Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

Now that fall has kicked it into high gear, there is a huge number of things to do on the last weekend of September.  The fall foliage is starting to move towards peak colors, and as these lucky people found out on Tuesday, now is the perfect time for a hot air balloon ride in Madison County.   If you are looking to stay a little more grounded this weekend, check out the top five events for your last weekend of September:
1. The Colors of Autumn at the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota -- This free program runs from 10 to 11 AM  Fall flowers, berries and changing leaf coloration make autumn a colorful time of year. Take a guided tour  to see for yourself.
2. National Alpaca Farm Days -- From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday September 27th, BMR Acres will welcome guests to join them on their farm. Enter a free drawing to win a gift made from the luxurious aplaca fiber. BMR Acres is located at 2542 Pine Ridge Road, in Canastota. There will also be alpaca products available for purchase. Alpacas, cousins to the llama, are native to the Andean Mountain range of South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, and Chile and have been raised for 7,000 years for their exquisite fiber.
3. 37th Annual Wheel Days in Brookfield.  A perfect weekend drive to enjoy the changing leaves and all things wheel related at the county fair grounds.
4. Wolf Oak Acres and Critz Farms Fall Celebrations.  Corn Mazes, harvest fun and great local products for purchase.  Need I say more>
5. Barefoot Truth-- At the Earlville Opera House on Saturday night.  Their heartfelt, melodic songs are performed with a wide array of instruments including upright bass, lap steel guitar, congas, didgeridoo and lead harmonica.  Capturing the true essence of 'Organic Rock', Barefoot Truth puts on an energetic show, full of good vibes. Mixing rootsy acoustic sounds, with meaningful storytelling lyrics, the band pulls their audience closer, only to want more. 

The leaves are quickly changing color across the county thanks to some crystal clear, cold nights and beautiful fall days.  It really has become a tale of two counties, with the leaves that are on the hills near and south of Route 20 being close to 50% of peak.  However, the leaves in the northern parts of the county, places like Chittenango, Canastota and Oneida, the leaves have only started to change about 25% of the way.  You will find this weekend's best leaf peeping along US Route 20 especially between Nelson and Madison.  Take a side road or two and hit many of the state forests in the southern part of the county to see hillsides covered in oranges and reds.  The reds are an especially deep crimson in many parts too.  As always keep checking in for more updates and photos all fall long.

The weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend and we are excited about a wide range of activities that you and your family can enjoy.  Autumn is my favorite time of year in Madison County and this morning's frost tells me that it is a great time to visit and stay in a B&B to enjoy this great season.  There is a lot going on this weekend so here are your top 5 best bets:
1. It is the 2nd weekend for Critz Farm's Fall Festival and this weekend's weather will be perfect for picking out pumpkins and drinking a nice tall glass of fresh Squeezed Apple Cider from the Harvest Moon Cider Mill.  Admission is $6 a person with a maximum of $30 per car, and your ticket is good for the entire season.
2. Fall's Bounty is on display this weekend and three great farmer's marketing.  Cazenovia, Hamilton and Canastota host the best places to buy fresh produce direct from the farmers and this weekend's dinners can be bought fresh right from the farmer.
3. The Caz Ski Club hosts its 2nd annual Mountain Jam this weekend at their facility near Chittenango Falls State Park.  You can enjoy beer, music and fun all day on Saturday.  For more information and tickets visit their website.
4. Wolf Oak Acres is the area's newest Agritourism attraction.  There is plenty to do their this weekend.  Located just outside the city of Oneida, they will be open all weekend long and feature a corn maze, corn cannons, pig races and more. 
5. Continuing the Agritourism theme, this weekend is the Madison County Ag Expo in Morrisville. The  Expo allows people to make connections with a rapidly expanding base of local producers in Central New York. Vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators, volunteers, and expo-goers will gather to: share knowledge about sustainable living and rural life skills; eat delicious, Central New York -grown food; buy and sell beautiful Central New York crafts and agricultural products; children compete in various activities; and have a great time.

Of course that is not everything this weekend.  Check out the full calendar of events to find the perfect family ac

It sure was cold this morning when I woke up at 6am to let the dogs out!  That can only mean one thing.  The changing of the colors will kick into high gear this weekend.  Most of Madison County missed out on the highest winds from Hurricane Ike and the leaves all held their ground and stuck to the trees that didn't topple over.  Color is at about 10% of change as of Friday afternoon, with some pockets of brilliance.  The weather is supposed to be very nice this weekend and there will be plenty of leaf peeping opportunities across the county.  The best spots for great photos are along Cazenovia Lake in the Western part of the county and in the Brookfield State Forest in the south.  Keep checking in with us all fall as we will be updating twice a week and adding pictures of the foliage.  New York State is also doing a fall foliage report and it is quite detailed with spotters from every corner.   See you on the roads this weekend.

Matt Critz of Critz Farms tried his hand last winter and making some hard cider.  This year he wants to help you make your own hard cider at home.  On Saturday October 25th Critz Farms will host a seminar at 10am on home cider making.  Information will include what apples, ingredients and equipment you need, as well as the "how-to" of hard cider making.  Experienced hard cider and home wine-makers are welcome to join us and share your expertise.

Jazz `N Caz 2008 will fill the village of Cazenovia with music from Thursday, Sept. 11 to the wee hours of Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Brae Loch Inn and at the Catherine Cummings Theatre at Cazenovia College.  All performances are free; however a $10 donation is suggested for performances in the theatre.  You can get a printable schedule here.

The weekend will kick off at the Brae Loch Inn, 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 11 with the Latin Jazz of DaFloJo Tette.

Friday, Sept. 12 , Jazz`N Caz begins at 6 p.m. at the Catherine Cummings Theatre at Cazenovia College, on the Time Warner Mainstage, with pianist and composer Noah Kellman and trumpeter Nick Frenay, who will warm the stage for the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, and will join them for the opening numbers of their 7 p.m. set.

The Morgan Street Stompers will play Dixieland at 8:45 p.m., and the evening will wind down with Jimmy Johnson at 10:30 p.m. backed by the local group, the DeLinquents.

At 11:30 p.m., music moves to Seven Stone Steps at the Lincklaen House for Jazz after Hours.

Saturday, Sept. 13 , Jazz ` N Caz begins at 5 p.m. at the Catherine Cummings Theatre with performances by the Cazenovia High School Vocal Ensemble, and the Cazenovia High School Jazz Ensemble.

The Jane Monheit Quartet takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.   Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso takes the stage at 9 p.m., with Neal Miner on bass, Matt Munisteri on guitar and vocals, and John Allred on trombone.

On Saturday night at 11 p.m., the music moves to Seven Stone Steps at the Lincklaen House for a Jazz after Hours jam session that will send the fans home with dreams of next year's Jazz ` N Caz

Between Us Sisters is celebrating 3 years in business.  And what fun years they have been.  The Sisters have enjoyed meeting and getting to know all of their wonderful customers.  In turn they want to share their success with everyone.  The sales and specials start on Wednesday 9/10/08 and run through Saturday 9/13/08.  Summer Items will be on sale for 40% off on Wednesday and Thursday, and jump to 50% off for Friday and Saturday; but don’t wait too long – what your heart desires might be gone!!  Charming Tails will be on sale for 40% off and a special selection at 50% off.  Every customer will be eligible to draw a discount good for their purchase and can enter a drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate.

During the 3rd Anniversary Celebration of Between Us Sisters, a more somber anniversary will be celebrated; 9/11.  Many of us have read about a drive to have a flag on everyone’s house.  Between Us Sisters carries a selection of American Flags, and other patriotic items.  So if you don’t have your flag for 9/11/08, please stop in to see them. 

Between Us Sisters is located at 6170 Valley Mills Street in the village of Munnsville NY.  Their hours are 11am to 6 pm Wednesday through Friday and 10 am to 5pm Saturday.  For more information you can reach them at (315) 495-2470, or by email at BetweenUsSisters@twcny.rr.com.