Ellicottville's Annual Painting of Fall Colors

As the seasons change in Western, New York all of hills come alive with color. The beautiful yellow, red , burnt orange trees paint the hillsides. The color can be seen around every corner of trails, highways and streets. The village of Ellicottville is in the heart of it all. The city streets, ski resorts and hillsides glow with fall color. Fall is a great time to explore Ellicottville, with the smell of dry leaves, cool nights and vibrant colors.

IN THE VILLAGE

The Spas

Fall is a great time to explore the area surrounding Eillicottville and then return for a spa treatment. There are two spas that offer variety of treatments, including wraps, massages, facials and more. The Ellicottville Oasis Day spa is located in the village while the Falling Waters Spa is located at Holiday Valley Resort. Both have many spa packages available and reservations are recommended. Treat yourself to the ultimate in relaxation! There is also a holistic shop in the village!

The Shops

Strolling up and down the main streets of Ellicottville is exceptionally beautiful in the fall. The store fronts are decorated, the trees are changing color and the fall sales are abundant. You won't find large chain stores in Ellicottville. Many are eclectic shops that you unique and custom items. There are clothing stores, jewelry stores, artisan shops, free trade shops, athletic equipment shops, furniture stores, gifts, chocolate candy stores, sock shops, a home-made candle store, holistic stores and more.

The Restaurants

Along with the crisp smell in the fall air, the wonderful aromas escape from the local restaurants as their chefs prepare the fine cuisine. Many of the local restaurants create their standard items on the menu, but offer seasonal special that capture the tastes of the foods available in the fall.  Grab an ice cream cone or a fresh brewed cup of coffee for the perfect fall day. The Ellicottville brewery, the Kabob Care, Dina's Restaurant, Tips up, Coffee Culture, Coolings Cafe, Balloon's Restaurant, the Gin Mills and more have a full lineup of great food.

IN THE PARKS

The Red House Area of NY State Park

The Red House area is located about 15 minutes south of Ellicottville. The central focal points is the Red House lake. There are spectacular views from the valley, being surrounded by a blanket of color. Hike a trail, take a bike ride, rent a paddle boat or pack a picnic for this great area. You can also check out the Stone tower or Thunder Rocks.

The Quaker Run Area of NY State Park

The Quaker Run area is connected to the Red House area. Both areas are just west of exit 21 off of route 86. This area has two great lakes for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more. Pack a picnic for a day trip. There is also a boat launch to access the Allegheny Reservoir. Don't forget to check out the Bear Caves or access the Thunder Rocks area from here as well.

Little Rock City

Little Rock City is an areas of the New York State Forest just west of Ellicottville on Route 242. The area is know for its large boulders that you can see up close. Use caution around the rocks. There are two great hiking trails that are blazed in the area. Pack a picnic and sit at one of the tables. The falls color will surround your at every turn. The area closes at dark, so plan accordingly. There are no street lights in the forest.

Griffis Sculpture Park

Griffis Sculpture Park is part of a non-profit organization. The park is the oldest of its kind in the United States. There are over 250 sculptures on 400 acres. There is a $5 donation for adults and $3 for children, that is well worth it. Pack a picnic and enjoy the fall color outside the Mill Valley Road entrance. Take a hike buy the pond and explore the beautiful art as well the natural setting with the fall color surrounding you. The Rohr Road site has breath taking views and tall sculptures sweeping the hillsides. You can also head off to the trails in the woods for more sculptures.

AROUND THE COUNTY
Pumpkinville

Pumpkinville is open from the third Saturday in September through October 31st. This is great family fun. Pick up some pumpkins and check out the farm. There is a barbecue pit, homemade ice cream, home made deserts, pumpkin doughnuts, fresh cider, fudge, and maple products. All of the food is outstanding.The farm also has a cider mill, pony rides, hay rides, the cow train, corn cannons, storeyland and farm animals. You can watch the fresh cider mill in action. Each year this family tradition gets better and better. Check out the view or the mountainsides with a helicopter ride on select weekends! There is free admission to the farm and village; however, some activities require tickets. Pumpkinville is just down the road from Ellicottville in Great Valley, New york.

The Nightmare Hayrides

The Nightmare Hayride is a tremendous value. The entire experience takes about 40 minutes and includes the nightmare hayride, haunted maze and the vortex bar. All of the areas are full of haunts and have twists around every turn. Hang out in the food pavilion afterwards and enjoy some of the culinary creations. The Nightmare Hayrides run during the month of October, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. The attraction is located on Sommerville Road in Ellicottville, New York and costs about $15 per person. Group rates are available and kids under 5 are free.

Halls Produce

Hall's Produce farm and stand are located 3.5 miles south of Ellicottville off of Route 219. The stand has great fall produce, from gourds, acres of pumpkins, all kinds of squash, dried corn husks, mums and more. Try a new kind of squash. They have spaghetti squash, acorn squash, butternut squash, buttercup squash and more. Hall's Produce has great prices and selection. Support a local farmer.

Take a Scenic Drive

There are countless roads around Ellicottville that have scenic views. It is a great way to see the fall color and find some great destinations. Travel north on Route 219 towards Springville, New York. There are some scenic bridges, great hillsides and valleys and some cool towns and shops on the way. Griffis Sculpture park is in Ashford and Tom's Smokin BBQ in Springville has some of the best pulled pork around.

You can also head west on Route 242 towards the Amish area of Western New York. There are some great towns and tremendous views of the rolling hillsides. Little Rock City can be accessed of this road as well as Spruce lake. Many of the Amish home sell hand crafted items. There is also a cheese factory.

Finally, you can head East on Route 98. There are many creek side and mountainside views along the way. You might drive past the Golden Hill road state forest. The maintenance roads are plenty wide to take a short walk and enjoy the color.

As the cool nights set in and the day become shorter, the leaves began their fall tranformation into golden yellow, burnt orange, fire engine red and every color in between. Each year the colors change across the county and it makes the hills come alive. There is just something extra about the colors make these outdoor activities so much more enjoyable. So whether your shop in the village, head out to a park, enjoy fall harvest activities or just out for a drive, you will be sure to have a great time and experience the wonderful fall colors around the county.

Ellicottville Fall Festival 2011 - The Oktoberfest

Celebrate the tastes and sounds of fall at the 2011 Fall Festival in Ellicottville, New York. The annual event, also known as the Oktoberfest, takes place on October 8 and 9, 2011. It is the oldest and largest Festival in Ellicottville and for good reason; the fall color is at its peak. Tens of thousands of festival goers make for a fun weekend of unique foods, Arts show, Crafts show, curb market, carnival rides, live entertainment, mountain bike race, a 5K and much more. In addition to all of the events, many of the local restaurants and shops have sales and special items throughout the weekend. It is well worth the trip with all of the activity and fun planned over the weekend.

ACTIVITIES

There are activities at the festival for all ages. From downtown Ellicottville to Holiday Valley Resort to around the county; you would be hard pressed to not find something fun to do. A full schedule will be available closer to the event at the Holiday Valley Resort website of the Village of Ellicottville's website. The following is a list of activities at the festival:

Holiday Valley Resort

Take a trip to Holiday Valley resort and check out their Mountain Coaster, Sky High Adventure Park or take a chairlift ride up the Mardi Gras ski lift to see the hills of Ellicottville ablaze with fall color. There will also be some great sale items in their tent sale along with a ski swap. For those looking for some adventure, there will be a 5K run and a mountain bike race.

Chair lift ride

The ride up the Mardi Gras chair lift is just $2 (money is donated to various causes around Ellicottville) from noon to 4 PM both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. At the top of Mardi Gras you can enjoy live music, delicious hot dogs or sausages, cold beer and cider and the spectacular view overlooking the valley full of the fall color. Music will be playing at the base area of the resort and at the Cabana bar as well.

5K Run

The 5K Running Race starts at 10 AM on Saturday, with registration at 9 AM at the Clubhouse Chalet. The course starts down Holiday Valley Road to 219 south, loops around the Ellicottville school and back to Holiday Valley. Beware of the monster hill at the finish! For more information on the 5K run go to heartrateup.com.  

Mountain Bike Race

The Mountain Bike Race starts at 10 AM on Sunday, with registration at 8:30 AM at the Holiday Valley Resort Training Center. The 5 mile route goes up the work road to the top of Holiday Valley then the singletrack begins across the top of the resort and down through the woods. The climb up definitely needs a low gear. It is a very challenging course and you can choose from 4 different divisions which range from one to 4 laps. For more information on the race go to heartrateup.com.

Tent Sale

The "Bargains Beyond Belief" Mountain Shop Tent Sale is located on the Holiday Valley Resort plaza, slopeside of the Clubhouse Chalet, on your way to the chairlift rides. Sale hours are Friday 4 PM to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. Check out the great deals! There will be golf items and more!

Ski Swap

The Ski Swap benefits the Holiday Valley Race, Freestyle and Snowboard Teams. You're encouraged to bring in your old equipment or gently used clothing and helmets and exchange for new or used.The Swap takes place on October 7, 8 and 9 at the Creekside Lodge. Sale Hours are: Friday 4 – 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM.

If you would like to sell items, the resort requests that you please drop them off on Friday from 4 – 8 PM or Saturday from 9 – 12 AM. You will have to pick up any unsold items on Sunday from 3-5 PM, otherwise they will be discarded. For more information on the swap call Mike Nenno at 716-378-1000 or email mnenno1@roadrunner.com.

Downtown Ellicottville

Downtown Ellicottville will be full of action. The street will be full of tents, carnival rides, arts and crafts shows and people. Take a stroll around town and enjoy the festival. All of the unique shops, restaurants and bistros will be open as well. Many of the pubs, restaurants bistros will have live music.

Food Court

The Food court will be open on Friday from 6 pm to 12 am and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, with a full variety of foods and tastes of the season.  

Craft Show

The craft show and sale will be Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm on Jefferson street. Check out some of the local talent at the craft show. There will be some great items for sale.

Art Show

Western New York is home to many talented artists and sculptors. The art show also be on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm on Washington and Jefferson streets. The art is for view and the artist will have items for sale. Support the local artist and stop by the show.

Curbside Market

The curbside market is on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm by the visitors center and Monroe street. There are a large number of vendors with some great sale items. Stroll through the tents and find some great deals.

Carnival Rides

The Carnival rides will be open  from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday. Check out all of the fun! There will be rides for kids of all ages.

Live Music
There will be live music all weekend at many of the pubs and restaurants in town, including the Double Diamond, The Gin Mill, Balloon's Restaurant and more.

Application form to enter the art show, craft show or curb side market: Fall Festival show / market Entry Form

Around the county

Pumpkinville

Pumpkinville has something for everyone. A full day of fun! Pumpkinville has plenty of treats; with a barbeque pit chicken, fresh pressed apple cider, home-made pumpkin and caramel ice cream, home-made deserts and pies, fudge, maple products, pumpkin doughnuts and more. Checkout the farm animals, hay rides, the cow train ride, the corn cannon, pony rides and storyland. Select times there are helicopter rides. There is an apple barn and mill, painted pumpkins and local artist gift shop. And Pick up some pumpkins! From downtown Ellicottville, just follow the signs to the farm just south of town. The farm is located at:

4844 Sugartown Road

Great Valley, NY 14731

Telephone: 716-699-2205

Website: http://www.pumpkinville.com/

Hall's Produce
Stop by Hall's produce to pick up some pumpkins, squash, dried corn, gourds and other all items. The local produce stand has quality produce and is just down the road from Ellicottville. Take route 219 south for 3.6 miles and the farm and stand are on the left side of the road. Great prices!!!

Take a trip and enjoy the festival. There is so much to enjoy in Ellicottville during this fantastic annual fall event. The hills are full of color, the streets are full of music, fun and people, the stores and tents are full of sales and the smell of great food is flowing from the restaurants. The tradition of Oktoberfest is alive, celebrating the fall season!

2011 Rock N' Roll Oldies Weekend in Ellicottville, NY

Do you love chrome, fuzzy dice, mag. wheels and horse power? Then Ellicottville, NY is the place for you during the upcoming Rock N' Roll weekend on September 16 through September 18, 2011. This is the 13th year for the judged car show that has seven classes including Antique cars up to 1959, Classic cars 1960 and up, Custom cars, Sports cars, Rods, Trucks and Convertibles. The show has up to 225 cars and Ellicottville is a great place to host the event. Stroll up and down the sidewalk and check out these great automobiles while listening to live music.

EVENT ACTIVITIES

The car show is September 16th through the 18th and is set up on the main streets of downtown Ellicottville in front of shops, bars and restaurants. Ellicottville is proud to showcase the cars, trucks and rods all set up in class order.  The event has great entertainment and door prizes; and don't forget about the fabulous food in the local restaurants and pubs. The judging is done by a panel of experienced car enthusiasts handing out awards in each class. Everyone is invited to to join their CRUISE ON SATURDAY and listen to the great live music. 

Live Music Schedule

Sept 16  
    at Gin Mill - Live and Kickin' 8 pm
    at Balloon's - Passion Works 7-11 pm
      
 Sept 17
    on the Monroe street stage - (to be announced) 2-4 pm 
    at Gin MIll - Doug Yoemans 8 pm
    15 Balloon's - The Stevie Project 5-9 pm
    on the Monroe street stage - (to be announced) 7-9 pm

Sept 18
   on the Gazebo - Elvis Presley impersonator 2-4 pm

ENTER AN AUTOMOBILE

Do you care to compare you ride? Do you have the best classic car around? Take a ride scenic ride to Ellicottville and let them see what you have! To register, complete the car show registration form (link provided below) along with the registration fee. If you pre-register by September 1, 2011, the fee is $15. Otherwise the fee is $20 the day of the event. Event day registration is at 8:00 AM at the downtown gazebo. Check out the entry form for specific event day details. The car show has the following prizes available:

• a $500 value prize package will be awarded to the Best in Show!

• 100 class Awards
• 25 Best of Show

Registration form link: 2011 Rock N Oldies Car Show Entry Form

So whether you what to enter your ride into the car show or just check out some great cars and trucks, take a trip to Ellicottville, NY to check out the Rock N' Roll weekend. The event has some great prizes, a lot of entertainment and classic automobiles for the car enthusiast!

2011 Taste of Ellicottville - Full of Flavor!

The 2011 Taste of Ellicottville takes place August 6th and 7th, 2011 in the heart of downtown Ellicottville. All foodies should unite in Ellicottville at the intersection of Monroe Street and Washington Street for this fantastic festival. The annual event is a culinary gathering of many of Ellicottville's finest restaurants in the streets of Ellicottville. For 2011, there are 20 restaurants participating. Each of the restaurants' chefs prepare food that is full of flavor and aimed to please the palet! The themes for 2011 range from southern creole, to barbecue, to Mediterranean. Stroll the streets and sample items from all of the restaurants. Compare notes on the restaurants with other patrons or your group of friends. When you have determined the group favorite, then head on over to that restaurant for lunch or dinner. Many of the restaurant also prepare special items throughout the year, in addition to their standard menu items, so it pays to stop in and check out their menu.
 

THE EVENT DETAILS


At the event, each of the restaurant stations accepts tickets purchased from one of the ticket booths located around town. The tasting area and ticket booths are located in the village, and most of the restaurants are within walking distance. The tickets are $1, and most items range between 1 and 4 tickets. Appetizer, dessert and entree samples are on all of the menus. It doesn't get any better than that!

THE EVENT PARTICIPANTS


The restaurants participating in the 2011 Taste of Ellicottville are listed their booth numbers and offer the following event menus:


1. Coolings Cafe - Chicken Panini, pasta salad, peanut butter cup sundae, kiddie cone and iced tea.


2. The Gin Mill - Bourbon pulled chicken sandwich, fresh cut potato chips, Cajun grilled shrimp skewer, BBQ hog wings and fruit smoothies.


3. Birdwalk Restaurant - Greek salad, 4 cheese ravioli, shrimp pemod with spaghetti, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and fresh squeezed lemonade.


4. The Barn Restaurant - Hungarian stuffed peppers, coconut shrimp, pot stickers, bleu cheese crusted pork medallions and iced tea.


5. John Harvard's Brewhouse - Cuban sandwich, cranberry chicken salad, grilled meatloaf with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and raspberry lemonade.


6. DJs Restaurant - Small ice cream cone


7. Tips up Cafe - Maryland style crab cake, orange whisky chicken skewers with wild rice, pesto pizza, homemade cheesecake with fresh blueberries, and bottled water.


8. Madigans - Dom's strip steak au piovre in bourbon cream sauce, fried chicken tenders with country sausage gravy, chicken wings with sweet and spice sauce, Cajun paste with creole chicken sausage and Madigan's salad with sun dried tomato dressing.


9. Coffee Culture - Red pepper Gouda soup, peach smoothie and iced coffee.


10. Subway - Fresh baked cookies, bag snack, 6 inch BMT sub and bottled drinks.


11. Balloons Restaurant - Shrimp and Sausage gumbo, wings (buffalo, tai or Kentucky bourbon) and bottled water.


12. Hoagies - Chicken wing sub, chicken alfredo pizza, pizza by the slice, frozen peanut butter pie and water or soda.


13. Double Diamond - BBQ pulled pork, beef on weck, beer cheddar chowder, grilled clams and root beer floats.


14. Ellicottville Brewing Company - EBC Classic Shepards' pie, stuffed foccacia, smoked pork belly and corn fritter, and fresh squeezed lemonade.


15. Kabob Cafe - Chicken curry with rice, gyro on pita, chicken Soulvaki pita, roasted red pepper hummus and assorted drinks.


16. Rileys - Hickory buttered ribs, scallops Macadamia and homemade turtle cheesecake.


17. Watson's Candies - Sponge candy , 3 pretzel rods, rice pudding, blueberry clusters and  baklava.


18. Silver Fox Steakhouse - Sanibel shrimp over rice, Mediterranean Cobia and sticky toffee pudding cake.


19. Dina's at the Mont - Peach shortcake, cannolis, rocky road fudge bars, homemade cookies and big eye sushi tuna rolls.


20. Dins'a Restaurant - Gourmet pizzas, spinach ravioli, butternut squash bisque, homemade mac and cheese, and fried calamari

ABOUT THE RESTAURANTS

Each of the restaurants is located in Ellicottville and has a fantastic full menu. The excellent chefs at these fine restaurants have prepared menus full of flavor to please the palet and have superb platting to please the eye. All of the chefs have created menus the completely please the soul. The menus have favorites that remain year after year, but also offer seasonal favorites to savor the fresh ingrediants available during the seasons. Take advantage of the festival that allows you to sample all of the culinary delights that Ellicottville cafes, restaurants and bistros have to offer!