Like always, Labor Day weekend has come and gone, announcing the end of summer time fun. But just because autumn has begun, doesn’t mean the party’s over. As the long and lazy days of summer slowly wind down, some of the best months in the Hamptons are upon us.
Whether it’s going apple picking with the youngsters, carving that perfect pumpkin with your best friend, getting lost in a corn maze ten times over or simply relaxing at some of the best wineries on the East End, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, while the leaves begin to drop and that familiar fall breeze returns, reminding us why autumn is so beautiful, here are the top ten things to do this fall season.
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What better way to appreciate this beautiful island we call home than to go camping? (Photo: Elsie Boskamp) |
1. Find Your Favorite Farmstand: The Hamptons is famous for their food, and what better place to shop than your local farmstand? Tucked away in secret corners across the East End, you’ll find some of the best locally-grown produce around. So whether it be a stop at The Green Thumb (829 Montauk Highway, Water Mill), North Sea Farms (1060 Noyac Road, Southampton), Round Swamp Farms (184 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton) or the best pop-up stand in your neighborhood (like the one on Library Avenue in Westhampton Beach), be sure to check them out and find your favorites! Even better, while you’re there pick up fall favorites like butternut squash, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower.
2. Embrace Your Inner Nature: What better way to appreciate this beautiful island we call home than to go camping? Fall weather is perfect for cuddling up next to a cozy bonfire and roasting marshmallows under the stars. During the day enjoy fun at the playground and friendly fishing competitions with family and friends. Pack up the camper, or the tent, and head over to Indian Island County Park (County Road 105, Riverhead) or escape to the ocean-front Hither Hills State Park (164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk).
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One of the best things about picking 20 pounds of apples is going home and baking apple pie for the next week. (Photo: Elsie Boskamp) |
3. Go Apple Picking: Nothing says autumn like packing up the car and heading to an apple orchard. And, of course, one of the best things about picking 20 pounds of apples is going home and baking apple pies for the next week. This year, visit the Milk Pail (located at 50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill) or Seven Ponds Orchard (65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill) to satisfy all your apple-picking needs. While you’re there, don’t forget to taste their homemade goodies and fresh apple cider too!
4. Explore The East End: Dust off the cobwebs on your bike and dig up that old map that’s lying around the house and put it to good use. If biking isn’t your forte, grab a friend and go on a hike. Pack a picnic and set out towards Shelter Island or Camp Hero State Park (50 South Fairview Avenue, Montauk) or go exploring around your own village.
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Since farms, animals and fall go hand in hand, why not take the family to a petting zoo? (Photo: Facebook/LongIslandGameFarm) |
5. Brave A Spooky Walk: The month of October is famous for its freaky frights and startling, spooky walks. If you love Halloween, and don’t mind a good scare, then this is definitely a must do. For a traditional spooky walk complete with ghouls and goblins, try the Quogue Wild Life Refuge (3 Old Country Road, Quogue), which also has an Enchanted Forest Trail for the kids. If you’re looking for more of a fright, check out one of the Island’s longest spooky walks at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck (2 Chet Swezey Road, Center Moriches).
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Pumpkin carving is always a fall favorite. (Photo: Nicole Barylski) |
6. Carve A Pumpkin: Pumpkin carving is always a fall favorite. There’s something about being elbow deep in pumpkin goo that we all love – and that glowing jack-o-lantern makes it all worthwhile. Find that perfect pumpkin at Hank’s Pumpkintown (240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill) or Andrew’s Family Farm and Greenhouses (1038 Sound Avenue, Wading River). Make sure you share your carved masterpieces with Hamptons.com on social media where they’re done!
7. Tour The Wineries: With dozens of the nation’s best vineyards located on Long Island, there’s no better place to indulge then on the East End. From the many North Fork options like Kontokosta Winery (825 North Road, Greenport ) and Bedell Cellars (36225 Main Road, Cutchogue ) to Lieb Cellars’ Hamptons store (26 Park Place, East Hampton) and Channing Daughters Winery (located at 1927 Scuttlehole Road, Bridgehampton) on the South Fork, you’ll sip, savor and smile all season long.
8. Navigate A Corn Maze: Take the time to get lost in a corn maze this season. After enjoying a fun fall hayride, take your family and friends in hand and dare to navigate the maze. Check out Harbes Farm and Orchard (698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead) for one of the best in corn mazes as well as a variety of family fun.
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With dozens of the nation’s best vineyards, there’s no better place to indulge then on the East End. (Photo: Facebook/LiebCellars) |
9. Play At A Petting Zoo: Since farms, animals and fall go hand in hand, why not take the family to a petting zoo? Long Island Game Farm (489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville) is perfect for adoring and feeding baby animals and, even better, they have fall festivities throughout the season.
10. Be Thankful: With Thanksgiving around the corner, fall can be considered the season of appreciation. So, pay it forward to all the people who love you most. Stroll the town with your friends, eat candy apples and kettle corn with your family, and treat your co-workers to pumpkin spice lattes, all the popular fall favorites.
