The Official Astoria Fall Bucket List

With Halloween next week and Thanksgiving a month away, we are fully in fall. That means there’s only a month or two left to fully enjoy what everyone’s favorite season has to offer. So grab your blanket scarf, reusable mug full of apple cider, and prepare to cozy UP! Here is our ultimate fall bucket list for Astoria⁠:

Sip on Local Versions of the PSL

Support your neighborhood coffee shop instead of the big chains by getting their version of the iconic PSL instead! Stellar Brews has a Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Latte, The Queens Room has a PSL as well as fall specials like Ginger Honey Matcha, Hazelnut Pumpkin Chai, and a Maple Cinnamon Latte, and OK Cafe offers Spiced Apple Cider, a Maple Almond Latte, and Spiced Chai Soda.

Pick Pumpkins at Queens County Farm

Though not IN Astoria, Queens County Farm is only a quick car ride (or long train/bus ride) away. It’s great if you want more of the “rural” fall experience, but still in the city. There’s a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and farm animals that can be pet and fed. There are also stands with Hudson Valley apples, donuts, fresh cider and apple pie.

Attend a Halloween Party or Costume Contest

Did you see our EPIC roundup? And it’s being updated nearly every day with new events!

Rake Leaves at Astoria Park

Give back and get in the fall spirit! Is it weird that raking leaves and jumping in the piles is something I kind of miss from living in the ‘burbs? Okay, so you can’t jump in them here (that would defeat the purpose!). BUT you can team up with fellow community volunteers to rake and collect leaves that will be made into compost for city-wide trees. Taking place: November 9, November 16 and November 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., meeting behind Astoria Park Field House (20-59 Astoria Park S NY, 11102). Wear closed-toed shoes, all else will be provided!

Cozy Up with Mulled or Spiked Cider

Nothing says fall quite like a warm and comforting hot beverage—that makes you feel extra warm and cozy with a splash of bourbon or rum. Here are some local restaurants that have spiked fall beverages on their seasonal menus: The Bonnie, Sweet Afton, Mosaic (cold craft cocktail with cider), Mom’s Kitchen and Bar, and The Sparrow Tavern. Let us know if you see any others!

Grab a Fall Read from the Local Bookstore

Head over to Astoria Bookshop or Book Culture LIC for your new favorite fall read. Some hot new releases include: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, Grand Union by Zadie Smith, Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow, and Year of the Monkey by Patti Smith. Or, if money’s tight, don’t forget about the local library! Here are the Queens locations, and the brand new Hunters Point location is supposed to be gorgeous if you want to settle there for a day.

So, what are your favorite local activities in the fall?