Quick, Uncomplicated Weekends Away from NYC in Autumn
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Explore the beauty of autumn near New York City with this comprehensive guide to scenic areas, events, and activities perfect for the fall season. From October 18 to November 9, immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and beyond.
Oyster Bay
Begin your journey in the coastal town of Oyster Bay, Long Island. The East Norwich Inn offers cozy rooms in a Tudor-style building, providing the perfect base for exploring the area. Don't miss the Oyster Festival (October 18-19), featuring fresh oysters, live entertainment, pirate shows, and more.
Hudson Valley
Just an hour and a half north of New York City, discover Beacon, a charming town offering small-town charm and a hub for craft breweries such as Hudson Valley Brewery, Two Way Brewing, Draught Industries, and Industrial Arts Brewing.
Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
The village of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown in Hudson Valley is renowned for its autumnal charm. Visit the Old Dutch Church, featured in Irving's Sleepy Hollow tales, and take part in special events like "Irving's 'Legend'" at Sunnyside, the landscape and riverside cottage that inspired Washington Irving.
Fall Festivals and Events
The area is brimming with fall events, including the Saratoga Fall Festival on October 25, offering trick-or-treating for kids, live entertainment, and a pumpkin rolling down Caroline Street. Don't miss the Tarrytown House Estate's Halloween-themed events or the Haunted Hayrides at Lyndhurst, a historic Gothic Revival mansion.
Outdoor Adventures
Hudson Highlands State Park offers a variety of trails for foliage enthusiasts, including the Cornish Estate Trail, an easy 1.8 miles out-and-back hike, and Mount Beacon, providing an outdoor adventure with a birds-eye-view of the Hudson Valley.
Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches
Embark on a classic autumn adventure by visiting Soons Orchard and Apple Ridge Orchard for apple and pumpkin picking, or explore Hank's Pumpkintown in Water Mill for even more fall activities.
Scenic Drives and Cruises
Take a scenic drive through the region, or opt for a fall foliage cruise from New York City to Cold Spring, offered by Seastreak. For those venturing further, Saratoga Spa State Park offers a 2,200-acre park for hiking and taking in stunning fall foliage.
Cultural Activities and Shopping
Delve into the area's rich history by visiting the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, the East End Seaport Museum in Greenport, or the Sagamore Hill Historic Site, once the Roosevelt family home. For shopping enthusiasts, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley and Westchester County in Harrison, NY, offer a mix of shopping, nature, and cultural activities.
Accommodations
Find comfortable accommodations in historic inns such as The Gables of Rhinebeck Inn, The Inn at Saratoga, and The Morgan State House Inn, or opt for more modern options like The Tarrytown House Estate or The Beacon Bed & Breakfast.
Long Island's East End
Explore Long Island's East End, including Montauk, Shelter Island, and the Hamptons. Montauk offers cozy accommodations at the Montauk Blue Hotel, open through November 9. Don't miss the Maritime Festival in Greenport (September 20-21) or the fall activities at Hank's Pumpkintown.
Accessibility
With Metro-North trains from Grand Central Terminal, Amtrak, and Coach USA buses, getting to these destinations is easy and convenient. For those preferring to travel by train, Albany is a two and a half hour Amtrak train ride from Penn Station, and Greenport is accessible by train on the LIRR from Grand Central or Penn Station.
Embark on an unforgettable autumn adventure near New York City. From cozy inns and scenic drives to fall festivals and events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Happy exploring!
