It’s finally fall! The season of boots, comfy sweaters, apple pies, and pumpkin spice lattes is officially here. While most believe all the hot love action occurs in the heat of summer, I think we need to give the fall season more credit. Just because the weather is getting cooler, doesn’t mean your romance has to as well. After all you do live in NYC, so if you’re bored, it’s your own fault.
There are plenty of amazing things to do with your guy in NYC this autumn that don’t cost a million dollars. So ditch the old Redbox movie watching routine and try one of these fun and cheap fall date ideas that you’ll both enjoy.
1. Central Park Picnic
So you’re craving some changing leaves action, but everywhere you turn there are buildings, streets, and no greenery. Head to Central Park, the only location in the city that doesn’t actually make you feel like you’re in a city. It is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon with your guy. To escape the mess of tourists on the weekend, enter the park on East 75th Street and visit the Alice in Wonderland statue. There are plenty of quiet places around this area of the park to have a romantic and private picnic.
2. Village Halloween Parade
Every NYU student has to go to the 6th Avenue parade at least once in their college career. This date idea is definitely not for those who want to bond over a candlelit dinner. This is more for those girls looking for an excuse to invite the cute guy on their floor to do something. Dress up with your friends and invite the guy you’re interested in to watch the lively parade. The parade starts at 6:30pm, but it’s a good idea to get there early if you want to be able to see.
3. Oktoberfest
For all you beer lovers and connoisseurs out there, welcome to hop heaven NYC style. If you and your man are 21, head to the Lower East side this October to sample all sorts of brews and sausages from around the world. What’s better than beer and sausage? Beer and sausage that’s cheap AND tastes amazing. With that being said, everything–from a bottle of beer to pig roast meals–isn’t too expensive…and if he’s a gentleman, he’ll at least offer to pay for some of your brews. Oktoberfest goes until Halloween, so head over this weekend!
4. Dutch Painting Exhibit in the Frick Collection
So you’re not really the beer and sausage type. Here’s a very different date idea. This is a must-see event for all art, history, and art history majors. Get your tickets soon at the Frick’s website to see a great collection of the best of Holland’s 17th-century paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring painting is included. NYU students can view the collection for $15 with a student I.D. On Sundays, you can see the collection for FREE (well, they recommend you “pay what you wish”). Grab coffee before and meander through the collection for a relaxing date on the weekend.
5. Coney Island Halloween Harvest
Come on, what’s not to love about Coney Island? This October, take your guy to Halloween Harvest at Coney Island to paint pumpkins, munch on your fave fall snacks, and even enter a pie eating contest. This is perfect for the couple who isn’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones and stuff their faces with funnel cake. While this may not be the most romantic spot in the world, you’ll have an absolute blast. Guaranteed.
6. Brooklyn Flea Market
If you’re a thrift shop kinda gal who happens to be dating a thrift shop kinda guy, head to the Brooklyn Flea Market in Fort Green (Saturday) and Williamsburg (Sunday) which features hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothing, collectibles, records, and antiques. Oh, and don’t forget about the amazing fresh food–it’s quite delicious.This event happens every weekend, but the cool weather in the fall makes managing the crowds a lot more bearable.
7. Pier 13 Pumpkin Patch
It’s no huge extravaganza, but if you’re looking to satisfy your pumpkin patch/apple orchard cravings, take your guy on a Saturday afternoon to Hoboken’s Pier 13. Try a pumpkin beer for $4 or fresh hot apple cider while walking along the Pier with the New York City skyline across the river. The Pier also hosts a wide range of restaurants including Luke’s Lobster and Hibachi Heaven, just in case you are in the mood for a bite to eat. Make the entire experience more romantic by taking a ferry or boat across the water from the city.
8. The National Sessions
And finally, the date idea for the pair who want to dress up and do a swanky “New York” style date. This is perfect for the duo who loves to bond over classic jazz, blues, and funk music. This fall, come listen to bands from all over New York City who will be performing at The National restaurant on 557 Lexington Avenue. Book a table for an evening of romance, saxophone music, and delectable food–so classy. Not exactly a$5 per person kind of date, so if you’re short on cash, grab dinner before and save all the money for wine.
Image Credit: Flickr, Facebook, Coney Island website
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