We arrived at Marjim Manor Winery, which turned into a relatively short stop because, shall we say, the hostess was not the mostest. But even her temperament didn't dampen the sprits of this Alabama crowd - we were headed for Niagara Falls!
The scenery was delightful on the trip. There were numerous farms of all types, and of course everything was green. We enjoyed an occasional glimpse of Lake Onterio as well.
We stopped for lunch at a park in Olcott and following a discussion about all the apple orchards we'd seen on the trip, decided to make a brief detour to visit one.
We enjoyed an impromptu visit at Murphy's Orchard in Burt, NY. The owner, a local historian named Carol Murphy, welcomed us with open arms as if we were long-lost relatives. She gave us a quick history lesson about her farm, which was established before 1812. She still lives in the home there that was built before 1850. The home and the barn behind it were an integral part of the underground railroad during the civil war when slaves fled the United States to Canada.
Our members purchased some of the local fruit including apples, peaches, pears and tomatoes (I think L.O. Bishop, our resident tomato addict, was the only one who purchased tomatoes). The orchard's shop also included dozens of homemade jellies, jams, preserves, honey and dried berries.
The Murphy's also have a lovely tea room in the historic house that is quite charming. The view of the farm is spectacular - fruit trees everywhere, a huge cabbage field across the road and a dairy just off in the distance.
By the way, they grow LOTS of cabbage up here in New York - I think it's the "world's supply" of cabbage based on all the fields we've seen. And just like everything else these farmers touch up here, the crop looks fantastic.
Carol was just our type of hostess. When she boarded the bus to greet us, she had no idea we were a farming group, but she proceeded to tell us just how big agriculture is in this state. She said one reason there aren't more beef producers here is because of the amount of land it takes to graze cattle. The state has the highest agricultural property tax in the country, she said. Even in Niagara County, where the famous falls are located, agriculture is the largest industry.
The tour of the falls was even more wonderful than expected. Delle Bean of Calhoun County said touring Niagara Falls was on her "bucket list" and now she can mark it off. The Maid of the MIst boat tour was exciting and gave us a close up view of one of nature's most spectacular shows, not to mention a slight shower of glacier water.
After the boat ride, we stopped by to see the top of the falls (again a spectacular view) before we headed out to do some souvenir shopping before dinner.
We enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner at the Red Coach Inn and as we loaded the bus for home enjoyed a fantastic fireworks display over the falls. What a perfect ending to the Empire State Beef Tour.
Augie, our bus driver, steered us home safely to the Double Tree and while in route we enjoyed the last leg of "Lonesome Dove."
Our tour could be summed up by a famous quote in the movie when Gus McCrae says: "By God, Woodrow; it's been one hell of a party."
Safe Travels to all as we make our way back to Alabama.
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