I love fall.
Specifically, I love crunchy leaves, any baked good that has the word, apple, pumpkin, or cinnamon in the name, the increase of black-cat decor at Home-Goods, a backyard fire-pit, and cozy nights with a good book.
There is so much to love about fall, and no better place to experience it than in New York City.
Before you read any further, I am AWARE that I recently posted a SUMMER playlist. This post is not me welcoming fall into our lives, it is merely me helping you all get prepared for what is to come.
We have three more weeks of summer, people.
Now let’s continue.
As someone who grew up, and went to college in New York City, I have always wondered what it is like through the eyes of a tourist. If I am being honest, I feel like a lot of travel guides, do not send visitors to the right spots!
This guide to a perfect fall day in New York City is meant for locals, and tourists alike. I will give multiple options for excursions based on age, travel times, and interest level (although, as you can probably guess, every itinerary will involve some sort of theater-oriented activity).
Lets jump right in!
The New York Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in the entire city, if not the entire country. Think Secret Garden meets Little Shop of Horrors meets A Bronx Tale. In my opinion it is totally worth the 20 minute Metro North Ride from Grand Central to the Bronx.
(Fun Fact: The Bronx is NYC’s greenest borough!)
The autumn leaves at the NYBG are unbeatable. The garden also hosts autumnal programming for all ages. Their giant pumpkin display is a can’t miss (literally!) Read an extensive list of the New York Botanical Gardens autumn, and year round offerings here.
However, if you want to stay local in the Manhattan area, Central Park is also notorious for fabulous fall foliage. One of the best walks you can take in the park is along the Mall which is located from 66th Street to 72nd in the center of the park, ending at Bethesda Fountain.
(Fun Fact: On your walk through the mall, you will pass by a statue of the great William Shakespeare!)
When I think of fall, I imagine curling up under a cozy blanket with a good book. And where better to find your next fall read then at the Drama Book Shop. Following your morning stroll, warm up wandering the shelves and picking up a coffee and a pastry from the in-shop cafe.
This summer, Camp Broadway teamed up with the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts to curate a summer reading list that can be found at the Drama Book Shop. In my opinion, the time for reading (especially about all things-theater) is year round. Find the Camp Broadway reading list here, and let it inspire one of your next reads.
Here’s a hard hitting journalistic question for all of my theater kids: Do you prefer a matinee or an evening show?
Personally, I prefer an evening show. I am incredibly dramatic (I know, shocker) and after seeing any broadway show I need some time to sit, ponder, and process. But if a matinee is more your thing, here are three Broadway shows that are perfect for any autumn-itinerary:
- Hadestown
The entire plot, atmosphere, and musical style of Hadestown is deeply rooted in the transition from summer’s warmth to winter’s cold (AKA: fall). Hadestown has some of the best music on Broadway right now, and let’s be honest, Greek mythology is fun for all ages. Hadestown is recommended for families with children 8+.
- Masquerade
My next recommendation is Masquerade. With its haunting atmosphere, elaborate costumes, and just the right amount of mystery, this is the perfect show to add to your fall-season lineup. There is something about watching a story unfold beneath masks and shadows that feels especially fitting as the days get shorter and the nights get darker. If you’re looking for a theatrical experience that feels dramatic, glamorous, and a little bit spooky, Masquerade is the perfect show to see this fall. Masquerade is recommended for families with children 13+.
- Wicked
There is perhaps no musical more perfectly suited for fall than Wicked. The show originally opened on Broadway on Halloween in 2003, so its connection to the season runs deep. Wicked is a longtime favorite, (and a personal favorite of mine per my last blog post) so whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to Oz, Wicked is a perfect show for the fall season. Wicked is recommended for families with children 8+.
As a very exciting reminder, Broadway Week begins on September 8th, and runs until September 20th. That means 2-for-1 tickets for almost the entire month of September! You can find the promotion here.
If you take any of my recommendations, send me an email at blog@campbroadway.com and let me know what you thought!
Where better to end off your fantastic day of fall fun, then at Schmackary’s bakery. Schmackary’s has lots of fall flavors on their seasonal menu. Some personal favorites of mine include the Pumpkin Spice and Monster Mash cookies! Take your baked goods home to enjoy, while curling up with your new book.
So, there you have it! As fall slowly approaches I hope this itinerary will inspire you to take advantage of the spectacular offerings New York City has to offer in the fall. If you have any favorite spots where you love to spend a fall day, send us a message on instagram @officialcampbroadway or email me at blog@campbroadway.com, I would love to hear your thoughts.
For now, I hope you all are enjoying the end of what has so far been a fabulous summer, (and listening to my summer-theater playlist)!
Talk soon,
Jenny
