A curated guide to heightened fall activities across NYC, Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Some of these cannabis and/or psychedelics-friendly destinations were chosen by our fall guide contest winners plus additional selections by Rachel Port and Peter Shafran. From apple orchards to visionary art spaces, discover sophisticated autumn adventures recommended by readers who know where to find the perfect blend of culture, nature, and elevation.
Sammie, Maya, and Blue at Storm King, by Rachel PortThe Arts
Art Omi (Ghent, Columbia County) International sculpture and architecture park featuring rotating outdoor installations. Contemporary art meets Hudson Valley’s natural beauty. artomi.org
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County) Visionary art sanctuary featuring Alex Grey’s consciousness-expanding artwork. Transformative gallery experience designed specifically for heightened contemplation and spiritual reflection. cosm.org
Dia: Beacon (Beacon, Dutchess County) Minimalist art in a transformed industrial space creates meditative experiences. Large-scale contemporary installations perfect for altered viewing and reflection. diaart.org
Olana State Historic Site (Hudson, Columbia County) Frederic Church’s Persian-inspired castle with panoramic Hudson River views. The artist’s designed landscape creates perfect contemplative spaces for autumn appreciation. olana.org
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Storm King Art Center (New Windsor, Orange County) Monumental sculptures across 500 rolling acres where art meets sky and landscape. Perfect for elevated reflection among works by Calder and Maya Lin. stormking.org
The Walled Garden at Untermyer GardensThe Farms and Gardens
Beak + Skiff (LaFayette, Onondaga County) Apple picking with cannabis-friendly vibes and “munchies galore with the prettiest views from the orchard.” Home to Ayrloom beverages and farm experiences. beakandskiff.com
Submitted by: Shelby Poole
Blue Arrow Farm (Pine Island, Orange County) Entertainment venue and animal rescue sanctuary with live music events. Unique farm experience combining agricultural activities with elevated cultural programming. bluearrowfarm.com
Submitted by: Jeanette Kimiecik
Fix Bros Fruit Farm (Hudson, Columbia County) “Best price and variety” apple picking. Family-owned orchard offering authentic Hudson Valley harvest experiences without pretentious crowds. fixbrosfruitfarm.com
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Rose Hill Farm (Red Hook, Dutchess County) A family-run orchard in the Hudson Valley where you can wander rolling hills, pick crisp apples straight from the trees, and savor the colors of autumn all around you. pickrosehillfarm.com
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers, Westchester County) Hidden gem featuring a Persian-style walled garden with Hudson River views. Sophisticated botanical experience combining formal gardens with dramatic overlooks. untermyergardens.org
The fields of Poet’s WalkThe Outdoors
River-to-Ridge Trail (Ulster County) This trail spans diverse landscapes. Multi-use trail system connecting valleys to mountaintops for comprehensive Hudson Valley exploration and elevated views. scenichudson.org
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Minnewaska State Park (New Paltz, Ulster County) Crystal-clear lake surrounded by white cliffs and carriage roads. Dramatic Shawangunk Ridge hiking with rewarding elevated lake views and pristine wilderness. parks.ny.gov
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Mohonk Preserve (New Paltz, Ulster County) Historic resort area with extensive hiking trails, dramatic rock formations, sweeping cliffside trails, and sophisticated mountain views. mohonkpreserve.org
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
North-South Lake (Haines Falls, Greene County) Features two pristine mountain lakes. Dramatic Catskill Mountain scenery with hiking trails leading to panoramic vistas. dec.ny.gov
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Poet’s Walk (Rhinebeck, Dutchess County) “Where Washington Irving dreamt up Rip Van Winkle gazing at Catskill Mountains.” Romantic landscape park with river views. scenichudson.org
Submitted by: Beck Rourke-Mooney
Inwood Hill ParkNew York City
The Cloisters (Upper Manhattan, NYC) The Cloisters hosts medieval art and architecture. Located in Fort Tryon Park, overlooking the Hudson with sweeping river views. Offers a pay-what-you-wish policy for NY residents. metmuseum.org
Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NYC) Peaceful and historic, dotted with ponds, rolling hills, and is home to some of the city’s oldest trees. Once a Revolutionary War battlefield. Admission is always free. green-wood.com
Inwood Hill Park (Upper Manhattan, NYC) The last natural forest in Manhattan, with dramatic cliffs, caves, and brilliant fall foliage. It is also home to dramatic rock formations and old-growth trees, making it feel worlds away from the bustle of the city. seenewyork.nyc
New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NYC) KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature is designed to change with the seasons, with a special spotlight on the beloved chrysanthemum, kiku, in Japanese. On view until October 31. nybg.org
Socrates Sculpture Park (Astoria, Queens) This Queens park hosts large-scale sculpture & multimedia installations, surrounded by colorful foliage. It was built on a former landfill site. socratessculpturepark.org
