The first day of fall is Sep. 22, and it’s time to ditch your shorts and beach gear for sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and boots. To help you get into the fall mood, here are some fall events to do in and around New York City.

 

In New York City:

 

Queens County Farm’s fall-themed events and activities
Queens County Farm’s Amazing Maize Maze. QNS file photo

Queens County Farm, located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy in Glen Oaks, typically runs a series of family-friendly, fall-themed extravaganzas, perfect to get you into the mood for autumn. They have an Agricultural Fair on October 3 and 4, where not only will they have blue-ribbon competitions on livestock, produce, and arts, but they will also include a pie-eating contest, hayrides, and live music. In addition, starting from the last week of August up until November 1, guests can partake in the Amazing Maize Maze, where they can find clues, solve puzzles, and find their way out of a 3-acre labyrinth. To conclude, the farm will host Halloween on the Farm on October 31, which features games, hayrides, and a petting zoo.

 

Try apple cider donuts from these farmers markets
Apple cider donuts. Photo via Getty Images

Apple cider donuts are a yummy, fall-themed treat that are typically seen at farmers markets. Paired well with a warm apple cider drink (or beer), apple cider donuts are mouthwatering and fulfilling, perfect for a crisp autumn day. They are normally seen in farmers markets, including Manhattan’s Union Square Farmers Market on Saturday morning and the Tucker Square Greenmarket on Thursdays.

 

Visit your local NYC park and enjoy the fall foliage

Though peak fall foliage hits around late October and early November in New York City, watching the leaves change color every fall is a mesmerizing feat. You can visit your local NYC Park and dedicate a day to watch and enjoy the fall foliage, with a small picnic (apple cider donuts and pumpkin spice lattes are a necessity!) or a bike ride. 

 

Around New York City:

 

Go apple picking at these farms near NYC
Photo via Getty Images

Apples are in season this fall, which means it is the perfect chance to step out of the concrete jungle and into Upstate New York, where a plethora of farms offer apple-picking activities. Farms include the Barton Orchards in Poughquag (a 2 hour and 25 minute train ride from Grand Central or a 1 hour and 40 minute car ride); Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction (1 hour and 45 minute train ride from Grand Central or a 1 hour and 30 minute car ride) and Greig Farm in Red Hook (2 hours from Penn Station or a 2 hour and 10 minutes car ride).

 

Embark on a scenic journey on a fall foliage train ride

Did you know that you can embark on a scenic journey via train in Upstate New York? You can hop on the Delaware and Ulster Railway, which gives spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains. You can also jump into the Arcade and Attica Railroad, New York State’s only regularly operating steam engine passenger excursion line. Guests can sit on World War II-era coaches while enjoying some cider and donuts while basking in the breathtaking views.