Don’t get us wrong; we are definitely missing summer! But we can’t help but get excited at the thought of corn mazes, pumpkin picking, apple cider, and trick-or-treating! Put on your coziest sweater, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take a look at some of some of the events and activities we’re looking forward to this Fall!
Our Favorite Autumn Activities:
Linda-Lee B.
“When it comes to Autumn activities, I like to keep it traditional; apple picking with my family is definitely a must once the weather starts getting cooler. I especially love it now that I have so many nieces and nephews to share this tradition with. Seven Ponds Orchard out in Watermill not only has apple picking, but also hay rides, a corn maze, sunflower cutting, raspberry picking, and more! They also have kid-friendly food options and all those traditional Autumn snacks like candy apples and apple cider. If we’re doing a “grown-ups only” Fall outing, we’ll head to Woodside Orchards in Aquebogue for a craft cider tasting. What could be better?
Victoria M.
“Nothing says ‘fall’ to me more than watching the leaves change. The two hour drive up to Harriman State Park is totally worth it to see the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. There are so many great hiking trails in the area that you can really find something to fit your whole family from the youngest child to the most avid hikers. Having the Empire Pass is great, too, because it makes accessing our great state parks so much easier and more cost-effective. Even heading out to Connetquot State Park off Sunrise Highway offers a great escape a little closer to home and immerses you in the amazing colors of Autumn.
Ed P.
“I know this seems strange, but my favorite Fall activity is actually going to the beach. My wife and I will take an afternoon and head down to Long Beach to walk the boardwalk together. The smaller crowds and lack of traffic make it way more relaxing and enjoyable. The town of Long Beach is also so accessible and there are some great restaurants. It ends up being a nice full day where we can relax and spend some quality time.”
Ananda G.
“Any activity that that my family can do together as a group instantly becomes my favorite. If I had to pick just one thing to highlight, it would have to be baking. Apple cobbler is our favorite fall dessert to make, and it’s so fun to all be in the kitchen together. Sometimes, we spend the entire day baking and having hot cocoa (and it can definitely get messy in the kitchen!) but it’s so worth it for the fun and memories.
Alex C.
“Though I love the traditional apple picking and corn mazes, my adult spin on fall activities is going out to the vineyards with girlfriends. Croteaux Vineyards in Southold, which specializes in rosé, has recently reopened and it is my absolute favorite spot for wine tastings. There are other vineyards in the area so I usually like to make a whole day of enjoying the cooler weather, sampling various cheese plates, and of course, tasting wine!
Upcoming Fall Events:
1. Plainview-Old Bethpage 2019 Fall Festival
Who: Families
What: Live entertainment, children’s activities, and arts & crafts
When: October 6, 2019 from 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: POB Public Library Parking Lot (999 Old Country Road, Plainview)
Food/Drink: Various food vendors
Admission: FREE
More details: https://www.showclix.com/event/long-island-fall-beer-festival-2019
2. Long Island Fall Beer Festival
Who: 21+ (BUT there are also some activities in the “Kids Zone” as well as ticket options for Designated Drivers and those who choose not to imbibe)
What: An indoor and outdoor beer tasting event that also includes craft vendors, and food trucks!
When: October 19 from 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Where: Academy Sports Complex (875 Conklin St in Farmingdale)
Food/Drink: Various food trucks
Admission: $55 (Admission prices vary based on level of participation. See website for details).
More details: https://pobcoc.com/fall-festival/
3. Oyster Festival
Who: Everyone!
What: A Long Island tradition with activities, live entertainment, ships, artisans, crafts, contests, rides, and so much more!
Where: Oyster Bay, near Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (limited parking available)
When: October 19 & 20
Food/Drink: Various food vendors, especially OYSTERS
Admission: FREE (most activities are free, but some may have fees associated)
More details: https://www.theoysterfestival.org/
4. Spooky Fest at Tanglewood Preserve
Who: Families with kids of all ages (there are some “not-so-spooky” activities and attractions for younger children)
What: Halloween-themed activities and attractions (both “spooky” and “not-so-spooky”), including arts and crafts, trail walks, face painting, haunted woods, zombie maze, animal exhibits, and more!
Where: Tanglewood Preserve in Rockville Centre (1 Tanglewood Rd, Rockville Centre)
When: October 12, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, and November 2 from 6:30PM – 9:30PM
Food/Drink: Food trucks may be present for food/beverage purchase
Admission: $10 – $26 (Admission price varies based on level of participation. See website for details)
More details: https://www.cstl.org/spooky-fest/
5. Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns
Who: Everyone!
What: 5,000+ hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns displayed in a walking path and set to music!
When: October 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 17 – 19, 20, 24 – 28 starting at 6:30PM
Where: Old Westbury Gardens (71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury)
Food/Drink: traditional fall food and baked goods from Long Island bakers
Admission: Kids – $22; Adults – $26 (advanced tickets required – dates sell out fast)
More details: https://therise.org/location?eventID=32
Feeling adventurous? Here are some activities in other parts of our beautiful state to get you in the Autumn mood!
1. Bear Mountain Oktoberfest
Who:
What: Live music, food, and beer near beautiful Bear Mountain State Park
When: Every Friday (6-10PM), Saturday (12-6PM), and Sunday (12-6PM) from September 27 – October 20
Where: Anthony Wayne Recreation Area (Palisades Interstate Pkwy, Bear Mountain)
Food/Drink: Traditional Oktoberfest fare and, of course, a large selection of beer
Admission: Parking is $10 per vehicle at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area – food and drink are additional costs (cash & credit accepted)
More details: https://visitbearmountain.com/special-events/oktoberfest/
2. Blues, Brews, & Botany
Who: Adults 21 and over
What: Unique craft beer and cider samples, lawn games, and a botany lesson or two set to the music of local bands and vocalists
When: Saturday, October 5 from 12 – 5PM
Where: New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx)
Food/Drink: Beer and cider samples
Admission: $20 Member Pricing and $48 Non-Member Pricing (both include the commemorative sampling mug and All-Garden Pass)
More Info: https://www.nybg.org/event/blues-brews-botany/
3. Harvest Homecoming
Who: Everyone!
What: “A Celebration of All Things Autumnal” featuring hay rides, lawn games, a children’s Halloween costume parade, kombucha and cider tastings, and more.
When: Sunday, October 20 from 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn)
Food/Drink: Farmer’s market, cider and kombucha tastings
Admission: Members & Children Under 12 – Free, Seniors & Students (w/ ID) – $25, Adults – $30
More Details: https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/harvest_homecoming_2019
