Now that we are halfway through September we can get excited with the official beginning of the autumn season! I love New York in the fall because it’s one of the best places to see the leaves change colors.

I created a photo diary of fall themed photography I took while sightseeing in New York. The beautiful fall leaves and fun pumpkins have inspired my autumn bucket list. I know this season will pass by so fast and I always want to make sure I capture the moment with some favorite autumn events.

The Autumn Bucket List

Go Apple Picking

I've been excited for this one for a very long time. I've been berry picking several times but this will be our first time in apple orchards. I can't wait to whip up some homemade caramel apples or apple crumble!

Use Scented Pinecones as Fall Decor

I love walking into the apartment and immediately feeling cozy and nostalgic with the scent of cinnamon spice filling the air.

Carve or Decorate Pumpkins

I haven't decided yet if I want to traditionally carve pumpkins or try my hand at painting them. I have a Pinterest board full of fun fall pumpkin ideas.

Have a girls night with the ladies and watch Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is a classic a grew up watching and it never gets old. It just doesn't feel like Halloween without it.

Make Mulled Cider

The perfect cold evening drink to cuddle up in bed with the boyfriend and dogs to watch a favorite movie.

Eat Everything Pumpkin Flavored

this is the time of year when the grocery stores and restaurants fill up with all kinds pumpkin goodies. If you're feeling like having something homemade I've got a Pinterest board full of pumpkin recipes.

Cook a recipe from Julia Child’s cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Following in the steps of Julie of Julie and Julia, I will cook a fancy French meal for the family at Thanksgiving. I will admit that I feel rather intimated with the idea but I will be so proud when I've done :)

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos

While traditional American Halloween is a blast, I also love the Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos (translates to Day of the Dead). In contrast to the "haunted" approach we have in the states, Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of those who have passed.

Fall Thrift Shopping

It's time to thrift and find those essential fall staples. Stock up on favorites such as sweaters, boots and flannel plaid shirts. I've already found some amazing Hunter booties and Sam Edelman tall boots!

Turning 30

Yep, I turned 30 this month. Goodbye twenties! My birthday was so full of love and flowers, thank you to everyone that celebrated with me. I heart all of you!

The Best Places in New York City to See Colorful Fall Foliage

As the summer heat fades and the air turns crisp, New York City transforms into a vibrant tapestry of fall colors. From brilliant reds and oranges to golden yellows, the city’s parks and tree-lined streets come alive with the changing of the seasons.

While Central Park may be the obvious go-to for fall foliage, there are countless other hidden gems throughout the city where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in New York City to experience the colorful fall foliage.

Central Park

It’s impossible to talk about fall in NYC without mentioning Central Park. Spanning 843 acres, this urban oasis offers countless scenic spots to soak in the autumn splendor. The Mall and Literary Walk, lined with American elm trees, creates a golden canopy that feels like stepping into a painting.

Head to The Ramble for a more secluded, woodland experience, or visit Belvedere Castle for panoramic views of the surrounding foliage. For a truly picturesque scene, stroll around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, where the colorful trees reflect off the water, creating a stunning mirror effect.

Prospect Park

For Brooklynites, Prospect Park is the ultimate destination for fall foliage. Designed by the same landscape architects behind Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park offers a quieter, equally beautiful escape.

The park’s Long Meadow and Lullwater Bridge are prime spots for leaf-peeping, with towering maples and oaks that turn vibrant shades of red and orange. Don’t miss the serene Peninsula, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the lake framed by colorful trees.

Fort Tryon Park

Located in Upper Manhattan, Fort Tryon Park offers some of the most dramatic views of fall foliage in the city. Perched high above the Hudson River, the park’s pathways wind through gardens and wooded areas, leading to stunning vistas of the river and the George Washington Bridge framed by vibrant autumn colors.

The Heather Garden is particularly beautiful in the fall, with its mix of colorful foliage and late-blooming flowers. For a unique experience, visit The Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval art, which sits within the park and adds a historical backdrop to your fall foliage viewing.

Wave Hill

Wave Hill, a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Bronx, is a lesser-known gem for experiencing the magic of fall in New York. With sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, Wave Hill’s woodlands and manicured gardens become a canvas of fall colors.

The Woodland Trail offers a serene walk through groves of sugar maples and oaks, while the Perennial Garden showcases a burst of color from autumn-blooming plants. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it a perfect spot for a fall picnic or a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Riverside Park

Stretching along the Hudson River from 59th to 155th Street, Riverside Park offers a quiet refuge from the bustling streets of Manhattan. The park is home to a variety of tree species, including American elms, maples, and ginkgoes, which burst into vibrant hues during the fall months. Take a walk along the Hudson River Greenway, where you’ll be surrounded by golden and red leaves with views of the water. The park's rolling hills and peaceful paths make it a perfect spot for a fall bike ride or jog.

Inwood Hill Park

For a more rugged, natural experience, head to Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan. This park is home to the last remaining natural forest in Manhattan, offering a true escape into nature within the city. Its trails wind through dense woods filled with oak, hickory, and tulip trees that display a brilliant array of fall colors.

The park’s elevated terrain provides panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, making it an ideal spot for leaf-peeping and photography. For history buffs, Inwood Hill Park also contains Native American caves and remnants of the city’s past, adding a layer of intrigue to your fall outing.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

For a more curated fall experience, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a beautifully landscaped setting where you can enjoy autumn’s splendor. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is particularly stunning in the fall, with its fiery red maples reflecting in the tranquil pond.

The Cherry Esplanade, known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, transforms into a colorful canopy of yellows and oranges during the fall months. The garden’s smaller size makes it perfect for a peaceful afternoon of leaf-peeping, and you can explore the various sections at your own pace.

The New York Botanical Garden

For one of the most impressive fall foliage displays in the city, visit The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Spanning 250 acres, this botanical wonderland offers a diverse range of trees and plants that explode into color in the fall.

The Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining old-growth forest in NYC, is a must-visit during the fall season, with towering oaks, maples, and birches showcasing a vibrant palette.

The Native Plant Garden and Azalea Garden are also beautiful in autumn, offering a mix of late-season blooms and colorful leaves.

In Conclusion

New York City in the fall is truly magical, and there’s no shortage of places to take in the colorful foliage. Whether you prefer the iconic beauty of Central Park, the hidden tranquility of Wave Hill, or the natural forests of Inwood Hill Park, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy the vibrant colors of the season. So grab your camera, put on a cozy sweater, and explore the city’s best fall foliage spots before winter arrives!