The state of New York is transformed into a wonderful autumnal paradise as the summer draws to a close. Following your exploration of the world-famous New York City, why not extend your vacation by a couple of days and spend some time getting to know the other bustling cities and quaint villages that are located inside the Empire State?
The vibrant autumn foliage, farm activities that are suitable for families, and freshly baked apple cider donuts are all within easy reach, only a train or bus journey away! Plan your next trip to New York and take advantage of these ten simple weekend getaways from New York City that are perfect for the autumn season.
Cold Spring
Not only is this picturesque town on the Hudson River located only one hour and twenty minutes north of New York City, but it is also an absolute must-see during the autumn season. When traveling from Grand Central to Cold Spring Station, use the Metro-North train. Seastreak provides autumn foliage excursions up the Hudson River from New York City to Cold Spring. These cruises are a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
In addition to providing views of Storm King Mountain and West Point, the Hudson House River Inn is the ideal place to stay since it has comfortable accommodations that are located on the river. Visit Dockside Park to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the Hudson River and the Highlands, or take a leisurely walk along the main street of the town to explore the many local businesses, such as restaurants, clothing stores, and antique shops.
The Cold Spring Farmers Market is open on Saturdays and has a variety of local farm stalls selling an assortment of fresh fruit, local products, and handcrafted items. When it is painted in vibrant autumn hues, Hudson Highlands State Park is the ideal destination for anyone who are passionate about the fall foliage.
Breakneck Ridge is a more difficult but extremely rewarding climb, and the trailhead even has its own stop on Metro-North on the weekends. The park has a number of paths, including the Cornish Estate Trail, which is an easy out-and-back hike that is 1.8 miles long, and Breakneck Ridge, which are both more difficult.
Sleepy Hollow
You have arrived at the perfect location if you are seeking for a community that gives its whole attention to the autumn season. Taking the Metro-North from Grand Central to Tarrytown, the old residence of Washington Irving, the author of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or Philipse Manor Station in Sleepy Hollow, the spot where the Headless Horseman was born, are both potential destinations.
Take a ten-minute journey to the Tarrytown House Estate after you have arrived, and once you get there, you will check into a stunning modern guest room that is housed in a mansion that dates back to the 19th century. Take a guided tour of Lyndhurst, a historic estate designed in the Gothic Revival style, and enjoy the breathtaking views that greet you. Alternatively, take a fall tour (September 26-November 3) of the interior, which is decorated in autumnal decor.
Learn about the environment and riverbank home that served as a source of inspiration for Washington Irving, who is considered to be the “founding father of literature,” at Sunnyside. Examine the schedule to find out about exceptional events such as Irving’s “Legend,” which is a spectacular live performance that takes place beneath the stars. You may take a standard daylight tour, a nightly lantern tour, or a Murder & Mayhem walk of the renowned Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Head into Sleepy Hollow and spend some time exploring the cemetery.
Take a stroll around the grounds of Old Dutch Church, which is the church and graveyard that is depicted in the Sleepy Hollow stories written by Irving. In addition, there are a multitude of autumn activities, such as the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson, which takes place from September 13 to November 17, the Tarrytown Halloween Parade, which takes place on October 26, Haunted Hayrides, which take place on October 18-19, the Sleepy Hollow Oktoberfest, which takes place on September 28, and many more.
Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, which is located around one hour and forty-five minutes south of New York City, is home to a number of attractive main streets, picturesque vistas, and delectable farm-to-table restaurants. From the Moynihan Train Hall, it is possible to take Amtrak to the Rhinecliff Station. Take a cab to Rhinebeck, which is a seven-minute drive away from where you are staying.
The Gables of Rhinebeck Inn is a fifteen-gabled Gothic Revival Victorian that was built in 1860. It has nice rooms that are located inside the historic building. From the Inn, you will have convenient access to Rhinebeck’s local businesses and charming boutiques, such as Samuel’s Sweet Shop, which is owned by Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Hilarie Burton. Visit the Rhinebeck Farmers Market, which is open from the beginning of March to the end of December and has a variety of fresh fruit, baked products, and autumn favorites such as apple cobbler, pumpkin pie, and apple pie.
At Kesicke Farms’ autumn Festival, which takes place from September 21 to October 27, you may get a taste of autumn on the farm by participating in activities like as corn mazes, hay rides, wagon rides, farm animals, and apple cider donuts. Both the Rhinebeck Octoberfest (which takes place from October 5 to 6) and the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival (which takes place from October 19 to 20) offer even more autumn pleasure to this Hudson Valley town throughout the month of October.
Goshen
The picturesque community of Goshen may be found only a little more than an hour outside of New York City. Simply take a bus operated by Coach USA from the Port Authority to the Main Street bus stop in Goshen, and you will find yourself right in the middle of the picturesque downtown area. To reach your home away from home, the historic Stagecoach Inn, you may either walk there for fifteen minutes or drive there for three minutes. There are luxury rooms available at the inn, and it also has its very own restaurant, Dobbins Tavern, which serves New American cuisine and has stunning views from the rear terrace.
From the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, which is located on the hill above the historic race track in Goshen, you may explore the streets and learn about the history of harness racing in the town. Visit the Goshen Farmers Market on Fridays until November 15 to peruse the local autumn vegetables, baked foods, and other items that are available via the market. If you would rather choose your own food, you may go to Soons Orchard or Apple Ridge Orchard, both of which are located fifteen minutes outside of town and provide pick-your-own pumpkins and apples.
It is highly recommended that you visit the Orange County Arboretum, which is located on 35 acres and has well manicured gardens, in order to see the breathtaking autumn leaves. Following that, be sure to get a beverage with a fall-themed theme from Noble Coffee Roasters for the way back. Brick-or-Treat is a celebration that takes place at LEGOLAND every October, and it features a variety of themed shows, special characters, and other activities. Brick-or-Treat is open throughout the year.
Montauk
Plan a trip to Montauk, which is located three hours east of New York City, for a beach getaway in the autumn. Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Montauk Station, which is just a five-minute drive away from the soothing sounds of the ocean. You can take the LIRR from either Grand Central or Penn Station. At the Montauk Blue Hotel, which is located directly on the beach and has a heated pool as well as a jacuzzi, you may relax and unwind.
in the Montauk Cycle Company, you may rent a bike and peddle around the town or along the coast in the parks that are located nearby. Take a drive out to the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse or visit one of the three state parks in the area to observe the autumn foliage. Montauk Point State Park, Shadmoor State Park, or Hither Hills State Park all offer breathtaking walks, brilliant colors, and oceanside vistas.
Create memories during the autumn season at Hank’s Pumpkintown in Water Mill, which is around 35 minutes away from Montauk. Among the many activities available, you may choose your own apples and pumpkins, go gem mining, on a hayride, and negotiate the enormous corn maze. An all-inclusive vineyard tour with Tapped Tours allows adults to enjoy the splendor of Long Island’s wine region while sipping on their favorite beverages. Stroll along the main street, which is lined with scrumptious eateries, shops, and storefronts of local businesses.
A autumn festival will be held in the village from October 12-13, celebrating the season with a variety of events, including the annual Clam Chowder Contest, local live music, farmers market vendors, fall-themed games, beer and wine, and more!
Beacon
Beacon, which is located around eighty minutes to the north of New York City, is a charming little town. Beacon Station is located about a fifteen-minute walk away from this city’s attractive main street, which is loaded with jewelry shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants, record stores, and other establishments. If you go to Grand Central and take the Metro-North Railroad up to Beacon Station, you will be there.
At the Beacon Bed & Breakfast, chosen as the finest bed & breakfast by Hudson Valley Magazine, you may make yourself at home in one of the warm and inviting rooms. Hiking Mount Beacon will provide you with a bird’s-eye perspective of the Hudson Valley, which is decked with the hues of autumn, if you are interested in engaging in an outdoor experience. Do not forget to include Dia Beacon on your list of things to do if you are an art enthusiast.
A range of artworks ranging from the 1960s to the current day can be seen at the famous art gallery, which is just a ten-minute walk away from the train station. When you visit Fishkill Farms, which is located twenty minutes outside of Beacon, you will have the opportunity to experience traditional autumn activities such as picking your own apples and pumpkins, going on a wagon ride, exploring the corn maze, and more during their fall harvest festival.
Beacon is a center for craft brewers, so if you are interested in trying autumn beers, you should come here. The Hudson Valley Brewery, Two Way Brewing, and Draught Industries are all within walking distance, while Industrial Arts Brewing is just a five-minute cab trip away from the main street.
Saratoga Springs
The autumn season in Saratoga Springs is a time of year that is filled with a plethora of opportunities for adventure, as well as magnificent natural beauty. If you take the Amtrak from Penn Station, you will arrive in Saratoga Springs in a little under four hours. Alternatively, you may take the Adirondack Trailways bus from Port Authority, which would take you another three hours to get there.
In any case, you will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery of the northern landscape! Visit the historic Inn at Saratoga, which was constructed in 1848 and has rooms decorated in a Vicotrian style. Additionally, the hotel is located directly on Broadway. Spend some time becoming acquainted with this well regarded main street that is packed with local boutiques, stores, well-known restaurants and pubs, art galleries, and other establishments.
On a stroll through the 2,200-acre Saratoga Spa State Park (pictured), you will be able to see the autumn foliage in its most breathtaking form. Alternatively, you may go to Saratoga National Historic Park for even more breathtaking vistas. Even though the racing season is finished, you can still go to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to learn about the history of horse racing and pay a visit to the famous Saratoga Race Track.
At Saratoga Apple, you can get a taste of what it’s like to live on a farm by picking your own apples. Explore the spectral history of Saratoga on one of the Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tours, which are available from now until October and cover a wide range of haunted locales at a duration of ninety minutes.
Oyster Bay
In Oyster Bay, the magnificence of autumn meets the moods of a seaside community. You may take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Oyster Bay Station by using either Grand Central or Penn Station as your starting point. To get to the East Norwich Inn, which is located in a building designed in the Tudor style, you may take a cab or Uber for the seven-minute trip, and then relax into one of the comfortable rooms. With over 400 acres of gardens, wooded walks, and historic buildings, the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Site (pictured) transforms into an autumn paradise during this time of the year because of its enchanting landscape.
In addition, the Sagamore Hill Historic Site is an absolute must-see because of the breathtaking vegetation that can be seen all throughout the 83-acre property that was once the residence of the Roosevelt family. Take a walk around the downtown area, which is located in close proximity to the Oyster Bay Brewing Company, as well as local stores, restaurants, and book shops. You have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for the first time in your life right now!
The grounds of Old Bethpage Village, which dates back to the 19th century, are adorned with hundreds of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns. Old Bethpage Village may be reached by taking a twenty-minute trip outside of Oyster Bay.
The Oyster Festival is an event that you should not miss if you are in the area between October 19 and 20, since it has a variety of activities, including oyster eating competitions, live entertainment, pirate displays, midway rides, and fresh oysters.
Greenport
Spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of New York City in this gorgeous coastal hamlet rather than in the Big Apple. Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train to Greenport Station, which is a three-hour journey, beginning at either Grand Central or Penn Station. The Stirling House is the only bed & breakfast in Greenport that is located on the sea, and it can be reached by foot in fifteen minutes or by car in five minutes.
As you make your way into the town, take in the autumnal atmosphere and visit the ancient marina, as well as the farm-to-table restaurants, vintage apparel boutiques, wine and spirit galleries, and other establishments. In the East End Seaport Museum, you may learn about the nautical history of the region, including the history of the USS Ohio and the USS Holland, as well as model ships, lighthouses, and other marine artifacts. During the 21st and 22nd of September, they also play home to the well-known Maritime Festival.
Be sure to visit Mitchell Park until October 11 for the Greenport Farmers Market, which has a variety of local delicacies including as fruit, meats, cheeses, and more. The North Fork of Long Island is surrounded by expansive farmland, so you should avoid missing out on this opportunity. On Shelter Island, you can look forward to exciting outdoor activities.
The Mashomack Preserve, which is depicted above, is located in this hidden treasure, which can be reached by taking the North Ferry. The Mashomack Preserve is a place where you can go hiking or biking amid breathtaking natural landscape and autumn foliage. Have a look at the many shopping and antiques opportunities that are available on the island before you travel back to the mainland.
