Fall Fun Getaways at 7 Craft Breweries & Distilleries

The Catskills Beverage Trail. from Connections: Two-Day Rail Drive Itineraries More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow, the only farm brewery in Greene County, Crossroads voted "Best Restaurant in Greene County" or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge-paired with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.

Photo from Hillock Estate Distillery

Hillrock Estate Distillery
(22.0 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)
Turning grain into gold since 2011," Hillock Estate Distillery is one of the world's few distilleries that floor malts its own naturally grown grain and hand-crafts fine spirits traditionally in small batches on the estate. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12 to 5 p.m. the estate will be celebrating their annual Fall Open House with farm and distillery tours, tastings, sales and bottle signings from Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell.

Photo from Adirondack Distilling Co.

Adirondack Distilling Co.
(1.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station)
A doctor, lawyer and a political consultant walk into a bar... Sure, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it was actually the start of something special. With a shared loved of spirits—vodka in particular, the owners and distillers at Adirondack Distilling Co. began in 2011 using a state-of-the-art custom-crafted copper still from Germany, and a proven distilling process, quickly becoming Central new York's latest gem.

Photo from Ausable Brewing Co.

Ausable Brewing Co.

(3.4 Miles from Port Kent Amtrak Station)

The first true farm brewery in the Adirondack Park, Ausable Brewing Co. offers seasonal and limited edition beers and sodas. Sample beers like Plowman's Lunch, North Country Common, Face Cord and Full Cord IPAs, using locally-sourced ingredients from across the region and their 140-acre farm. Their tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday in the afternoon.

Photo from Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Flying Bison Brewing Co.

(1.5 Miles from Buffalo-Exchange Amtrak Station)

From award-winning brewer, Tim Herzog, comes Flying Bison Brewing—the first standalone brewery in the City of Buffalo since 1972. Returning to the brewery on September 10, 2016, is the annual Bisonfest: Oktoberfest at Flying Bison Brewery. Enjoy the smell of sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels and malty beers as their aromas fill the air. The sound of the alpenhorn heralds the coming of autumn and invites you to eat, drink and be merry. $25 gets you a plate full of German food, three hours of music, a new Bisonfest souvenir mug and three drink tickets to fill it with.

Photo from Cirka Distilleries

Cirka Distilleries

(4.6 Miles from Montreal Amtrak Station)

The first grain to bottle artisanal micro-distillery open to the public in Montreal, Cirka uses local grains and sustainable practices to create their quality non-GMO craft Vodka and Gin Wild. Visit for a tour, private group bookings and tastings at their location in the heart of Montreal, or at close to four dozen bars across the city!

Photo from Hop'n Moose Brewing Co.

Hop'n Moose Brewing Co. 

(0.3 Miles from Rutland Amtrak Station)

A little over two years old, Hop'n Moose Brewing is the first and only brewery in Rutland, VT. With unique hand crafted ales and lagers, amazing wood fired pizzas and a family friendly menu—complete with a Kid's menu, wine list and full bar. Beginning on September 12, 2016 visitors will be able try Hop'n Moose's unique brews  any day of the week when the brewpub's doors open 7 days a week and begin weekly Monday specials!

There's Still Time For Fall Fun in the Adirondacks!

As we approach the final weeks of the brisk fall season, you can still find activities and events the whole family can enjoy in the Adirondacks. With more than 100 towns and villages located within the Adirondack Park--the largest park in the lower 48 states--the Adirondacks covers six-million pristine acres of mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys. With a broad range of activities and eight Amtrak stations to choose from, there is no better place to say your farewells to fall.

Image Courtesy of The Hyde Collection

Hyde Collection 

(5.4 miles from Fort Edward Amtrak station)

Located in the small city of Glens Falls, this museum combines Adirondack heritage with a permanent collection of old European and Modern Masters, decorative art and furnishings that spans almost six thousand years from antiquity to the present. The museum is currently featuring their newest exhibition "Heroines" by artist Audrey Flack, a pioneer in Photorealism and a nationally recognized painter, print-maker, and sculptor. The subject of the drawings and prints highlight women neglected or demonized by history and will be running through January 3rd, 2016.

Image Courtesy of Skene Manor

Skene Manor

(0.4 miles from Whitehall Amtrak station)

Built in 1874, this Victorian Gothic-style mansion was built by New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph H. Potter on Skene Mountain in Whitehall. Today, visitors can enjoy free tours of the historic mansion, have lunch in the Tea Room, and explore the charming gift shop. Join Whitehall's biggest holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Skene Manor on Saturday, December 12th.

Image Courtesy of Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

(1.2 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak station)

Since their opening in June 2014, the museum has focused on the 40 years of U.S Air Force presence in the region from 1955-1995. The museum features special exhibits and personal memorabilia collections that includes artifacts which they collect, preserve, and maintain in an effort to publicize the significance of our nation's history. 

Image Courtesy of Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm

(3.6 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

This two-mile sandstone gorge traversed by the Ausable River has been a public attraction since 1870. The new museum features exhibits of extreme natural events, nostalgic souvenirs, and photography displays. Ausable Chasm is now offering spectacular winter tours where you can view gigantic icicles that tower 150-feet above the Ausable River and descend into the chasm to explore the rock and ice formations.

Image Courtesy of Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

(1.7 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

Covering 862 acres in Chesterfield offers a series of mapped foot trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. An observation platform atop a 20-feet high ridge provides a 180-degree marsh view. Wickham Marsh offers a chance for visitors with widely diverse interests, from sportsmen to wildlife researcher to nature enthusiast, to pursue their favorite outdoor activities.