Real New Yorkers know that fall is New York City's best season. Yes, summer overflows with energy, and spring promises hope for warmer days (winter is dreary at best, but we will romanticize it). But fall! What a time of year, and there's no better place to spend it than in New York. With seemingly endless parks to stroll while the leaves change, the birthplace of many a fall romcom (think 1989-movie When Harry Met Sally) and all the activities you can only get here, it is a jam-packed season.
Although each autumn in the city is unique, certain things are worth doing every year to really capture that fall essence. I asked my fellow New Yorkers about their must-do activities every season and compiled the ultimate fall-in-New-York bucket list.
Is there a place more well-known and loved than Central Park? While it's beautiful all year around, there is something extra special about it during the fall. Not only does the park offer great fall foliage, but each visit during the season will give you a different view of the park as the leaves change.
Walk through Bethesda Terrace and get lost in the Ramble before visiting the Met. End the day watching the sunset at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar in the museum.
Make a sign, grab your friends and cheer on the fearless runners who have decided to spend their Sunday running a marathon through the five boroughs. The marathon is such a fantastic display of how New Yorkers come together. You won’t want to miss it.
This year, the marathon takes place on Sunday, November 3, and the first group of runners starts at 8am. You can find more information on how to watch on the marathon website.
Local tip: Lonely Planet Editor Ann Douglas Lott recommends standing along the last mile in Central Park. “It's mostly downhill, and the runners' are so excited to be finished soon, so vibes are amazing.”
For all the beer lovers, head over to Queens for a Sunday afternoon of fresh pours and fall flavors. The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, is the perfect spot for the afternoon, with a large beer garden that can accommodate groups and a roster of flavorful seasonal beers to get you in the fall spirit.
For Lonely Planet team member Aqsa Shahzadi, it’s one of her favorite spots.“I went with a group of friends, and it was just the best time! The people from the next table over ended up joining in, and it turned into a whole party.”
If you can swing it, get out of town for a bit. A day (or weekend) trip upstate brings all the fall feelings you may hope for. Head to Storm King Art Center, the expansive sculpture park for beautiful Hudson Valley scenery and captivating installations.
Afterward, head over to Beacon to grab lunch at the artsy and undeniably delicious Melzingah Tap
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
It's a season of savings for travelers. Spirit Airlines just published dozens of one-way flight deals under $25, including flights to popular destinations including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, and more. The discount carrier published the offers in the «Popular Flight Deals on Spirit» section of their website, and the fares are available in limited supply with no published end date. All of the fares are in Spirit's «Go» class of service, which only includes one personal item and does not include carry-on or checked bag included in the price. Passengers can add these amenities for an additional cost, or upgrade to a higher fare class where the bags and advanced seat assignment are included. Travel + Leisure spotted a variety of the one-way fares available including:
Fall in NYC comes as a relief. The city in summer has its virtues—emptier streets, more easily-acquired reservations at most of the best restaurants—but the heat and the reek of garbage baking in it more than wear out that season’s welcome well before September slouches, sweating, into frame. Flattering it is not that autumn follows on its heels, not only turning off the oven but also invigorating New Yorkers who can now don the jackets they are so proud of and walk at their usual bracing clips without perspiring quite so readily.
River cruise line Uniworld is launching its first-ever women-only cruise next year, inviting female travelers to embark on an eight day journey through France.
Breeze Airways is bolstering its service in Florida this winter. The Utah-based low-cost carrier, which commenced service in 2021, unveiled its latest expansion Tuesday, with four new routes to the Sunshine State.
Southwest Airlines is giving travelers an extra reason to say “wow” when planning a vacation. The Dallas-based airline recently announced the «Save WOW» fare sale, with deals up to 40 percent off base fares. Best of all, the sale covers flights through March 2025 to several popular destinations, making it a perfect option for travelers looking for a fall, winter, and even early spring getaway. The fare sale runs from now through October 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.