8 Western New York Fall Favorites

A trip across western New York in the fall moves from architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House in Buffalo to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the hometown of comedian Lucille Ball. (She also has a museum in town dedicated to her and her entertainer husband, Desi Arnaz.) You can also visit the slopes of Holiday Valley in the fall for a chairlift that will give you a new perspective on leaf peeping or pay a visit to Becker Farms in Gasport, where fall flavors and fun abound. 

National Comedy Center | Jamestown

Immerse yourself in the history of funny at the National Comedy Center, where interactive exhibits bring the art of laughter to life. Spanning everything from vaudeville to viral memes, this destination traces comedy’s evolution and celebrates the performers, writers and creators who shaped it. 

The attraction personalizes each visit with a LaughBand, which tailors exhibit content to an individual’s comedy tastes by asking them a few questions. Step into moments from “I Love Lucy” and “Saturday Night Live” at the “Act the Part Green Screen Experience,” then go behind the scenes of late-night TV with the “Late Night Studio Camera” exhibit. 

Extend your visit with a dual-admission ticket to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and explore the legacy of the comedic couple. Exhibits here include re-creations of sets from “I Love Lucy,” including the Ricardos’ New York City apartment living room and kitchen. 203 W. Second St., Jamestown, New York 14701, 716/484 2222, comedycenter.org

Holiday Valley’s Spruce Lake Chairlift | Ellicottville 

Take in the autumn colors from Holiday Valley resort’s chairlift, a 20-minute ride that climbs 430 feet to Spruce Lake and operates on the weekends. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides. 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or access to outdoor adventure, the Holiday Valley Spruce Lake Chairlift provides both and has become a signature fall experience in the area. 

Once you reach the top, relax on the beach area near the lake, explore wooded hiking trails or even bring your mountain bike to ride a portion of the 35 miles of cross-country trails in the McCarty Hill State Forest. 

When you’re ready to head back, take a quiet mountain walk down the Spruce Lake Trail or ride the lift back down to Tannenbaum Lodge. Holiday Valley’s Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster and the Sky High Aerial Adventure Park also operate during autumn. 6557 Holiday Valley Rd., Rte. 219, Ellicottville, New York 14731, 716/699-2345, holidayvalley.com 

The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival | Clarence

Make The Great Pumpkin Farm, home of the first 1,000-pound pumpkin, part of your autumn plans. Kick off your visit to the farm’s annual Fall Festival by traversing the 5-acre corn maze, which features a fresh design every year. 

Then, climb aboard the tractor-drawn hayride through the Enchanted Forest. Get creative and make your own scarecrow before watching the famous pumpkin cannon launch pie-size pumpkins thousands of feet into the woods. 

When it’s time for a treat, try a hot pumpkin or apple doughnut and wash it down with a glass of fresh apple cider or a specialty Halloween drink from the Witches Brew Bar & Cafe. Sample the popular Witches Brew, made with apple cider and apple caramel vodka, or The Poison Apple, made with Jack Fire, Jack Apple and local apple cider. 11199 Main St., Clarence, New York 14031, 716/759-1929, greatpumpkinfarm.com

Arcade & Attica Railroad | Arcade  

Climb aboard New York’s only regularly operating steam-engine passenger excursion and experience rail travel from another era on the Arcade & Attica Railroad. Ride in vintage coaches from 1915 powered by the 109-year-old Steam Engine No. 18 through the countryside and farmland that has changed little since the 1880s. 

The authentic short-line railroad remains one of the nation’s last common carriers running freight and passenger trains weekly. Before departure, tour the station exhibits to see antique railroad lanterns, switch locks and an old switch stand, then stop by the authentic ticket office. 

Along the journey, the train stops at the Curriers Depot where the locomotive uncouples from the train, moves onto a siding and stops, allowing visitors a closer look. 

Attend a special event ride, from Wine on the Rails with wine tastings from Winery of Ellicottville to fall foliage and Haunted Halloween rides. 278 Main St., Arcade, New York 14009, 585/492-3100, aarailroad.com 

Letchworth State Park | Castile

View vibrant red, gold and orange foliage during a visit to the renowned “Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth State Park. Surrounded by forests, the 17-mile gorge carved by the Genesee River offers breathtaking views of gorge cliffs as high as 600 feet, three major waterfalls and scenic overlooks. 

Choose from 66 miles of hiking trails, with many also available for horseback riding and biking. Be sure to stop at Inspiration Point overlook to view the Upper Falls and Middle Falls at the same time, then follow Trail 1 to view the Genesee Arch Bridge. 

Those who want to gain a fresh perspective can book a hot air balloon ride through the gorge with Liberty Balloon Co. or walk through the interactive exhibits at the Humphrey Nature Center to learn about the park’s ecosystems. 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, New York 14427, 585/493-3600, parks.ny.gov 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House | Buffalo

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s quintessential  Prairie house, originally designed as the home for Buffalo business executive Darwin D. Martin. Built between 1903 and 1905, the Martin House is regarded as one of the architect’s great achievements. 

The Martin family vacated the home in 1937 and, after years of vacancy and neglect, structures on the estate were demolished in 1962. The Martin House Preservation Corp. later reconstructed the pergola, conservatory and carriage house according to Wright’s original plans.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the 1.5-acre estate is characterized by its spatial openness, horizontal planes, pier and cantilever construction, and palette of natural colors and materials. Don’t miss the striking 9-foot-3-inch Greek statue replica of the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” in the conservatory. 

View the installation “Stained by Time” by 2026 Creative Resident Selva Aparicio from Oct. 9 through Nov. 17. The installation reimagines Wright’s iconic stained-glass windows through the lens of organic impermanence. 125 Jewett Pkwy., Buffalo, New York 14214, 716/856-3858, martinhouse.org

Oakwood Cemetery | Niagara Falls

Explore the rich history of Niagara Falls through the stories of those buried at Oakwood Cemetery. Established in 1852, the active cemetery continues to serve the community. Lavinia Porter, whose father, Judge Augustus Porter, was one of Niagara Falls’ founders, originally donated the land for the cemetery. 

Take a guided tour through part of the 18.5-acre property and see the original 1913 Vermont marble mausoleum. Learn the stories of the 22,000 people buried at Oakwood Cemetery, including daredevil Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to travel over Niagara Falls in a barrel; and Homan Walsh, the young kite flyer who contributed to the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Niagara River. 

Known for its peaceful setting, Oakwood features obelisks, sarcophagi and statuary alongside a lush landscape with mature plantings and trees, some dating to the earliest years of the cemetery. 747 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, New York 14301, 716/284-5131, oakwoodniagara.org

Becker Farms | Gasport

Experience autumn at Becker Farms, a 132-year-old farm where visitors can pick apples, grapes and pumpkins. German immigrant Julius Becker acquired the 100-acre property in 1894. Today, the fifth-generation family farm encompasses 340 acres.

Join the family-friendly Pie & Coffee Tour to learn about the farm’s history from owner Melinda Vizcarra, take a wagon ride and enjoy a slice of the destination’s famous handmade fruit pie. 

Meet the farm animals and then stop at Becker Brewing Co.’s taproom or Vizcarra Vineyards for locally made beer, wine and hard cider. Tasting experiences include seasonal favorites like Oktoberfest beer, sweet cider and spiced apple wine slushies.

Those who want to stay a little longer can book one of the cabins overlooking the vineyards and orchard or stay at the 1830s farmhouse with pasture views. Before heading home, stop by The Farmhouse Market for fresh pies and warm doughnuts. 3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport, New York 14067, 716/772-2211, beckerfarms.com  

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