We officially entered Autumn 2015 last week, and Fall's theatrics debuted right on schedule. The leaves have been turning brilliant hues that span the color spectrum, and there's that subtle yet perceptible crispness in the air; these are palpable and undeniable reminders that the times they are a changin'.
I'm not one of the many who gleefully greets either change or sweater weather with open arms; I love feeling the Summer sunshine on my shoulders, and I know that a bitter Winter awaits on the other side of leaf peeping season — and it should be known that I'm not a Pumpkin Spice Latte groupie. Yet I admit that there are so many appealing aspects to this season.
For one thing, it's harvest time for that most iconic of all New York elements: the apple. The official New York State fruit as of 1976 is a statewide symbol of unity, grown everywhere from Western New York to Long Island. This symbol of the New York spirit takes its literal "spirit" form at the annual Cider Week, observed this year in the Finger Lakes from October 2-11, and then in New York City from November 6-15. (Read our coverage from last year's Finger Lakes event.) This annual festival unites New York's many cider producers with restaurants and new audiences through many free daily events, with the goal of bringing "profitability to local orchards while reviving heirloom apple varieties." You can literally eat and drink for a good cause.
Looking for more ways to get into the spirit? We love this New York Apple Association guide, which lets you search by zip code to find the pick-your-own orchards and farmers markets nearest to you. So, I capitulate to this season in which New York is especially resplendent, and raise my apple cup — available on our New York Makers marketplace — to you, to New York States of Mind's 2nd anniversary (today!), and to all that will unfold in this beautiful New York Autumn.
From New York City,
Christine Murphy
Co-Founder, COO and Editor in Chief
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