Are you staying the city over Fall Break and worrying about how you will fill those beautiful four days of post-midterm freedom? It can be easy to get stuck in the Morningside Heights bubble and never leave campus, but let’s not forget that we live in one of the most exciting cities in the world. So stop worrying, and check out some of these suggestions for fun fall activities!
1. Take advantage of the fabulous New York brunch scene
As New Yorkers, we are naturally fans of brunch. Who doesn’t want the excuse to wake up late on a Sunday and consume large quantities of delicious breakfast food? Want to experience your first drunk brunch? We don’t have class on Monday, so now is the time! It seems safe to assume that most of you have been to Community for brunch, which is delicious, but honestly you should take advantage of the free time and break out of that Columbia bubble—head downtown! Looking for a recommendation? Check out Najet and Alexa’s article for the best brunch spots the city has to offer!
2. Head over to Brooklyn for one of the last Smorgasburg opportunities of the year
Going to Smorgasburg to explore the glorious food heaven was at the top of my to do list over the summer, but sadly I never made it. So don’t be like me and miss out on what appears to be a fun and delicious activity. While you are there do not forget to take the oh-so coveted Ramen Burger insta!
3. Spend an afternoon in Soho
Looking to embrace your trendy side and do a little shopping? Head down to Soho for an afternoon to experience a very different and arguably much more fun part of the city. Don’t forget to stop by Ladurée for some gingerbread macaroons while you are there! Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity!
4. Walk the Highline
If you haven’t done this yet you are seriously missing out! This fab elevated park created on old railways above the city combines beautiful, diverse vegetation with outdoor art, and even a few food vendors. So put on a cute outfit, grab your girlfriends, and head downtown to take some pics with this beautiful city as your background.
5. Stroll through Central Park
Before it gets too cold take advantage of the park and all it has to offer. Maybe even pack a fall themed picnic and invite your crush to join you!
6. Go apple picking
Even though we are in the city, that doesn’t mean we don’t want to experience the best that fall has to offer. Whether or not you are going to make an apple pie for your Central Park picnic, you should definitely check out Dr. Davies Farm Stand, its only 30 minutes outside of the city!
7. It’s Halloweekend, so head over to one of New York’s many haunted houses
In the mood for a good scare? Have an amazing Halloween costume you want to show off? Take advantage of this long weekend to check out two of the city’s best-haunted houses, Blood Manor and Times Scare.
8. Take advantage of the city’s vast historic resources
As an art history nerd, I spend a lot of time in museums looking at the world-class art in our city. Trust me, there is a lot to see, and luckily your Barnard ID can get you into the Met and the MoMa for free! Aren’t we lucky?
9. Go see Gone Girl
Yes, movies in New York are absurdly expensive, but through Barnard Student Life we have access to discounted tickets! You do not want to miss this movie! With Halloween approaching, the timing for a haunting movie is perfect! Not to mention the theater at 84th St. has reclining love seats for chairs.
10. Go to an off Broadway Show
If you are like me, when you were younger your ideal vision of New York was seeing Broadways shows. However, as college students we may not all be able to afford the luxury, but thankfully, there are plenty, more accessible off Broadway shows. This is the perfect activity for the theater lover or anyone looking for a warm, entertaining, indoor activity!