What’s orange, red n’ yellow and sheds more than a Bernese Mountain Dog? Why New York in autumn, of course!
While this magical metropolis is postcard-pretty year round, come October and November you’ll be spoilt silly as the city’s verdant greenery transforms and seasonal specials make their foray onto the menus of Gotham’s plentiful sup spots. And because you’re short on time, we’ve carved out a streamlined n’ stylish sojourn to ensure you make the most of autumn in the Apple. Skivvies on!
Stay
Cosied up in leafy borough Greenwich Village, Greenwich Hotel’s grand, sepia-tinted residence of earthy hues, oak floors and Tibetan rugs makes for the perfect fall-centric flop spot. The decidedly dapper Deluxe Greenwich is kitted with preppy armchairs, dainty linens and a luxurious tiled tub, while most rooms have flora-spangled balconettes. Swoon.
Greenwich Hotel, 377 Greenwich St, Tribeca. +1 212 941 8900. thegreenwichhotel.com
Morning
Once you’ve flunked the trunks, start your day at the hotel’s beloved on-site eatery Locanda Verde; serving all manner of grainy goodness including oatmeals and homemade granola, as well as a menu or fresh, organic farm produce and baked spoils.
Appetites sated, now it’s time to feast on New York’s scene-sational foliage; and while Central Park’s 843-acre expanse of brassy-leafed delight is a must for any first time visitor, more seasoned Sally’s should zip an hour uptown to the Storm King Art Center in the lower Hudson Valley. Here you can ogle fall’s fabulous colours across 500 sprawling acres dotted with rotating sculptural showcases. Currently on show is Dennis Oppenheim’s Terrestrial Studio and Josephine Halvorson’s Outlooks.
Locanda Verde, 377 Greenwich St, Tribeca. +1 212 925 3797. locandaverdenyc.com
Storm King Art Centre, 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor. +1 845 534 3115. stormking.org
Lunch
If you’ve timed it right, your car should have you whisked safely back to the city by early to mid-afternoon for a well-deserved refuel at Russ and Daughters; a stylish sit-down iteration of the famed centenarian shop dedicated to old-fashioned kosher comfort food. The lox bagel is a diet-derailing must.
Russ and Daughters, 127 Orchard St, Lower East Side. +1 212 475 4881. russanddaughterscafe.com
Afternoon
By now you’re surely in need of some R&R, so swan over to Jin Soon‘s natural hand and foot spa to bring frosty digits and toots back to life with the help of zippy rubs and all-natural prods. Ahhh…
Still got a pep left in your step? The nearby New Museum is perfectly placed for an afternoon gallery gander with avant-garde and contempo pieces stacked into a seemingly endless series of small rooms, plus staggering downtown vistas and a nifty gift shop to pair.
Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spa, 23 Jones St, West Village. +1 212 229 1070. jinsoon.com
New Museum, 235 Bowery, Lower East Side. +1 212 219 1222. newmuseum.org
Dinner
Luckily, the season of layers lends itself to the most decadent indulgences, so when sup o’clock strikes, hail a cab north to austere Tihany fine diner Per Se to sample some of autumn’s most coveted in-season spoils. The risotto is top notch, but what better way to blow your Benjies than showering it in white truffles?
And for a final nightcap, have your driver drop you at The McKittrick Hotel and make your way up to Gallow Green; a whimsical, ivy-tousled rooftop bar hosting cabin-inspired pop-up ‘The Lodge’ from October where you can sip on mulled wine and cider with the added comfort of plush, tartan-draped armchairs and cockle-warming fire pits. Prost!
Per Se, 10 Columbus Circle, 4/F, Columbus Circle. +1 212 823 9335. thomaskeller.com/perseny
http://thomaskeller.com/per-seGallow Green, 542 The McKittrick Hotel, W. 27th St, Chelsea. +1 212 564 1662. mckittrickhotel.com
For more ways to while away a day in New York…
