In my opinion, fall is New York City‘s summer. I remember anticipating my first summer in the city. I imagined barbecues outside every day with friends and day and weekend trips to the beach. However, once summer rolled around, I found reality to be much different from what I had imagined. The sweltering heat and humidity kept us all indoors. Instead of the beach or barbecues, I opted for the movies and museums.

Weekends were so highly valued, everyone planned trips according to their own schedules. Free music shows and festivals are highlights of the summer in the city, but none of my friends (including myself) seemed to arrange a weekend where we were all in the city together. Summer had always been my favorite season, and for the first time, it had me feeling lost.

Then fall rolled around! Suddenly, the temperature dropped several degrees. It felt like the temperature drop was the reason restaurants had outdoor patios and beer gardens. People returned from vacation homes in the Hamptons and filled the city streets. Now, weekends are full of options because all of my friends are home. The thought of going to the movies or a museum seems like such a waste of the beautiful outdoor weather.

The city is much more fun when you can stroll down the street wearing layers of fall fashion! Summer sandals leave your feet covered in city grime. Boots, scarves, sweaters, gloves — all simultaneously serve two purposes: making you look good and protecting you from the concrete jungle.

So, Happy fall to everyone. Make this the month you visit New York City!

– Courtney Centeno, account executive