It’s hard not to be a “basic” fall lover when you’re surrounded by so much beauty in Buffalo this time of year! While life within the city limits is certainly stunning (think crisp, fallen leaves flying through the air), there are several other spots to experience all that autumn fun in Western New York has to offer. The next time you have a free afternoon, here are 9 picture-perfect fall day trip destinations to visit around Buffalo.

  1. Ellicottville

HoeHo - Flickr There’s somewhat of a cult following for the EVL, which is totally justified – especially in the fall and winter months. The slopes at Holiday Valley are a great place for leaf peeping, and nothing hits the spot on a chilly fall day like a cold one from the Ellicottville Brewing Company!

  1. Arcade

A & A Railroad We have mentioned our love for this place before, and it’s worth reiterating. This tiny town is so charming – from its hometown restaurants to the steam piping from the railroad, there’s so much to love in good ol’ Arcade!

  1. Niagara Falls

makoto2007 - Flickr Most people associate Niagara Falls with a hot summer destination, and while that’s certainly true, there’s something seriously magical about the Falls in the fall!

  1. Williamsville

~Sage~ - Flickr A visit to Williamsville in the autumn is only complete once you’ve seen Glen Falls surrounded by fall foliage! End your visit to this day trip destination by scooping up fall fashion at one of the area’s several boutiques.

  1. Varysburg

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Facebook If you’ve never been to the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, we highly recommend paying a visit during the fall! This day trip destination is completely unique. Start by feeding wild animals right from your hands and end the day feeding yourself at the lodge (just be sure to wash your hands first)!

  1. West Seneca

Mayer Brothers Cider Mill - Facebook What would fall in Western New York be without a trip to the Mayer Brothers Cider Mill? You simply must make the pilgrimage to this local gem before the snow flies! Pro tip: be sure to order extra ciders – you’ll want to save some for later.

  1. Finger Lakes

Sue Reynolds - Flickr The Finger Lakes are one of the most popular areas for Buffalonians to visit, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you enjoy wine tasting, hiking, shopping, or scouting for fabulous photo opportunities, the Finger Lakes is a day trip destination that delivers!

  1. Chautauqua Lake

Mary Madigan - Flickr Another great lake destination: Chautauqua! The leaves in this quaint town are seriously impressive in the fall, and there are always plenty of things to do here: apple picking, winery tours, and a visit to the historic Chautauqua Institution – just to name a few!

  1. Clarence

The Great Pumpkin Farm - Facebook I mean… obviously. Nothing screams “FALL” like thousands of bright orange pumpkins! Make your autumn complete with a visit to The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. You can thank us later!

Where are your favorite day trip destinations in the fall? Share your best fall photos in the comments below for a chance to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram!

HoeHo - Flickr

There’s somewhat of a cult following for the EVL, which is totally justified – especially in the fall and winter months. The slopes at Holiday Valley are a great place for leaf peeping, and nothing hits the spot on a chilly fall day like a cold one from the Ellicottville Brewing Company!

A & A Railroad

We have mentioned our love for this place before, and it’s worth reiterating. This tiny town is so charming – from its hometown restaurants to the steam piping from the railroad, there’s so much to love in good ol’ Arcade!

makoto2007 - Flickr

Most people associate Niagara Falls with a hot summer destination, and while that’s certainly true, there’s something seriously magical about the Falls in the fall!

~Sage~ - Flickr

A visit to Williamsville in the autumn is only complete once you’ve seen Glen Falls surrounded by fall foliage! End your visit to this day trip destination by scooping up fall fashion at one of the area’s several boutiques.

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Facebook

If you’ve never been to the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, we highly recommend paying a visit during the fall! This day trip destination is completely unique. Start by feeding wild animals right from your hands and end the day feeding yourself at the lodge (just be sure to wash your hands first)!

Mayer Brothers Cider Mill - Facebook

What would fall in Western New York be without a trip to the Mayer Brothers Cider Mill? You simply must make the pilgrimage to this local gem before the snow flies! Pro tip: be sure to order extra ciders – you’ll want to save some for later.

Sue Reynolds - Flickr

The Finger Lakes are one of the most popular areas for Buffalonians to visit, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you enjoy wine tasting, hiking, shopping, or scouting for fabulous photo opportunities, the Finger Lakes is a day trip destination that delivers!

Mary Madigan - Flickr

Another great lake destination: Chautauqua! The leaves in this quaint town are seriously impressive in the fall, and there are always plenty of things to do here: apple picking, winery tours, and a visit to the historic Chautauqua Institution – just to name a few!

The Great Pumpkin Farm - Facebook

I mean… obviously. Nothing screams “FALL” like thousands of bright orange pumpkins! Make your autumn complete with a visit to The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. You can thank us later!

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