New York is a magical place in all seasons (even if the permanent smells of hot garbage in the dead of summer make it a little less so). While many people would say that Christmastime in the city is the best season, my personal favorite time of year in the Big Apple is autumn. Something about the colorful leaves and crisp autumn breezes set among the backdrop of the bustling city just makes me feel like sipping on a warm spiced apple cider and rolling in a big pile of leaves. Whether you’re looking to frolic amongst the foliage or get a few gram-worthy snaps, these are some of the best ways to experience autumn in New York City.
1. Eataly Flatiron
I know I’ve already talked about how incredible my experience has been at the Eataly Flatiron Market, but in the fall it’s on another level. (To read about my love for Eataly, click here). The food itself makes it a worthy restaurant, but how often is it that the decor of an establishment completely transforms for the season? It’s the perfect place for photos of you in your cozy fall sweater with a nice fall-themed cocktail in hand. You will not be disappointed if you check it out.
2. Carl Schurz Park
Obviously the leaves are all outside so some of the best places to soak in the fall vibes are the many gorgeous parks around the city. Carl Schurz Park, a lovely, well-kept neighborhood park in the Upper East Side, sits right on the East River. The abundance of trees and gardens are lush in the spring and summer, but in the fall, the autumn colors really pop set against the stone staircases and walkways. Being right on the river offers gorgeous views and a nice breeze on a warm autumn day.
3. The Met and Fifth Avenue
Many people who take a trip to New York reserve time to check out the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art that sits right on Fifth Avenue. It’s honestly a really great museum and you could literally spend hours getting lost in there, but one of the rooms in the Egyptian Art Wing (specifically the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler Wing) has a wall entirely of windows. From here, and a few other spots in the museum such as the rooftop deck, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring works of art with the changing fall foliage in the background. For fans of When Harry Met Sally, you'll know that Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal also opted to explore the Met on a lovely fall day and if that’s not a seal of approval I don’t know what is. Once you’re done at the museum, you can take a stroll down the always-iconic Fifth Avenue, admire the colorful leaves along the park, and get a head-start on window-shopping before all of the tourists arrive for the Christmas season.
4. Roosevelt Island
Another great outdoor spot to admire both views of the city and the striking fall colors is on Roosevelt Island. Situated in the middle of the East River, it’s most easily accessible by tram, subway, or ferry. On the South End of the island is a large, 4 acre park and memorial dedicated to FDR and lined with trees that like to show off their best in the autumn months.
5. Central Park
Last but certainly not least is my favorite area in the city in every single season, Central Park. Any time I wanted to really see those leaves changing colors I would head to the park. During the fall season, Central Park has a new life to it, a certain buzz that’s almost contagious. It’s as if every New Yorker knows that the winter will be bitter and cold and miserable, so they have to squeeze out as many perfect park days as they can. And boy does the park show off. Since the park itself is so massive, there are literally endless areas to find the perfect autumn hues. Some of my favorite areas include Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Bow Bridge, The Mall, and Belvedere Castle. With a well-coordinated stroll you could hit all of these beautiful spots in one afternoon stroll.
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