Though the intensity, drama and rate of change of autumn leaf color varies from autumn to autumn, there is no doubt that the Northeast's transition from summer’s lush green foliage to winter’s skeletal remains is indulgence worthy. Like the Aurora Borealis, its occurrence is predictable, its timing not so much.
Short of taking a driving tour, a walk through Central Park may be your best way of appreciating it, and to kill several birds with one stone you could walk along The Mall with its allée of Elms --- one of the last stands of this magnificent species (because of the ravages elsewhere of Dutch Elm disease) --- from the cluster of sculptural writers at its south end to Bathesda Terrace at its north, then over the Bow Bridge into The Ramble, stopping when you leave it for refreshments at the Loeb Boathouse Restaurant and bar.
Other noteworthy nearby park sites are Cleopatra’s Needle and Strawberry Fields (which is also ‘forested’ and, where the path enters from Central Park West, stand several Katsura trees which, in their Autumn death throes, burst forth with the kitchen aromas of caramel and baked sugar. There, on every hand are Sugar Maple, Black Locust, Pin Oak, Black Oak, Hornbeam and London Plane, Juniper and Gingko, whose foliage can be found as 270 million year old fossils.
The Central Park Conservancy issues a Fall Guide proclaiming this dazzling spectacle which includes a map.
You should download the app describing it all, called 'Central Park'. Very useful.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
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After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
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"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
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The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
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"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
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"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
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"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
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"Star Polish Bakery" in New York makes the best Polish desserts and cakes, especially the makowiec. Here they make it exactly the way I like it...
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