Written by Nick Simard on 16.09.15
Fall. You can smell the burning leaves already. It is one of the greatest times of the year, and not just because the blazing heat has finally chilled out. This year, New York City shines bright with some of the tastiest, loveliest and spookiest fall events around. You just have to pick a few that fit your fancy.
Weary of making a long-distance trip out to a cider farm? Pay a visit to Cider Week NYC on November 6-15, where the city brings the cider vendors from all over the state to you. Try the best cider from local cider houses, as well as a few choice options from farther away.Cider Week calls itself a “hard cider revival,” so for those of you who like something a little stronger, you will have plenty of options to imbibe. While you wait for November, take a moment to catch one of the events of the New York City Wine and Food Festival. This yearly festival held in mid-October offers rooftop events, hands-on classes, demonstrations and walk-around tastings from some of the best chefs in the business.
Watching the leaves change color in the fall is one of the best things about living in the area. Nothing is better than sitting with a hot cup of coffee while you observe the colors in their autumn splendor. If you prefer to watch instead of drive, consider Seastreak’s fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River. Climb aboard at Pier 11 and settle back for a full-day cruise that takes you through some impressive views of the Hudson River shores. The tour stops for a delicious lunch in the quaint town of Cold Spring and is narrated by an expert in the history of the region. At the end, you arrive pleasantly refreshed and delighted by your time spent in the outdoors.
You know that the season would not be complete without a walk on the weird side. If you have longed to dance to Thriller dressed as a zombie, you cannot miss the Zombie Masquerade Ball hosted by Thrill the World on October 23-24. Your fee goes to charity and you can get instruction in the choreography on YouTube. This is a good way to bide your time waiting for the awesome and enigmatic Village Halloween Parade on the big day. Dress up and go to this free, public-interactive event that features some of the best costumes you have ever seen.
If you prefer the tamer side of Halloween, you can still find plenty of engaging entertainment options. Meet at Tompkins Square on Oct. 25 for what CNN claims is the largest dog costume parade in the world. Dress up Fido and Fifi if you wish and bring them along for the fun. There is no need to preregister, although there are thousands of dollars in prizes for the best costumes. On the same weekend, you can head over the New York Botanical Garden for the Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend. Take a course in pumpkin carving, or stay until dark for the scariest pumpkin-picking venue imaginable.
This fall is going to be an amazing season for activities to soothe your appetite, your need for relaxation and your desire to visit the dark side. Select an event or two, make a plan and head to these locations for the best of the season.
Topics: NYC Things to Do
