READY FOR A HOLIDAY
History, fall foliage key part of Columbus Day Weekend
WILTON, N.Y. » Two large military re-enactments highlight a host of activities planned for the upcoming Columbus Day Weekend.
Of course, one of the best attractions is Mother Nature’s display of fall foliage colors, which are approaching peak vibrance in parts of the Northeast.
At Saratoga National Historical Park, events commemorating America’s victory in the Battles of Saratoga are scheduled for Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Saturday marks the 240th anniversary of the decisive Second Battle on Oct. 7, 1777.
Last month, an encampment was held describing the American perspective of these historic events.
Saturday’s program will present things from the British point of view including conversations with soldiers and American Loyalists. British sympathizers will explain why they supported the Crown and why park visitors should, too.
Activities are planned throughout the day. A colonialera woman will explain why women and children were part of the British camp; a sutler (salesperson) will tell how civilians made money off the army; and there will be a hands-on flour cake demonstration, showing how food soldiers ate was prepared.
On Saturday only, a tour of the Second Battle of Saratoga will begin at 1 p.m., going to places combat occurred — Barber wheatfield, Freeman’s Farm and Breymann redoubt.
A soldier from the British 62nd Regiment will tell about the extreme losses his outfit suffered. Starting out with 500 men, it had fewer than 200 after Saratoga.
A Civil War military encampment is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Grant Cottage State Historic Site in Wilton. Nearly 20 professional living history re-enactors dressed in Civil War uniforms and period costumes will take part.
The Overlook at Mount McGregor has been recognized by the state parks department as one of the best places in upstate New York to see fall foliage. Panoramic views stretch from the southern Adirondacks to northern Catskills and east to Vermont.
Tours of the cottage where President Ulysses S. Grant died, shortly after completing his memoirs, will be conducted throughout the day. A full lineup of activities is planned. They are: children race a solider (10:30 a.m.), banjo music by Tom Smith (11 a.m.), music by The Veterans in the New Field (noon), Union generals press conference (1 p.m.), walk to the Overlook with Bagpiper Seth Rosan, musket firing and Taps (2 p.m.), and music by Run the River (3 p.m.)
Visitors may also meet a Civil War surgeon, and infantrymen; take photos with re-enactors portraying Mark Twain, Clara Barton, Grant Cottage caretaker Martha Clarke, and abolitionist, teacher, nurse, and suffragette Mary A.R. Livermore; learn Morse Code on a real telegraph key; and view a private Civil War artifact collection, and learn about tintype photography with Glens Falls Art.
Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up; free admission for children 12 and under. A limited number of tickets are available by going to: GrantCottage.org.
Of course, Columbus Day weekend is prime apple season and many farms in and around Saratoga offer places for people to pick their own. It’s also a good time to buy pumpkins or try navigating a corn maze at places such as Schuyler Farms in Schuylerville, Long Acres Farm in Ballston Spa or Ellms Family Farm in Charlton.
Colors are already past peak in higher elevations of the Adirondacks, but the display is far from over in many parts of the state. For the latest information go to: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/.
For a listing of special events go to: https://www.iloveny.com/events/.
For those who don’t mind traveling a bit farther afield, neighboring Vermont has numerous fun fall destinations such as Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkin, which includes a challenging corn maze, and nearby Adams Apple Orchard whose trees are loaded with numerous varieties. Both places are in Williston, just a few miles east of Burlington.
Afterward, enjoy the ride south on Routes 7 and 22A, which afford breathtaking views overlooking Lake Champlain set against a backdrop of the Adirondack High Peaks.