Hometown Living 2026 by Community Source

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

LIVING

The Heart of Hometown Living What makes a place feel like home isn’t necessarily its size or amenities—it’s the people and connections.

WHY COMMUNITY STILL MATTERS A hometown is more than a dot on a map. It is the familiar streets, the businesses whose names have been known for generations, the annual traditions that bring people together and the people who always seem to know somebody you know. It is the place where a quick trip to the store can turn into a conversation with a neighbor, where local events become yearly traditions and where certain roads, buildings and gathering places carry memories that stretch back decades. These are the little things that give a community its character—and make a place feel like home.

MORE THAN A PLACE Every community has its own personality. Some are centered around a busy downtown, while others are made up of small villages, rural roads, farms and scattered neighborhoods. Some have grown and changed dramatically over the years, while others still have familiar landmarks that generations of residents recognize. But the size of a community does not determine its importance. What makes a hometown special is the connection people have to it. It might be a family that has lived in the area for generations, someone who moved away and still considers the community home, or a newcomer who quickly found a place among

HOMETOWN LIVING

the people around them. Over time, ordinary places become part of the story. A restaurant becomes the place where families celebrate birthdays. A local shop becomes a regular stop. A park becomes the setting for summer afternoons. A stretch of countryside becomes a favorite drive because of the view. These places may not seem remarkable to someone passing through, but to the people who live there, they can hold a lifetime of memories. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE COMMUNITY A strong community is built by people who choose to participate in it. They are the volunteers

organizing an event, the business owners opening their doors each morning, the people coaching youth sports, the members of local organizations and the neighbors who step up when someone needs a hand. Many of these contributions happen quietly. There may not be a newspaper headline or a grand announcement every time someone gives their time to a community project. Yet those small efforts add up. Local businesses play an important role, too. Shopping locally does more than support a business owner. It helps keep money circulating within the community and helps preserve the familiar places that make a hometown unique. When

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

residents choose to attend a local event, visit a nearby farm stand, eat at a local restaurant or support a community organization, they are participating in the continued life of their hometown. TRADITIONS BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER One of the strongest connections to a hometown comes through tradition. Every community has its own collection of events and activities that people look forward to year after year. Some may be large festivals, while others are simple gatherings that have become meaningful through repetition. There is something special about knowing that an event you attended as a child is still bringing people together today. Families grow, businesses change hands and communities evolve, but traditions can provide a sense of continuity. They also create new memories. A child attending a community festival today may someday remember it as fondly as their parents remember similar events from their own childhood. A family outing, a local celebration or even an afternoon spent exploring familiar roads can become part of the personal history people carry with them. FINDING HOME IN THE FAMILIAR Modern life can make it easy to overlook the places closest to us. We are often busy with work, school, errands and everything else that fills the calendar. Sometimes it takes slowing down to appreciate what is already there. Take a different route home. Stop at a local shop

you’ve never visited. Attend an event in a nearby community. Spend an afternoon exploring a road you’ve driven past countless times. Talk to someone who has lived in the area longer than you have and ask about the history behind a familiar building or landmark. You may discover that your hometown has more stories than you realized. That is part of what makes living in a smaller community special. You don’t necessarily have to travel far to find something interesting. Sometimes the best discoveries are right outside your door. A PLACE WORTH CALLING HOME No hometown is perfect, and every community faces challenges. Places change, businesses come and go, and the people who make up a community change with them. But the character of a hometown can endure because it is not tied to any single person, building or event. It lives in the connections between people. It is in the familiar faces, the shared traditions, the local businesses, the stories passed from one generation to the next and the willingness of people to invest their time in the place they call home. Whether your hometown is a village of a few hundred people or a larger community surrounded by miles of countryside, there is value in taking the time to appreciate it. Because ultimately, hometown living isn’t simply about where you live. It is about the people, places and memories that make you want to call it home.

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

“What makes a hometown special is the connection people have to it.” HOMETOWN LIVING

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

A Taste of the

Countryside

There is something different about buying food from the countryside. Maybe it’s the sight of a handwritten sign at the end of a driveway advertising fresh vegetables. Maybe it’s stopping at a roadside stand and finding a basket of homemade baked goods, a jar of local honey or a bottle of maple syrup. Or perhaps it’s bringing home a bag of apples, a dozen ears of corn or a few tomatoes that were grown just down the road. In a rural community, fresh food doesn’t always have to travel very far to reach the table. Farm stands and farmers markets offer a chance to enjoy foods when they’re at their freshest, but they also provide something that can be harder to find in a typical grocery store: a connection to the people

who grow and make what we eat. There is a certain charm to meeting the person who planted the seeds, tended the crops, collected the eggs, baked the bread or made the maple syrup. The food comes with a little bit of a story—and sometimes a recipe or two. Seasonality is part of that experience. The countryside changes throughout the year, and so does what’s available. Spring brings maple season and the first signs of a new growing season. Summer fills stands with berries, vegetables and flowers. Fall brings apples, pumpkins, corn and other harvest favorites. Even winter has its own traditions, with homemade goods and products saved from earlier seasons. For many families,

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

these seasonal foods are about more than simply eating what’s available. They are traditions. Maybe it’s the first strawberry shortcake of summer, a homemade pie made with apples picked in the fall, fresh corn at a family gathering or pancakes covered in locally made maple syrup. These are simple things, but they have a way of becoming memories. Buying locally can also be a way of keeping those traditions alive. When people stop at a farm stand, visit a farmers market or purchase something made by a local producer, they’re not just bringing something home for dinner. They’re supporting the people who help make the countryside what it is. And sometimes the best part is the unexpected

discovery. You may stop looking for tomatoes and leave with homemade jam. You may go to a market for vegetables and find a loaf of bread you didn’t know you needed. You may try a local product simply because the person selling it was happy to tell you about it. That’s part of the fun of enjoying the countryside: you never quite know what you’ll find. In a world where so much of what we buy is produced far away and shipped to us, there is something satisfying about knowing that the food on your table came from somewhere nearby. It may be a roadside stand, a farm, a market or a neighbor’s kitchen. Either way, it’s a little taste of home.

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Transform salads for fall dining W

ho says salads are just for summertime?

Double-Apple Spinach Salad Serves 4

Now that hot and humid days have given way to the crisp evenings of fall, it’s time to tweak lunch and dinner menus accordingly. Even though soups and stews are the norm this time of year, salads can have their menu moments as well. What better way to usher in fall than with a seasonal staple like apples? Juicy and tart apples add crunch to this spinach-based salad. The addition of nuts and cheese also enhance the sweet-salty appeal of “Double-Apple Spinach

Salad,” while also offering up plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Try this easy recipe, courtesy of “The Mediterranean Diet

Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) from the editors of Rockridge University Press.

8 cups baby spinach 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced 1 medium red apple, diced 1⁄2 cup toasted walnuts 2 ounces low-fat, sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar Toss the spinach, apples, walnuts, and cubed cheese together. Lightly drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the top and serve.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

Tips to plan a tasting tour of

local restaurants

A night out on the

town enjoying delicious food with great friends is a recipe for a memorable evening. Though such nights can unfold organically, adults who don’t often see their friends might want to put a little planning into their next night out. Restaurant tours can be a great way to sample various local cuisines in a single night. Such tours can be especially enjoyable when those organizing them take some planning tips to heart. • Confirm restaurant availability. A food tour might be best begun prior to the evening dinner rush, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm each establishment’s hours and menu availability at the time you hope to visit. Some restaurants may not offer a full menu prior to dinner hours, while others may have tasting menus that could be ideal for a food tour. Call ahead to identify which dishes may or may not be available at a given time. Some

establishments may even arrange a special tasting menu depending on the size of the party. • Confirm how many people will be attending. A headcount is vital when planning a restaurant tour. Many establishments

will require reservations, particularly for larger parties. So it’s best to ask invited guests to confirm if they will be attending well in advance, which should give planners plenty of time to secure reservations at each establishment. • Consider working with a local company. Some companies specialize in hosting local food tours, and these can

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

be great partners that save planners a lot of time and effort. Determine if such an option is available and, if so, confirm the cost for each person. • Encourage guests to share any dietary restrictions. No two

people are the same, and that’s something to keep in mind when organizing a restaurant tour. When inviting guests, ask each person to identify their dietary restrictions, including food allergies. Some people may not have any, but it’s fair to assume at least one guest may be avoiding gluten or steering clear of certain foods for healthrelated reasons. Use this information to identify

restaurants that can accommodate as many guests as possible. • Consider a multinight event. It’s not always necessary to start and finish a restaurant tour in one day. If time allows, consider stretching the tour out over a full weekend. This can afford people a chance to eat a little more at each stop if they so desire, and afford them more time to digest before getting back to work and trying another dish. • Go meal-bymeal. Food tours are often conducted within a given time frame. For example, a tour may be designed to begin and end in four hours. But planners also can go meal-by-meal, visiting a different local restaurant for each meal of the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This approach can be ideal if planners find tasting menus hard to come by. A restaurant tour is a great way to experience new foods and support local establishments at the same time.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

How to build stronger

Rural Communities

Small towns and rural communities may not always get the attention they deserve, and it’s easy for their needs to be eclipsed by larger cities. Small town needs are everchanging and unique to their respective locations. While some rural communities have experienced a downward trend between 2010 and 2020, the numbers are complex and not universally applicable. Still, many of these areas can use help, as they are facing steep population declines, according to FWD.us. This bipartisan political organization says in the last 20 years departures from rural counties outweighed new arrivals by 700,000 people. Empowering rural communities and helping them grow comes down to some key areas of focus. • Create a walkable

Main Street. Planning boards can carefully consider where wellthought-out development should go. While it’s important to maintain the integrity of the rural community without too much building, having a walkable and attractive town center where businesses can thrive is key. Families can live close by to daily destinations, and this may encourage more people to relocate to or stay in these areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. • Help for farmers. Government officials need to hear more about the challenges farmers face. Programs can pay farmers a premium for using sustainable agriculture tools, or practices that make use of innovative farm products that produce renewable energy. Farms

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

that work efficiently and lower the burden of labor on farmers are a boon for rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics indicate the majority of farmers in the United States have to supplement their incomes with off-farm jobs because smaller farms simply can’t keep up to make ends meet. Fighting for policies that keep more money going to small farms can strengthen rural communities. • Improve infrastructure and resources. Rural communities need access to the right resources in order to thrive. Improving access to high-speed internet, for example, can bring new business and educational initiatives to rural areas and small towns. Lenders can be more receptive to local entrepreneurs to help stimulate economic growth

and job creation in these communities, according to the professional development group StrengthenND. Priority also should be given to improving roadways so residents can safely get to and from homes, stores and businesses. • Protect open spaces. Rural communities can rally to protect the landscape and help preserve open spaces. Focus also should be placed on providing places for recreation, and not only for local residents. Such features can make smaller towns more appealing to tourists, which in turn can increase investments in the local economy. Small towns and rural communities can use certain strategies to foster growth and sustainability.

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Tips for

Comfortable Camping The beauty of

the great outdoors beckons millions of nature-loving individuals each year. Camping is a great way to fully immerse oneself in nature. However, there’s often a learning curve with tent camping, especially in regard to sleeping comfortably. A tent is designed to keep campers out of the elements and to prevent bugs from bothering campers while they sleep. Tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes — with some larger tents even capable of sleeping six or more people. One of the most important components to consider when planning a camping trip is sleeping and bedding. A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold, and can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and cranky, outof-sorts campers. The following are some guidelines to maximize tent comfort while camping. Tent size and location Calculate how many people will be on the camping trip and how much space they will need to rest comfortably. Purchase or rent a tent

at the time of year you’re camping. When sleeping in warm temperatures, dress so you can add or remove layers as needed. A portable, battery-operated fan also can be a game-changer if it is hot and stuffy in the tent.

that will provide enough space. Multiple tents also can be used if the goal is to separate family members. The next consideration is where to set up camp. Look for a level area that is relatively free from debris. Clear away any rocks and twigs, as debris under the tent can damage it and make it harder to fall asleep. Families may want to camp a short distance from restroom facilities if they are available, which will make it easier for the midnight bathroom breaks that inevitably crop up. Invest in quality gear In addition to the tent, campers will need a tarp/ ground cover to place under the tent. This helps prevent moisture seepage from the soil. Next, determine how everyone will sleep,

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whether on the ground or in cots. Cots can be the most comfortable options, but they take up a lot of space and can be heavy to transport — which is less than ideal when backpacking to a campsite. Inflatable mattresses or sleeping pads can be used in conjunction with sleeping bags to provide a soft, cushioned surface. Some are affordable at $40 while others may cost as much as $300. Costlier options may be best for frequent campers.

Adjust sound accordingly Some people love drifting off to sleep to the sound of crickets, while others are kept awake by the nighttime sounds of nature. Foam earplugs can mute some of those sounds and even the snoring of a tent partner. Campers also can set up a charged smartphone with a white noise app and use that to block out unwanted noises.

Additional tips When traveling with kids, bring a few creature comforts along, such as a favorite pair of pajamas Account for the or stuffed animals. This temperature can make the unfamiliar Temperature will go a long way toward improving sounds and sights of or compromising comfort. sleeping outdoors a little less scary. Also, if possible, Choose sleeping bags do a trial run camping in rated for the temperature. the yard to gauge how If you’ll be doing plenty kids react in advance and of fall or winter camping, you’ll have a place to sleep plan accordingly to make that’s designed to be used improvements. SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

Family-friendly

Activities for Fall

Fall is a welcome season for many people. The cooler temperatures and still-ample sunlight mean there is plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors even if summer has ended. Fall activities dot the calendar, with several different options for individuals and families to get involved. According to Acenda Integrated Health, incorporating family time into a schedule is crucial for a child’s development. It’s also key to have time to get a break from busy schedules. Fall is a great time to do just that with these activities. • Apple-picking: Few things are more refreshing than taking a bite out of an apple fresh off the tree. Orchards are bursting with apples this time of year, and an afternoon spent picking apples is a great way to spend time together. • Leaf treasure hunt: Everyone can head outdoors with a bag or basket to gather leaves. Look for the brightest

color or the crunchiest leaf that can be found. The leaves can be pressed between wax paper to save them. • Fall festivals: Outdoor festivals are ideal for families because they tend to feature crafts, food, music, and activities. • Fall baking: Turn those plucked apples into pies or muffins, or use pumpkin and cinnamon to fill a home with delicious seasonal smells. Kids can help stir, pour and sprinkle ingredients. • Corn maze: Corn mazes may be set up adjacent to pumpkin patches, so the family can pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve and then try to navigate the maze. • Spooky walk: Halloween lands right in the heart of fall. Enjoy a walk through the neighborhood checking out people’s Halloween decorations. A night walk with flashlights to listen to the sounds of animals can be “scary” in its own right. Another idea is to go to a haunted house or walk

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

sponsored by a school or amusement park. • Football: Enjoy a pickup game of flag or touch football. It’s a great way

to enjoy time outdoors and expend some physical activity. Fall is a perfect time to enjoy family-friendly activities.

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A Litle History on

Every Shelf

Walk into an antique

familiar stories. A handpainted sign may have shop and you never quite once hung outside a know what you’ll find. local store. An old piece Maybe it’s a piece of of farm equipment furniture that looks like may have been part of it came straight out of an someone’s daily work. A old farmhouse. Maybe photograph can capture it’s a box of postcards, a a family, a storefront or collection of glassware, an a community that has old advertising sign or a changed considerably over kitchen gadget that hasn’t the years. been used in decades. Even ordinary Some things catch the eye household items can because they’re beautiful, become fascinating with while others are interesting enough time. The things simply because they that were once considered remind us of something— modern conveniences or someone—from the eventually become past. antiques themselves. That’s part of what Appliances, toys, dishes, makes antiquing so furniture and advertising enjoyable. You aren’t materials that were once simply shopping; you’re commonplace can now looking through pieces of offer a snapshot of what other people’s histories. everyday life looked like In a region with for another generation. generations of families, For collectors, the farms and small fun may be in searching businesses, old objects for that one particular item. Someone might can tell surprisingly

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spend years looking for a certain type of glassware, a piece of furniture from a particular period or an old sign from a favorite brand. For others, there is no particular shopping list at all. The best finds are the ones they weren’t expecting to discover. And sometimes the value of an antique has nothing to do with its price. An old cookbook with handwritten notes in the margins might be worth more to a family than any collector’s appraisal. A familiar pattern of dishes can bring back memories of Sunday dinners. A child’s toy can remind someone of what they played with growing up. A worn piece of furniture may have been passed down through several generations. Those are the kinds of objects that can’t necessarily be replaced by

something brand new. Antiquing also gives new life to things that might otherwise be forgotten. Instead of sitting unused in an attic or disappearing into a landfill, an old item can find a new home with someone who appreciates its history—or simply sees a use for it. That may be the real appeal of antiquing. Every piece has a past, but it doesn’t necessarily have to stay there. The next time you wander through an antique shop, flea market or vintage sale, take a closer look at the things around you. You might find something beautiful, something unusual or something that brings back a memory you haven’t thought about in years. Or you might discover something whose story is still waiting to be told.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

Fresh produce to enjoy this fall As hot, humid days give way to cool fall temperatures, it is prime time to enjoy a new bounty of fresh vegetables. Homeowners may be ready to pick the vegetables they have been growing the past several months. While many home vegetable gardeners focus on early spring plantings that yield the tomatoes, cucumbers and squashes of summer, they also should consider summertime sowing that will yield tasty offerings throughout fall. Some of these cooler-weather stock can be harvested just before frost sets in. Individuals ready to bite in to produce plucked at the peak of

fall have many different options to look forward to. Here are some of common fall produce items that will be available at farm stands near you well into November. • bok choy • broccoli • cauliflower • kohlrabi • leaf lettuce • mustard greens • spinach • Swiss chard • turnips • beets • Brussels sprouts • cabbage • green onion • kale • peas • radishes

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SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

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• National Public Lands Day: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Allegany State Park (Quaker Area). A great family volunteer and outdoor educational event to help maintain the county’s pristine natural spaces. • Harvest Festival: Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bliss Summit Bible Camp in Bliss, NY. A completely free outdoor family event with pumpkin painting, face painting, a pumpkin launcher, carnival yard games, a campfire, and light seasonal desserts. • 7th Annual Harvest Day: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Rusty Rooster Farm & Vintage in Portville, NY. A free community appreciation event with antique fresh apple cider pressing, donuts, funnel cakes, face painting, and door prizes.

• Annual Fall Festival: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Arcade United Church of Christ (just over the county line in Arcade, NY). A classic indoor hometown gathering with homemade chicken and beef chowder sales, a handmade quilt raffle, huge basket auctions, reverse bingo, and fresh baked goods. • Flannel Fest!: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort in Glenwood, NY. Features a live lumberjack show, axe throwing, scenic autumn chairlift rides, a chicken BBQ, cider and donuts, and a hilltop fire pit for s’mores. Free admission.

• Ellicottville’s Fall Festival: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026. Held village-wide in Ellicottville, NY. Western New York’s premier autumn celebration • The Wild West Fall transforms the town into Fest: Saturday, October an open-air marketplace. It 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM at pairs vibrant foliage hikes Living Waters Circle C and chairlift rides at the Ranch in Delevan, NY. resorts with a lively fourA family-focused day block street festival filled featuring a 10-acre corn maze, pony rides, hayrides, with unique arts, crafts, and local food vendors. rock wall climbing, and lasertron. Admission is free.

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• 2026 EVL Half Marathon & 5K: Saturday, October 24, 2026. Starting in downtown Ellicottville, NY. A festive, Halloweenthemed road and trail race that draws runners of all abilities. The course takes athletes past gorgeous fall landscapes, and participants are highly encouraged to run in costume.

• Red House Sawmill History Sundays: Repeating select Sundays through early Autumn from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Meet at the historic sawmill on the Red House side of Allegany State Park. A casual outdoor historical walk hosted by the Friends of Allegany State Park, exploring the region’s timber heritage amidst early fall foliage.

• Family Fun at the Play Zone: Repeating regularly on select Wednesdays through mid-November 2026 at 4:30 PM at the Limestone YMCA Family Play Zone in Limestone, NY. A casual social evening hosted by Starbridge with free pizza and drinks, designed for local families to connect while kids enjoy the play equipment.

• Guided Nature Walks & Ancient Falconry: Ongoing seasonal dates through October. Hosted by American Hawkeye at their foothills location in Ellicottville, NY. Active nature lovers can book hands-on “Hawk Walks” and forest treks to experience wildlife conservation firsthand while hiking the Allegheny terrain.

• Weekend Chairlift Rides at Holiday Valley: Running Saturdays and Sundays in September. Located at Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY. Families and leafpeepers can ride the Mardi Gras chairlift to the top of the mountain to enjoy spectacular autumn views, crisp air, and access to hilltop hiking and mountain biking trails.

• Wild & Well Weekly Gatherings: Tuesdays through October 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Hosted by the Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS) just over the eastern border at 4413 Hamilton Road, Cuba, NY. A free, active community meetup for adults looking to enjoy nature through light outdoor movement, including guided trail walks, gentle outdoor stretching, lawn games, and mindfulness.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

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Directors: Mark L. Woolley & Lillyan B. Fuentes 16

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

8 Sights to See at

Fall Harvest Festivals

Just as summertime is synonymous with concerts and carnivals, fall is a prime time for its own opportunities for seasonal entertainment, such as harvest festivals. Certain features overlap between summer carnivals and fall festivals, but the latter offers some unique offerings as well. The following are some things to expect when fall festival season hits full swing. 1. Seasonal fare Many fall harvest festivals are built on the foods harvested in the fall for that region. In Wisconsin, that may be cranberries, while in Massachusetts it could be oysters. Apples also turn up in many areas starting in September. For those who can’t wait to bite into food picked at the peak of its season, a fall harvest festival can’t be beat.

2. Wagon rides Farms and the tools of the farming trade are part of harvest festivals. Wagons transporting crops are a classic sight, even if they’re no longer heavily relied upon on the farm. Rather than a cargo bed full of corn or apples, harvest festivals tote families around on wagon rides or on hay bale beds towed by tractors. 3. Apples galore Candied and caramel apples and many other apple products feature prominently at many harvest festivals. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, apple pies, fried apples, and others are bound to be sold by vendors, along with traditional fair foods, like funnel cakes. 4. Cider stations Lemonade stands that are staples of summer give way to hot or cold cider offerings come the fall.

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

Cold ciders are perfect for an unseasonably warm fall day while warm varieties are tailor-made for days when there’s a chill in the air. 5. Pumpkin patches Fall harvest organizers pick and display pumpkins in fields to make it easier for youngsters to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween carvings. It’s a sea of orange this time of year, and things may get more colorful with nonedible gourds in shades of white or yellow.

7. Corn mazes Fall festivals set up adjacent to or on farms may have corn mazes for the kids. These mazes may be kept up throughout October and repurposed into haunted mazes for older kids looking to get a scare for Halloween.

8. Wine tastings Many grape varieties are harvested in the fall, so fall harvest festivals may capitalize on that and invite local vineyards to set up tables providing tastings of their vintages. Vineyards 6. Leaf-peeping also may host their own fall opportunities Some festivals are geared festivals, featuring sips and around chances to view the snacks with live music. Fall offers a host of fall foliage that abounds entertaining festivals geared in primarily rural areas. A around the harvest season. mountain or forest backdrop These festivals are ideal adds vibrant color to any ways for people to see event. Coastal areas may the sights and nibble on set up fall foliage cruises that let guests see the leaves seasonal delights along the from a new perspective. way. HOMETOWN LIVING

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

Safety Tips for

Outdoor Enthusiasts The beauty of nature is undeniable. That beauty draws millions of people outside every day. From hiking to kayaking to surfing, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in the great outdoors. Though there’s plenty of reasons to get outside, it’s important that safety is prioritized when spending time in the great outdoors. The following safety tips merit consideration for any nature enthusiast, including novices and seasoned outdoorsmen. • Let others know your plans. Nature is unpredictable, and conditions can change in the blink of an eye. So it’s important to share your itinerary with loved ones back home before entering the great outdoors. That’s particularly vital for those who intend to visit remote spots to hike, fish or engage in another activity. Provide your precise location, the hours

you plan to be outside and your intended return time so people know when to alert authorities if you haven’t returned in time.

(including footwear), the precise location of where they will be, and additional details that might be exclusive to a given destination.

many species of wildlife give birth to young, and parents may prove especially protective of their babies during this time of year.

• Get to know your destination. The global environmental nonprofit organization The Nature

• Leave wildlife alone. Encounters with wildlife are not

Conservancy urges outdoor enthusiasts to research their destinations so they can assess the conditions and identify any challenges and amenities prior to their arrival. Such homework can help people sufficiently prepare for their time in nature, providing insight about what to bring, the appropriate attire

uncommon at many outdoor destinations. While wildlife can be awe-inspiring, outdoor enthusiasts should never confront wildlife or infringe upon animals’ space. Keep a safe distance between yourself and wildlife. That’s vital year-round, but particularly important in spring, when The Nature Conservancy reports

• Protect your body. It’s important to protect your body when spending time in the great outdoors. Apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 prior to going outdoors, and liberally reapply sunscreen if you’re sweating a lot or spending several hours outside. It’s important to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. It’s also important to bring along water and healthy snacks. Dehydration can set in quickly and make it hard to keep moving, while snacks can provide energy and help to account for calories expended during physical activity. Safety strategies can ensure a day spent in the great outdoors is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE

SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE • SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

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The Scenic Route:

Taking the Long Way Home

Sometimes the best way to get somewhere is to take your time getting there. In a world where we’re often in a hurry to reach the next destination, there is something refreshing about taking the scenic route. Instead of watching the clock and worrying about how quickly you can get from one place to another, you can simply enjoy the road in front of you. Here in the countryside, that road might wind through rolling hills, pass open fields and farms, disappear beneath a canopy of trees or lead through a small community you’ve driven through countless times without really stopping to look around. The scenery changes with every season. Spring brings fresh green leaves and the first signs of life

in the fields. Summer fills the landscape with crops, wildflowers and deep green hillsides. Fall transforms the countryside into a patchwork of brilliant colors, while winter creates a quieter landscape of snow-covered fields, bare trees and winding roads. And there is always something to notice. An old barn tucked behind a farmhouse. A field of cows watching the cars go by. A weathered fence along the edge of a pasture. A church steeple rising above a small village. A roadside stand with a handpainted sign. Even the occasional deer standing at the edge of the woods can turn an ordinary drive into something memorable. You don’t necessarily need a destination, either. A leisurely country drive can be an afternoon

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activity all by itself. Take a road you’ve never traveled before. Turn down a side road simply because it looks interesting. Stop somewhere to take a picture. Find a farm stand. Explore a small town. Or just keep driving until you decide it’s time to head home. That’s part of the charm of living in a rural area. The landscape isn’t something you have to travel hours to find. It’s part of the everyday scenery. For visitors, a scenic drive can be a way to discover the character of an area beyond its betterknown attractions. For longtime residents, it can be a reminder that familiar surroundings can still offer something new. A road traveled a hundred times can look completely

different in October than it did in July. There are plenty of places where getting lost would be a problem. On a quiet country road, getting a little turned around can sometimes be the point. So the next time you have an afternoon with nowhere you need to be, consider taking the long way home. Put away the GPS for a while, roll down the windows when the weather cooperates and see where the road takes you. You might discover a beautiful view, an interesting little corner of the countryside or simply enjoy an hour without having to rush anywhere. Sometimes, the destination isn’t really the point. Sometimes, it’s the drive.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 • SALAMANCA PRESS • CATTARAUGUS COUNTY COMMUNITY SOURCE