Autumn in New York: colors, sunshine, fewer crowds -- time to relish the city's fall splendor

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

An old-fashioned carriage ride around New York's Central Park is a wonderful treat in any season. An autumn visit is the best time, though, with the start of fall colors, fewer crowds and more calm.

WE VISIT New York each autumn, and are excited to be able to continue this tradition as fall colors blanket a favorite city. This favorite city is always busy, fun and noisy, so don't expect an autumn visit to bring about miraculous quiet. You won't be strolling empty avenues and there are still plenty of traffic, dog walkers and street vendors. But the crush of summer crowds is over, nature's colors are spectacular, and temperatures are crisp, sunny, glorious.

New York's Bow Bridge in Central Park is beginning to reveal glorious fall color.

We recommend Central Park as first choice if you have only time for one outing. It offers prime spots to view changing colors -- like the Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, But we also visit the spectacular High Line, and take a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Fall colors are spectacular if you want to stroll the High Line, New York's novel repurposing of derelict raised railroad tracks.

To experience the best of New York's autumn foliage, the High Line can't be beat. It is famous for its variety of natural foliage -- plants native to the area -- and hundreds of vibrant asters are abloom now and into mid-November.

Other places in the city to catch fall's splendor are:

The boat trip to the Statue of Liberty offers a pretty view of fall colors along the shore, then a view of the imposing Statue of Liberty, here enjoyed by Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers.

Prospect Park for its magical atmosphere. Other top spots in the area include the "Top of the Rock" which gives a splendid overview of all the city's color, New York Botanical Garden which puts on a fine fall foliage display, Wave Hill in the Bronx, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. For a mix of nature and city views, try Brooklyn Bridge Park and Little Island.  We recommend cityPASS for exploring this and many other fabulous cities at great savings.

To book or check out cityPASS @citypass

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