Your October City Guide
Written byphoto via centralpark.com
Though September may bring the official start of fall, it’s during October when New Yorkers actually get to enjoy the cool, crisp air and the colors on the trees. October is when autumn in New York truly shines. It’s when the lingering heat finally gives up, letting us take out the sweaters and dust off our jackets. We can stroll through Central Park without breaking a sweat, and find hot cider and Oktoberfest specials at our local hangouts. There are many ways to appreciate fall in this big city.
Here are some of our favorites:
Catch a playoff game
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cool, autumn night under the lights at Citi Field for a playoff game. Even if you can’t get your hands on a pair of tickets, be sure to at least hit up a local sports bar to root for the home team with your fellow New Yorkers. Whether you make it to a game or just go to a bar with friends—we’ll take care of getting you there and back.
Enjoy the view from indoors
photo via travelandleisure.com
Outdoor rooftop season may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy a nice view. Whether it’s The Ides in Williamsburg, Top of the Standard, 30 Rock’s SixtyFive, Jimmy, or the Refinery Hotel—there are plenty of indoor rooftop bars that offer cityscape backdrops and seasonally appropriate cocktails.
Pack a picnic
Now that the sweltering summer heat is behind us, it’s the perfect time to plant yourself on a blanket in Sheep Meadow in Central Park. Embrace sweater weather to its fullest while people-watching and snacking on your favorite meats and cheeses.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
photo via nyc.zumschneider.com
Though Germany’s Oktoberfest officially ended on October 4, the celebrations haven’t stopped in New York. Zum Schneider, the East Village Bavarian Bierhaus, is hosting its “Munich on the East River” pop-up, with German food and beer, live music, and games. Tickets can be found here. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, then board the Bear Mountain Cruise for a trip up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain’s Oktoberfest celebrations.
Carve a pumpkin
It may be tough to find a pumpkin patch in NYC, but that doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of carving a jack-o-lantern. Whether you find one at the local bodega or take an Uber to Queens County Farm and pick one from the patch, we encourage every New Yorker to get creative with some carving tools.
Go apple picking
Apple picking is arguably the most “fall” of the fall activities. There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh apple from the tree or going home with your loot to bake a pie. NYC may not have its own apple orchard, but the good news is that there are some close by that are worth a day trip, including Harvest Moon, Stuart’s Fruit Farm, and Alstede Farms.