The Perfect Fall Day in New York for Families

Fall officially begins next week, and I am already itching to enjoy the perfect fall day in New York with my family! What I love about fall is that there are tons of activities to enjoy in the cooler weather. We simply have to find a free weekend day and we can experience all that has to offer.

So, then next time you have a free day and the weather is nice, use this as a basic planning guide.

Put on Your Cutest Fall Attire

The time has finally arrived to pull out your favorite fall fashion – boots, shawls, and boho chic. On the perfect fall day, you want to be picture-perfect for all the insta-worthy locales you’ll visit.

Start Your Day at the Farmer’s Market

Pick up a pumpkin spice from your favorite coffee shop and head to a local farmer’s market. In addition to picking up fresh produce and flowers, you can also enjoy a delicious fall breakfast of warm apple cider donuts. Fall doesn’t feel like fall until I taste it.

Head Out to Higher Elevations

After you’ve spent time wandering the farmer’s market, head up to higher elevations outside the city. The view of the beautifully changing fall foliage is worth the view. But I like to cap off my fall drive with a visit to one of the nearby apple orchards. We get a bushel of apples and take tons of pictures.

Stop for Pumpkins on the Way Home

As we head home, I like to stop at one of the local farms for pumpkins. We get several for carving and decorating. In addition to the fun of hunting for pumpkins, many of the local farms have other activities for kids to enjoy, such as hayrides.

TIP –If you are itching to decorate your pumpkin, choose to paint it instead of carving it too early.

Spend Time in the Kitchen

Take a break at home to do some fall cooking. Take some of the apples you picked and turn them into tasty treats. I love this simple healthy (and delicious) recipe for cinnamon apple chips. All you have to do is slice the apples, coat them in cinnamon and sugar, and bake them. Another simple healthy fall snack to make is roasted pumpkin seeds.

Visit the Illuminated Pumpkin Display

One of the best ways to spend an evening with your family in fall in New York is to visit The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley. These enormous, illuminated pumpkin display 9with over 7,000 pumpkins) lights up from September to November.

Curl Up and Watch a Spooky Movie

Finish the evening by curling up together and watching a spooky (or not-so-spooky) Halloween movie on Disney Plus. Don’t forget that Hocus Pocus 2 premieres on September 30th! Now is also the perfect time to enjoy some of the treats you made in the afternoon.

What perfect fall day activities have I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Fall is Not Canceled. Here’s Some Fall Fun for Families.

Fall officially begins next week, but it feels a little weird. The coronavirus has made distinguishing between seasons a little more difficult. And, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed by the traditional fall activities the pandemic has canceled.

But, I’m trying to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. After spending time thinking about it, I realized that Fall is not canceled. Sure, there are some things that will be paused in 2020, but most of the things I love about fall are still happening. For instance, no one and nothing will get in the way of my fall fashion. Bring on all the cute boots and cozy cardigans!

So, fellow fall-loving moms, here’s some fall fun for families during the pandemic.

Decorate for Fall

Take time this weekend to pull out all your fall décor and get busy decorating. Let fall explode all over your mantle and front porch. This year, the more, the merrier!

Apples Galore

A great social distancing activity for families is apple picking. Apple orchards plenty of space for families to spread out and not get close to others. Not only is apple picking a fun traditional fall activity, but you reap the rewards of your hard work. Bring home your bushel of apples and make apple pies and caramel apples.

Go Outside

The reason why fall is a favorite season for so many people is because of the weather. It is not too hot or too cold, which makes it the best time of year to spend time outside. In addition to apple picking, take the family hiking for some social distancing fun. Take a road trip to see the leaves change color. Check to see if any nearby farms are offering social distanced corn mazes.

Drink It Up

Another reason we love fall is for all the seasonal beverages. Go ahead and drink your fill of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Oktoberfest fest, and apple ciders.

Cheer on Your Favorite Team

Yes, it is disappointing that you can’t go to a stadium and tailgate before your favorite team plays. But, you can still watch at home from the comfort of your living room! Wear your jersey, paint your face, and yell like you are there with them. (Don’t forget to make your favorite tailgate foods.)

Pumpkin Fun

Fall isn’t fall without pumpkins. Guess what? Pumpkins are still available even during a pandemic! Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out your favorites. Then, have a pumpkin carving party with your family.

Get Spooked

Halloween festivities are still up in the air, but even if your city cancels trick-or-treating, Halloween can’t be canceled! You just may have to celebrate it differently this year. You can still get dressed up in costumes, give your kids way too much candy, and watch scary movies on TV. Plus, many places are getting creative and offering social distanced activities like drive-thru haunted houses and drive-in movie showings of classic horror films.

15 Fall Date Ideas That’ll Make You Feel Young Again

As a married working mom, I know how difficult it is to find time to go on a date with your spouse. But it is incredibly important. According to Dr. Dianne Grande, “[Date night] is not really a luxury after all. Consider it a necessity for a happy and life-affirming relationship.” It. Is. A. Necessity!

But, again, I know how hard it can be. That’s why I have come up with 15 different types of dates for NYC couples this fall. They cover a variety of budgets (which is important if you need to pay a babysitter) and lengths of time. Some couples will have to squeeze in time while others may be able to pull off a whole weekend away. The point isn’t to compare. It is to find time to do something fun with someone you love – no matter how much money or how much time you have.

Plus, these dates will remind you of what it is like to be young. And who doesn’t want to feel young and newly in love again? Fall is the ideal time for dates that take you back to your youth. Take a look.

1. Go Apple Picking.

Head to an apple orchard and pick some apples together. You’ll enjoy just being in each other’s presence, and you’ll leave with a bushel of apples.

2. Spend Time at a Tailgate.

If your youth involved tailgating, make plans to tailgate with your spouse. If you can’t tailgate at your school or for your favorite team, then choose the next best thing and cheer on the home team.

3. Carve a Pumpkin.

Be a little creative and carve a pumpkin. This date night works even if you can’t find a babysitter. Wait until the kids are in bed, turn on some music, pour your favorite drink, and get busy – carving a pumpkin, that is.

4. Visit a Brewery or Winery.

To me, fall screams beer and cider. Head to a local brewery and get a flight. If beer isn’t your thing, then head to a nearby winery and do a tasting.

5. Start Christmas Shopping.

If you have kids, then you know how chaotic the holiday season is. Beat the rush by going to the toy store now and get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.

6. Volunteer Together.

If you want to give back, find a local organization that you’d like to support and volunteer on the weekend. This is a great way to bond with your spouse.

7. Make S’mores by a Bonfire.

Enjoy a backyard fire pit or bonfire. Buy special goodies to make creative s’mores to enjoy together.

8. Put on a Brave Face in a Haunted House.

Before October ends, head to a haunted house together. You will find yourself clinging to your man like you use to.

9. Pack a Picnic for the Park.

A lowkey picnic is a perfect fit for the couple that is always busy. It is a great way to slow down, but it is easy to plan.

10. Go Camping (or Rent a Cabin).

For those lucky parents who have grandparents willing to babysit overnight, go camping. If camping isn’t for you, then rent a cabin. Fall is the best time of year to be outdoors with the one you love.

11. Cuddle and Watch a Scary Movie.

Take advantage of all the free horror movie marathons happening around Halloween and watch one late at night with your spouse. It is the perfect excuse to cuddle up close on the couch after the kids go to bed.

12. Hike Together.

For active couples, the cooler weather makes it a wonderful time to go hiking together. You will both work to overcome challenges and grow closer in the process.

13. Spend Some Time in the Kitchen.

Take all the apples you got when you went apple picking and make candy apples together. Or, bake an apple pie. Or make apple crisp. Here’s a list of 65+ easy apple recipes.

14. Take an Autumn Road Trip in New York.

Book a babysitter for the day and take a road trip through New York to look at the beautiful changing leaves. Remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination.

15. Try Not to Freak Out on a Ghost Tour.

NYC couples have their pick of spooky ghost tours. To find the one that sounds best for you and your husband, check out Time Out’s The Best Ghost Tours NYC has to offer.

What is your favorite fall date? Tell me in the comments!

How to Take Perfect Fall Photos for Your Holiday Cards

It’s that time of year again – family photo season. Whether you love or hate getting your family’s photo taken, it has become a yearly tradition for many. Why? Because Autumn offers brilliant color palettes for photos. And also, because it is the right before you need to start addressing and sending all those photo Christmas cards.

At this point, fall family photography has become an art form. It can be overwhelming and stressful – especially for moms who tend to do all the planning when it comes to family photos. To make your lives easier, I am highlighting some of my favorite fall photo session tips for families.

Start with the location.

Before you do anything else – I mean anything – pick your location. Everything else for your photo session depends on where your picture will be taken. It will determine the type of photographer to hire, what to wear, etc. But don’t worry! The reason fall is so popular for family photos is that the season offers numerous optimal locations. For example:

• Pumpkin Patch – By far, one of the most popular options is to head to a pumpkin patch.

• Autumn Woods – If you are over the pumpkin patch, consider a wooded area where the autumn leaves are bursting with color.

• Orchards or Fields – Apple orchards and harvest fields also make great photo session locations.

Book a professional photographer.

Yes, I know you’ve gotten pretty good at taking pictures of your kids with your phone’s camera. But, if you want a photo that is going to appear on holiday cards and various walls in different homes, then you want to put the phone down and hire a professional. Plus, professional photographers know what they are doing when it comes to fall family photos! They know the best time of day to shoot and how to capture your kid’s personalities on camera.

Choose Mom’s outfit first.

In your family, who is typically the hardest to dress for a special occasion? I’m guessing it is you, Mom. Since you are the queen of the home and the one planning this whole thing, choose your outfit first. The more comfortable and beautiful you feel, the more relaxed you will be. And, once you have chosen your outfit, you can easily find outfits for everyone else.

Pick clothes for the rest of the family.

After Mom’s outfit has been selected, it is time to choose outfits for the whole family. You do want to coordinate, but there are some dos and don’ts.

• Avoid trendy pieces. I’m all about fashion trends, but I recognize that what looks great today might not look so stylish years down the road. Since family photos are meant to last, go with more timeless and classic looks.

• Do not go matchy-matchy. You want your family’s outfits to coordinate with one another – not to match. Matching colors and matching outfits are a thing of the past. Plus, it doesn’t look as good in photos as coordinated ensembles.

• Use subtle patterns only. You absolutely do not need to stick with just solids and avoid patterns. Embrace the patterns – just make sure they are subtle and not big or flashy.  

• Choose a color scheme. Decide on a color scheme before shopping. However, this does not mean you say everyone wears blue. Again, that is too matchy-matchy. Instead, select a palette of coordinating colors for different family members to wear.

Have picture ideas before the day of the shoot.

Finally, have ideas for some of the types of photos you’d like to take before the photoshoot. Spend time on Pinterest and send your photographer some examples of things you’d like to try at the shoot. Don’t try to remember the day of the shoot – trust me, you’ll forget.

Is Fall the Best Season of All? Here are Some of My Favorite Things About Fall

While fall does not officially begin until September 23, 2019, it sure feels like we all start embracing all things fall right after Labor Day. Now, you all know, I love summer. So, to make myself feel better about saying goodbye to summer, I’ve been thinking about all the reasons fall may be the best season of all.

Fall Fashion

Naturally, one of the main reasons I look forward to fall is for the fashion! Fall is the time of year when we put away our summer clothes and embrace darker colors, boots, and sweaters.

Fall Temperatures

I wish we had fall temperatures all year in New York City. Unfortunately, we don’t. So, when the temperatures drop below burning hot and have not reached freezing, it is the perfect time of the year temperature-wise.

Fall Beverages

When fall rolls around, we all become pumpkin-spice crazy. However, that is not the only fall beverage I look forward to each year. Fall also means being able to drink hot chocolate more often and enjoy ciders on weekend afternoons.

Fall Food

Likewise, there are some foods that are more enjoyable in the fall. For example, I don’t typically like to eat soups when it is hot outside, but I crave soups in the fall. Plus, fall means apples, pumpkins, and spices.

Fall Holidays

I also love fall because it is the start of the holiday marathon. October has Halloween and November has Thanksgiving (followed by Black Friday – a personal favorite). I find it is so nice to have a holiday to look forward to each month.

Fall Adventures

Since fall brings outstanding temperatures, it is the perfect time to get outdoors. Fall is the ideal hiking season. Plus, there are some outdoor adventures that can only take place in fall, such as apple picking and pumpkin patch visits. And, the kids get out of school for fall break. Be sure to take a look at these 9 Fall Break Ideas for NYC Families I put together to start planning!

Fall Colors

I love to take a weekend each fall to go on a family adventure to see the leaves changing colors. I love all the autumnal colors – and they make a great background for family photos!

Fall Décor

Everyone likes fall décor, but what makes it extra special is that you can use it for more than one month. For example, for Christmas, you get about one month. But, for fall, you can have oranges and yellows in your home from September through November.

Fall Television

Another reason to look forward to the fall is brand new television. It means new seasons of my favorite shows and brand-new shows to test out. Click here for the Premiere Dates and Schedule for Every New and Returning Show for Fall 2019.

What do you think? Is fall your favorite season? Are you crazy for pumpkin-spice or are you totally over it? Are you still mourning summer like me?

9 Fall Break Ideas for NYC Families

Fall in New York City is a special time of year. The weather starts to chill – and sometimes gets downright cold. It also starts the busy holiday season. Now that Halloween is over, the big rush towards the holidays begins.

During a season full of hustle and bustle, I like finding the time to take a nice break. That’s why I love fall break trips! Whether your family plans to travel over the long Thanksgiving break or you can only squeeze in a weekend trip, fall break trips are a must! You need that time to put away the work stuff and the holiday planning to enjoy some quality time with the ones you love.

I’ve come up with a list of 9 fall break ideas for busy NYC families that cover lots of different budgets. Even better, most only require a tank of gas!

The Catskills, New York

If you want beautiful scenery, head to The Catskills. You will find plenty of places to take Insta-worthy shots, and your kids will be able to use up some of their energy on one of your family hikes.

Portland, Maine

Kids love Portland for its ferry boats rides, and parents love Portland for the ambiance of the bay. You can visit the lighthouse, explore the children’s museum, and eat loads of lobster.

Washington, DC

Many families hesitate to take their little ones to DC, but they really shouldn’t. DC is great for kids! In addition to tons of free national monuments to view, there are also several free museums. Dc also has a great food scene, so mom and dad will be happy, too.

Poconos, Pennsylvania

If you are looking for relaxation, a visit to the Poconos may be just what you need. From beautiful mountain scenery to beautiful lake views, the Poconos offer a quiet escape from the city.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a fun city to visit. In addition to the mass amounts of history you can learn on a tour of the city, you will also love the culture. Bostonians are proud, and you can feel it in the air. Plus, Boston has a lot of fun things for kids to enjoy such as the duck tours.

Hudson Valley, New York

If you plan a trip to Hudson Valley in the near future, you are likely to surrounded by all the breathtaking colors of fall. You will be able to capture beautiful family photographs as you explore the area and wander through the quaint villages.

The Adirondacks, New York

Looking for an early winter escape? Look no further than the Adirondacks. This is the ideal skiing location for winter getaways. Even better – the Adirondacks are home to several breweries and wineries.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Do I even have to sell you on this one? This whole town celebrates chocolate! The big appeal for families is clearly the HersheyPark, and why not? It’s a theme park that is focused on candy. What’s not to love?

Enjoy a Staycation!

Sometimes the best kinds of breaks are the ones that don’t take us anyway. Those of us who call NYC home can easily enjoy a staycation and still manage to visit places we have never been. Explore new parts of the city that appeal to your whole family or spend your vacation visiting all your favorite spots. The point is to rest.

What plans does your family have for fall break? Let me know in the comments!

Things to Do in New York for Halloween with Your Family and Kids

Now that the Halloween season is upon us, I love to find family-friendly Halloween events in New York. This means I look for events that are not too spooky and are mostly geared at encouraging costumes, fun, and treats without too many tricks.

Part of the fun of having kids is that you get to celebrate Halloween all over again as an adult! My girls love any opportunity to dress up, and I love any excuse to celebrate festively. Honestly, there are so many fun, family-friendly Halloween events in New York that the hardest decision I have to make each year is deciding which ones to put on my family’s calendar.

Well, I have done my research and I am happy to share the Halloween events in New York my family is most looking forward to in 2018.

Boo at the Zoo

Photograph - Julie Larsen Maher

We absolutely love Boo at the Zoo held each weekend through October at the Bronx Zoo. The combination of zoo animals, Halloween decorations, trick-or-treat, and costumes make this event that cannot be missed by families! Add in a spooky hayride, pumpkin carving, and a costume parade and this event will have everyone in my family cheering “Happy Halloween!”

Annual Halloween Festival and Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest

Photograph: Jasmin Chang

Mark your calendars for October 27, 2018, for the super fun and silly Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest at the annual Halloween Festival at Fort Greene Park Conservatory. In addition to giggling at all the adorably costumed pups, your kids will have a blast since the festival also includes live music and other Halloween festivities.

Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla

Photograph: Filip Wolak

You know what is even better than a family-friendly Halloween event? A FREE family-friendly Halloween event! On October 28, 2018, from 4 PM – 7 PM, families can celebrate Halloween in Central Park (near the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center). In addition to the main event (the charming pumpkin flotilla), families can also listen to spooky stories, do some Halloween crafting, carve pumpkins, and march in a costume parade.

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze

Photograph: Jennifer Mitchell

Families must plan a trip to Hudson Valley, New York this fall season to experience The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze running select dates from September 28th – November 24th. A quick explanation – this is the Halloween version of going to look at exquisite Christmas light displays. The long explanation – see over 7000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins as well as seeing flying ghosts, Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman, and stargazing in the pumpkin planetarium. It will be the highlight of the fall season for your family.

The Village Halloween Parade

Photograph: Filip Wolak

An event that both kids and families will enjoy on Halloween night (beginning around 7 PM) is the Annual Village Halloween Parade through Greenwich Village. Costumed families can march in the parade or view it as spectators. Want to look your best? 2018’s theme is I AM a Robot! Expect to see elaborate costumes and have some delightfully spooky fun with the family!

Which family-friendly Halloween events in New York are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!