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Oh summer, how I will miss thee! I will miss long hazy days at the beach, swimming in the salty ocean, and soaking up the warm sun.
Although I mourn the end of summer, I also recognize that autumn is a beautiful season - with plenty of adventures to enjoy in the crisp weather. And after a summer of lounging by the pool and eating hamburgers, the fall season is a reminder I can enjoy somewhat healthier outdoor activities!
For those looking for fun autumn NYC events to help you eat healthier, boost your mental health, and get a bit more exercise - here are my personal “fall four” wellness activities!
Visit a Farmers Market
I did not grow up eating vegetables, and to this day, it is still a challenge to get excited about broccoli and spinach. I find that visiting a farmers market, with all the fresh produce, motivates me to create some delicious meals with a wide variety of colorful vegetables. NYC is bursting with farmers markets throughout the fall season. Some great farmers markets include NYBG Farmers Market in the Bronx, Heritage Farm Stand in Staten Island, and the Flushing Greenmarket in Queens. Find a farmers market in your neighborhood by visiting Grow NYC’s Farmers Market Directory.
"Fall into Fitness"
Apologies for the overused pun! But fall really is a perfect time to discover a new fitness routine. The cooler weather is a lot more inviting for an outside walk, jog, or any other activity that gets you moving. The City has many unique and free outdoor fitness offerings, including Bryant Park’s early morning boot camp sessions, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Waterfront Workouts, and Shape Up NYC’s outdoor fitness classes across the 5 boroughs.
Go on a Nature Walk
NYC is truly a wonderous place when our 5.2 million trees are shimmering with their fall colors of deep reds, bright yellows, and warm oranges. NYC has so many parks to enjoy the fall foliage. Make your way to Staten Island’s Goodhue Park for its scenic woodlands and ponds, or Inwood Hill Park where you can scan the colorful trees across the Hudson River. For further ideas for the perfect nature walk, check out the 18 Best Spots to Catch NYC’s Peak Fall Foliage.
Boost Your Mental Wellbeing
Colder days with fewer hours of sun can make me feel a bit down. To prepare for the darker winter months, I use the fall season to boost my mental health. All the activities I just mentioned have been proven to improve mental wellness – eating healthy foods, being physically active, and enjoying the outdoors. Meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi are other activities that have been beneficial for my mental wellbeing. If you want to give one a try, you may be interested in Free Meditations in the Park at Prospect Park, Yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park, and free introductory Tai Chi classes at City Hall Park.