Before bears hibernate they load up on calories to keep warm and sated through the cold, sleepy months. The region's food and drink providers are conspiring to do the same with a glut of food events popping up in October. In addition to the inaugural Catskill Wine & Food Festival on Columbus Day Weekend (see page 97), here are nine tasty events to ease the transition into winter.
Cider in the Mountains
Scribner's Catskill Lodge, at the base of Hunter Mountain, got a major facelift a few years ago. On October 13 and 14, the 20-acre property will host a cider festival to raise funds for Catskill Mountain Foundation, a community arts nonprofit. Head to the 38-room resort for two days of food, cider samples, music, and games. $10-$40.
Applestock
On October 6, the beautiful and peaceful Historic Huguenot Street will become the backdrop for this celebration of all things apple—pie, jam, sauce, cider—you name it. Over a dozen New York State breweries, cideries, and wineries will make up the Cider Market, where you can talk with makers and enjoy tastings. There will also be crafts, games, music, and puppetry for children. Free.
Best of Hudson Valley Party
The Oscars of the local food and service industries, Hudson Valley magazine's Best Of awards party is a celebration of the talent, creativity, and hospitality of this region's entrepreneurs. Head to the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel on October 11 for bite-sized samples from the winning businesses. $50-$450.
It's a Dinner
This dinner series, curated by Goop food editor Ana Hito and hosted at various sites on Goshen Green Farm, has its next pop-up event on October 20 in the 19th-century chestnut barn. Before the five-course vegetarian feast, wander the grounds and learn about the 200-acre operation. Local beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails will be served. This event is rain or shine, so dress for the weather. $100.
Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest
If you can't make it to Munich for Oktoberfest, Hunter Mountain is a good backup. This free slope-side event returns for the first two weekends of the month. Take in sweeping vistas of the Hudson Valley during peak fall foliage and enjoy live German entertainment while sipping selections from dozens of breweries. Lederhosen encouraged. Free, $29-$39 VIP passes.
Hudson Valley Chef's Challenge
Lamb is the common denominator in the first annual chef faceoff at Millbrook Winery on October 28. Fifteen of the region's culinary masterminds will compete in three categories—Best Lamb Dish, Best Use of Hudson Valley Ingredients, and Most Hudson Valley Products Used. Tickets include food tastings and a glass of wine.
Taste of the Catskills
On October 6 and 7, Maple Shade Farm in Delhi will host this curated culinary sampling of the region's food and craft beverage producers. Children's events include crafting sessions, farm tours, and an Arm-of-the-Sea puppet show. Saturday culminates with a locally sourced harvest dinner paired with Ommegang beer. $5-10, $26 for Saturday dinner.
Craft: Beer, Spirits & Food Festival
For a nostalgic throwback, head to Bethel Woods on October 13, where the Spin Doctors will be headlining this celebration of artisanal food and drink. It'll be just like the '90s—but the beer will be better. Drink from the fabled river of whiskey, and leave with a pocketful of kryptonite. Ages 21 and up. $25-$90.
Chefs for Clearwater
Head to the Culinary Institute of America on October 14 for a gourmet evening. Executive chefs from the region's top restaurants including Terrapin, The Roundhouse, and Crabtree's Kittle House, will work together to produce a five-course feast to support Hudson River Sloop Clearwater's mission of protecting and restoring the region's waterways. $300 and up.
Warwick Applefest
On October 14, the Black Dirt region's largest harvest festival will celebrate 30 years with an estimated 30,000 visitors. Over 275 food and craft vendors, a children's carnival, and a farmers' market will take over downtown Warwick for this family friendly bonanza. Free.
