I think fall can be everyone's favorite season. Between carving pumpkins, going apple picking, baking, fall clothes, coffee, decorating, and beginning the holiday season. Fall should be cherished. It's a gorgeous time. Here's some of my favorite things to do and places to be on Long Island during this wonderful season.
1. White Post Farms
Source: Flickr
Melville
White Post Farms is a giant family-friendly farm and nursery. Children can pet and feed the farm animals, go on horse rides and hay rides, pick pumpkins, get their face painted and more. It was my favorite place to go as a kid, but it's worth it to pick some pumpkins and flowers too.
2. Kerber's Farms
Cold Spring Harbor
Kerber's Farm is a tiny farm on the outskirts of Cold Spring Harbor. I recently found out that their pumpkins are some of the perfect pumpkins you'll ever find (they're actually gorgeous). They have fresh-baked goods (they can be gluten-free and sugar-free upon request), coffee, jams, cocoa mix, fresh produce, and live chickens. They started as a chicken farm, but now you're allowed to walk around with the chickens.
3. Harbes Family Farm
Mattituck, Jamesport, Riverhead
Harbes is so big that they have three locations, one being an apple orchard. They have epic themed corn mazes that last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, farm animals, hay rides, a massive pumpkin patch, and fresh apple cider and apple cider cinnamon doughnuts. You can also get fresh produce. You can and will spend literally an entire day here, and it's so worth it.
4. "Out East" Farm Country
Source: MOMEEFRIENDSLI
Easter Long Island
If you're not into the large-scale family fun farms, there are plenty of smaller farm stands on the island too. Apple picking is high popular as well. Primarily on the North Shore, the further you drive the more you'll find. There's something for everyone.
5. "Out East" Wine Country
Source: Rodale Institute
Eastern Long Island
Even if you can't drink, the vineyards are a beautiful place to be. Have a picnic, bring your friends, and just relax alongside the grapevines. Bring a guitar and a camera, and you'll be sure to have a wonderful day.
6. Greenport Village
Source: Greenport
Greenport is a gorgeous town right on the water. The village is historic, the food is great, and the views are beautiful. Feel free to walk the docks, go for a ride (or 5) on the carousel, and find yourself some clam or potato chowder.
7. Historic Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, and Lloyd Neck
Source: New York State Parks
CSH is my hometown. It's right on the water. The town goes back hundreds of years. Visit the Whaling Museum or the Fish Hatchery, get yourself some coffee from Sweetie Pie's, take a hike on our section of the Greenbelt Trail, or just watch the leaves change from Billy Joel's Park (yes, this exists; he even named an album after us). If you're in Lloyd Harbor, check out West Neck Beach. It's a town beach (but they don't check during the off-season), and the views a worth it, as you see across the harbor to Centre Island. Up in Lloyd Neck, check out Caumsett State Park. Bring your bike (or just your legs) and a camera. You're going to want to capture the many changing leaves of the park.
8. Bayville Adventure and Scream Park
Source: Long Island Haunted Houses
Bayville Adventure Park (as it's known as for the rest of the year) turns into Bayville Scream Park during fall. Take part in Curse of the Zombie Pirate mini-golf, Evil in the Woods, Temple of Terror maze, Bloodworth Haunted Mansion, and, if the crazy, killer clown on the loose aren't scary enough, Uncle Needle's Funhouse of Fear in 3D. Enter if you dare, though; they were voted the "Scariest Haunted House" on Long Island for 11 years running!
For all those who are on Long Island or in NYC for college, or if you're visiting home for a weekend, enjoy what Long Island has to offer, and Happy Fall!
