hudson grown

September brings with it a respite from constant harvest, a time to step back and appreciate the bounty. Here are the next couple months' worth of celebrations — from fall's staple, the glorious apple to heavenly, pungent hardneck garlic. Note: not all festivals are both days, please check the respective websites.

September 12 & 13

Friends' Annual Crabfest, Piermont: Hudson River blue claw crabs, corn on the cob and a jug band.

Harvest Festival at the Farmers' Museum, Cooperstown: The old-time agricultural fair is revived, including horse-drawn wagon rides through the museum's 19th century village.

The Garden of Eating Tour (through Sept. 21.): A self-guided driving tour of the best farms and restaurants in Albany, Columbia, Dutchess and Rensselaer counties. Dozens of restaurants in the four counties will celebrate the fabulous local bounty by creating specialty dishes.

September 26 & 27

21st Annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, Saugerties: Absolute must, everything from garlic ice cream (of course) to more than you ever thought you could know about different varieties. You can smell it a mile away. 

Cauliflower Festival, Margaretville 

October 3 & 4

Heart of the Hudson Valley Bounty Festival, Milton: A day long family event showcasing the bounty of the valley and supporting agriculture. CIA judged Agri-Culinary Restaurant Competition, arts and crafts vendors, recreational demonstrations, music, kids activities.

Grape Harvest Festival, Washingtonville: Brotherhood Winery hosts over 100 vendors, live bands, food of all kinds and much more.

Apple Fest, Cantine Field, Saugerties: Apple cider pressing, demonstrations, apple bobbing, food vendors, apple trees and apples for sale, book store, Jane's Ice Cream, and much more. (518) 965-3929

October 18 & 19

Johnny Appleseed Cider Festival, Prospect Hill Orchard, Milton: Old-fashioned hand crank cider pressing with free tasting, antique farm equipment display and parade, make your own scarecrows, apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides. Free admission.