The leaves in Central Park are starting to turn, college students are rushing through the subway on the way to class, and the flow of tourists into the city has lulled: it’s fall in NYC. This is one of our favorite times of the year to visit the Big Apple—cooler temperatures, hot beverages, and the smell of warm treats wafting out of the many bakeries all add to the magic of visiting. There are countless ways to spend a weekend in the city, but we’ve compiled a few of our favorite fall activities and things to do in New York City.
Are you planning a trip into the city this fall? Be sure to book your tickets with C&J to make the trip to NYC easy and completely stress-free! You won’t have to worry about navigating city traffic or finding (and paying for) expensive parking. We offer nonstop rides to the city from our terminals in Dover, Portsmouth, and Tewksbury. It’s the easiest way to travel to NYC, and with free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, complimentary snacks and refreshments, and an on-board entertainment system, it’s also enjoyable for you and your whole family.
Manhattan is famously divided into many unique neighborhoods, each with their own identity and personality. Greenwich Village is one that we always love to visit once the weather turns cool. You can easily spend an entire long weekend here, or simply pick and choose a few destinations to drop in on while you’re in NYC.
Bookworms in your family will love bookbook, a small bookstore in the heart of the Village that carries many hard-to-find titles and authors. Also, make sure you stop by Hamlet’s Vintage to treasure hunt in their racks of clothing! Just steps down the block is Washington Square Park, where you and your family can rest your feet for a minute and people watch. Before you leave, take a picture at the famous Washington Square Arch to remember your trip forever!
Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan you’ll find Governors Island, which is always teeming with activity. From May to the end of October, the park is open to the public. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can rent bicycles and ride around or check out some of the amazing art scattered throughout the island. When you’ve had enough of a break, hop back on the ferry to keep exploring in the city!
To an outsider, Little Italy can appear to be full of kitschy tourist traps and too many pizzerias all claiming to have the “best slice in NYC!” While there are plenty of tourist traps in this tiny neighborhood, there are also many worthwhile stops off the beaten path. Umberto’s Clam House, for example, will amaze you with their selection of homemade pasta dishes. Or, if you’re more interested in learning about the history of the area, head to the Italian American Museum. It hosts an exceptional collection of exhibitions and even a virtual tour entitled “The Italians of New York: Five Centuries of Struggle and Achievement.”
Formerly called “Battery Park,” The Battery is a 25-acre public park at the Southern tip of Manhattan. There’s plenty of green space for the kids to run around in, and you can even check out some amazing historical landmarks while you’re there. Castle Clinton, a National Monument, sits at the very point of The Battery and was once our nation’s first immigration station (it’s even older than Ellis Island).
After building up an appetite from walking all over The Battery, go to Pier A (also situated in the park) for a light meal at their oyster house. We’re a big fan of their classic lobster roll and the Old Bay fries after a long day of walking around.
Running along the outskirts of Chelsea is The High Line, an elevated freight line that’s been converted into a beautiful public space. You can walk along the length of the park and check out the art and scenery, or rest for an hour and enjoy a meal from one of the many neighboring restaurants. Berlin Currywurst serves up some of the best comfort food around—try a bratwurst with sauerkraut with a soft pretzel on the side!
Now in its 57th year, the New York Film Festival is an iconic part of fall in NYC. This year, come see one (or a few) of the 29 films scheduled to play over the course of the two-week festival. Titles include The Irishman, Marriage Story, Beanpole, The Traitor, and more–all featuring both familiar faces and breakout actors making their debut. We recommend that you buy tickets ahead of time to ensure you get a seat at these popular showings!
Ready to start planning your trip to New York City? First thing’s first—buy your C&J bus tickets! Stretch out and relax while we take care of the driving for you and your family. Don’t miss out on fall in NYC!
