NYC Fall Day Trip Itinerary: Apple Picking and Charming Towns
A city escape day is a great way to recharge and feel like a tourist without going too far! Here’s my fall guide for apple picking & discovering charming towns just a few hours from NYC!
Transportation Options:
Rent a car - this is what we did and ended up being cheaper than the train. Pro tip, rent a car the day of and from LGA to save some $
Take the Metro North, then Uber/bike between destinations
Car sharing services - Zipcar, Kyte etc.
Town Recommendations:
Tarrytown - ultimate spot for charming buildings & streets. Wander through adorable boutiques, cozy up at local cafés, and soak in the river views—it’s the perfect fall day trip escape
Sleepy Hollow - great for spooky season feelings, it has tons of creative halloween decor, creepy spots and haunted history
Beacon - my favourite stop, it’s an artsy town filled with cool shops & cafes
Cold Spring - peaceful & scenic getaway with hiking trails & the best antique shops
Food Spots to Checkout:
Beacon bread company - grab brunch or a treat! Try the brioche french toast, pancakes and fresh pastries
Matcha Thomas - tucked away in the back they have a traditional Japanese tea room set up
Five Pennies - truly some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. It’s also located in a food hall with lots to explore
Noble Pies - family owned spot serving up sweet & savory pirs
Cold Spring Cheese Shop - locations in Coldspring & Beacon. My mouth is still watering after the cambozola & salami sandwich I tried there
The Taco Project - tacos are made with fresh & high quality ingredients
Beekman Ale House - great for pizza & drinks, it has that quaint old town charm where everyone knows each other
My Favourite Shops:
Little King - this store is so well curated with wellness, home & beauty brands
Husdon Beach Glass - glass blowing studio where you can shop their unique creations or take a class and make your own. My friend did this and made Christmas tree ornaments!
Dickinson’s Antiques - lots of little unique gems to discover here
Once Upon A Time - another great place to go antiquing
Trilogy Consignment - great spot for vintage designer finds
Sleepy Hollow Bookshop - also a coffee shop!
Fishkill Farms Apple Picking:
Such a special spot I highly recommend!
Food: they have an outdoor grill (get the corn), apple cider donuts (the line was insane for these) & hot apple cider
Enjoy live music and lay on the lawn overlooking the orchard
Activities: apple picking from their massive orchard (you can hop on the tractor for a tour), corn maze, pumpkin patch, shop local brands/produce at the farmers market
There are also lots of great hikes in this area to checkout if you have more time. My favourite is the Breakneck Ridge Trail - it’s not very difficult, but does have some climbing parts. Pickup sandwiches from the Cold Spring cheese shop and eat them at the lookout, then head to Beacon after and treat yourself to ice cream at Five Pennies!
