Fun Fall Activities in New York and New Jersey
As the weather cools, the days grow shorter, and the leaves begin to change, the fall season arrives—and in my humble opinion, the foodie season is here! Fall brings a distinct flavor to the streets, parks, hiking trails, and countryside of New York and New Jersey. This season offers my fellow food lovers a cornucopia of culinary experiences that blend rustic charm with sophisticated taste. From cider sipping to gourmet festivals, indulge in a delightful journey of seasonal flavors while basking in the beauty of fall foliage and, for once, ignoring your waistline!
Ready to savor it all? Let’s dive into my top fall activities tailored just for food enthusiasts in these two vibrant states.
Table of Contents
Why Fall is the Best Time for Food Lovers?
The crisp autumn air, combined with the bounty of the harvest season, creates a rich culinary landscape that’s diverse, cozy, and irresistible (also, hello cuffing season). New York and New Jersey are home to fun fall festivals, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own orchards, and restaurants that showcase local produce. Each experience offers a unique twist that will leave your taste buds craving more. From the rich flavors of cider to the savory indulgence of artisan cheeses, this time of year is magical for anyone who appreciates good food and drink. Even better, it’s the perfect season for gorgeous long hikes, which can help balance out every delicious calorie that deserves to be savored.
Amazing Places to Après-Ski in the Adirondacks and Catskills
Fun Fall Activities in New York and New Jersey
Zürich Holiday Hot Chocolate Experience
This November, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as Zürich brings Swiss charm to New York City! Visit Lavaux Wine Bar from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a complimentary cup of Swiss hot chocolate, made with Lindt Home of Chocolate’s premium cocoa. Share your experience on social media for a chance to win a winter getaway to Zürich, including a tour of Lindt Home of Chocolate and Zürich’s famed Christmas markets. Don’t miss this unique chance to taste the flavors of Switzerland right in NYC!
Date: November 20 – November 23, 2024
Start Time – End Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Location: Lavaux Wine Bar, 20 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Price: Free
25 Days of Festive Fun at The New York Marriott Marquis
From December 1 through December 25, Santa will be returning to the hotel, bringing a sleigh full of seasonal activities for guests and locals alike. The Marquis will also be hosting the iconic Marquis New Year’s Eve Celebration to ring in 2025.
The New York Marriott Marquis looks forward to bringing holiday magic each year to guests and locals alike, and 2024 will be bigger than ever. All month long, Santa and the hotel team invite guests to unwrap seasonal surprises; from decorating Christmas cookies and creating a Sloomoo slime masterpiece during Workshop Wednesday, to being serenaded by Broadway stars singing classic Christmas carols, there’s no shortage of fun. Plus, Santa will take photos at the hotel’s Very Merry Santa Brunch and be on-site for meet and greets an astounding fifteen times!
The Times Square Hotel will be hosting its iconic Marquis New Year’s Eve Celebration. For hotel guests only, this all-ages party in the Broadway Ballroom features a premium open bar and a full buffet for adults, including sushi, artisanal cheese, carving stations, international entrees, and decadent desserts. Guests can enjoy live music, dance the night away, and capture memorable moments before the ball drop is live-streamed. Open to the public is the legendary Marquis New Year’s Eve Party powered by Balldrop.com. The New York Marriott Marquis offers an unbeatable location for party-goers to ring in 2025 with front-row views of the Ball Drop from Broadway Lounge restaurant. Dressed to the nines in black-tie attire, guests enjoy a live DJ, a five-hour open bar, a deluxe buffet, a dessert spread, and more.
Halloween at RoofTop at Exchange Place
Soar to haunted heights this Halloween at the RoofTop at Exchange Place, where eerie carnival decor has already transformed the space into a haunted escape for October. Perched above Jersey City with panoramic views of Manhattan, the RoofTop has launched a limited-time menu of spooktacular seasonal cocktails, VIP Halloweekend programming, and Instagrammable decor featuring bone-chilling spider webs to ghoulish figures, culminating in the perfect backdrop for spooky-season festivities.
Limited-time Halloween cocktails include:
Voices in My Head: A bold and fruity blend of Havana Club White Rum, cherry juice and Peach Schnapps, topped off with Heering Cherry Liqueur and Grenadine
- Split Personality: A refreshing mix of muddled orange slices, blood orange soda and Casamigos Blanco
- Witches Brew: A mystical concoction of B&B Brandy, peach schnapps, and triple sec, infused with tropical juices and a striking touch of activated charcoal, served in a cauldron
The RoofTop’s “Haunted Heights” weekend kicks off October 31 and runs through November 3, featuring live DJ sets each night. For those looking to elevate their Halloweekend experience, the RoofTop’s VIP experience includes access to the Haunted Cabana, a luxurious hideaway perfect for groups of 8 or more. Your crew can get together in style while enjoying the “Witch’s Brew” cauldron cocktail, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening of fun and frights. Doors open daily at 4 pm, with a $20 entry fee Thursday through Saturday. For more information or to reserve a table, please see here.
Call: (551) 256-7850 (Office Hours: 10 am-6 pm, Sun-Sat)
Admission:
Thurs-Saturday: $20 Entry Fee
Sunday: Free (No Cover Charge)
Apple Picking, Pumpkin Hunts, Farm Fresh Pies & Fresh Cider Tasting in New Jersey and New York
Upstate New York and New Jersey’s farms are the perfect places to pick fresh apples and enjoy freshly pressed spiced apple cider or take it up a notch with an apple cider float. Eating freshly made apple cider donuts, pies, dumplings, cakes…all that yum, are some of the treats that are part of a quintessential fall activity that these orchards often offer up. Most orchards have weekend events for friends and families to pick fruits off the tree and buy fresh apples by pound. Some farms offer pick-your-own (PYO) options for fruits like peaches, apricots, pumpkins, and strawberries, just to name a few!
Apple Picking and Cider Donut Hunts in New Jersey
Demarest Farms – Purchase a ticket online to enter the farm, with an additional fee for pick-your-own (PYO) fruit. This farm, the closest option to New York City, is known for more than just apples—they also offer PYO peaches and pumpkins. They are best known for their delicious apple pies and fresh apple cider donuts.
Address to Demarest Farms – 244 Werimus Rd., Hillsdale; 201-666-0472, demarestfarms.com (About 40 minutes away from NYC’s Port Authority and Jersey City by car)
Hacklebarney Farms – Entry for pick-your-own (PYO) is free, but you’ll pay per pound for the items you pick. Be sure to try their cider hotdogs, cider kraut, and cider baked beans (I had the cider kraut on top of the hotdog with a side of cider beans—it was so yummy and made the 1-hour drive worth it!). For sweets, they offer a variety of cider donuts, and their caramel-and-bacon-topped cider donuts are a local favorite.
My donuts weren’t served warm, so I took them home and warmed them in the microwave—they taste much better that way. Still, the cider hotdog combo was the highlight of my visit.
Address to Hacklebarney Farms – 104 State Park Road, Chester Township; 908-879-6593, hacklebarneyfarm.com (About 60 minutes away from NYC’s Port Authority and Jersey City by car)
Windy Brow Farms – Entry for pick-your-own (PYO) is free, but you pay per pound for the items you pick, and it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds. With over 45 varieties of apples and 15 varieties of peaches, cherries, nectarines, plums, and apricots, Windy Brow Farm ranks among the top orchards to visit in New Jersey.
A truly dedicated food lover on the East Coast must visit Windy Brow Farm at least once for their seasonal ice cream flavors. If available, don’t miss their newsworthy Taylor Ham & French Toast ice cream. During the fall, they make fresh apple cider donuts and offer cider donut sammies—cider donuts with ice cream in the middle—messy but delicious!
Address to Windy Brow Farms – 359 Ridge Road, Fredon Township; 973-579-9657, windybrowfarms.com (About 70 minutes away from NYC’s Port Authority and Jersey City by car)
Terhune Orchards – Purchase a ticket online to access the farm’s Fall weekend events, the entry fee starts at $18 and there’s so much to do for a family day of fun. Access to PYO apples does not require a ticket. Their apple cider donuts are worth the long drive and make sure to also get their apple cider slushy jam to go.
Address to Terhune Orchards – 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton; 609-924-2310, terhuneorchards.com (About 70 minutes away from NYC’s Port Authority and Jersey City by car)
Apple Picking and Cider Donut Hunts in New York (near NYC)
Saunderskill Farms –Entry for pick-your-own (PYO) is free, but you’ll pay for the items you pick on the farm. If you’re driving from a distance, be sure to buy multiple pies (so many options!)—you’ll regret not having enough for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Their apple cider donuts are also delicious and worth every calorie. Depending on the season, they offer PYO options for strawberries, blueberries, and pumpkins.
Dressel Farms – Entry for pick-your-own (PYO) is free, but you’ll pay for the items you pick on the farm. From award-winning hard ciders to homemade ice cream and delicious donuts, Dressel Farms is a must-visit. Be sure to grab a pint of their seasonal apple cider donut ice cream along with a box of freshly made apple cider donuts—your taste buds will regret not having extras for later! Bonus tip: try their Hudson Valley sweet corn ice cream and let me know if you love it too!
Address to Dressel Farms – 271 NY-208, New Paltz, NY 12561 dresselfarms.com (About 100 minutes away from NYC by car)
Tantillo’s Farm Market – Entry for pick-your-own (PYO) is free, but you’ll pay for whatever you pick on the farm. Their cider donuts, ice cream sundaes, and ice cream pies are worth every calorie. Before you leave, don’t miss their amazing apple cider slushie. The best way to enjoy the ice cream with apple cider is while relaxing on their chairs, soaking in the beautiful views of the farm. In addition to apples, they also grow tomatoes, cherries, peaches, corn, and pumpkins.
Address to Tantillo’s Farm Market – 730 NY-208, Gardiner, NY 12525 tantillofarm.com (About 90 minutes away from NYC by car)
Mercier Farms – Mercier Farms is the only farm on the list that doesn’t offer PYO, but don’t let that stop you. They arguably serve some of the best pies you’ll ever taste. If you’ve had better, feel free to share in the comments! But as it stands, be sure to grab their apple pie, key lime pie, apple fritters, and apple cider donuts, just to name a few. Their desserts are truly outstanding.
Address to Mercier Farms – 210 NY-32 South, New Paltz, NY 12561 mercierfarms.com (About 90 minutes away from NYC by car)
These are not farms, but are worth a visit for their apple cider donuts – Vera’s Marketplace & Garden Center and Half Moon Rondout Cafe
Address to Vera’s Marketplace & Garden Center – 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY (About 60 minutes away from NYC by car)
Address to Half Moon Rondout Cafe – (About 70 minutes away from NYC by car)
Attend the NYC Wine & Food Festival in Brooklyn – October 17-20, 2024
Dive into this four-day event that is a food lover’s paradise with celebrity chef demonstrations, gourmet tastings, and exquisite wine pairings. This annual event in New York City is an indulgent blend of entertainment and top-tier cuisine. nycwff.org
“The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF) returns to celebrate its 17th year from October 17 to 20, 2024 with a dynamic array of over 80 events across New York City. From margarita-fueled river cruises and dazzling midnight parties to dessert extravaganzas and beloved marquee events at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus at Brooklyn Army Terminal, NYCWFF 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for every type of food lover.
Featuring more than 400 chefs, culinary icons, and celebrity talent, this year’s Festival showcases the best of New York’s vibrant food scene while supporting God’s Love We Deliver. Plus, a dedicated NYCWFF Ferry powered by Invesco QQQ will be accessible via the NYC Ferry from Downtown Manhattan providing a seamless way for Festival goers to travel between events held in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
● Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop presents Brooklyn Eats & Beats: Local DJs, including iHeart Radio’s DJ Suss One, will spin tunes while Brooklyn’s top chefs serve everything from burgers to tacos. Don’t miss this delicious walk-around event featuring culinary stars like Michael Solomonov of K’Far and Laser Wolf; Sean Feeney of Fini Pizza; Esther Choi of mökbar and co-host of Food Network’s “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing;” Bill Durney, the pitmaster and owner of Hometown BBQ and Red Hook Tavern; and Mark Iacono, the beloved pizzaiolo of Lucali. (October 17)
● Blue Moon Burger Bash: Champions vs. Challengers presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats: Hosted by Rachael Ray, NYCWFF’s most popular event is returning to Brooklyn. After 15 years, the bash is back in its original borough, bringing even more excitement and mouth-watering bites. To celebrate this homecoming, the 16th annual hamburger hoedown will feature an exciting twist: past Blue Moon Burger Bash winners will compete to defend their titles against new contenders vying for the crown. (October 18)
● Bobby’s Triple Threat Dance Party presented by Treasure Cave: A new event inspired by Food Network’s hit show “Bobby’s Triple Threat” is making its debut at NYCWFF. Join the legendary Bobby Flay, along with culinary stars Tiffany Derry, Michael Voltaggio, and Brooke Williamson, as they host an unforgettable night featuring over 25 local restaurants competing for a grand prize – all set to the tunes of DJ Tokyo Rose. (October 19)
● BACARDĺ presents JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: A Hip Hop Celebration: Join James Beard Award-winning chef JJ Johnson, hip-hop legend Rev Run, and iHeart Radio’s Angela Yee of Power 105.1 for a BBQ-style gathering featuring New York’s best Black chefs. Enjoy signature cuisines and live performances by Rev Run, Freeway, and DJ Too Much. (October 20)”
Go on a Food Truck Crawl in New Jersey
Hit the streets of NYC or Jersey on a food truck pilgrimage, sampling autumn-inspired gourmet street foods. From pumpkin spice waffles to caramel apple tacos, these food trucks will leave your mouth watering.
List of Food Truck Events this Fall in New Jersey
- 3rd Annual Charlotte Joy Touch-A-Truck Festival – East Freehold Showgrounds – October 5, 2024
- Belleville’s Food Truck Fest – Belleville – October 6, 2024
- Bergen Town Center’s 2nd Annual Fall Food Truck Festival – Paramus – October 6, 2024
- Fall Fest Food Truck Festival – New Egypt – October 5 – 6,12, 2024
- Sewell Food Truck & Music Festival – Washington – October 12, 2024
- Food Trucks In The Fall – Neptune City – October 13, 2024
- New Jersey Seafood & Music Festival – Holmdel – October 19, 2024
- Octoberfest Food Truck Festival – New Egypt – October 19 – 20, 2024
- Randolph Halloween Food Truck or Treat Fest – Randolph – October 26, 2024
- Hollowine Food Truck Festival – New Egypt – October 26 – 27, 2024
- Paramus Fall Food Truck Festival – Paramus – November 3, 2024
- Pitman Food Truck Festival – Pitman – November 3, 2024
Join a Farm-to-Table or/and Fall Themed Dining Experience
Join a Farm-to-Table or/and Fall Themed Dining Experience in New Jersey
Agricola Community Eatery in Morristown and Princeton New Jersey
Look out for their Autumn dinner menus at both locations.
“Agricola is fresh, down to earth and full of flavor. We think food is a universal language—it brings us together and nourishes us. In Latin, “Agricola” means “farmer,” which embodies our farm to table spirit and our dedication to community and comfort.”
Where? 40 W Park Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960
Where? 11 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542
12 Farms Restaurant – BYOB allowed
“Here at 12 Farms, we acquire the highest quality products including grass-fed, grass-finished beef, the freshest seafood, and local ingredients from local, family-run farms. Our aim is to bring you diverse and creative menus that are out of the ordinary and will cater to every palate including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.”
Where? 120 North Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520
The Farm at Glenwood Mountain – Monthly Supper Club
“True farm-to-table experience, we take great pride in raising 100% grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, free-range chickens & ducks, and all-natural breed turkeys. Our passion for sustainable farming practices ensures that these animals are treated with care, resulting in high-quality, ethically sourced meats.”
Where is The Farm at Glenwood Mountain? Sussex, 1801 County Rd 565, Sussex, NJ 07461, USA
Alba Vineyard – Multiple farm-to-table dining events to choose from
Visit the vineyard for the Farm Dinner in partnership with Heirloom Kitchen priced at $306 and you need to BOUQ IT ahead of time. The dinner date is on October 13th, 2024 For Cu
“Join us for an extraordinary evening at our Farm Dinner presented by Heirloom Kitchen from Old Bridge, NJ.
Cocktail hour followed by a 4-course dinner paired with Alba estate wines selected to complement each course.
Seating will be outdoors in our beautiful arbor so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather! In case of rain seating will be in our tank room.
Advance Tickets Required
Music from 5 pm – 8:30 pm by the Dave Roth Jazz Quartet
All guests must be 21+”
Where is Alba Vineyard? 269 Riegelsville Warren Glen RoadVillage of Finesville, Milford, NJ, 08848
Alstede Farms – $42.99 Farm-to-Table Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast on Oct 27th, 2024
“Come enjoy our Farm to Table Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at Alstede Farms. Indulge in a hearty farm-to-table pumpkin pancake breakfast complete with our delicious homemade pumpkin pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, and drinks. You and your guests will be greeted with a scenic wagon ride around the farm which will ultimately make its stop at Harvest Hall where the breakfast buffet will be served. Following breakfast, you can continue your day on the farm picking pumpkins our PYO fields. Advance tickets are required
Each ticket comes with an admission for Pick Your Own (PYO) as well a $7.99 credit towards a pumpkin from our fields. There will be a strict sixty (60) minute time frame from the start of your selected time slot to sit and enjoy your breakfast. Late arrivals will ultimately affect your time for dining and we may not be able to accommodate. In addition, tractor drawn wagon rides, access to the Corn Maze, Hay Pyramid, and Evergreen Maze are also included with your purchase.”
Where is Alstede Farms? 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930
Join a Farm-to-Table or/and Fall Themed Dining Experience in New York
Blue Hill, Family Meal at Blue Hill – Reserve Here
Come in for an intimate dining experience where no meal is ever the same, and the four-course menu served family-style in the low-lit restaurant, changes daily.
“Blue Hill New York opened in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighborhood in April of 2000.The restaurant has evolved over the last two decades, sourcing ingredients from Blue Hill Farm, the Barber family’s dairy in Great Barrington, MA; from the Stone Barns Center for Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY; as well as from farms within 250 miles of New York City. Family Meal began in the summer of 2021 and welcomes guests to a menuless dinner experience of shared plates.”
Where is Blue Hill? 75 Washington Place, New York, NY 10011
Long Island Full Day Wine and Food Tasting Vineyard Tour from NYC – $149 BOUQ IT
Highlights
🍇 Taste exquisite wines guided by a certified Sommelier at award-winning NY wineries.
🚌 Luxury round-trip coach travel from Manhattan, making your day trip stress-free and stylish.
🧀 Pair your wine with locally sourced bites for an authentic culinary experience.
Pick Up Point? 140 East 41st Street (closer to 3rd Avenue) – 140 East 41st Street, 10017-5515
Gramercy Tavern’s The Dining Room – $175 Menu
“Chef Mike Anthony and the team welcome you back to Gramercy Tavern with a seasonal menu offered exclusively in the Dining Room. Dishes will continually evolve based on seasonality and what our local farmers and purveyors have available.”
Where is Gramercy Tavern? 42 E 20th Street, New York, NY 10003
Haunted Hollywood – $55 – $150 BOUQ IT
Highlights
💀 Experience an evening of spine-chilling seduction featuring legendary horror characters reimagined in ways you’ve never seen before
🍸 Enjoy live music, spooky eats, and Halloween-themed cocktails in the grand ballroom
📽️ Witness a thrilling, yet sensual, variety show where iconic horror figures and the “final girl” battle across six legendary horror films
Where is Haunted Hollywood? Circo – 1604 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, 10019-7409
New York City Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise – $142 BOUQ IT
Highlights
🛥️ Enjoy a scenic brunch cruise aboard the cozy, 1920s-style yachts Manhattan or Manhattan II on the Hudson River with stunning fall views.
🍁 Indulge in a 3-course prix fixe brunch with pastries, smoked salmon, quiche, and a complimentary drink on this relaxing NYC experience.
🎉 Relax and unwind on a leisurely cruise past the Upper West Side and Palisade Cliffs, admiring the beauty of autumn foliage all around.
Where to get on the Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise? Classic Harbor Line – 62 Chelsea Piers Pier 62, New York, 10011
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Brunch with Outdoor Viewing – $325 BOUQ IT
Highlights
🥂 Delight in a delicious brunch with a brunch cocktail open bar, offering unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
🎶 Enjoy live music and fantastic entertainment for the whole family inside the venue.
👀 Watch the parade outdoors with standing-room-only viewing, or stay inside and enjoy televised parade programming.
Where to brunch and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Quality Bistro – 120 West 55th Street, New York, 10019
Dining in the Dark (Reservation): A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca – $88 BOUQ IT
Enjoy a special Halloween-themed dining experience throughout October. Available for a limited only this Halloween season—don’t miss out
⭐ A unique dining experience you can enjoy with your partner, family and friends
🍲 Eating while blindfolded will heighten your senses of taste and smell
👩🍳 A secret 3-course menu, that includes appetizer, main, and dessert, for you to discover on the evening
Where is Dining in the Dark? Leuca Restaurant – 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY, 11249
If you live for unique and memorable food experiences, fall in New York, and New Jersey is your edible playground. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in these delightful, food-filled autumn adventures.
If your favorites are not on the list, share in the comments below!
