Foodie Fall Trips

Autumn is here and that means road trips usually to see the glory of changing leaves. Yet  it could also be a time to enjoy some of the yummy foods associated with that area. Try some homemade apple cider or a wedge of sharp cheddar during a pit stop. Pick up some apples or even pumpkins for decorating or cooking.

Most folks from the New York metro area and Boston head to New England. Vermont and New Hampshire may have some glorious displays but they also have endless farms and regional specialties. Of course Vermont is known for it's maple syrup and it pays to stop and pick some up, There are also creameries that turn out wheels of fine cheddar as well namely, the Cabot creamery which has branches all over New England. Apple pie is the state pie so stop and either treat yourself to a slice or buy one to bring home. Some bakeries will sell a bread particular to that region, a sweet loaf called anadama. This originated in the fishing villages of Massachusetts and wove its way to other New England states. It's a sweet loaf, thanks to molasses and a mix of cornmeal, wheat and rye flour.It can also be found in Massachusetts too, namely in smaller bakeries throughout the region If you're visiting New Hampshire for leaf looking  then try the  Canadian born tortiere , a meat pie filled with cubed game meat and potatoes.

Of course New Jersey and New York along with Connecticut and Pennsylvania offer some amazing foliage as well. The Garden State has pick your own farms nestled in between the golds and reds. Go to these to pick your own pears and apples along with pumpkins. In between New York State's majestic oaks and maples are there not only farms but wineries too. This is the season that they offer tours and tastings so definitely book one if you're in the area.. Best of all some are only a skip away from Manhattan with vineyards out on Long Island's Suffolk County and right over the Jersey  border in Orange ,Rockland and Sullivan Counties. Connecticut and Pennsylvania have some lovely farms too. Like NJ and NY farms , these have everything from cider  and freshly baked cinnamon doughnuts along with candy apples , honey and different pies. Some even offer homemade fudge and sticky buns too.

Take a ride to enjoy the fall foliage but also to sample the delicious harvests and treats country farms have to offer. It's a fun way to enjoy the area even more. Celebrate the tree's glory with a cup of cider and a fresh baked cinnamon doughnut or slice of real Vermont cheddar.

The Great Food Court Controversy

Did you know that where you shop affects where you eat? Its true . Shop at a fancy mall and pay higher prices for even the most mundane meal or snack. Shop at a mall that features mid range anchor stores and boutiques and you'll actually be saving money on your next taco or pizza slice. It's not strange , it just depends on the quality of the mall.



This practice is blatantly evident in New Jersey where there seems to be a mall in almost every town. Eat lunch or even dinner at one that has ritzy anchor stores like Neiman's and Nordstrom's and you'll pay more for your Wendy's or Taco Bell meal. Prices usually go up by anywhere from a dime to fifty cents. Order a Wendy's baked potato at a mall in tony Bergen County, pay almost two dollars for it . Order the same item in the less prosperous Hudson County malls and save a few cents. The same is true for other chain fast food restaurants.


I don't know if this is true for the more pricier chain eateries such as Legal Seafood or Ruby Tuesdays. I think their prices are standard no matter where they're located whether at a covered mall , strip mall or as a free standing building. There is probably more control over them than at the privately owned franchises. Should you eat at these higher end restaurants then? If you want to, go ahead, but only for a fun splurge . The food court is still a great place fora budget meal or a quick snack. Although shop around for whoever can get you the best deal for your dollar.


If you're on a budget then watch where you eat. Usually malls in more expensive areas will not have any bargains whether at the racks or at the food court.Save by heading to the lower end ones. You'll squeeze out a few more pennies both on clothing and also on on your lunch or dinner.