The most stunning season is here. New York is starting to change into its autumnal colors and seasonal scents are filling the air. Here’s your bucket list of the best things to do when you visit New York this fall.
Go Leaf Peeping
The best thing about fall is its spectacular color show. Follow the New York fall foliage report to find out when leaves will reach their peak. Stroll around Central Park’s best spots: the Ramble (73rd to 79th St), the North Woods (101st St to 110th St) and the Reservoir (85th St to 96th St).
Row a Boat in the Lake
Rent an old-fashioned rowboat in Loeb Boathouse until November and see the fall colors from a different perspective. Perfect for a date or family picnic!
Participate in the Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla
The Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla is a free event, open to everyone. Carve a pumpkin, hear scary tales and release your pumpkin at sundown.
Visit the New York Botanical Garden
The NYBG has unique fall experiences. Fall Forest Weekends is a series of tours and events that take visitors through the most beautiful landscapes. Tour the Spooky Pumpkin Garden and see bizarre and funny carved pumpkins. The Pumpkin Garden is open for the Spooky Pumpkin Nights and the Giant Pumpkin Weekend, one of the best fall exhibits in NYC.
Eat and Drink Pumpkin Spice
Speaking of pumpkins, fall is the season of pumpkin spice everything. Have a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice cupcakes and muffins, pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice cocktails. You get the idea.
Watch the Halloween Dog Costume Parade
Tompkins Square Dog Run hosts an annual Halloween Dog Parade. This free event is open to anyone who wants to watch or bring their dogs in creative costumes.
Dress up for the Village Halloween Parade
The most fun and popular Halloween parade in New York takes place in Greenwich Village. Watch outrageous, spooky and hilarious costumes in their full glory. Bring your camera!
Go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season. You may have watched it on TV, but nothing beats being part of the holiday atmosphere. See the floats
Have a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner
Being far from home doesn’t mean you have to forgo a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Check out OpenTable to find out which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving. Many will be offering great prix-fixe menus!
Go to a Harvest Festival
Fall is the harvesting season. Generations have celebrated this time of bounty with festivals and New York has kept the tradition alive. The Harvest Fest in the Meatpacking District has seasonal bites, arts and crafts, games and more.
For more seasonal things to do in New York, check out the latest Owners Events.