Why a Staycation Is the Right Choice This October
New Yorkers suffer through freezing winters, rainy springs and scorching summers all to experience one very special reward: the wonder, beauty and delight that is Fall in New York City. So while most of the time, we're all for traveling to far-off destinations, this October, we encourage you to reconsider booking those plane tickets and instead find a way to stay put and enjoy this great city during the time of year when it really shines. Read on for our recommendations for the best October staycation activities in New York right now (and no, we didn't forget Halloween).
Last year's Fall Harvest Festival
Pick pumpkins: That's right, you don't have to leave the city to do this! Related will be hosting our annual Fall Harvest on October 19 this year, when you'll be able to choose your favorite pumpkin, eat apple cider donuts, and enjoy lots of other autumnal surprises.
Gallery-hop: There are some big art shows opening this season, and popping into galleries is always a gratifying way to spend an afternoon. In Chelsea, David Zwirner will be hosting a Paul Klee exhibit through October 26 featuring works from the year before the artist died. While uptown, Gagosian will be showcasing sculptures and drawings by Richard Serra. If the the lure of celebrity calls your name, check out Christie's, which will be auctioning off the collection of Lee Bouvier Radziwill on October 17, with items on view starting October 11.
Catch a show at The Shed: The new art center's Fall program opens with a bang on September 25, with an immersive performance series by the artist, singer, and composer Arca. Other anticipated performances include William Forsythe's "A Quiet Evening of Dance." Read our preview of what's coming to the Shed here.
Inside the Shed
Stop by a Museum: We know – it's a lot of art. But there's so much good stuff to see! The Neue Galerie will be opening its show on German artist and master of color Ernst Ludwig Kirchner on October 3. And if you don't have too much museum fatigue at this point, stop by MoMa, which has been closed since June for a $400 million renovation. The museum reopens this October, with an interesting line-up of exhibitions, including one on Modern Latin American art.
Be spooked out on a ghost tour: Even if you don't believe in ghosts (and come on, we know you – kind of – do), a ghost tour is a fantastic way to learn the history of the city and make you think twice about the streets you thought you knew. Thankfully, there is no shortage of creepy tours to check out in New York – particularly during the month of October. We recommend Boroughs of the Dead's Manhattan tour, which spans the East Village and Greenwich Village during two hours of "all killer, no filler."
...or hang out in a cemetery: If you really take Halloween seriously and all the spookiness that goes with it, there's no better place to go than Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, which will be hosting their "Nightfall" immersive experience on October 25 and 26. Go for creepy dance performances, musical acts in crypts and other eerie sights and sounds.
"Porgy and Bess" at the Metropolitan Opera
See an opera: This season's performance of George Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess" at the Metropolitan Opera is great for both opera lovers and those who aren't quite sure they're ready to sit through a full-on, four-hour show. At any rate, buy your tickets soon; this show is selling out fast.
Read a book (and meet the author): Lots of authors and celebrity authors are doing speaking engagements this October. At the 42nd Street New York Public Library, award-winning writer Téa Obrecht will be speaking about her new book "Inland" on October 15; while over at the Union Square Barnes & Noble, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will be discussing their new book "The Book of Gutsy Women" on October 3rd (hint: you need to buy a ticket first), as will Zadie Smith on October 15, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon on October 15, Malcom Gladwell on the 17th and Carly Simon on the 22nd (the full schedule is here).
Ride your bike: If all else fails, a bike ride may very well be the best Fall activity we can think of. Go for a loop around Central Park, ride up the West Side Highway or even venture out on an urban exploration around the city. The important thing is to be outside, enjoying the fresh, crisp air while you still can.
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