Living in NYC, I often forget that there is the rest of the state. And it’s huge. I’m lucky enough to have friends who live in those places and have an opportunity to visit them. For my birthday weekend, which I celebrate with my friend Clayton (his is on the 9th and mine is on the 10th), we decided to go to the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. Between a wine/cider shop, a bar, an orchard and an amazing pizza place, my friends and I got nice and toasty while soaking up a warm October sun. Although the lines were quite long (we DID go on a Saturday), once we got all of our food, and most importantly, our wine and cider, we were very happy campers.

Other places to visit:

• Applewood Winery – a little smaller than the Warwick Valley Winery, but has a great selections of wines as well
• Ochs Orchard – spectacular views, ciders and good food 
• Pennings Orchard and Farm – between the farm market, a pub and an orchard, it provides a great refuge from a crazy city life 
• Bellvale Farms Creamery – Amazing ice-cream and a very cozy view