I’ll be honest, the Hudson Valley wasn’t my favorite place to grow up. It always seemed like there was nothing to do. Now, I go to school in the south and when autumn approaches, it’s nothing special. The leaves don’t really change, there’s no orchards to go to, and to me, that’s what fall is supposed to be all about. October is the Hudson Valley’s prime time, and here’s why:
1. Mountain Views
Whether is Minnewaska or Mohonk or any other mountain, when the leaves are changing, the hike up will be well worth the view. You can take a nice stroll up an easy trail for a few miles. Or take the challenging ones, like the lemon squeeze, that seem to take up your whole day. Always a good day to spend with the family or a few friends.
2. Headless Horseman
This is something my friends and I used to do every single year since we were 11 years old. It’s something every local, and even tourist, looked forward to when October came around. Although the price has risen, they add new attractions every year. From the hayride, to the multiple haunted houses, to the corn maze, to the freak show, to the people just scaring you and your friends on line. It’ll be a memorable night, I promise.
PS: yes, there are clowns and they have chainsaws.
3. Apple Picking
There’s a reason why New York is known as the big apple, and that reason is this area. The apple orchards are a perfect place for families, couple, and friends. Something everyone can enjoy and can bring everyone together. Plus, while you're there, there are usually hayrides and fresh apple cider doughnuts so thats always a plus.
4. Pumpkin Patch
I go to school in the south and I haven’t seen one pumpkin patch. Just pumpkins at Walmart or someone selling them on the side of the road. Pumpkin patches can be found near any apple orchard and you get to find your perfect one and bring it to your car on a little wagon. What’s halloween without pumpkin carving?
5. Manhattan
Even though Christmas is NYC’s prime time, you might as well drop by while you’re there. Manhattan is only one train ticket away, and there is always something to do when you go. Whether it’s shopping, going somewhere new to eat, or just a walk in central park, it’s always a good place to go while visiting.
6. Scenic Drives
In High School, when my friends and I would get bored, we would just go for a drive and sing our hearts out. Up the mountains or down the back roads, its nice to see all the leaves changing or catch the sunset in a beautiful spot.
Although I love where I live now, being here during autumn will never compare to being in the Hudson Valley. It was well worth the trip up, even if it was just for a weekend.