Tomorrow is the first day of November and I am in a bit of a pre-winter panic! I feel like autumn passed in a blink and I don't feel like I have done enough during my favorite season. So I compiled a list ten things to do in the New York City area that celebrate the crisp weather of the season, as I make my way down the list I thought you may be inspired by it too.
Central Park
Number one for any season is Central Park. Central Park is one of the city's most treasured public assets and accessible to everyone in the five boroughs. Sign-up for the park's seasonal guide for info on events happening in it many corners. I personally just like to wander and admire the foliage this time of year.
Dia: Beacon
I visited Dia: Beacon at the end of the summer and have to say I became smitten. While I was there the trees were still green, but on the short metro ride up from the city I saw some leaves had begun to turn. I am sure the museum is decked out in autumnal colors too by now!
Storm King Art Center
Still lingering on my bucket list is the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York. This premier sculpture park is located not far from Dia: Beacon on the opposite side of the Hudson River surrounded by the natural beauty of upstate New York.
Grace Farms
Grace Farms is a cultural space in New Canaan, Connecticut that I completely fell for last Autumn. Just an hour metro ride outside of the city (plus a short uber ride) and you are in one of the most serene and exquisitely designed spaces in the NY metro area.
Queens County Farm Museum
Queens County Farm Museum hosts an incredible "maize maze" each year and haunted house through Halloween weekend. This site is NYC's last remaining unaltered farm housing livestock, produce and more. It is open year round with free general admission so even after the Fall festivities end doors will still be open.
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is a hidden gem for Manhattanites. I recently went on my inaugural visit and know it will be a frequent on the list. There is a wide range of gardens that are open year round but I highly suggest visiting the native flora garden for some serious autumn vibes.
The Cloisters Museum
The Cloisters Museum located at the northern tip of Manhattan is nestled in Fort Tryon park overlooking the Hudson River. Head up there to step back into medieval times and enjoy the gardens before it gets too cold.
Open House New York
Although Open House New York (OHNY), an urban planning and design event that opens some of the city's greatest designs and infrastructure up to the public passed earlier in October, the list of open houses is still inspiration enough for some last minute fall fun. Look out for a post later this week on what I did for OHNY (hint in the picture below!) and be sure to mark you calendars for next October if you did't take part this year!
Governors Island
This summer I had my first visit to Governors Island and I have been looking for another weekend to go back. The island is a beautiful conservation area packed with history, activities and amazing views of Manhattan.
The High Line
Last but certainly not least the High Line. NYC's elevated park may not have tons of mature trees like Central Park but you can still feel the transition of the seasons and enjoy the revolving art exhibits while you're at it!
