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.
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.
Fresh & Fun Facts About Autumn
Thecool, crisp days of autumn have arrived. As fall foliage creates a colorful display and kids frolic in leaf piles on the lawn, you may want to pay some mind to a few lesser known facts about this beloved time of year. Autumn may call to mind Halloween and the return of school, but there are other factors that make this season unique.
1. The first day of autumn is known as the autumnal equinox. On this day, the number of hours of daylight and darkness are equal. This is because the sun is aligned with the center of the Earth between the north and south of the planet. The other equinox occurs in the spring, which arrives in the third week of March in the Northern hemisphere.
2. In Greek mythology, autumn was a time when Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, was abducted by Hades, the god-king of the underworld. During this time, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, was distraught, and the ground grew sparse and cold. When Persephone returned in the springtime, plants and life bloomed anew because of Demeter’s happiness.
3. Those who live closest to the equator, which is the center of the planet, never experience the season of autumn. Around the equator, the temperature remains consistently warm.
4. Yellow, orange and variations thereof always reside in the pigmentation of tree leaves, but they are just overpowered by the abundance of green from the chlorophyll in the leaves. Come autumn, however, when the sun weakens and days grow shorter, the amount of chlorophyll in leaves diminishes, allowing the other pigments in the leaves to show through.
5. Red and purple leaves are actually caused by the presence of sugars from sap that is trapped inside of the leaves.
6. Fall is a peak migration time for many species of birds.
During autumn, birds will fly to other areas as they seek more hospitable climates. The Arctic tern journeys about 11,000 miles each way for its annual migration. That is like going all the way across the United States about three and a half times
7. Contrary to popular belief, squirrels who have spent the entire autumn collecting acorns and other foods do not hibernate for the winter. Rather, they spend the majority of their time in nests they built to shelter them from harsh weather. When squirrels do come out in winter, they are usually tunneling under the snow to find the food they buried during the fall.
8. Several cultures have ancient traditions that coincide with autumn. For example, the Chinese celebrate the Moon Festival to give thanks for a successful summer harvest.
9. Halloween is a large part of autumn. The concept of wearing masks and costumes hails from ancient Celtic tradition. The Celts believed ghosts roamed on Halloween, and people wore disguises to hide from the spirits.
10. You’re bound to see pumpkins as part of autumn decor. The pumpkin was first named by the Greeks. They called this edible orange item “pepon,” which means “large melon.”
11. Evergreen trees will not lose their leaves like deciduous trees. Their leaves, also called needles, are covered with a thick wax. This wax protects the inner components of the needles, preventing them from freezing.
12. Autumn also signals another colorful spectacle apart from the tree leaves. The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, tends to be visible this time of year. This is because geomagnetic storms are about twice as likely to occur during the fall thanks to cool evening weather.
Chowder Ideal For An Autumn Afternoon
The arrival 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.
—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.
Weekend Road Trip Tips
Along weekend provides the perfect opportunity to hop into the car and embark on a road trip. Sometimes it doesn’t take an extended vacation to recharge your batteries. A brief change of scenery and venue can make for quite the respite as well.
Road trips also tend to be more affordable than longer getaways. If you have the benefit of a tow hitch and a camper, you already have your accommodations. But
even if you still need lodging, there are several budget motels that can fit the bill for overnight lodging along your route. Here are some other road trip tips.
Before embarking, take out a map and plan your excursion. Stick to locations that are within reasonable driving distance from home. If you roam too far, you will spend more time behind the wheel than you will enjoying your destination. Locations no more than five to six
The Autumnal Equinox
Eachhours away should suffice.
Get your vehicle in road trip shape by ensuring it is in good working condition. If your car is scheduled for an oil change, get one before leaving. In addition, top off fluids and be sure that tires are properly inflated.
Make your long weekend a Saturday through Monday affair. You may find the roads are more congested Friday through Sunday. Simply starting your trip on Saturday and returning on Monday could save you the headache of driving in heavy traffic.
Scope out low-cost activities at your destination. Many national parks are inexpensive and may only charge one fee per vehicle to enter. After Labor Day, many beaches no longer charge entry fees, making them an affordable option.
September, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the autumnal equinox, which marks the official beginning of fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring is arriving at this time. Each year there are two equinoxes, the vernal and the autumnal (March and September, respectively). Shortly after the autumnal equinox, days begin getting shorter and the nights get longer. The word equinox is from the Latin “aequi,” meaning “equal,” and “nox” or “night.” That means that during each equinox the hours of day and night are nearly equal in length across the planet. During the equinox, the part of the Earth that is closest to the sun is the equator, explains History.com. That helps make night and day equal in length. The fall equinox and the first day of autumn arrives on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 08:44 A.M. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide.
Stick to the scenic routes. While they may not save you travel time, avoiding interstates in favor of picturesque backroads will make for a much more relaxing and visually inspiring trip. Schedule rest stops so you can get out of the car and explore along the way to your destination. Taking backroads may also help you avoid some of your fellow weekend travelers.
VehicleTake advantage of cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery by planning an autumn weekend road trip.
Did You Know?
maintenance is often viewed through the lens of keeping cars safe and running smoothly. That impression is accurate, but in addition to potentially saving lives, vehicle maintenance can save drivers money. The summer of 2022 was marked by rapid inflation that affected prices of just about everything, including fuel, which rose to such heights that many drivers sought any way to save money at the pump. Vehicle maintenance is one simple way to reduce fuel costs, sometimes by a significant margin. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that fixing a faulty oxygen sensor could improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Smaller measures also can save drivers money at the pump, as the U.S. DOE estimates that keeping tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 3 percent while using the motor oil recommended in a vehicle owner's manual can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.
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.
Fall And Winter Skincare Tips
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.
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.
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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.
Smithtown High School East And West Named Schools Of Excellence
Thevarsity sports teams at Smithtown High School East and High School West have been rewarded for their prowess in the classroom.
Both high schools have been recognized as a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
To apply for the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.
“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards exemplify the mission of NYSPHSAA, education through interscholastic athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director. “It is amazing to see the commitment to academic excellence from the schools, administrators, coaches and student-athletes.”
Overall, there are more than 60 varsity teams at High School East and West.
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!
MacArthur Airport Nominated For USA Today's 10 Best Small Airport Readers’ Choice Awards
Votingbegan on August 26 for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Airports. This is Long Island MacArthur Airport’s 4th consecutive nomination.
“We’re proud to be in the running as one of the top small airports in the country,” said Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “The nomination comes from an independent panel of industry experts who recognize our airport as a friendlier and easier to use alternative to the hectic hustle and bustle of mega airports,” she added.
USA Today’s criterion for a 10Best Small Airport nomination is fewer than 10 million total annual
passengers. A total of 20 airports were nominated.
“We are competing against airports nearly 10 times our size, so this is a challenging endeavor,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “We believe in Long Island’s commitment to and history of voting each day to help us rank highly for this popular nationwide honor. We thank the community in advance for its support, and want to let them know they can vote this year with one easy click on an ISP-specific link, https://10best.usatoday. com/qr/42135/,” she said.
10Best voting runs through 11:59 am EDT September 23. 10Best winners will be announced on October 2. Supporters of Long Island
MacArthur Airport from across the U.S. and beyond can cast one vote each day for their favorite small airport.
The airport was nominated and was voted as one of the 10Best Small Airports in 2020, 2021 and 2023. No contest was held in 2022.
“In addition to securing JetBlue as our fourth air carrier this year, we have many other success stories that we think show well on behalf of MacArthur Airport and all of Long Island in 2024,” Carpenter said. “Our airlines have added many new destinations this year. Breeze added Vero Beach, Sarasota, and Fort Myers as year-round destinations; Frontier is flying to Atlanta, RaleighDurham and five other nonstop destinations; and Southwest added nonstop service to Miami beginning in November. All this and more makes MacArthur Airport more desirable than ever,” she added.
Long Island MacArthur Airport has doubled the number of direct destinations available to travelers since 2011, and has also
consistently upgraded the airport and airfield.
“In order to offer an excellent experience for our customers and to safely and efficiently serve our airlines and community, we’ve embarked on many construction improvement projects,” said Deputy Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “In addition to keeping our airport running smoothly and onbudget from an operational perspective, we are also marketing our facility in Suffolk and Nassau counties, and launched an improved website –FlyMacArthur.com – early in 2024,” he added.
ABOUT LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT:
MacArthur Airport is on Long Island approximately 50 miles from New York City. It is the closest airport to 2.8 million Long Island residents, and to worldrenowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, lighthouses, Fire Island, excellent theatre, awardwinning restaurants, and Gatsby-era mansions. The Town of Islip owns and operates the airport, served by Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines. Access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) makes getting around Nassau and Suffolk counties convenient. Train service from the Ronkonkoma / MacArthur Airport LIRR to New York City provides frequent transport. Long Island MacArthur Airport employs 6000 people directly and indirectly, with a $16M annual operating budget and an economic impact of $600M to the region and local economy.
