© J.N. Urbanski Noon
In some ways, Autumn is a better time for Catskills living. The region relies greatly on tourism because it remains under-developed. In order to keep our waterways clean so that New Yorkers can drink the Catskills water unfiltered, industry is heavily regulated. As a consequence of this, friends and neighbors are never more busy than they are in the summer with events and visitors. The wedding industry is booming; hairdressers, chefs, caterers, make-up artists, photographers, hotels and inns are realizing good trade in this speciality event. Autumn is creeping in and although there are still events during this time, there is a general, collective sigh of relief occurring as the business winds down. Country life remains hard work year-round though. We’re not running through sun-drenched hay fields like its a shampoo commercial, but it will be nice to play catch-up with friends and colleagues in these coming months.
The Hubbell Family Cider Mill on Route 30 in Halcotsville, which has been pressing apples since 1878, opens its doors to the public on October 1st and every Saturday in October. All are invited to come and watch apples being pressed. Details will be released closer to the time. I will be interviewing Burr Hubbell and Andrew on WIOX Radio on October 3rd at 9am to discuss the history of the Catskills apple and farming in the region.
The Pakatan Farmer’s Market, on Route 30 in Halcotsville, continues every Saturday until October 8th, its last day of operation. Find fresh vegetables, meat and local produce like maple syrup, baked goods and jewelry here. Support your local farmers and producers buy visiting the market and finding out how you can still support them through the Fall/Winter season.
Friday Night Supper Clubs at the Magpie Bookshop in Catskill will start on September 23rd, “a monthly community dinner series featuring eclectic family-style course meals prepared with local Hudson Valley ingredients and lots of love. North/South Catering offers re-imagined classics and innovative specials, serving a resolutely market-driven menu to the good people of the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and beyond”.
The Catskills Center will host the 2016 Fall Gala to benefit their Maurice D Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center on October 9th from 5-8pm. The Catskill Interpretive Center is a welcome center for visitors to the Catskills that is located on Route 28 in Mount Tremper, NY 12457. The Catskills Center is a non-profit institution dedicated to the conservation and development of the Catskills region. Tickets for the Fall Gala can be found here.
As a local journalist, in addition to maintaining this website, I write for Edible Hudson Valley and the Watershed Post. This week, I’m working on several profiles that will take me all over this gorgeous landscape as autumn begins with its tiny pockets of red and flurries of yellow. Autumn officially starts on September 22nd with the Autumnal Equinox, the day that the sun is directly overhead and thereafter begins a gradual, daily decline in the sky causing the days to become shorter.