21 Things To Do In New York In The Fall

    New York and autumn go together like subway rats and dollar slices.

    Alex Alvarez
    by Alex Alvarez

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Central Park dresses itself in red and gold, just for you.

    Andrew Dallos / CC / Flickr: amatuerphotographer

    Kicking this off with a classic. Look, there is simply no way to overstate how beautiful the Park becomes this time of year. Go see it!

    2. There's nothing like feeling the warmth of a fresh-baked Levain Bakery cookie through your gloves.

    Katherine H / CC / Flickr: 66197572@N00

    Trust me on this: Head to Levain in Manhattan (there's a location on the Upper West Side and one in Harlem, too) and get yourself a warm chocolate chip cookie, fresh from the oven. They're seriously huge, but let's be honest. You're not going to share.

    3. It's only a short train ride (or drive) to go apple picking!

    4. Here, Oktoberfest is best.

    5. You can enjoy a whole day devoted to delicious pickles.

    6. Fall marks the time of year when eating outdoors is actually quite enjoyable...

    ais3n / CC / Flickr: ais3n

    Top on your list should be Williamsburg's Fette Sau, where you can enjoy a rotating daily menu of delicious smoked meats and GALLONS of beer in a super casual atmosphere, including outdoor picnic tables. They don't take reservations, so run. Now.

    7. ...and you can browse flea markets and street fairs without melting or freezing.

    cisc1970 / CC / Flickr: franciscodaum

    The Brooklyn Flea in Ft. Greene is particularly nice and well-maintained, but there are tons of markets and street festivals that pop up all over the city.

    8. New York Botanical Garden's haunted pumpkin garden is a SCREAM.

    9. And if you want to get out of the city, just hop on a train to Sleepy Hollow.

    Samantha Chapnick / CC / Flickr: sierraandi

    Take a scenic (and pretty quick) train ride to discover all that Sleepy Hollow has to offer this time of year, like cemetery tours, a haunted hayride, or a creepy stroll through the Headless Horseman's favorite ~haunts.~

    10. Atlantic Antic showcases food from around the world, all on one street.

    Betty Tsang / CC / Flickr: bettytsang

    Every fall, Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue, which takes you through Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Downtown Brooklyn, offers the Atlantic Antic street festival, filled with great shopping and games. But, really, it's all about the food. Have a cheesy, warm arepa on one block, and Jamaican jerk chicken on the next. Visit a Halal food stand in one corner, then cross the street for elote. You'll roll home happy.

    11. Have a ~divinely~ frightening experience in a cathedral.

    jmm / CC / Flickr: workinpana

    Every year, the Upper West Side's St. John the Divine goes all out for Halloween with striking performances, music, and an overall gorgeously creepy atmosphere. Not to be missed.

    12. The Village Halloween parade is a sight to behold.

    Adrian Cabrero / CC / Flickr: mytummytalkstome

    OK, if you hate crowds, stay home. The West Village's Halloween parade draws thousands of costumed participants and onlookers. But it's really worth seeing at least once, if only because people tend to get extremely creative with their costumes!

    13. Plus, there's always the Halloween DOG parade in Tompkins Square Park!

    editrixie / CC / Flickr: editrixie

    Because what's a Halloween celebration without your best friend?

    14. Open House New York offers a deeper look at the city.

    15. The Food Film Fest combines your two great loves.

    16. As it turns out, Staten Island is pretty damn haunted.

    H.L.I.T. / CC / Flickr: 29311691@N05

    Take a ferry ride (or a slightly warmer drive) to Staten Island and thoroughly creep yourself out by learning about the borough's many haunted places, like Seaview Hospital, or by trying to catch a glimpse of the Bedell Ghost.

    17. And the autumn chill and early dark only add to Roosevelt Island's alluring creepiness.

    gigi_nyc / CC / Flickr: 76807015@N03

    The tiny neighborhood's old smallpox hospital is apparently no stranger to spooky activity. Oh, and there's also the fact that the island once housed an asylum.

    18. Go on a haunted hayride. If you dare.

    19. Enjoy some truly amazing hot chocolate at the elegant Waldorf Astoria.

    sokole oko / CC / Flickr: mg02

    Sit back, warm up, and pretend you own the place.

    20. Or have some frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III on the Upper East Side.

    m01229 / CC / Flickr: 39908901@N06

    It'll be crowded, but worth it.

    21. New York City's window displays will transport you to a magical holiday wonderland.

    Victoria Pickering / CC / Flickr: vpickering

    Around November, the department stores along New York City's famed 5th Avenue come to life with beautiful, intricate displays. (Just keep your elbows out and DON'T HOG THE SIDEWALK.) Also, there's nothing like seeing the Cartier store all done up like a giant Christmas gift. Get me every time.

    What a time.

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