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Autumn In New York City: What To Do, What To See

Autumn in New York City: What to do, what to seeNeighborhood: New YorkNew York, NY10001United States of AmericaAutumn in New York is different than autumn anywhere else.

Even while singing its praises, stars have themselves wondered aloud why autumn in New York "seems so inviting, " as the famous Billie Holiday song goes. One cannot deny that inviting is an overriding quality of the city, with the fall colors, the holiday decorations and all the events that present ample opportunity for New Yorkers to get out and really experience their city at its best.

Autumn is when New York City shines the brightest and puts on the biggest shows. If you have any doubt, or need some ideas for getting out in the city more this autumn, read on.

Events

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - One of the most recognizable and watched holiday events in all the world, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is an experience no New Yorker should miss. This year marks the 84th annual parade on Nov. 25 at 9 a.m., and millions will be watching on TV while you can be there in person! But do get there early, 6:30 a.m. if you can, to get a good spot and settle in.

The New York City Marathon - In only its 40th year, the New York City Marathon is the younger of the events which NYC is famous for, but it draws no fewer than 35, 000 contestants and 2 million spectators for the first Sunday in November, and the energy is contagious. Considering that the Marathon goes through all five boroughs, most New Yorkers don't even have to go very far from their doorstep to watch.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center - A New York traditition since 1931, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is another quintessential New York City event, marking the beginning of the Christmas season for many around the world. Be there in person yourself and absorb the holiday cheer that palpably fills the Center on this day.

New York Film Festival - Starting in September and running through the first two weeks of October, the NYFF hosts big names, big stars and big movies. But the NYIFF isn't the only festival - in fact, there are more than a dozen festivals in NYC just in October. So, if movies are your thing, check them out.

Halloween - Dozens of haunted houses, spook shows and Halloween-themed events provide thrills and excitement as autumn really begins to kick in for NYC. Check out the particularly exceptional show put on by New York City Technical College - Brooklyn's theatrical department, Gravesend Inn in downtown Brooklyn.

Other NYC Autumn Activities

Autumn is a great time of year just to be in and around NYC, and so anything that will get you out and about will be especially enjoyable. Check the weather, bundle up just a bit and try these activities some weekend.

Walking Tours - Dozens of tour operators offer a myriad of walking tours around New York City. From the historical to the cultural to the gastronomical, there is a walking tour (or non-walking tour if you'd prefer, like the open-air buses) for nearly every interest.

Cycling - You don't even have to own a bike or be a Tour de France-style bike nut to enjoy cruising the many parks, bike paths and beautiful urban routes that New York has to offer. Numerous bike rental companies will provide you with the wheels if you have the will. Just walk anywhere remotely near Central Park or check out these Brooklyn bike shops. And don't let the weather fool you: Unless it's pouring down rain, fall is a beautiful time to cycle. Just bundle up a tad bit more than you would normally, and get your bike on!

Holiday Decorations along Fifth Avenue - Or anywhere in the city for that matter, but the stores on Fifth Avenue put on an exceptionally magical Christmas wonderland great for kids of all ages. And best of all, admission is absolutely free!

Sources

http://www.nycmarathon.org/

http://www.gravesendinn.org/

http://www.brooklynexposed.com/index.php/articles/single/brooklyn_by_bike_a_guide_to_bike_rentals/

http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff/2010/