The dog days of August practically commands that city dwellers head for the shady refuge of the country. This month brings loads of opportunities to experience the varied flavors of New York miles away from the asphalt jungle. Whether it’s easy going fair food or a sophisticated wine tasting your interested in, we’ve sought the best that the cooler regions of NY has to offer. Most of the events featured here are a mere one hour drive from the sweltering City, some are—well—a little bit further, but they are well worth the road trip. So, heed the call of summer, grab a few friends, and head to the country. Not only will the expansive canopy of green trees make you feel ten degree’s cooler, you’ll get to sample some of the finest in summertime fare.
August 1st
Freeville Organic Research Farm Field Day
Hosted by Cornell University, Freeville, NY
Cornell University researchers will host their third annual twilight meeting at the Freeville Organic Research Farm. The meeting will run from 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. This event will include an in-depth session about the Organic Cropping Systems experiment. From 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. a comprehensive farm tour will take place, visitors will get a chance to learn about the multiple research projects currently underway by the researchers themselves. For directions and more information about this Field Day event check out their webpage at www.hort.cornell.edu/organicfarm.
August 3rd to August 6th
The Sauerkraut Festival
Phelps, NY
Ah, the lovely and versatile cabbage. The folks in Phelps have taken appreciation of this vegetable to a new level with their annual Sauerkraut Festival. Now in its 40th year this event was recently featured on Food TV and was voted among one of the top ten festivals in the Mid-Atlantic States. Even though it extols the wonders of Sauerkraut, including a cake made from it, (yes, I did say cake), the crowning of the annual Cabbage Queen, a kraut cooking contest, a parade, and a cabbage head decorating contest, the Fest has a lot more than pickled cabbage to tantalize your taste buds. Food vendors abound including, but not limited to, a down home-style BBQ, numerous dessert offerings and, of course a Beer Pavilion, because what would kraut be without an ice cold brew to finish it off? There will also be live entertainment, a fireworks display, games, rides and arts and crafts. Whether you’re a lover of kraut or not, you’ll find something fun to do and plenty of delicious, krautless food to eat at this action packed gathering. Admission is free and the ride and food costs are reasonably priced. Hours vary depending on the day, so be sure to check out their website for daily scheduled event times at www.phelpssauerkrautfestival.com.
August 5th
Lenz Chardonnay World Classic to Benefit Slow Food East End
Lenz Winery, Peconic, NY
This event will feature over sixty chardonnays from around the world, including new release chardonnays from the 2004 vintage. Wine lovers will not want to miss this wine tasting event. Admission prices are $40.00 in advance or $45.00 at the door. For more information and to make reservations, call 631-734-6010.
August 5th & 6th
Annual Garlic Festival
Fox Run Vineyards, Seneca Lake, New York
Fox Run Vineyards is hosting their fourteenth annual Garlic Festival. The vineyard itself is a producer of award winning wines and worth a weekend trip on its own merits. The Garlic Fest held on the 5th and 6th offers an even greater incentive to make the drive to beautiful Seneca Lake. The event runs from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. on both days and offers loads of garlicky dishes and snacks for herb aficionados to enjoy. Executive Chef Frank Caravita has created a wonderful menu and will be pairing his food choices with the signature, estate-grown wines of Fox Run. Also on hand will be numerous vendors with fresh fare for sale, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Admission is free and ample parking will be provided. Check out their web page devoted to the festival at, www.foxrunvineyards.com/garlicfestival.html for more information pertaining to the event, (including driving directions and a list of vendors).
August 12th & 13th
Strawberry, Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Baldwin Vineyards, Pine Bush, New York
This New York winery located in the Hudson River region hosts a plethora of events all year long. However, on the 12th and 13th of August, don’t drool on your keyboard now, they are hosting a Strawberry, Chocolate and Wine tasting session. This event is located within the winery and costs $10.00 per person. Adults only and obviously! The price includes a delectable plate of desserts featuring strawberries and chocolate and a tasting of seventeen of their select wines (better bring a designated driver!). The time is Noon to 5:30 P.M. For directions and more information about this or other events hosted by Baldwin call them at (845) 744-2226 or visit their website at www.baldwinvinyards.com and click the "06’ Festivals" link.
August 24th through September 4th
The New York State Fair
Syracuse, New York
The pride of NY since 1841, this state fair runs for a glorious twelve days and this year promises to be as exceptional as years gone by. In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors and vendors that appear at the fair every day there is a great line-up of entertainment and events that are scheduled to take place. James Taylor, Toby Keith, Jeff Foxworthy, Keith Urban, Jesse McCartney, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas and the Rascal Flatts are all on the program during the month of August. Many more concerts will be taking place in early September as well.
The NY State Fair is a great place to bring the kids, Kiddieland and the Family Fun Center are just the tip of the iceberg; there are too many additional daily attractions to name here. Suffice to say that there is something for everyone. Animal competitions, an enormous tractor display, the agricultural museum and even the traditional Butter Sculpture are just a few of the things you’ll find to do. Of course, fantastic fair food abounds with old time favorites like funnel cake, custard ice cream, hot dogs and cotton candy, but in addition you’ll find the Wine Court which will be featuring wines from local vineyards for sale by the glass or bottle, assorted salads, local cheeses, jams, jellies and breads to snack on.
You can buy tickets at the gate for $10.00 or at a discounted rate of $6.00 by purchasing them in advance from the State Fair website or at Ticketmaster, you may also purchase extended Fairgoer Passes and ridebooks at both of these venues. Concert tickets are sold by individual performer via Ticketmaster. Check out the State Fair website for more information at, www.NYSFair.org.
Check back next month for September events going on in New York.
