As summer winds down, New York State transforms into an autumn dreamland! After exploring iconic New York City, why not add a day or two to your trip and get to know the Empire State’s other vibrant cities and charming small towns? Colorful fall foliage, family-friendly farm fun, and fresh apple cider donuts are all just a train or bus ride away! Plan your next New York adventure and fall for these 10 easy fall weekend getaways from New York City. Photo credit: @beacon_transplant on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley
If you’re looking for a village that goes all out for fall, you’re in the right place! Take Metro-North from Grand Central to Tarrytown, the former home of Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving, or Philipse Manor Station in Sleepy Hollow, the birthplace of the Headless Horseman. After you arrive, take a 10-minute drive to the Tarrytown House Estate, where you’ll check into a beautiful contemporary guest room in a 19th-century mansion. Luxurious views await on a guided tour of Lyndhurst, a historic Gothic Revival mansion, or follow a fall tour (September 26-November 3) of the interior decked out in autumn decor. Get to know the landscape and riverside cottage that inspired the “Founding Father of Literature,” Washington Irving at Sunnyside. Check the calendar for special events like Irving’s “Legend”, an exciting live performance under the stars. Head into Sleepy Hollow and stroll through the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on a classic daytime tour, nighttime lantern tour, or Murder & Mayhem tour. Wander through the grounds of the church and churchyard featured in Irving’s Sleepy Hollow tales, Old Dutch Church. Plus, fall events are aplenty including the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (September 13-November 17) in Croton-on-Hudson, Tarrytown Halloween Parade (October 26), Haunted Hayrides (October 18-19), the Sleepy Hollow Oktoberfest (September 28), and more.
Goshen (Hudson Valley)
Just over an hour outside of New York City is the charming village of Goshen. Hop on a Coach USA bus from Port Authority to Goshen’s Main Street bus stop, putting you in the heart of the charming downtown. Take a 15-minute walk (or three-minute drive) to your home-away-from- home, the historic Stagecoach Inn. The Inn features deluxe rooms and has its own on-site restaurant, Dobbins Tavern with New American cuisine and beautiful views from the back patio. Hit the streets and get to know Goshen’s harness racing history at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, which overlooks the village’s historic race track. On Fridays through November 15, stroll through local fall produce, baked goods, and more at the Goshen Farmers Market. If you prefer to pick your own produce, head 15 minutes outside of town to Soons Orchard or Apple Ridge Orchard (pictured), both offering pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. If you’re looking for some spectacular fall foliage, the Orange County Arboretum is the place to go with 35 acres of beautifully-groomed gardens. Afterward, grab a fall-themed beverage from Noble Coffee Roasters for the ride back. Bricktastic adventures await at LEGOLAND year-round, but in October the park hosts Brick-or-Treat with themed shows, exclusive characters, and more.
Beacon (Hudson Valley)
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Small town charm awaits in Beacon, an hour and a half north of New York City. Head to Grand Central and take Metro-North Railroad up to Beacon Station, you’re just a 15-minute walk from this city’s charming main street filled with jewelry shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants, record stores, and more. Settle into one of the cozy rooms at the Beacon Bed & Breakfast, voted best bed & breakfast by Hudson Valley Magazine. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, hike Mount Beacon for a birds-eye-view of the Hudson Valley adorned with the colors of fall. Art lovers should be sure to add Dia Beacon to their to-do lists. The renowned art gallery is a 10-minute walk from the train station and features a variety of art from the 1960s to present. Revel in classic fall fun on the farm 20 minutes outside of Beacon at Fishkill Farms, where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, take a wagon ride, explore the corn maze, and more during their fall harvest festival. If you’re looking to sample fall brews, Beacon is a hub for craft breweries. Hudson Valley Brewery, Two Way Brewing, and Draught Industries are all walkable, and Industrial Arts Brewing is just a quick 5-minute taxi ride from main street.
Oyster Bay (Long Island)
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Fall splendor meets coastal town vibes in Oyster Bay. Head to Grand Central or Penn Station and ride the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Oyster Bay Station. Call a taxi or rideshare for the seven-minute ride to the East Norwich Inn and settle into one of the cozy rooms in this Tudor-style building. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Site (pictured) becomes a fall wonderland this time of the year with over 400 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and historic buildings. Sagamore Hill Historic Site is also a must-stop for stunning foliage found throughout the 83-acre property that was once the Roosevelt family home. Take a stroll through downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, book shops, and the Oyster Bay Brewing Company. If you’ve never experienced the wonder of the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, now’s your chance! Take a 20-minute ride outside Oyster Bay to Old Bethpage Village, where thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns decorate the grounds of the 19th-century village. If you’re visiting from October 19-20, the Oyster Festival is a must-visit with fresh oysters, live entertainment, pirate shows, midway rides, oyster eating contests, and more.
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This idyllic village on the Hudson River is just an hour and 20 minutes north of New York City and a must-visit for the fall season. Take Metro-North from Grand Central to Cold Spring Station. For a one-of-a-kind journey, Seastreak offers fall foliage cruises up the Hudson River from New York City to Cold Spring. The Hudson House River Inn makes for the perfect homebase with cozy rooms on the river and views of Storm King Mountain and West Point. Admire views of the Highlands and Hudson River from Dockside Park or stroll through local businesses including antique shops, restaurants, and clothing boutiques on the village main street. On Saturdays, local farm stands with fresh produce, local goods, and crafts can be found at the Cold Spring Farmers Market. Hudson Highlands State Park is perfect for foliage enthusiasts when it’s painted in bright autumn colors. The park offers a variety of trails including the Cornish Estate Trail, an easy 1.8 miles out-and-back hike, and Breakneck Ridge, a more challenging yet very rewarding hike; the trailhead even has its own stop on Metro-North on the weekends.
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Delicious farm-to-table restaurants, scenic sights, and charming main streets await in Rhinebeck, an hour and 45 minutes outside of New York City. Board Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to Rhinecliff Station. From there, take a taxi for the seven-minute drive to Rhinebeck. Settle into the historic Gables of Rhinebeck Inn with comfortable rooms found in a fifteen-gable 1860 Gothic Revival Victorian. From the Inn, you’ll have easy access to Rhinebeck’s local storefronts and quaint boutiques such as Samuel’s Sweet Shop, owned by Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Hilarie Burton. Explore the Rhinebeck Farmers Market, open from through December with fresh produce, baked goods, and fall favorites like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and apple cobbler. Get a taste of fall on the farm at Kesicke Farms’ Fall Festival (September 21-October 27) with corn mazes, wagon and hay rides, farm animals, and apple cider donuts. October brings even more fall fun to this Hudson Valley town with the Rhinebeck Octoberfest (October 5-6) and the annual gathering of fiber-arts enthusiasts, the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival (October 19-20).
Montauk (Long Island)
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Plan a fall seaside escape to Montauk, three hours east of New York City. From Grand Central or Penn Station, board the LIRR to Montauk Station, where you’re just a five-minute drive from the calming sounds of the ocean. Cozy up at the Montauk Blue Hotel, which sits right on the beach and has a heated pool and jacuzzi. Rent a bike from Montauk Cycle Company and pedal through town or along the ocean at nearby parks. Take a trip out to the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse or admire fall foliage at Montauk Point State Park, Shadmoor State Park, or Hither Hills State Park; each offers stunning hikes, vibrant colors, and oceanside views. Make fall memories at Hank’s Pumpkintown in Water Mill, about 35 minutes from Montauk. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, go gem mining, take a hayride, navigate the giant corn maze, and more. Adults can sip through Long Island’s beautiful wine country with an all-inclusive winery tour with Tapped Tours. Stroll the main street, filled with delicious restaurants, local storefronts, and boutiques. From October 12-13, the village celebrates the season with a fall festival featuring the annual Clam Chowder Contest, farmers market vendors, local live music, fall-themed activities, beer and wine, and more!
Albany (Capital-Saratoga)
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Take a trip to New York’s capital city! A two and a half hour Amtrak train ride from Penn Station will land you at Albany-Rensselaer Station. Grab a taxi or rideshare for the eight-minute drive to the Morgan State House Inn and settle into your elegant accommodations. Just steps from your hotel is Washington Park, the perfect place for a stroll amid fall colors. Get out on the water with a fall sightseeing cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises. Back on land, explore Albany’s iconic sights such as the New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, the Egg, and Corning Tower. After working up an appetite, stop by Cider Belly Doughnuts for some of the best apple cider donuts around! If you’re in need of a refreshing beverage, follow along the Capital Beverage Trail, featuring Nine Pin Cider Works, Druthers Brewing Company, and Albany Distilling Co. Embrace Halloween season from September 24-November 6, at Albany’s All-Hallow E’en Festival. All kinds of events make up the calendar for this celebration including ghost tours, a twilight market, historical exhibitions, film showings, and more.
Greenport (Long Island)
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Escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for a weekend in this picturesque seaside town. From Grand Central or Penn Station, take the three-hour train ride on the LIRR to Greenport Station. A 15-minute walk or five-minute drive will lead you to Greenport’s only waterfront bed and breakfast, the Stirling House. Soak up the fall vibes as you head into the village to explore tasty farm-to-table restaurants, vintage clothing stores, wine and spirit shops, and the historic marina. Pop into the East End Seaport Museum and learn about the area’s maritime history, including the USS Ohio, USS Holland, model ships, lighthouses, and more. They also host the popular Maritime Festival from September 21-22. Long Island’s North Fork is surrounded by sprawling farmland, so be sure to stop by Mitchell Park through October 11 for the Greenport Farmers Market for local delicacies like produce, meats, cheeses, and more. Outdoor adventure awaits on Shelter Island. This hidden gem is accessible via the North Ferry and is home to the Mashomack Preserve (pictured), where you can hike or bike through stunning natural scenery and fall foliage. Before heading back to the mainland, check out the island’s options for shopping and antiquing.
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Saratoga Springs dazzles in the fall with breathtaking outdoor scenery, a historic downtown, and adventure aplenty. The Amtrak from Penn Station will land you in Saratoga Springs in just under four hours or climb aboard Adirondack Trailways from Port Authority for a three-hour bus ride. Either way, you’ll be admiring stunning foliage on your journey north! Check into the historic Inn at Saratoga, built in 1848 with elegant, Vicotrian-style rooms, plus it’s right on Broadway. Get familiar with this highly-rated main street filled with local boutiques, shops, renowned restaurants and bars, art galleries, and more. Prepare to be wowed by fall colors on a hike through the 2,200-acre Saratoga Spa State Park (pictured) or head out to Saratoga National Historic Park for even more stunning views. Racing season may be over, but you can still pay a visit to the historic Saratoga Race Track and explore horse racing history at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Get a taste of life on the farm and pick your own apples at Saratoga Apple. Dive into Saratoga’s ghostly past on a 90-minute Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tours, offered through October, featuring numerous paranormal locations.
Don’t forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!
