The fall season is without question my favorite time of year weather-wise. Living in upstate New York from early September to mid-October is a joy. Sunny blue skies, moderate temps in the low to mid 60s, soccer games … what could be finer? I caught myself thinking just the other day I wish I could bottle up these fall days and pop them out during the long, insufferable winter that follows. But let’s not dwell on winter just yet!

The reason for this post is to chronicle a simple, yet fun ritual our family looks forward to each year–apple picking. Locally we are blessed with several you-pick-it-yourself apple orchards. Our favorite in Broome County is Fiatos, located a few miles outside of Binghamton just off Pennsylvania Avenue (www.fiatosorchard.com). This past Sunday we headed to Fiatos to pick fresh apples. It was a glorious day–blue skies and 70 degrees. Our youngest went with us to pick (complete with iPod to ensure no bordem could possibly creep in). We picked Jona Macs, Paula Reds, Galas and one I had not heard of before: Honey Crisp. Mmmm, love the taste of Honey Crisp apples!

Fiatos has a gift shop and small bakery, so before we check out, we always grab a few freshly made apple fritters and blueberry scones. Double yum! (Please don’t tell my doctor though.) If you’re so inclined, you can pay a small fee for a hay ride. And the little kiddies will enjoy the farm animals available for petting. Fiatos sits near the top of a hillside with views into the surrounding valley with gorgeous scenery. Like I said, it’s something we look forward to every year. We love the apples (my favorite fruit), but the trip itself and spending family time (the iPod stays in the car while we pick!) is the real reason we go. If you live in Broome County, visit one of our local apple orchards this fall and enjoy your loved ones. And be sure to try those Honey Crisp apples.

Technorati Tags: Broome County, apple orchard, Fiatos, apple picking

My family and I were in Syracuse for two reasons: To visit my cousin in University Hospital, and to pick up my daughter at the airport, returning from her senior class mission trip to the Dominican Republic. While we were there, we took my Aunt (funny calling her that, she’s younger than me!) to the Spaghetti Warehouse on North Clinton Street for dinner. We wanted to treat her as she has been at her son’s bedside in the hospital for over a month while he’s recovered from a near-fatal auto accident. We arrived at the Warehouse early and with one more person than the reservation was made for. No problem. They fit us right in within 15 minutes–and let me tell you, this place is busy.

The decor is really cool at the Spaghetti Warehouse. There’s a full-size railroad passenger car somehow fitted into the space–don’t ask me how they did it! It’s a dress-down-yet-chic kind of place. But the ambiance is not the main attraction. It’s the food. They have a 15-layer (count ‘em) lasagna that is, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. I had a combo deal, get a big slice of lasagna AND angel hair pasta with sliced marinated chicken on it bathed in a garlic butter sauce. My mouth waters to think about it even now several days later.

The meal started with sour dough bread (yummy), and a soup or salad. I had the salad and it was good. The drinks come in 32-ounce glasses. It’s like drinking from a 2-liter bottle! But the main course is where it’s at. And the price was reasonable–about what you would pay at an Olive Garden, maybe even a shade less. We all agreed another trip to ‘Cuse and the Spaghetti Warehouse is definitely in our future. Combine that with a trip to Borders at the Carousel Mall and life doesn’t get any better.

How about you? Have you ever eaten at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Syracuse, or anywhere else? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.

Technorati Tags: Borders, Carousel Center, Spaghetti Warehouse, Syracuse

Technorati Tags: Binghamton, Upstate New York, New York State