Sussex County

As much as we love NYC there are some things you just can’t do here. One those things is maple sugaring, the process of transforming sticky, tasteless tree sap into sweet syrup. Maple trees only grow in the Northeast region of North America, so it's the one place that produces real maple syrup.

Maple sugaring season starts the last weekend of February and runs through March, when climbing temperatures allow the sap to begin running in the trees or "sugar bushes" as they're sometimes called. Seeing how the sap is collected, cooked and stored (and tasting the yummy final product) is a great way for kids to learn about the farm-to-table movement that's spreading across American dining tables. New York City is close to many farms and nature centers where families can watch maple sugaring demos, indulge in pancake breakfasts, enjoy maple syrup festivals and other seasonal fun. So as winter winds down, enjoy one of these sweet maple sugaring season day trips.

It seems like all the stores have put up their spooky displays and decorations, so we can't deny it any longer: The Halloween season is nigh! And what's All Hallows' Eve without the perfect pumpkin? You could grab one from your local farmers' market, grocery store or one of the three pumpkin patches right here in New York City. But for a more memorable experience, head to the country to a pick-your-own-pumpkin place. Many of these spots offer additional activities for families, like hayrides, bouncy houses and corn mazes so you can turn your hunt into a fun seasonal day trip.

Like our recent roundup of nearby pick-your-own-apple orchards, these 11 pumpkin patches are all about an hour (or less) from midtown Manhattan by car. We even found a few that you can reach via public transportation. One important note: It's imperative that you call ahead to confirm hours, pricing, availability and attractions, otherwise you might find the crop gone or the place closed.

What's the sweet upside of summer coming to a close? The fact that apple picking season is about to begin. Starting around Labor Day weekend and continuing through late October, orchards throughout the tri-state area offer families the chance to pick their own apples, and many also host cool kids' attractions, like hay rides, petting zoos, bouncy houses, mazes and home-baked treats such as doughnuts, homemade pies and fresh-pressed cider.

Although there was a time when apple trees thrived in NYC (ever wonder how Orchard Street got its name?), today city families need to head out of town to pick their own. While there are lots of wonderful apple orchards in upstate New York, on Long Island, in New Jersey and Connecticut, many of them are quite a long drive from the city. And we know that nothing derails a fun family outing like a long commute.

That's why we've rounded up 11 places to pick your own apples that are about an hour from midtown Manhattan by car. We've even found a few that are accessible by train. Before you go, make sure you call ahead for hours, attractions and availability since those constantly change.