Autumn in New York
Stay right by Central Park so you can take in all the fall foliage
New York City in the fall is nothing short of magical. And, if there’s a star of the show, it’s Central Park.
Strolling for hours through forests of leaves in hues of gold and red right in the center of one of the busiest cities in the world is truly special.
While many people love Christmastime in the city, I will always prefer a weekend in the fall, when the afternoons are warm enough to grab lunch al fresco. Everyone should recreate their own “When Harry Met Sally” moment of walking through a park filled with leaves the color of a glorious sunset at least once. Here’s how to get your fill of memories.
Where to Stay
If you want Central Park at your fingertips, the Loews Regency New York Hotel is the place to be. Located on Park Avenue and 61st Street, the park is a short stroll from the entrance. The Loews offers delightful MidCentury rooms equipped with electronic window shades, a hidden TV in the bathroom mirror, and a view of the city.
If you want to splurge, the Loews offers six signature suites, each with its special flair. The Uptown Bohemian Suite is inspired by the eclectic aesthetic of SoHo, the Bespoke Suite draws inspiration from New York City’s fashion industry, the Glamour Suite is an interpretation of what might have been Marilyn Monroe’s Park Avenue apartment, and the Pop Art Suite is inspired by the pop art era. The Classic 1970s Apartment has a classic, sophisticated, and luxurious aesthetic inspired by the glamorous apartments of Milan, and the Nate Berkus Apartment offers a formal living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and gigantic balcony where you can toast to the city that never sleeps.
Make sure to have a cocktail at the hotel’s Regency Bar & Grill, but don’t sleep on dinner here. If you’re traveling with a furry friend (the Loews is pet-friendly), the Regency offers a dedicated pet menu filled with delights such as Bow Wow Beef and Kitty’s Salmon.
The Loews offers several amenities for guests to take advantage of including complimentary morning coffee at the Regency Bar, a complimentary shoeshine, and newspapers. The property also offers a fitness room, but why not go for a morning run or walk in Central Park, less than two blocks away?
Where to Eat
Founded in Florence, Italy, this Italian sandwich shop serves up classic sandwiches on fresh focaccia. The sandwiches are huge and shareable, incorporating fresh ingredients like EVOO, mortadella, stracciatella, and tomatoes. Pro tip: order a sandwich to go and take it to the park, just a few blocks away.
Located directly in Central Park, Tavern on the Green might sound like an old chestnut, but contrary to popular belief, it’s filled with locals who come to enjoy the park and stop for a drink or two. Grab a ridiculously tall barstool at the outside bar, try not to fall off, and order a local draft beer and a flatbread for the ultimate people-watching experience.
Hear me out on this one — if you want a classic NYC experience, a Papaya King hot dog is right up there with bagels and pizza. There are many toppings for your dog, but just go with mustard and kraut (and God help you if you want ketchup —it’s not done in this part of the world, son).
Speaking of bagels and lox, for nearly 100 years, Zabar’s has been serving smoked fish, bagels, and other appetizing items on the Upper West Side. Though predominantly a take-out grocer, Zabar’s dine-in area is small, cramped, loud, and filled with lifelong denizens of the UWS. It’s like being on a movie set.
Where to Drink
As classic as a NYC bar can get, you owe it to yourself to have a proper Manhattan in Manhattan. Or, keep with the weekend theme and order an Autumn in New York, a blend of Woodinville Port Finished Bourbon, Gray Whale Gin, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice.
What to Do
Central Park is the main focus of this weekend — as it should be. This park has miles of trails, a hidden witch (look for her by the Bethesda Fountain), a carousel, a zoo, and more. The first landscaped park in the United States, Central Park is beloved by both tourists and locals who use the park as their extended home. Be sure to visit the Hallett Nature Sanctuary — a quiet space in Cental Park South. This area, once closed to the public, allows 20 at a time into the area. Stroll the trails and keep an ear out for a surprising number of songbirds, woodpeckers, and small land creatures.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
There’s something about wandering through the Met that never becomes old. There’s something for everyone from ancient Egyptian tombs to Monet’s masterpieces.