. Reserve 3/4 cup corn kernels. Puree the remaining corn, along with the heavy cream, in a food processor or blender. Set aside.
Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, celery, and garlic. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Add the broth, potatoes and tomatoes, including their juices. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Skim any fat from the surface of the soup and discard.
Add the pureed corn and cream, reserved corn kernels and chiles and
Corn
Chowder With Chiles And Monterey Jack
Serves 8
6 ears corn, shucked
1 cup heavy cream
2 slices bacon, minced
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
3 yellow or white potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, juices reserved
1 4-ounce can green chiles, drained and chopped
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup corn tortilla strips, toasted, optional Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Tabasco sauce, to taste
cheese. Warm the soup. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with tortilla strips, if using.
Smoked Corn and Chile Chowder With Monterey Jack
Do not try this smoking process unless you have a well-ventilated kitchen. Turn the exhaust fan on high and monitor constantly.
Substitute 2 fresh poblano chiles for the canned green chiles. Core and remove the seeds from the poblanos and red bell pepper. Cut into large flat pieces, approximately 4-inches square.
To smoke the corn and peppers, place fine wood chips in a disposable aluminum roasting pan fitted with a wire rack (if your rack does not have feet, use balls of aluminum foil to raise the rack a few inches above the wood
chips). Use only wood chips that are specifically meant for smoking food. Have ready a fitted cover or aluminum foil large enough to cover the pan. Heat the roasting pan over high heat until the wood chips begin to smolder and smoke. Place the corn and pepper sections on the wire rack over the smoking chips. If the chips are smoldering and creating sufficient smoke, remove the pan from the heat. Otherwise, reduce the heat to low. The idea is to keep the chips smoldering, but to keep them from catching fire. Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil and allow the vegetables to smoke for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil and allow the vegetables to cool. Dice the sections of red pepper and poblano chile.
Proceed with the master recipe, adding the poblanos along with the red pepper.
Natural Ways To Fight Fall Allergies
Asthe days become shorter and the weather cools down, a new crop of allergy symptoms can arise, turning the autumn season into one marked by sneezing, scratchy throats and itchy eyes. Medications can alleviate such symptoms, but allergy sufferers may want to investigate some natural ways to beat allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ragweed is one of the more common triggers of autumnal allergies. Ragweed contributes to “hay fever,” which is a term to describe allergic rhinitis that occurs as a symptom of ragweed pollen in the air. Ragweed releases pollen in mid-August, and it can continue to be problematic until a deep freeze arrives. Other sources of fall allergies include leaf mold and pollen that is present on fallen leaves. This gets circulated when people begin to rake or blow fallen leaves. Classroom pets and chalk dust in schools (although chalkboards are largely a thing of the past) are other autumn allergens.
The good news is that many natural remedies work just as effectively as over-the-counter medications in regard to combatting ragweed and pollen problems. Here’s how to beat the fall allergy blues.
• Stay Away From Pollen. Stay away from pollen and prevent it from being tracked indoors. Remove shoes when walking through the door. Take off clothes worn outside and launder
them promptly, showering to wash pollen off of the body. Use an air conditioner or keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.
• Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It is well documented that fatty acids are good for brain health and cardiovascular well-being, but these acids also may help with allergies. A German study linked foods high in omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to fight inflammation, which is a hallmark of allergy suffering. Foods that are high in fatty acids include walnuts, flax, eggs, and coldwater fatty fish.
• Rinse Off Pollen. Use a mild cleanser to rinse the eyelids and eyelashes of pollen, as this is where it tends to congregate after being outdoors. Use saline spray to clear nasal passages of excess pollen as well.
• Take Natural Supplements. A study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found participants who used tablets of the herb butterbar showed significant allergy relief after only one week. Select herbs from reputable manufacturers who certify them.
• Use Eucalyptus Oil. This oil is great to have in the house to help clear up sinuses and provide nasal congestion relief. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and rub onto the chest. There also is some evidence that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to cleansing products can help kill dust mites around the house.
• Wear A Mask. When doing housework or yard work, wear a mask to reduce the inhalation of specific allergens.
AUTUMN HAPPENINGS
There’s plenty to do on Long Island, but we’ve gathered information on just a few upcoming events that will surely be a good time!
CEDAR BEACH BLUES ON THE HARBOR FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 21 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM & 22 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM • 101A EAST BROADWAY, PORT JEFFERSON
The Port Jefferson Arts Council and Doc Blues in cooperation with Long Island Blues Society and WUSB 90.1FM presents Cedar Beach Blues on the Harbor. For the second year, this iconic festival will be held at Harborfront Park and will feature talented blues musicians.
LONG ISLAND FALL HOME SHOW
SEPTEMBER 28 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & SUNDAY 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM • 1255 HEMPSTEAD TPKE., UNIONDALE
Head to the Long Island Fall Home Show to be inspired, motivated and excited for your upcoming home improvement project. This event is designed for homeowners who are in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Guests can enjoy exhibits with product demonstrations, expert advice and more.
FISH HATCHERY FALL FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 28 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM • 1660 ROUTE 25A COLD SPRING HARBOR
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium will be holding a Fall Festival and Fundraiser on September 28, with a rain date of October 5. This event will be fun for the whole family, offering music, games, live animal encounters, food, kids fishing and environmental exhibitors.
LONG ISLAND BREW FEST
OCTOBER 5 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM • 152 THE ARCHES CIRCLE, DEER PARK
Tanger Outlets Deer Park will be hosting this event on October 5th. In the spirit of Oktoberfest, a traditional German celebration of beer and countrymen will be held with over 150 styles of craft beer featuring many NY Breweries! Guests will enjoy unlimited craft beer samples, along with live entertainment, food and interactive games.
Long Island's Largest Car Show To Be Held September 22
Long Island’s largest and most premier car show experience returns to TOBAY Beach on Sunday, September 22nd, from 11am to 4pm. “Car Show Long Island” features hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles. A live concert performed by Vinyl Revival will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators. Free shuttle bus service will now also be offered to all Car Show Long Island spectators with convenient pickup and drop-off located at Jones Beach Field 5 from 10am to 5pm.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the latest and greatest automobiles in the
world, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! With a diverse range of vehicles showcased, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the most impressive cars around. This free familyfun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY Beach. Spectators can check out cool cars, vendors, exhibits and enjoy live music while surrounded by Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars.”
Car Show Long Island’s 2024 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic features some of the hottest and most classic cars in the tri-state region. While enjoying live music performed by Vinyl Revival and great eats from the Food Truck Corral presented by Eagle Chevy Performance,
thousands of spectators are expected throughout the day to get up close and personal with Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars. Trophies will be awarded in each class, and children will have a say when deeming which rides are their favorites in the Kids’ Choice Award.
Car Show Long Island’s 2024 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic is being presented by: Optimum, Signarama of
Huntington and Whitey’s Tire Services of Brooklyn.
Classic Car enthusiasts and spectators can also grab a bite to eat from the food truck corral, and can also check out numerous vendors and displays. A rain date of September 29th has been arranged. For more information, visit www.carshowli.com, call (516) 797-4121 or e-mail carshowli@oysterbay-ny.gov.
Cleaning Up Leaves
Removing leaves from the yard is a task that homeowners must perform each fall. Thousands upon thousands of leaves can drop from a single tree. Multiply that by the number of trees on a property, and it’s no surprise the task of leaf cleanup can seem so daunting. Furthermore, not all leaves are shed at the same time, so several cleanup sessions may be necessary before the last leaf is banished from the yard. Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand. For people unaccustomed to exercise, cleaning up leaves can turn into quite a workout. According to the Discovery Health Calorie Counter, raking leaves for one hour can burn nearly 292 calories. Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to brisk walking. Those who find themselves straining or out of breath should take a break, and these tips also make the job safer and easier.
• Wear layers when cleaning up leaves. It may be cool at first, but it’s easy to work up a sweat after raking for awhile. Layers can be peeled off so as not
to get overheated or risk hypothermia from sweating in chilly temps.
• Pay attention to your posture while raking. James Weinstein, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Dartmouth Medical School, recommends forming a wide base with the feet and holding the rake slightly toward the end of the handle with one hand three-quarters of the way down the handle from the other. Do not twist the spine; move your entire body. Switch sides periodically.
• Do not try to rake or blow leaves on windy days. Wind will only make the task that much more difficult, which could lead to overworking oneself.
• Avoid overfilling bags. For those who plan to mulch and bag leaves, remember that compressed leaves can get heavy pretty quickly. Do not over-fill bags, as they can be hard to move or bring to a recycling center.
Did You Know?
Scoresof people insist that exercising with a partner is a great way to remain committed to a fitness regimen, and now research is beginning to support that assertion. A 2023 study from researchers in Japan published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising both alone and with a partner two or more times a week helped to lower risk of cognitive impairment, but the risk was decreased by a more significant margin among those who exercised with others.
East End Destinations To Head To This Fall
Long Island is one of the most desirable places to go pumpkin-picking. You’re able to find several different patches to peruse, many of which also offer hayrides, mazes and more. Read on to learn about some of our favorites, then pack your bags and head out east this fall for a family-friendly day of fun!
FINKS COUNTRY FARM
6242
MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD, WADING RIVER
Head to Finks Country Farm now through October 31 and on Columbus Day from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM for their Fall Harvest Festival. In addition to U-Pick-Pumpkins-on-the-vine, they will be offering unlimited hay rides, a corn maze, a tractor pull, live music (from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM), character appearances (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM), a kiddie train, food and beverage, pony rides (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) and much more.
HARBES FAMILY FARM
1223
NY-25, JAMESPORT
Harbes Family Farm’s Jamesport location features 9-acres of on-the-vine pumpkin picking, with many different varieties of pumpkins and gourds available. While you’re there, you’ll want to try their Robin Hood Corn Maze and take a relaxing hayride tour around their farm. Plus, enjoy their famous roasted super-sweet corn and other delicious treats!
FAIRVIEW FARM AT MECOX
19 HORSEMILL LANE, BRIDGEHAMPTON
Fairview Farm at Mecox is a family-owned business that is home to an eight-acre corn maze, which has a new theme and design every year. This year’s corn maze is open every weekend now through November 3, as well as on Columbus Day. You’ll find two bridges along the paths, where you’ll find spectacular views of surrounding farmland, Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean! While you’re at the farm, don’t forget to pick your own pumpkins, enjoy some food and try their Corn Cannon!
