If you’re in New York and you’re in the mood to do something fall-themed, there are plenty of cool things happening in and around the city. Whether you’re looking for a spooky cocktail or a place to take pictures with hundreds of glowing pumpkins, you can find it in New York. Here are a few fun and unique things to do during fall in New York, before the city gets covered in snow!
1. Visit The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
This jack o’lantern exhibit is definitely one of the coolest things I did this season. Although I went before Halloween, it’s still up and running throughout November. The outdoor exhibit isn’t in the city, it’s actually in Croton-on-Hudson, near the legendary town of Sleepy Hollow. If you live in the city, then you can take a train over from Grand Central. My friend Rachel and I did and it was a very smooth commute. Except, beware that when you arrive at the train station you’ll probably want to Uber over to the exhibit and although it’s very close by, the Ubers can be few and far between. So budget some extra time for that.
Once you’re at the exhibit, you can enjoy snacks, warm cider, beer, and even do a little shopping at their gift store before and after walking through. The one-way trail is full of creative sculptures and artistic designs made of pumpkins. From a pumpkin bridge to a giant spider web to a replica of the Statue of Liberty, it’s pretty incredible. Who knew pumpkins could be so fun to look at?!
2. Get Fall-Themed Cocktails at Loreley Beer Garden
Loreley Beer Garden is a restaurant with expertly themed drinks. I checked them out for the first time over the summer, but I wanted to go back the second my friend told me they had autumnal cocktails and pumpkin kegs. Their outdoor patio is heated and covered by a tent, so you can even sit outside! The day I went it was actually pouring rain, but it surprising didn’t ruin our time at all. There is indoor seating as well, but the outside area is covered in fall foliage and cute photo spots — obviously, I had to sit outside when I went there.
I ended up ordering a bourbon apple cider because I wanted something warm. The food menu is German, so I got some sausages, kraut, and mashed potatoes. It was delicious!
3. Find A Spooky-Themed Bar Or Coffee Shop
There are always cool and unique places popping up in the city. A couple of the popular spooky bars to check out are BeetleHouse and The Cauldron. The Cauldron has a really cool potion-making experience. I haven’t been to either yet, but definitely plan ahead, as I’m sure they’ll be super busy!
This Harry Potter-themed coffee shop, Steamy Hallows, was really cool. From the decor to the beverages, everything about this quaint space had great detail. I ordered a “butter beer” which basically tasted like a butterscotch latte. It was covered in a layer of whip cream and gold glitter. If any Potterheads are looking for another Harry Potter experience, then be sure to check out the new store in Manhattan!
NOTE: Unfortunately, the NYC Steamy Hallows location has closed down. I’m still hoping that they’ll find a new home in the city!
4. Spend The Day At The Queens Botanical Garden
Last fall I went to the Queens Botanical Garden to take some style pics and check out their annual fall festival. It’s totally worth it to check out the color-changing leaves at the garden before winter comes. They also have a full calendar of events, including movie nights and a pumpkin patch.
They also offer FREE entry November through March! It’s a really nice way to be around nature in the city.
What are your favorite things to do during fall?
