How to Spend Fall in NYC

Fall is the most wonderful time of the year, at least in my book! The weather begins to cool down, and you can breathe in that crisp fall air. Plus, there are so many cute and fun things do during Fall in NYC. Here are some of the best things to do in autumn this year. (And some are super instagrammable)!

Let’s get into the list: 

1. Take a Fall Foliage Cruise

Want a unique way to take in the fall foliage? Take a cruise up along the Hudson River to get a different perspective. The 2.5 hour Fall Foliage Cruise on Classic Harbor is the perfect way to take in the afternoon. Service is incredible, plus one adult beverage is included. This cruise lasts until mid-November, so be sure to make a reservation as they fill up fast. 

Seating is spaced out accordingly for social distancing. 

2. Queens County Farm Museum 

 > Photo Credit: @ann_wanderlusting

The Queens County Farm Museum dates back to 1697 and occupies the largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland in NYC! And this fall they have transformed the space to a Fall Escape where there are endless photo ops including a life-sized pumpkin spiced latte, fall florals, pumpkins, and more!  

To get to Queens Country Farm Museum from Manhattan and Brooklyn check your bus schedules. The QM5 stops a short walk away at 260 St/ Little Neck Parkway. 

Some Tips for your visit: 

• The fall escape lasts until the end of November and advance tickets are required. 
• Hours: Monday – Friday 12pm- 5pm | Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
• The last entry is 4:30 pm 

Tickets:

Monday – Friday: $18, $10 (ages 10 & under): ages 0-1 free

Saturday & Sunday: $20, $13 (Ages 10 & under); ages 0-1 free

Get Tickets Here.

 

3. Stroll through Central Park

Nothing says fall more than seeing the burnt orange and red colors in Central Park. Spend your day strolling around or even plan a fall picnic. 

Some of the most iconic places to take in the fall colors, and snap a few photos are: 

• The Mall, a pedestrian promenade leading to Bethesda Fountain 
• Bethesda Fountain 
• Bow Bridge, popular for all kinds of photoshoots

4. Host a Fall Themed Intimate Party

Want to host a party, but don’t have time to purchase the perfect themed tablescape? Hestia and Harlow is a rent and return event hosting platform where all the details of a beautiful soiree is delivered to your door including table settings, centerpieces, plus so much more- even the florals. 

Choose from over 745,000 table setting combinations that work perfectly for whatever theme you are going for.

And the best part? No cleaning required. Just send your used plates and items in the box and it will be cleaned for you! 

Time to get the guest list ready. 

 

5. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has recently reopened to guests where fall foliage will be the highlight of your trip. With over 52 acres of land and 18,000 different plants from all over the world, you can learn something new or just soak up the beauty. 

Things to note:

• Advance time entry tickets are required to visit. 
• Hours: Tuesday- Sunday 10am- 6pm
• 3 Hour Time Slot to enjoy

 

6. Bike along the Hudson River

Another scenic spot in NYC is along the Hudson River, and biking will make the experience so much fun. Don’t worry if you’re not a novice biker. There is a bike path that runs the entire way from Battery Park all the way up to the Upper West Side. 

You can rent out a Citi Bike for a day rental, but you’ll have to find docks every 30 minutes to re-set your time. Otherwise, if you prefer more of a long ride, rent a bike through a shop. You can find plenty of available bikes. 

 

7. Taste the Fall Pallete

Why not take the best of fall ingredients at a local farm to table restaurant? A farm to table restaurant takes the freshest ingredients from locally sourced farms right to your plate. 

Favorite spots for the best fresh fall cuisine: 

• Inside Park at St. Bart’s: Large scenic patio spot with a delicious fall palette. Favorites include the fresh burrata with sweet potato & dates, tuna tacos, and short rib ragu gnocchi. 
• Friend of a Farmer: Cozy American farm to table restaurant. A gem since 1986. 
• Market Table: Bright and airy farm to table restaurant in the West Village 

8. Visit a Greenmarket

Speaking of food, the best spot to grab a fresh apple pie, doughnuts, hot cider, or anything fall is at one of New York’s Greenmarkets. The most popular Greenmarket is in Union Square, open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Come earlier in the day for the best selection of your favorite treats.

To find the nearest Greenmarket near you, check out this handy map for locations and hours. 

9. Cozy Up at a Coffee Shop

Since we can enjoy our food and beverages indoors, why not cozy up inside of one of many warm coffee shops. My latest favorite is Remi Flower and Coffee, a chic cafe where you can order specialty drinks like rose or lavender lattes, or purchase a stunning floral bouquet or succulent.

Other Cozy Coffee Shops:

• Plantshed Cafe | Upper West Side
• The Elk | West Village
• Devocion | Flatiron & Williamsburg

 

10. Pumpkin Picking

Take a mini day trip out to one of the many farms to pick pumpkins. Check out Decker Farm on Saturdays or Sundays in Staten Island or Green Meadows farm in Brooklyn. It’s a fun activity for just about everyone, family, friends, and kids! 

11. Browse the Chelsea Flea Market 

Secure a great find at the Chelsea Flea Market on 29 West 25th Street in Chelsea. Open Saturdays and Sundays 8 AM – 5 PM. You can find unique home decor pieces, fashion, jewelry, and fun finds from vendors in this open-aired flea market. 

 

12. Take a Weekend Getaway: 

If you have a weekend to really get in the fall mood, take a weekend trip just outside of the city to catch more foliage and take time to fully relax. Popular places less than 2 hours from NYC are the Catskills, Woodstock NY, Westchester, and more! I have a detailed list in my weekend getaway post. 

>> Related: 11 Best Weekend Getaways From NYC

 

What to Pack for a Fall Weekend in NYC?

When spending time in NYC during the fall it is important to wear versatile clothing. My favorite fall staples: 

• Oversized Sweater
• Sweater Dress
• High Boots

>> Related: What to Pack for a Trip to NYC | NYC Packing List by Season

 

Hope you enjoyed this post? Have you spent fall in NYC? 

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