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Weekly Snapshot
When I think of autumn, I think of apple and pumpkin picking, navigating through corn mazes, and visiting local farms for fresh ingredients for fall dinner parties and get-togethers. This week I'm highlighting some local farms and orchards that I've visited... all within 2 hours of Manhattan. Read my Special Feature for highlighted farms & orchards.
Norma Knows New York City
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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General Events... 
October 18 to 27 Cider Week
With apple picking season upon us, it's only fitting that Cider week is here. The event kicks off with a night market in Union Square and "The Intoxicating Apple" event at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn. Regionally produced wines from New York state will be featured.
This year at NYBG's Haunted Pumpkin Garden, watch master carver Ray Villafane (of the Food Network) transform giant pumpkins into amazing creatures.
Through October 20 Spa Week
$50 spa treatments at select spas throughout the city. Make your appointments now. Favorites include Exhale in Midtown and Joanna Vargas Salon, Skin Care Sanctuary.
Through October 20 Architecture & Design Film Festival
There are so many film festivals, how do you choose? Well, this is the first one geared toward architecture and design. Grab tickets for feature length films, documentaries, and shorts... make sure to get in on the discussions with filmmakers, architects and designers. Are you intrigued? Check out the website for the calendar of showings.
14th annual self-guided tour offering a glimpse into some of the most amazing spaces in Tribeca. Proceeds benefit Duane Park, the city's second oldest park.
Third annual month-long festival of architecture and design. The activities, programs, and exhibition are so vast that I can't pick my favorites. Peruse their calendar and select those of interest. BUZZ...
Rent the Runway!
The famous e-commerce site recently debuted its first ever showrooms in SoHo and at Henri Bendel. Ladies, you'll have priority access to 175 designers! Brands will be categorized by black tie, cocktail party attire, and clothing will even be organized for date night! Make your appointment.
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Cultural Pursuits...
October 19 to 25
 October 22 Masterpieces of Dutch Painting from the Mauritshuis The final American stop of the global tour of paintings from the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis (The Hague, the Netherlands). While the prestigious Dutch museum undergoes a 2-year renovation, it is lending masterpieces that haven't traveled in 30 years. A selection of 15 paintings on display at the Frick Collection will include the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring. October 25 The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the CatwalkJean Paul Gaultier opens his only East coast exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. Gaultier's exquisite and detailed garments are inspired by beauty and diversity of global cultures. Afterward, stop at Saul for a bite to eat... newly re-opened casual dining spot at the museum.
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Curtain Up...
Each fall, this 5 day marathon performs throughout the city. Discover new musicians (1,300 to be exact) in over 80 of our city's venues, nightclubs and theaters.
Through October 26 Judy Collins
Judy returns to Café Carlyle. There are still seats for her sought-after performances.
 Through October 27 San Francisco Ballet
At the David Koch Theater. Having seen this ballet ensemble, I can assure you that you will enjoy the performances by the oldest professional ballet company.
Every October, the Americans for the Arts celebrates our cultural riches through the National Arts. This year's honorees include B.B. King and Dakota Fanning. The event takes place at Ciprani (110 East 42nd Street). Complimentary events at Lincoln Center throughout the month to lighten your soul... abstract musical events that illuminate our lives. FEATURED THEATER October 18 After Midnight In previews starting October 18th. Not only does this show star Fantasia Barrino ( American Idol 3rd Season winner), but Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars bring the spectacular shows and music of Harlem nightclubs to the stage. October 20 A Time To Kill For all John Grisham fans, his debut novel, A Time to Kill, opens on Broadway. This celebrated courtroom drama is the first in his collection of legal dramas to be adapted for the Broadway stage. 
October 22 Commons of Pensacola
An amazing production staring Blythe Danner and Sarah Jessica Parker, two of my favorite actresses. As added feature, it is the play writing debut of Amanda Peet. An incisive and funny play about trying to love your family even when you don't approve of what they've done. Previews begin on the 22nd. October 24 MacbethPreviews begin October 24th; a new staging of a classic piece, starring Ethan Hawke.  October 27 Betrayal Now in previews, but opens October 27th. Starring... Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, surely a hot ticket with this famous Hollywood couple! Will be open for 14 weeks only.
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For the Foodie...
Through October 20 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
Eat. Drink. End Hunger. Now in its 6th year, the festival brings together culinary icons and celebrity chefs (Look for names like Rachael Ray, David Bouley, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Mario Batali). Check out the event calendar for tickets...
The month-long market ends on the 25th, so check out the 28 vendors. My picks include Momofuku Milk Bar, Roberta's, and SD26. October 19 & 20 Oyster Bay Oyster Festival
Of course oysters in Oyster Bay! It is the east coast's largest waterfront festival... more than 200,000 visitors flock to the waterfront. Just over an hour from the city. October 20 City Wine Tour - SoHo
Wine Country in the City! A perfect fall event, with a stop at City Winery. Weekend tours are offered in both SoHo and the West Village. Guests enjoy handpicked wine selections. I recently went on the SoHo tour and was delighted that they included a favorite spot of mine, the Latin-inspired Comodo restaurant. October 22 Bid Against Hunger 19th annual tasting event at the Metropolitan Pavilion, benefiting City Harvest. A walk-around restaurant tasting and auction, and an opportunity to see top chefs in action, featuring 70 of the city's best restaurants. October 23 - 27 Annual NYC Food Film Festival Watch a food film, then eat the food in the film! Gives new meaning to "dinner and a movie."  RESTAURANT RE-OPENING: Le Bilboquet The Upper East Side French restaurant has had a reincarnation... new menus and a beautiful new space. I'm glad that they are still offering their delicious Cajun Chicken. A large white oak bar grabs your attention as you enter.
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Special Feature... 
Farms & Orchards Warwick, NY The orchards are vast and the variety of apples seem endless. Poughquag, NY Hop on a hayride, explore the corn maze, visit the haunted house, or grab a bag and pick some apples and/or pumpkins. Pocantico Hills, NY Country dining with city sophistication. A rural escape, just 45 minutes outside of the city. A place to connect the farm and the table on the exquisite grounds of the old Rockefeller Estate. Be sure to make reservations at the restaurant in advance up to 2 months prior. Sister property of the renowned Blue Hill in Greenwich Village. Briermere FarmsRiverhead, NY (North Fork) Local foods, freshly made pies... the blueberry cream pie is exceptional!  Harbes Farm and VineyardMattituck, NY (North Fork)
A country destination for both farm fun and a wine tasting experience. Not only can you spend the day searching for that special pumpkin, but you can take home seasonal fruits and vegetables from their open air farmers market and partake in a wine tasting in the Tasting Barn.
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