Your Guide to an Unforgettable Autumn in DUMBO
There is nothing quite like autumn in New York City. The way it invites your senses to be present, from the sounds of freshly fallen leaves crunching underneath your feet to the fiery red, golden yellow, and brilliant orange coloring of the surrounding trees. The way the chill of the wind hits your face in a way that causes your eyes to water and the smell of clean, crisp air filling your lungs as you take it all in. It is breathtakingly beautiful and calm while being the perfect backdrop to a perfect Brooklyn day.
Grab a Coffee and Stroll Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge / City Guide NY
One way to experience the city on a sunny Saturday morning is to grab a coffee and stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. The earlier hours of the day are the perfect time to take in the morning sunlight as it dances and glimmers on the towering buildings in lower Manhattan. And as if it couldn’t get any better, once it becomes fall and the warm colors of the foliage around the city begin to show, residents and visitors tend to feel a bit nostalgic.
As New Yorkers, we have all most likely been across the Brooklyn Bridge, but might I encourage you to reacquaint yourself with this piece of the greatest city in the world? The magic of autumn, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks – only a few blocks from the stairway to the pedestrian walkway – and a flannel blanket scarf around your neck is sure to remind you of your love for this city.
Enjoy a Fall Picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Picnics may be a staple for summer days, but with cooler autumn temperatures arriving, there is no better time for an outdoor, mid-day meal than this. Brooklyn Bridge Park holds plenty of green space, and Main Street Park is a perfect lunch spot. Nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, this location offers public restroom access, panoramic views of lower Manhattan, and is steps from the Empire Stores.
Your picnic can cater to whatever you’re feeling that day – pack an easy charcuterie spread and your favorite local seasonal craft beer or a bottle of wine, or order carryout from your favorite featured eateries at Time Out Market. And no need for the bulk of a picnic blanket – simply spread out your flannel blanket scarf, and voila!
Bike Along the East River
Greenway at Brooklyn Bridge Park / Pinterest
There is nothing quite like a bike ride along the East River – and bike rides in autumn are no different. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers bikers a scenic waterfront greenway that extends from Pier 1 to Pier 6. While on your bike ride, you will take in views of the Manhattan skyline, sailboats en route to their destinations, and the Statue of Liberty.
With multiple dock locations nearby, Citi Bikes are available for your spur-of-the-moment autumn bike rides are accessible to anyone with a smartphone and a sense of seasonal adventure.
Enjoy Autumn Flavors From Ample Hills Creamery
Ample Hills Creamery / Good Food Stories
Ice cream. It’s not just for summer anymore. Ample Hills Creamery is stepping up their ice cream game this fall with two flavors you won’t want to miss.
Locally sourced and crafted, Maple Bourbon Barrel features Brooklyn’s own Widow Jane bourbon, Crown Maple syrup, and crunchy maple candied pecans. This ice cream flavor is perfect for those who love both the taste of rich and smooth whiskey and sweet treats.
And of course, ’tis the season for pumpkin everything, and Ample Hills has their hat in the fall ring. No Sleep Till Pumpkin highlights dark coffee ice cream with chunks of pumpkin ooey-gooey butter cake, a long-running staple at Ample Hills.
You can grab these flavors for a seasonal time, and if you find that you love them as much as you love autumn, Ample Hills offers pints to-go as well!
Explore Borough Hall Green Market for Seasonal Produce
Borough Hall Green Market / On the Grid
With the changing of the seasons come the ushering of autumn produce. Butternut squash, pumpkin, apples, and cranberries overflow from vendor tents while ambitious bakers and culinary dreamers plan their next creation.
Green Markets are a New York City weekend tradition no matter the season. And while Borough Hall is not in DUMBO, it is only a ten-minute walk from DUMBO’s waterfront, allowing the walking commuter to enjoy the fall scenery.
New York City in the fall is one season you won’t want to miss. Not only will these experiences be fond memories for years to come, but the backdrop of a city clothed in autumn is definitely worthy of your Instagram feed.
