Summer time sadness is upon us, but Autumn is the best time to be in NYC! Every New Yorker laments never “taking advantage of all the city has to offer.” Well, now is a perfect time to start. So throw on your best flannel, lace up your chukka boots or suede booties and get going. Oh, and don’t forget the pumpkin spiced latte!
Things to Do in NYC
Explore – Venture outside the 10 block radius of your apartment. Come up with a part of the city outside your bubble. Have you enjoyed the near empty streets of Fidi on a weekend? While down there, check out the Occulus, grab a beer on Stone Street (check out Oyster Fest, typically beginning of October), or enjoy a stroll through Battery Park City. How about north? Sure, everyone has been to Central Park but have you ever ventured up to the Reservoir? Or better yet, have you enjoyed the melting pot of Harlem?
Walk the High Line – Autumn is the perfect time to walk the High Line. Crowds have lessened, but the foliage is still in full force. We recommend starting on the north end and finishing at the Whitney Museum. After, grab a stein and make some new friends at our favorite outdoor bar, The Standard Biergarten. Before heading home, stop by Chelsea Market for arguably the city’s best tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 (Thrillist rankings). Don’t forget to pick up some fresh seafood for dinner at The Lobster Place.
Museums – Be an art critique for a day and visit the museums NYC has to offer. We recommend MoMA to check out Van Gogh and Picasso. Be sure to buy your tickets online to avoid the wait! You can also enjoy UNIQLO Free Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, but definitely arrive well before 6pm as the line gets long. Relive your favorite middle school class trip and go to the Museum of Natural History. They have definitely brought these exhibits into the 21st Century, and it offers a great experience for anyone young or old. Those are our favorites, but here in NYC there is something for everyone (cue Rosé Mansion or the Color Factory for some gram worthy, less serious spots)!
Cooking or Wine Class – Fall is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, so why not learn how to cook like a pro. Cooking classes offer a great alternative to the usual night out. We recommend Aunt Jake’s NYC for their Pasta Lab, perfect for a double date or a Sunday Funday with friends. The pasta is also delicious!!!
If you can’t even boil water, skip the food and take a casual wine class. We love NYC Wine Company in Chelsea. They offer an array of class variations from Wine 101 to Italy North to South. Andrew makes wine very approachable with a real focus on helping you find out what you like and what you don’t like. We even rented out this space for Jen’s 25th birthday!
Things to do just outside NYC
Governor’s Island – We FINALLY made it to Governor’s Island recently and couldn’t understand why it was so empty. Shoot down to Fidi and hop on the two minute ferry. This is the perfect place to rent a bike for the day and unplug from the busy city. Enjoy the views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The pro move would be to bring supplies for a picnic on one of the many lawns. Alternatively, you can grab an aperol spritz and oysters at Island Oyster (same owners as Grand Banks).
Red Hook – Hop on the free IKEA ferry at the South Street Seaport and head over to Red Hook. This secluded area of Brooklyn offers way more than just Red Hook Lobster (which is admittedly delicious). Our favorite fall activity is to spend the day at Brooklyn Crab. Grab a rose, an IPA, a white claw or some crab legs and enjoy corn hole or the 9 hole mini golf course! Fellow bourbon lovers should check out Widow Jane Distillery. If you are interested in a tour, we recommend booking in advance.
Things to do a little more than just outside NYC
North Fork Wineries – During the summer, the Hamptons and Montauk may get all the hype. However, as one of our friends eloquently put it “NoFo is legit”. There is no better time than the fall to adventure out to the north fork of Long Island. There are plenty of transportation companies that offer party bus pickup from the city and will organize a wine tour. This can be perfect for a small group, large group, birthday rage or a more low key fall weekend!
Beyond the wineries, you can also go pumpkin or apple picking. It is a great destination for a family with kids on a fall day – relax outside with pumpkins for the kids and wine for the adults.
Stone Barns – Foodies may know this Hudson Valley spot for its famous Blue Hill restaurant run by chef Dan Barber (best Chef’s Table episode IMHO). However, this former Rockefeller estate offers way more than just a world-class culinary experience. Stone Barns is on the forefront of sustainable farming and supplies Blue Hill with all its produce. (Side note: Highly recommend Dan Barber’s The Third Plate for those interested in his philosophy. Warning: do not read on an empty stomach). It hosts a wide array of weekend activities from walking tours to foraging expeditions culminating with their famous Harvest Festival which occurs each fall. This haven is perfect for all ages and includes music, pasta making, animal feeding along with local beers and wines!
Did we miss your favorite fall activity? Let us know in the comments!
Cheers to the Fall!
