Falling for New York: A Guide to Autumn in the Big Apple
Perhaps it's the way the leaves fall neatly on the paved sidewalks, or the contrast of the multicolored trees against the silver skyscrapers, but there is something special about Manhattan in the months from September to November.
It’s a certain magic that Hollywood has also managed to showcase with films perfect for this fall season. From the iconic Central Park stroll in the 1987 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, which highlighted the beauty of the autumnal foliage, the 1998 film You’ve Got Mail, the many fall based episodes in Gossip Girl, to the famous football game scene in Friends, the list goes on. There is even a 1934 song titled “Autumn in New York,” a stunning ballad which encapsulates the nostalgia and complex emotions this season evokes.
Clearly, this is a widely recognized concept, even a beloved one. As many enjoy the changing colors, leaves flying in the wind and of course, pumpkins - after all, nothing screams “fall” more than a pumpkin does - there are activities for everyone to enjoy, even those in the heart of New York City.
The quintessential seasonal activity of going pumpkin picking can be challenging while in the heart of a metropolis. This is why Cityside Pumpkin Patch offers a festive rooftop experience in which visitors can surround themselves with a pumpkin picking, fall themed extravaganza located just a train ride away. The rooftop “patch” is open daily through November 3, with tickets beginning at $20 per person.
For those looking for something else, there is more than one pumpkin themed experience to be found in New York. The botanical gardens’ annual Fall-O-Ween Festival is currently open through October 27. With its pumpkin carving activities, beer samplings and giant pumpkin display, Fall-O-Ween is a pumpkin lover’s dream come true.
Of course, the botanical gardens also offer the chance to immerse oneself in the picturesque fall foliage as well.
Another one of the best places to admire the autumnal scenery is Central Park, specifically the area surrounding the Bethesda fountain. The views are simply not to be missed.
For a less cosmopolitan experience, Roosevelt Island is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and an opportunity for fresh air and open space. It is just a cable car away.
Perhaps one of the best gems the city has to offer is Bryant Park- especially in the fall. There is a certain charm found in sitting at a table or lounging on the lawn, gazing up at the imposing trees, picturesque carousel and the historic New York Public Library as you watch life go by.
This October 25, the park’s annual Winter Village will open, bringing seasonal themed activities and a new festive spirit to the air.
For those homebodies out there, there is really nothing more classically fall than cozying up with a good book. Fortunately, Manhattan is a city bursting with bookstores filled with merchandise just waiting to be read. The Drama Book Shop, Rizzoli Bookstore and The Strand are all independent bookstores that are the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon, browsing among the shelves looking for the next great American novel.
Taking a relaxing stroll in the fresh air as your shoes step on the crunching leaves to said bookstores is an equally enticing fall activity.
It is also important to note that the Housing Works Bookstore should especially be on the list of places to visit. If it appears familiar, it’s because it is. The downtown bookstore was featured in Taylor Swift’s 2021 short film All Too Well.
Some of these establishments also have cafes- the perfect place to sit with a new book, a hot drink in hand and detach oneself from the outside world.
Is it really even fall without something warm and pumpkin spiced?