Autumn in New York
“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run…” – John Keats, To Autumn
I NEED the four seasons. Not the hotel (well its pretty sweet too), but I’m talking a bone-chilling, merciless winter, with a gradual turn into a sunny, welcoming spring, followed by a scorching, sizzlin’ summah, and finally, my personal favorite, crisp and vibrantly colorful fall. Why don’t people call it autumn anymore? It rolls off the tongue gently and will not be confused with face planting on a street or a collapse of some sort. So, having lived in some seriously chilly climates like MOSCOW, BOSTON, and I’ll throw NYC in the mix even though the cold here isn’t that appalling or unbearable, I’ve always wondered what it was like to grow up in La La land or Meeyamii, where a “significant” drop in temperature merely means ordering a hot latte and pulling out a leather jacket/pants from your winter closet. As curious as I am what that is like, especially on a -25 degree weather in Moscow when I am draped in all things fur (still freezing) and the car won’t start, I still wouldn’t trade the four seasons for anything. Besides, how can I properly appreciate the arrival of SUMMAH, or even spring, without first cursing everyone and everything during the seemingly never-ending winter torture? I simply would not be able to. But the best season, in my personal opinion, is autumn. Why? Because my birthday is in September . And so is Duke’s. OK, here are some reasons why autumn (in New York) is lovely:
1. The East/West village cafes that roll out the heating lamps, so that if you dress warmly you can still enjoy your meal outside and people watch
2. Fall foliage, and how after it rains, all the beautiful leaves stick to the the street and cover the townhouse stoops in Chelsea, like a mosaic
3. Two words: Central Park (bonus: walking through the park with someone you love)
4. Fashion Week, US Open, NY Marathon, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Columbus Day (parades)
5. The random, unexpected warm days in November
6. Searching for new FUR purchases (Brooklyn has some goodies), as well as gloves, hats, boots, ear muffs, what have you
7. Hate to admit this, but the abundance of dogs dressed up in sweaters, jackets, capes is too cute
8. Discovering new coffee shops and getting acquainted with their soup selection
9. Stone Street Oyster Festival, San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy, Brooklyn Flea Market in Fort Greene, Hester Flea Market in LES
10. Going to Red Hook, Brooklyn for a little Ikea trip and the best key lime pie treat from Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies. If you’re feeling patriotic, check out the gorgeous, full frontal view of Statue of Liberty
Bottom line: If you don’t already live here but plan are planning a trip, come visit in the fall. -LM
