New York is a beautiful city to visit irrespective of the time of the year, but it becomes even more special during fall. The cultural calendar begins to kick into action with all kinds of Broadway openings, fashion shows and film festivals and the trees in Central Park turn into a beautiful orange to welcome these world-class events.
And, it is not just the New York that is special during the fall season. Towns in Hudson Valley and Long Island are also famous as exciting fall destinations.
Today, Bookmundi introduces you to some of the top fall destinations in New York. Whether you’re in the city to become a part of the New York Fashion Week or are here on a holiday, adding a few of these destinations into your list of things to do is a must.
Central Park
If you don’t have enough time to get out of the city, a trip to Central Park is an ideal way to enjoy natural fall beauty. Covering an area of 843 acres, Central Park is full of open meadows, ponds, paths, trees and lakes that look their enchanting best during the fall season. The park is best explored when the leaves start changing their color in the autumn months. Things like picturesque boat rides on those lakes, lazy afternoon picnics besides the Bethesda Fountain, and dreamy walks around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir often end up being the biggest highlights of your New York adventures. And even if you don’t bring your own picnic basket, you can always buy one that includes two sandwiches, two salads, a Murray cheese plate, a bottle of wine and a cheesecake at the Herb N Kitchen in New York Hilton Midtown.
The New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival is scheduled to be held between September 25 and October 11 and is known to be one of the most anticipated cultural attractions in the city. Now in its 53rd year, this exciting festival is scheduled to present 26 films and new works from iconic filmmakers such as Todd Haynes, Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. The hottest entries this year are Where to Invade Next and Steve Jobs.
Hudson River Valley
The best time to explore the Hudson River Valley is during fall. The temperature is amazing and most of the estates are surrounded by gardens and trees that look their beautiful best. The light is just about perfect and fall trips usually present splendid aesthetics as well. If you’re interested in checking out abundant fall foliage or enjoying the riverside scenery, Hudson River Valley is your best bet. And depending on your final destination, you can also add things like historic sites, museums and quaint villages into the fold. We recommend a trip to destinations such as Hyde Park, Cold Spring, Hudson and Beacon.
New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week is one of the most coveted events in the global fashion calendar. Considered to be a major trendsetter, this is where you come across works of world famous designers and understand the latest trends that shall drive world fashion in the coming season. A must see for any fashionista visiting the city, this edition of the NY Fashion Week shall showcase the Spring 2016 collections of top designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, and more.
Drive from Warrensburg to Indian Lake
The drive from Warrensburg to Indian Lake presents spectacular vistas, jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking fall colors. Take Route 73 from the I-87 and pass through Keene Valley to reach the Adirondack High Peaks area. This area is among the most beautiful spots on the planet, particularly when it transforms into shades of oranges and reds, during the fall season. Another place worth visiting is the Ausable River area, which is also awash with fall colors.
The New York City Wine & Food Festival
Between October 15 and October 18, you can sample dishes made by the best celebrity chefs around the world. Some of the top names to grace this even include Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Michael Symon and Giada De Laurentiis. There are a number of celebrity-chef classes that teach all kinds of things – right from mastering the art of butchery to making chocolate in NYCWFF.
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills cover an area of 6000 sq. m. in southeastern New York and are home to 6 river systems, 35 mountain peaks that rise to heights of more than 3500 feet, and the world-famous Woodstock Festival. During fall it truly transforms itself into a vibrant wonderland during the fall season. The wooded hillsides turn into shades of reds, oranges and yellows and tourists can also enjoy all kinds of craft fairs and fall harvest festivals as well. The ideal time to visit Catskills is from the last two weeks of September to the middle of October.
Stargazing on the High Line
Throughout the month of October, you can take a peek at the moon, the stars and the planets every Tuesday night at the High Line. The Amateur Astronomers Association provides high-powered telescopes that allow locals and tourists alike to take a look at celestial bodies from dusk till 11 PM. You don’t need reservations and it’s completely free!
Visiting New York during the fall season is always special. From world famous fashion shows, film festivals and food festivals to the heavenly earthy aromas of European white truffles, from enchanting fall foliage to cultural extravaganzas, there is no shortage of things to see or do here.