8 places to enjoy an epic autumn in New York

“Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?” That Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holliday have all recorded that line is a testament to the allure of New York in the fall. It’s not clear that anyone has ever pinpointed the exact reason that autumn in the city is so special, but you can challenge yourself to find the answer this year by exploring all that New York has to offer as summer fades to winter.

As their name suggests, Sparkling Pointe Winery is known for their award-winning sparkling wines, 3 of which recently received scores of 90 points or more from the editors of Wine Enthusiast. Their 2007 Brut Champagne Blend even received the Editors’ Choice designation this year. Located in North Fork, Long Island’s wine country, Sparkling Pointe is surrounded by wineries, so you could easily plan a mini wine tasting tour.

Where: 39750 County Road 48, Southold, NY

For over a century, Masker Orchards has been providing family fun in an idyllic country setting in the Hudson Valley. Nothing says fall like an afternoon of apple picking and an orchard picnic, and that is exactly what Masker Orchards has been providing to generations of New Yorkers. You could easily spend the day wandering the 200-acre orchard, taking in the spectacular fall colors, and letting the kids take advantage of all the fun activities like pony rides, face painting, and the family-friendly haunted house. Admission is free, and you’re encouraged to sample some of the 14 apple varieties as you pick.

Where: 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY

If your fall plans include a weekend in the Catskills, you’ll want to make sure that you have at least one meal at the legendary Phoenicia Diner. There is a good reason that the Phoenicia makes its way onto just about every list of places to eat in the Catskills. When Brooklyn transplant Mike Cioffi bought the 50-year-old diner in 2012, he kept the retro aesthetics but modernized the menu. The Phoenicia now serves updated diner classics that lean heavily on local ingredients; even the vodka in the bloody mary is distilled locally.

Where: 5681 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY

Those looking to unplug and give the whole family a chance to reconnect with nature will find that a weekend spent at the Mohonk Mountain House is the ideal autumn getaway. Located on the shore of the Mohonk Lake just south of the Catskills, the 7-story historic resort is a sight to behold, but with over 85 miles of hiking trails and over 1,000 acres of wilderness to explore, you probably won’t spend much time inside. In addition to hiking, biking, and lake sports, you’ll find a daily schedule packed with fun activities like tomahawk throwing, archery, yoga, meditation, and crafts. After a busy day, you can look forward to finding a seat in one of the resorts 600 rocking chairs to watch the sunset.

Where: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY

Prefer your fall foliage with a healthy dose of pampering? Book a weekend at The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. As America’s first spa resort and the only hotel in the 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa Park, The Gideon Putnam is seriously committed to its wellness mission. People have long touted the healing properties of the mineral-rich springs found in Saratoga Springs, and The Gideon Putnam a number of mineral bath services in addition to the usual full array of spa services.

Where: 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, NY

With a collection that includes pieces by masters like Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, and Roy Lichtenstein, Storm King is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading sculpture parks. At just about an hour’s drive from the city, Storm King is the perfect destination for people who want to pair their leaf peeping with a little culture.

Where: 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY

The largely unspoiled Connecticut River Valley is a popular destination for those seeking the best of New England’s fall colors, and with a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, you can experience it in an entirely new way. The 2.5 hour trip takes you through quaint towns and untouched countryside to give you a unique view of what the Nature Conservancy dubbed “one of the last great places on earth.” Your trip begins on a vintage steam engine that traverses farms and villages and continues along the Connecticut River via riverboat. The tour is available year-round but is especially popular during the height of fall foliage, so if you have a particular day and time in mind, you’ll want to book early.

Where: 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT

The farm states that it’s home to New York’s first corn maze and the second-longest continuously operating corn maze in the world. With over 5 acres to explore, it takes the average visitor 90 minutes to complete the maze. Have a young child who isn’t up for a 90-minute stroll amongst the corn? There’s a smaller maze fit for the little ones. 

When: Weekends beginning September 12 from 10am to 6pm

Where: 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY

Whether you decide to stay local and ring in the season with beer and polka or opt to get out of the city and explore the beauty of the less densely populated regions of the state, autumn in New York is very inviting indeed.