Autumn. Ah. One of the absolute best and most festive times of the year. Leaves falling as they turn colors. Oktoberfest worldwide (not just in Munich, although that IS the epicenter of it all and well worth attending at least once in a lifetime). Commencement of the school year for all kids ~ 4-18 and many more under 22. Horror film festivals and reruns on TV. Football season for many. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Most of the Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa season (very often forgotten is that Autumn/Fall technically runs until midnight, December 20)
And last —but definitely not least —the days tend to be perfect in the Northeast of the country. Evenings can hover around 55-60 and the days are comfortably around 70, give or take. The next two months are some of the best times to explore the outdoors and bring out your inner child. How anyone can’t feel grateful living around the New England states is beyond me. Natural beauty doesn’t get much better than what we see transform around here during the next 8 weeks.
Some of the most dazzling—and most strenuous—hikes can be made along the northern portion of the Appalachian Trail. New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont boast some of the most magnificent and most challenging hikes anywhere.
For those that are more adventurous and adept (as well as experienced), the same states as well as specific sites in closer states to New York City such as Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island all present picuresque views along with physical tests of rock climbing.
Public tennis courts are in abundance in and around New York City. Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island as well as Hoboken and Jersey City all can claim their share of available courts that offer up match time. Central Park even has clay courts in addition to the standard hard courts.
To get a scenic and pristine view of New York City, Brooklyn and Queens and the New Jersey coastline around Hoboken and Jersey City from a water vantage point, there are a few options. Hudson River has several locations that have kayaks for rent. Jetski’s and wave runners are plentiful and there are more than a few locations that can rent out sailing—although that can often be only for memberships or clubs.
Getting out on your bike and going for jogs is a simple, cost free option. Just going for a run around bordering neighborhoods can afford you a change of scenery and a fresh perspective. Bike rides that go a few extra miles can save anyone from the boredom and wrote rhythm of a cycling class. Even driving a few miles away from your home for a pickup game of basketball or soccer can inject new life and energy into the doldrums of the everyday patterns.
Now is the best time to see and experience fall foliage and take in perfect days. Try any of the aforementioned activities for a change of pace and a test of some of the skills you’ve acquired from your hard work training indoors.
And don’t worry about missing out on a few days at the gym, you’ll have December, January and February to get back to it. Winter never fails to show up every year.
