This is the start of a weekly column for the month of October that looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
Local Wineries with Fall Foliage
Long Island’s wine country is not only limited to the north and south forks. Right here, in the middle of the island, are some beautiful and robust wineries with delicious food, rich wine, and a view to gaze at.
Harmony Vineyards is a wine and art lover’s dream. Located in St. James on the harbor, the vineyard’s tasting room gives new memories to the historical building, which was built in 1690. The vineyard is surrounded by trees changing color, and beautiful sunsets over the harbor. As an adult-only environment, Harmony prides themselves on their serene and soothing surroundings. On Friday nights, Harmony provides their guests with the Drink-In Theater, where their wines can be enjoyed while watching a movie. When reserving this special evening, select the 7:30p.m. seating on a Friday night (October 13 will be screening Practical Magic). Tickets are $36 per person which will be credited towards your bill that evening.
Another amazing inland vineyard can be found in Sayville, on the John Roosevelt Meadowcroft Estate, Loughlin Vineyard. Also surrounded by trees, the large estate takes a more classic spin on Long Island Vineyards. Equipped with lawn chairs alongside the vines, visitors can sip the product while watching the next generation of grapes grow. The vineyard has been in operation since 1984, when Barney Laughlin, his wife and two daughters planted their first seeds of grapes. These grapes are said to have made the winery’s first vintage Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Loughlin Vineyard is now open for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00p.m. to 4:30p.m. Tastings come at $2 per wine, glasses are between $8-$10, and bottles go for $25-$35. Though they do not serve food themselves, the vineyard does allow outside food, along with leashed dogs and supervised children.
Fall’s Favorite Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Martini
Ingredients:
1/2-ounce heavy cream
1/2-ounce maple syrup (additional 2 ounces if making topping #1)
2 tbsp Pumpkin Puree (yes, canned is fine, we don’t judge)
2 ounces vanilla vodka
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice (or your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice)
5 marshmallows (for optional topping #2, omit if not using)
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and ice. Shake well, about 15-25 seconds or until all ingredients are completely combined. Rim your martini glasses with a topping option. Strain into martini glasses. Top with pumpkin spice.
Optional toppings:
Topping 1:
Before straining your martini, dip the rim of your glass into maple syrup then into crushed graham crackers for a sweet and salty touch.
Topping 2:
Microwave 3-4 marshmallows for 20 to 30 seconds, just until they expand, and the inside becomes gooey. Let sit out of the microwave until the outside of the marshmallows are cool. After washing your hands, dip your thumb and index finger into the marshmallows and stretch them into strings over the rim of your glass to create a web. *Beware: this will be sticky and messy but worth it* Continue these steps until the strings form your desired spider web look (pictured left.)
Fall Activities for the Kids
Now that it is getting colder, and our gorgeous leaves are turning and falling, it can be difficult to get the kids outside. And as busy parents, it can be even more difficult to research and find creative games and activities for them to do in your own backyard. So, we’ve decided to do it for you.
Create your own Fall Board
Using cardboard or thick parchment paper, draw any shape you like (We recommend a pumpkin, apple, or even a tree if you’re artistic). Cut out the shape with a knife or box cutter to create a frame. Do not cut the edges. Pop out the shape, which can be used for another activity.
With wide width tape, cut long strands the length of the frame and take over the empty shape so that, from the other side of the board, the tape will be sticky.
Send your child outside with the sticky board and have them locate pretty and colorful leaves to stick to the tape.
If your children are older and learning colors, it can be a color coordinating activity by having them only put orange leaves on a pumpkin board, red leaves on an apple board, yellow on a sun board, etc.
If your children are learning math, numbers, or to count, use a larger board and cut out squares throughout the board. Take a sharpie and write numbers on the tape in different squares, 1-10 or math equations 2+2, etc. Have your child place the appropriate number of leaves onto each square.
