It’s fall y’all – so you’re probably looking to escape the city and find some fun autumnal activities within a few hours of NYC. Am I right? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
From farms and orchards to hiking trails, castles on islands, an outdoor barrel sauna, and plenty of good food – there something for absolutely everyone here.
Keep reading to find 7 fun fall activities within two hours of NYC
7. Blooming Hill Farm
This ain’t your typical farm. Blooming Hill is a small, family-owned and operated farm and restaurant in the Hudson Valley. If you’re a New Yorker, you’ve probably enjoyed their produce before. At the likes of Roberta’s Pizza in Brooklyn and Freeman’s and Momofuku Ssam in Manhattan, amongst maaanyyyy more.
The restaurant’s offerings are pretty unique, with thanks to their “unaltered, eclectic and broad produce offerings”. Over 200 varieties of fruits and veg, in fact. Their chef and beverage director formerly worked at some Manhattan and Brooklyn favorites, and have brought their expertise to the farm. The result is standout menu items like a Cacio e Pepe wood-fired pizza, Hudson Valley rainbow trout, and distinctive farm-fresh salads. Drooling yet?
6. Go Glamping
Spending a night or two sleeping under the stars is a memorable experience at any time of the year. But fall is truly the peak time for experiencing the great outdoors.
However, if pitching a tent is not your vibe, fear not. There’s plenty of luxurious places to go glamping in New York that won’t kill the vibe. So many, in fact, that The 7 Best Places To Go Glamping In New York.
5. Hike the Hudson Valley
Hudson Highlands State Park offers endless hiking options in the Hudson Valley, New York.
For beginners, we recommend the leisurely Cornish Estate Trail Loop. For the more experienced hiker, Breakneck Ridge is a heavily trafficked loop trail. It features a waterfall and is rated as difficult – but beautiful! Both can be accessed from idyllic Cold Spring, NY.
Similarly, if you want to venture even further Upstate, the Catskill Mountains is a dream for the avid hiker.
4. Stay at Kenoza Hall in the Catskills
Foster Supply Hospitality’s new property, Kenoza Hall, is the perfect place to experience some true respite from the city.
Just under two hours from NYC, this tranquil retreat was built in the early 1900s. It spans 55 lush acres and features 22 charming guest rooms and many common areas. Each room more beautiful than the last.
Guests can enjoy a spa complete with an outdoor pool, hot tub, outdoor barrel sauna and treatment rooms. As well as the full-service bar and restaurant, private lake, hiking trails, and close access to the Catskill Mountains. Combined, these features make Kenoza Hall a truly unique and memorable property.
3. Visit Bannerman Castle
New York’s history comes alive at this Hudson Valley landmark. Seeing Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island from the distance, one would think they are hallucinating. To see a Scottish-inspired castle of its style… on an island… in New York?! Not your typical sight.
Formerly used to store ammunition, an explosion in the 1950s left the castle abandoned. Fortunately, it’s now maintained by a non-profit that welcomes visitors on guided tours by boat or kayak. The majestic landmark is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Most importantly, we recommend visiting at sunset for one of the most breathtaking views of your life.
2. Go apple picking or visit a cidery
There’s nothing like finding yourself in an apple orchard, surrounded by ripening apples and the beautiful colors of nature in autumn. It’s such a serene experience and one of the most affordable for fall fun. By the end of it, you’ll have plenty of apples to juice, make into pies, and eat until you never want to see another apple for the rest of your life.
Some orchards to choose from include Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in Salem, NY, Gulick’s Fruit Farm in Bangor, PA, and Dr. Davies Farm in Congers, NY. There’s plenty near New York so just Google your nearest one and get pickin’. Keep an eye out for pumpkin patches and kill two birds with one stone!
With all good apples comes cider, so Westwind Orchard in the Hudson Valley, NY is a must stop. Most importantly, their Cidery which borrows from European cider traditions. Wash down one of their amazing pizzas with some Raspberry Apple Cider – you won’t be sorry. And be sure to stock up on some take-home provisions, like their Apple Cider Vinegar, to extend your farm life experience. Truly d-i-v-i-n-e.
1.Experience fall foliage
Expect hues of dazzling golds, burnt oranges, crimson reds, and beautiful browns during fall in New York. As the trees and leaves go through the ultimate transformation, we’re rewarded with truly stunning sights.
Enjoy it on foot, by bike, or by boat. Or pack up the car and go see as fall foliage in all its glory on one of these seven New York road trips.
Enjoy all the gifts of fall marvelously close to New York City.
Want to expand your horizons and go further afield? Plan a road trip to one of these 17 Stunning US States To Enjoy Fall Foliage In This Year.
