101 things to do in New York City in the fall

1. Catch the changing leaves’ reflection in the Central Park Reservoir
Forget about schlepping out of the city to see the leaves lose their green; Central Park’s Reservoir has got you covered. Take a stroll around the 1.58-mile track that surrounds it, scoping runners as you take in the changing leaves and their mirror images. Plan ahead and grab fancy picnic items from Eli’s Vinegar Factory (431 E. 91st St at 1st Ave; 212-987-0885), then stroll west on 91st or hop on the M86. Looking for a closer option? Bagels beckon at Barney Greengrass. Mid-park, between 87th and 96th Sts (212-310-6600, centralparknyc.org)

2. Buy a French pumpkin from the Union Square Greenmarket
This heavily trafficked greenmarket is beautiful year round, but the fall colors—bright orange pumpkins, red and green apples, yellow and green squash and, of course, brown cider donuts—are truly resplendent. Here you’ll find yourself elbow-to-elbow with top chefs, browsing culinary pleasures from more than 140 different producers. Samples abound, so keep your eyes peeled for bite-size pieces of turkey burger, slices of apple and pear, cubes of cheese, and hunks of bread—all locally grown or made. Union Square between 16th and 17th Sts (212-788-7476, cenyc.org/greenmarket)

3. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation
The multitude of cartoon characters that waft down Broadway don’t just inflate themselves, you know. On Thanksgiving Eve, watch as volunteers from Macy’s and New Jersey’s Stevens Institute of Technology (where the balloons are designed and constructed) bring Kermit, Dora and the Energizer Bunny—and newcomers Shrek, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby—to life in time for the next day’s procession. Nov 25 4–8pm; Central Park West between 77th and 81st Sts (macys.com)

4. Visit the Cloisters
The Met’s medieval art and architecture outpost—set in a lovely park overlooking the Hudson River—looks most leafy and romantic in harvest season. A path winds through the peaceful grounds to a castle that seems to have survived the Middle Ages. (It was built a mere 70 years ago, using pieces of five medieval French cloisters.) Check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries, the 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel and the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin, all of which will have you singing Gregorians in no time. 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights (212-923-3700; metmuseum.org)

5. Watch the New York City Marathon
Winding through all five boroughs and finishing with a flourish in Central Park, the New York City Marathon is one of the most famous in the world—more than 100,000 participants will pound the pavement, led by world-class runners like Marilson Gomes dos Santos (last year’s champion) and Paul Tergat. Check the course map to see if it goes through your ‘hood, or head to Central Park in the morning for a great vantage point. We recommend posting up on Park Drive between 86th and 90th Streets, a bit north of where the bigger crowds tend to congregate. Of course, actually running the 26.2-mile race might be a more memorable experience, but if this is the first time the thought has crossed your mind, you’re probably better off waiting until next year. (If you're in shape, though, late registration is possible through select charities.) Nov 1. (212-860-2280, nycmarathon.org)

6. Go to a corn maze
Yes, there really is a three-acre corn maze in Queens. The Queens County Farm Museum also has a petting zoo—expect lots of squeals and screams—and a bakery. Word to the wise: the farm can be muddy, so leave your white Converse at home. Adults should try exploring the maze by flashlight—after the kiddies have gone to bed. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens (718-347-3276, queensfarm.org)

7. Get hot chocolate and giant square marshmallows from City Bakery
Pastry genius Maury Rubin’s loft-size City Bakery is jammed with Chelsea shoppers loading up on unusual salad-bar choices ($12/pound; grilled pineapple with ancho chili, bean sprouts with smoked tofu, creamy mac and cheese). There’s also a small selection of soups and pizza. But to heck with all that: The thick, incredibly rich hot chocolate with fat, house-made marshmallows is heaven in a cup, and the moist “melted” chocolate-chip cookies are better than a marked-down pair of Prada pumps. 3 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-366-1414, thecitybakery.com)

8. Jump on the food-trend bandwagon
We know you love burgers—and, hey, we do too—but this fall is all about fried chicken. Until Pies-n-Thighs reopens this November, you can grab some meat from Dirty Bird To-Go, then hop on the L at 8th Ave. Get off 1st Ave and tuck into a plate of fine bird at The Readhead. Purchase some elastic-waist pants at No Relation Vintage (204 1st Ave between 12th and 13th Sts; 212-228-5201; norelationvintage.com) before heading to Brooklyn; you’re gonna need them after chowing down at Egg and G-training it to Buttermilk Channel. Weaker stomachs may wish to spread this juicy jaunt over two days.

9. Go to Wogie’s and watch the Eagles pummel the Giants on November 1
Die-hard Eagles fan who can’t make it to Philly for this year’s matchup against the Giants? Find your brethren at Wogie’s Bar & Grill for well-appointed cheese-steaks, $3 Yuengling and four HD screens. Cheering and yelling-at-the-television abounds; expect to leave with a ringing in your ears.39 Greenwich Ave at Charles St (212-229-2171, wogies.com)

10. Eat your way through the Lower East Side
Line your stomach with a juicy apple or two from the Grand St/LES Greenmarket (Grand St. between Essex & Norfolk Sts. Sundays July-November, 8am to 4pm), before crossing the street for a Dulce de Leche donut and coffee from Doughnut Plant. Make a pit stop for Tums at Duane Reade (98 Delancey St at Ludlow St; 212-253-0270), before window-shopping the neighborhood’s best indie boutiques. When you think you’re about to drop, revive yourself at Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop. Dessert is mere steps away at Sugar Sweet Sunshine; if you want to work off some of your sandwich and then go sugar crazy, leave Economy Candy with a bagful of goods. By now you’re probably overwhelmed by your bounty and in dire need of a calorie-free activity, so get thee to the The Tenement Museum; after climbing up to a few of these walk-up apartments, you’ll be ready for Vanessa’s Dumpling House and a few briney bites from The Pickle Guys.

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