Happy October, Motel Lovers!

Autumn is in full swing in the Northeast, and there’s no better place to experience it than right here in the Finger Lakes! Whether you’re stopping through for a midweek foliage road trip, sipping cider by our fire pits, or gathering with neighbors for our annual jack-o’-lantern night, October is a magnificent time to visit. Midweek stays are a savvy way to enjoy peaceful trail walks and skip the weekend traffic, and our mid-week traveler rate is officially live for the fall.

Read on for some great October weekend itineraries, tickets to our annual pumpkin carving event, and a sneak peak at what we’re organizing for you this winter. 

We can’t wait to welcome you! ♡ – Alexis, Mark + The Grayhaven Team

Happenings Here at the ‘Haven:

First Friday Gallery Night: October Double Header Kick off the month with us on Friday, October 2nd Grayhaven Motel presents The Nature of Things by Lisa Gillis Friday October 2nd, 5pm-7:45pm. Stop in the guest lounge for warm drinks, cozy conversation, and a great look at regional art to start your weekend. At the Cortright Electric Gallery nextdoor, we’re opening our doors for the opening of The Spectral Express, new works by Ahmed Salvador 6pm – 9pm. 

7th Annual Inlet Valley Jack-O-Lantern Night! A favorite night of the entire year. Join us on Saturday, October 24th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on the Grayhaven patio and lawn for our 7th Annual Inlet Valley Jack-O-Lantern Night!

This is a family-friendly affair packed with pumpkin carving and bowling, s’mores, popcorn, apple cider, games, and a ceremonial jack-o’-lantern lighting on our back patio as the sun sets. We’ll wrap up the evening with a movie by the campfire starting at dusk. Our reception bar will also be open serving beer, grownup cider, savory snacks, and sweet treats. Get your tickets here

Looking Ahead: Cozy Late Fall & Winter Stays

Thanksgiving & Autumn Getaways Planning a peaceful holiday escape or hosting family in town for the holidays? Skip the Thanksgiving prep stress and book a cozy room or suite at Grayhaven. Take advantage of quiet trail walks, fireside evenings, and our mid-week holiday lodging specials.

Save the Date: Winter Camp 2027! We are thrilled to give you a sneak peek at something extra special: Winter Camp: A Grown-Up Camp Weekend coming to Grayhaven over MLK Jr. Weekend (January 15–18, 2027)! Think fireside craft workshops, silent reading sessions in the lounge, local wine and cider tastings, winter trail walks, and cozy retreat vibes. Keep an eye out for full workshop schedules and ticket releases coming very soon!

In Ithaca + Around the Finger Lakes:

Farm Stands, Orchards & Cider Fall isn’t complete without picking your own apples, grabbing fresh cider donuts, or visiting a regional farm stand. Here are some of our personal go-to spots for adult cider, donuts, and apple picking around Tompkins County and beyond:

• Indian Creek Farm
• Grisamore Farms
• Black Diamond Farm & Cider
• South Hill Cider
• Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill
• Littletree Orchards
• Ithaca Farmers Market

Haunted History & Fall Road Trips Looking for corn mazes, pumpkin cannons, and hayrides? Take a scenic drive to regional favorites like Stoughton Farm, Iron Kettle Farm, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch, or Moore Family Farm.

If you prefer local history with a spooky twist, head downtown and reserve a spot on one of the popular haunted history walking tours hosted by The History Center in Tompkins County. I attended one with a friend last year and can’t recommend it highly enough!

Foliage from the Water or Sky Want to experience the peak colors from a totally different perspective?

• Discover Cayuga Lake: October is the final month of the season for their public eco-cruises and autumn foliage tours on the water.
• Southern Tier Balloon Tours: Float above the autumn canopy for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the lake valley. We can’t recommend Dar and his skilled crew enough!

Recommended October Weekend Itineraries

October 2nd thru 4th:

• FRIDAY: Check in, settle into your room, and enjoy the start of First Friday Gallery Night in our guest lounge at neighboring Cortright Electric. Afterward, head downtown to enjoy more stops on the gallery night trail and for dinner on the Ithaca Commons.
• SATURDAY: Grab coffee and light breakfast in the Grayhaven office, then check out local public art and events happening across town. In the afternoon, take the short drive down to Montour Falls for the annual Falls Harvest Festival.
• SUNDAY: Enjoy brunch at Cafe Dewitt before taking a crisp autumn walk through the lower cascade trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park.

October 9th thru 11th:

• FRIDAY: Head just up the hill to South Hill Cider for wood-fired food, live music, and stunning sunset views over the orchard.
• SATURDAY: Spend a full day leaf-peeping across our local State Parks. (Tip: Paid vehicle admission at one New York State Park gets you into any other state park free on the exact same day!) 
• SUNDAY: Head north along Cayuga Lake for a scenic autumn drive. Stop at Cayuga Lake Creamery for a scoop of seasonal ice cream and explore the peaceful lakeside bypasses. Grab dinner downtown before catching a show at the historic State Theatre of Ithaca.

October 16th thru 18th:

• FRIDAY: Arrive at Grayhaven, cozy up around our patio fire pits, and grab dinner nearby at Alléchant or in Press Bay Alley.
• SATURDAY: Take a morning drive out toward Brooktondale. Stop at Brookton’s Market for coffee and a sandwich before hiking the trails at Shindagin Hollow or visiting the heart rock wall at Roy H. Park Preserve.
• SUNDAY: Pick up an Ithaca Bikeshare bike at Cass Park and ride along the waterfront trail to the Ithaca Farmers Market for breakfast burritos from Solaz and warm apple cider donuts.

October 23rd thru 25th:

• FRIDAY: Unwind after check-in with a drink in the Lounge, then head to Sage Chapel at Cornell to see Faust with live score by The Invincible Czars at 7:00pm
• SATURDAY: Spend the day exploring farm stands and cideries along the lake, then head back to Grayhaven for our 7th Annual Inlet Valley Jack-O-Lantern Night!
• SUNDAY: Enjoy brunch at Café DeWitt inside the historic DeWitt Mall, stroll through the shop aisles, and finish your stay with a stroll around the base of Ithaca Falls.

October 29th thru November 1st:

• FRIDAY: Happy Halloween weekend! Explore downtown Ithaca for local events and spooky historical ghost walks.
• SATURDAY: Spend a cozy, crisp autumn day antiquing around Tompkins County or taking a drive out to regional pumpkin patches and cider mills.
• SUNDAY: Enjoy breakfast in the lounge, take one last peaceful walk on the Grayhaven trail loop, and savor the late-season foliage before heading home.

The Finger Lakes are calling, and our team is ready to make your autumn stay extra special. Book your getaway at grayhavenmotel.com, explore our hand-picked regional guides, or reach out to us directly. We look forward to hosting you for a cozy, colorful October!