Autumn is considered to be one of the most popular seasons to travel to the the Big Apple . Because, here you can expect many hours of sunshine, little rain and generally a very mild climate. ALso especially beautiful at this time of year is Long Island, just outside the gates of the world metropolis. Here, the lush green of nature slowly turns into shining gold! The island, not far from New York, delights with beautiful nature, renowned beaches, picturesque coastal towns and multifaceted sights.

These insider tips will make your visit to Long Island unforgettable.

Idyllic autumn hike through Long Island's forests  

Especially in the autumn months, the hiking routes through Long Island's forests, whose trees slowly take on a red-golden color, are a true experience. Especially recommended is a hike through the "Caleb Smith State Park Preserve". The trail runs through a colourful stretch of forest and ends at the Nissequogue River, an idyllic spot ideal for a fortifying picnic. The park's main building houses a natural history museum, to which visitors have free access and which also offers exciting information and activities for the youngest visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Long Island In A Box (@locali_bred).

Explore unique plant worlds of the nature reserves

For nature lovers, visits to Long Island's beautiful botanical gardens and nature preserves are a must. At the Arboretum "Planting Fields"Visitors will find a colourful collection of plants, especially in autumn, but can also admire the formal gardens, a variety of different greenhouses and the Tudor-style manor house. It is worth taking part in one of the informative guided tours of the estate and its gardens and ending the trip with a drink in one of the cosy cafés.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Planting Fields Foundation (@plantingfields).

Visit the Tree Whisperer of Long Island

The rich and famous, whose estates are located in the Hamptons on Long Island, are very careful to design their gardens to match their opulent homes. To do so, they need old and exclusive trees, which they can buy from Long Island's only tree whisperer: Charlie Marder. He rescues old trees that are about to be cut down or moved and brings them to his Nursery. On his 80-acre property in Bridge Hampton, visitors will find the largest and most exotic trees available anywhere in the country. Meanwhile, his wife, Kathleen, travels the world, taking inspiration from flora in other countries or collecting treasures for the unique gift shop, located in a barn on the Marders' property.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Marders (@marderslandscaping).

Apple picking in Suffolk County

Real New Yorkers often combine a successful autumn weekend with a trip to Long Island and a visit to one of the farms in Suffolk County to pick apples, which are then processed into apple pie or cider. Especially suitable for this is the Lewin Farm in Calverton. There you can harvest not only apples in autumn, but also tomatoes, pumpkins and fresh pepper. The family farm, which is now run by the fourth generation, has also thought of its youngest visitors: there is a corn maze especially for families and children, which is great fun for little adventurers and makes the trip to Lewin Farm a highlight.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by lewinfarms (@lewinfarms).