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Norma's Weekly Snapshot
For me, Autumn is synonymous with a day spent outdoors apple and pumpkin picking, navigating through corn mazes, and visiting local farms for fresh ingredients for fall dinner parties. This week's Special Feature includes the best farms and orchards that I've visited... all within 2 hours of Manhattan.

Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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General Events...
Take a tour of a NYC neighborhood led by one of the best! Also available is a Cupcake Tour... what could be sweeter?
Board at Pier 11 - (Hudson River & Wall Street)
Switch from summer to fall in the most comfortable way... on the sea. Stops in both Cold Spring and Newburgh. Cruises through November 16th.
Lincoln Center (64th Street & Columbus Avenue)
250 craft displays from all over the country at Lincoln Center. Plenty of entertainment and craft demonstrations. Also October 11 & 12.
October 5 Women's Wellness Day
(425 East 61st Street, 9th Floor)
Weill Cornell Imaging at New York-Presbyterian and The Weill Cornell Community Clinic present a day to empower women to make their own health a priority. Learn about preventative care, nutrition, and general wellness. Call 646-962-5825 for more information.
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Warwick Applefest
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October 5 SUBMERGE! NYC Marine Science Festival
Pier 26 - (Hudson River & North Moore Street) A day devoted to bringing awareness to NYC's coastal waterways, focusing on ocean science while raising awareness of how people influence our local waterways.
October 5 Warwick Applefest
Warwick, NY
A festival that's fun for all ages... I plan to go to see the craft vendors, taste the food, and listen to the live entertainment.
Through October 5 Oktoberfest
Visit last week's Special Feature for last minute suggestions to celebrate.
October 9 to 11 Dwell on Design
82MERCER (82 Mercer Street)
Spend a day learning about the future of design by esteemed designers and architects. Over 20 installations and onstage discussions.
Fridays through October 17 BFX Fridays
BFX Studio (555 6th Avenue) Take a complimentary fitness class at 6:45pm on Fridays at the new chic BFX Studio in celebration of their grand opening.
(199 Lafayette Street)
Warner Brothers has brought the pop-up replica of the famous Friends coffee shop to NYC in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the adored series. Get there early, the lines have been around the corner!
Through October 31 Archtober
Various Locations
4th annual month-long festival of architecture and design. The activities, programs, and exhibitions are so vast that I can't pick my favorites. Peruse their calendar and select those of interest.ON THE RADAR:
I look forward to this event each year; gain access to over 200 of the city's coolest and most exclusive architectural sites and landmarks. It's a special opportunity to view many of the hidden gems in the city.
October 14 92Y Annual Street Festival
(Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street)
Live performances, arts and crafts, learning opportunities, and discounts on events and classes.
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Inside Tribeca Loft Tour
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October 19 Inside Tribeca Loft Tour Duane Park (at Hudson & Duane Streets) The tour returns in its 15th year. I never miss this event... tour the homes of many Tribeca residents as you view some of the city's most amazing architecture and interior design. Proceeds support the Friends of Duane Park. October 20 through 26 Spa Week Various Locations $50 spa treatments at select spas throughout the city. I will highlight my favorites as the week approaches. 
October 20 through 26 Madison Avenue Fashion Heritage Week Proceeds benefit the Museum of FIT. This event will feature curated exhibition windows of many of Madison Avenue's boutiques from 57th to 86th street.
November 8 & 9 Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weekend
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) Join celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Eva Longoria in a two-day course on living "fun and fearlessly" at Cosmopolitan Magazine's first ever live conference. Speakers, panels, and lots of networking opportunities!
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Cultural Pursuits... 
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
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Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life
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BARD GRADUATE CENTER GALLERY (18 West 86th Street) Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life Through January 11 A trendy gallery that explores new ways of thinking about decorative arts and design. The exhibit visualizes 19th century New York through prints and photographs.BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn) Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe
Through February 15 Killer Heels explores the fashion world's most coveted accessory. I especially liked the shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, and Ferragamo. Be sure to watch some of the six short films as you tour the exhibit.BRYCE WOLKOWITZ GALLERY (505 West 24th Street) José ParláThrough October 18 Brooklyn artist Jose Parla's second solo exhibition of large scale murals and sculptures depicts the artists' life experiences through abstract storytelling.DTR MODERN GALLERY (458 West Broadway)  | |
Unframed - Ellis Island
| Contemporary and pop art consistently on display.
ELLIS ISLAND Unframed - Ellis IslandOngoing This first time ever south side exhibit is by the French artist, JR. The artist's exhibit will have life size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants that will be displayed on 16 or more selected interior walls on the south side of Ellis Island, where the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital once was.THE FORBES GALLERIES (62 5th Avenue) Through November 1 Titian Meets West Side Story: The Work of Edward MelcarthAlthough Abstract Expressionism was the style of choice throughout the 1950's, except for his early career, Melcarth worked as a figurative painter until the end of his life. Melcarth found inspiration in Venice and you can see some of his works on display. THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5 Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late eighteenth century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
Through October 26 While at The Frick,visit this exhibit in celebration of El Greco's 400th anniversary. Two rarely before seen portraits pay tribute to the famed Spanish artist.
 | Helen Frankenthaler Composing with Color |
GAGOSIAN GALLERY (900 Madison Avenue) Helen Frankenthaler Composing with Color: Paintings 1962-1963Through October 18 The exhibition focuses on the short period that Helen used color rather than line.
THE GALLERY AT HERMES (691 Madison Avenue) Sharon HarperThrough November 11 Stopping in at Hermes is a treat unto itself, and then visiting their gallery is a lovely addition to this glamorous store. Harper's experimental photographs force us to look afresh at our environment.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue)
ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-60s October 10 through January 7 First large scale historical survey in the U.S. dedicated to the German artistic group Zero. MARTIN LAWRENCE GALLERIES (457 West Broadway)  | |
Philippe Bertho
| Philippe BerthoOctober 9 Visit the gallery in SoHo and spend an evening with pop illusionist, Phillipe Bertho. THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) The Untamed Landscape: Theodore Rousseau and the Path to Barbizon Through January 18
70 works of Theodore Rousseau's approach to open-air oil sketches. THE MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Seventh Avenue at 27th Street) Dance & Fashion Through January 3 It's fitting that some of the new museum exhibits this month are on the heels of Fashion Week. Dance & Fashion features 100 dance costumes and dance-inspired fashion ranging from 19th century to the present... an inaugural showing of most of the collections.
THE MUSEUM OF ART AND DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
NYC MakersThrough October 12 While at MAD, visit this sweeping cross section of productions invented by artists living in NYC.
 | | Mac Conner: A New York Life |
THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue) Mac Conner: A New York Life Through January 19 New York's saga of the original Mad Men! Hand-painted illustrations for advertising campaigns and women's magazines during the years after World War II. THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) Conceptions of Space Through October 19 Twenty projects by contemporary artists. The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec Through March 22
Prints and posters by this renowned artist will be on display at MoMA. NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)  | | Egon Schiele: Portraits |
Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans
Through October 19 Madeline in New York is open with more than 90 original artworks from creator Ludwig Bemelmans honoring the 75th anniversary of this beloved school girl. An exhibit for all ages! Bemelmans Bar, one of my favorite bars in the city, was named in honor of Madeline's amazing illustrator. NEUE GALLERIE (1048 5th Avenue) Egon Schiele: PortraitsOctober 9 through January 19 One of the 20th century's most important artists, the exhibit showcases portraitures by the masterful Austrian artist, Egon Schiele.
PACE GALLERY (32 East 57th Street) Saul Steinberg Through October 18 The 100th anniversary of artist Saul Steinberg is on exhibit this month. ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Patricia Heal: Finding PeabrookThrough October 26 A photographic exhibition, featuring visuals of her enchanted home in upstate New York.
 | | Jeff Koons: A Retrospective |
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Times Square, 1984Through January The exhibit captures the decisive moment and transformation of the urban renewal of Times Square... now known as the crossroads of the world. Through January 18th. THE WHITNEY MUSEUM (945 Madison Avenue)
Through October 19
The most controversial artist of the post war period. This is his first major museum presentation in NYC.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder CollectionOctober 20 through February 16 Experience the most important exhibition of the essential Cubists such as Pablo Picasso in more than 30 years. | |
Wall Street Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show
| MUSEUM OF AMERICAN FINANCE (48 Wall Street) Wall Street Coin, Currency and Collectibles ShowOctober 23 through 25 Dealers will trade, sell and tell stories about their coins, stock certificates, paper money, medals, autographs and financial memorabilia. Museum is offering complimentary admission during the three days of this exhibit. THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) Henri Matisse: The Cut-OutsOctober 12 through February 8 Opening for the first time in twenty years, the exhibit includes painted sheets cut into various shapes and sizes, thus creating lively compositions of contrasting colors. I especially look forward to seeing his largest cutout, "swimming pool," a 54-foot long frieze.
ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Victoria Goldman: Mythicos Divinare November 5 through December 14 Victoria Goldman's twenty-year-long fascination with Tarot has created a series of photographs based on the imagery and the mythology behind the ancient Tarot cards.
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T
Curtain Up...
FILM: 
Various Locations The 52nd annual festival always features the premieres of many of the best films. I'm looking forward to seeing Seymour: An Introduction and Misunderstood.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
October 3 Steve Nieve Plays Elvis Costello
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Steve Nieve has been playing keyboards for Elvis Costello for more than thirty years; he will play great music, including some unexpected Costello songs.
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Rita Wilson
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October 4 Conal Fowkes
Chez Josephine (414 West 42nd Street)
Grammy award pianist and vocalist, Conal Fowkes will perform at Chez Josephine. A member of Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band and an integral part of the soundtrack for Midnight in Paris. Also October 18th. Through October 4 Rita WilsonCafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street) I enjoy her roles in movies such as Sleepless in Seattle and look forward to hearing her sing at one of my favorite cabaret venues in the city.
Through October 6 All Balanchine
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) You'll be mesmerized watching one of the world's greatest choreographers in this New York City Ballet production. October 7 to 11 Betty Buckley The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Betty Buckley, "the voice of Broadway," will celebrate her new "Ghostlight" recording.
October 7 White Light Festival
Various Locations in Lincoln Center Complimentary events throughout the month to lighten your soul... abstract musical events that illuminate our lives. Through November 11th.
October 7 Jazz Nights
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) New and emerging jazz performers every week in their Mezzanine Bar.
 | | Pacific Northwest Ballet |
October 8 through 12 Pacific Northwest Ballet The Joyce Theater (175 8th Avenue) Artistic creativity and excellence at its finest!
October 8 through 19 Fall for Dance Festival New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
11th annual Festival will feature 20 acclaimed dance companies and artists from around the world.
October 9 Craig Pomeranz
Cafe Noctambulo at Pangea (178 Second Avenue) A remarkable cabaret singer, his performances are stirring, transporting and memorable, and I can't wait to hear him again. This promises to be a great evening.
Through October 18 MacBeth
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza) Verdi's opera Macbeth, his first Shakespearean adaptation, appears at the MET.
ONGOING PERFORMANCES:
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The Marriage of Figaro
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BAM 2014 Next Wave Festival
Through December 20 Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Avenue - Brooklyn)
Avant-garde music, theater, opera, and dance. Two performances I will be attending are the revival of Tony Kushner's Angels in America and Shakespeare's Sonnets with a score by Rufus Wainwright.
Through December 20 The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
A dazzling and light-hearted opera set to the music of Mozart.
Works and Process
Through December 15
Guggenheim Museum - Peter B. Lewis Theater (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Celebrating 30 years of performing arts, discussions and world premieres. See and hear acclaimed artists in an intimate setting.
THEATER:
What's the best way to get tickets? Try the Broadway Ticket Lottery. This is one of the best finds for securing tickets to Broadway shows. The website lists the simple process for both Broadway Rush and Lottery tickets. On each day of the week, the featured Broadway shows offer discounted tickets via rush tickets and lotteries. A bit of patience and an early arrival will often score you excellent seats at the best price. Theater lovers - don't miss this! UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
October 3 Lennon Through A Glass Onion Union Square Theater (100 East 17th Street) A remarkable celebration of a unique and timeless talent. The American premier honoring one of the famed Beatles with music and lyrics by Lennon and McCartney. Through February.
EXTENDED Through October 5 The Wayside Motor InnSignature Theatre Company - The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) A.R. Gurney's The Wayside Motor Inn is a smash hit at the Signature Theatre. Strangers and friends struggle with circumstances that have brought them together at the Inn. This funny and moving work examines the tensions between loneliness and connection. October 7 The Belle of Amherst Westside Theater (407 West 43rd Street) Starring Joely Richardson, Emily Dickinson welcomes the audience into her Amherst homeland in mid-19th century. Previews begin October 7th, opening date October 19th, through January 25th. ONGOING PRODUCTIONS: Through October 12 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street)
The story of Rudolf Bauer, a modernist artist and one of the 20th century's most important, yet nearly forgotten painters.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Through November 16 Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street) I enjoyed this musical following the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to those well-known hits as a top recording artist. The show took home 2 Tonys including Jessie Mueller for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
Billy & Ray Through November 9 Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street) Director Garry Marshall of Pretty Woman fame, will direct this true story that portrays the life of these two artists (Billy Wilder & Raymond Chandler) and how they battled the Hollywood censors and each other.
Through January 4
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
I experienced the most amazing New York evening when I saw Cabaret. Both Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams are show-stoppers, and the Kit-Cat band is superb!
The Country House
Through November 23
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) Blythe Danner returns to Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club's production. A piercing look at a family of performers each coming to terms with the roles they play in each other's lives.
Now in previews, the show brought everyone, including me, to a standing ovation. The leading actor, a recent graduate of Julliard is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematical precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering the truth about a crime and unlocking many hidden secrets. Through March 29th.
If/Then The Musical
Through January 4 Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
A favorite performer of mine, Idina Menzel of Wicked, stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide.
Love Letters
Through February 1 Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street)
No one forgets their first love! A.G. Gurney has created a funny and emotional play about the powerful connection of love. Choose from a star studded cast that will perform for a series of performances. Candice Bergen, Brian Dennehy, Martin Sheen, and Carol Burnett are on the list.  | |
You Can't Take it With You
| The Money Shot
Through October 12 Lucile Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street)
One of my top playwrights, Neil LaBute, opened this latest production last month. Heather Graham stars in an insightful comedy about ambitions, art, and status in an era where very little is taboo.
Through January 4 Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street)
James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne star in this touching comedy by Moss Hart that portrays the relationship between two families when their children become engaged.
Visit previous snapshots for more theater favorites.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:
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The Allman Brothers
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John Golden Theater (252 West 45th Street) Glenn Close returns to Broadway with John Lithgow in Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance." A moving play about a married couple struggling to maintain equilibrium when they open up their home to friends and family. Through February 22nd. October 21 through 28 The Allman Brothers BandThe Beacon Theatre (2128 Broadway) Purchase tickets to see this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame classic band in their final performances. October 22 American Ballet TheatreDavid H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) Through November 2nd The 75th anniversary of their fall season. October 23 DisgracedLyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) Critically acclaimed play starring Gretchen Mol. The cast shares stories, secrets and lies we tell our friends, family and ourselves in finding the American Dream. Now in previews, opens October 23rd through January 18th. October 24 The New York Pops All You Need is Love: The Music of the BeatlesCarnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)A step back in time as the Pops play the music of the Beatles.October 24 & 25 The Brazilian Duke EllingtonRose Theater (Lincoln Center - 33 West 60th Street) The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis come together to perform the music of the late Moacir Santos, one of Brazil's most important musicians and composers.October 24 to 26 Let's Misbehave. A Roaring '20s Musical RevueMoscow57 (168 1/2 Delancey Street) A return to the speakeasy days of the 1920s. Purchase tickets for a musical step back in time.
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The River
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October 30 The Real Thing
American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street)
Starring Ewan McGregor, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Cynthia Nixon... what more do I have to say? Through January 4th. October 31 The RiverCircle In The Square Theatre (1633 Broadway) Starring Hugh Jackman, it's the story about a man and woman in a remote cliff side cabin on a moonless night. Previews begin October 31st, opening date November 16th, through January 25th. November 1 Allegro Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) Music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein... a musical masterpiece by two of theater's masters. November 21 to 23 6th Annual In French With English Subtitles Film Festival Florence Gould Hall (55 East 59th Street) 3-day festival including world premiere movies and one-time only screenings, plus Q&As with actors, producers, and directors.
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For the Foodie...
Lady of Grand's Food Tasting Tour Get a local's perspective on the Lower East Side with Lady of Grand's food tasting tour. The 2-hour walking tour hits 5 tasting spots from New Orleans style sandwiches to craft beer flights, all led by a lifetime local pointing out some of the area's historic sites as well. Tours are by request only - click here to email Lady of Grand.
Saturdays Bloody Mary Bossa Nova Brunch The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live music and great food in a speakeasy atmosphere. Visit the website for the weekly music schedule, including Sunday jazz brunch.
Beauty & Essex (146 Essex Street)
From 1-6pm, a 4-course brunch with two classes of champagne for $45 per person.
October 3 through 13 Tour De Champagne Meatpacking District A 10-day festival of bubbly tasting, accompanied by tasting menus and special events. Favorite participating restaurants include Bagatelle, Toro, and Recette. Visit the website for a list of tastings and events.
Seven esteemed chefs prepare an amazing seminar at La Scuola Grande at Eataly, discussing Italian cuisine and preparing tastings you will certainly enjoy. The price is $125 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank for NYC.
Stone Barns Center (630 Bedford Road - Pocantico Hills, NY)
11th annual celebration and fundraiser; a day of touring, tastings, great music and an incredible farmer's market.
An art deco landmark returns! One of my favorite places in the city, the Rainbow Room, will reopen with deluxe new touches such as crystal curtains and a silver leaf ceiling at bar SixtyFive. A true 1930s icon returns to our city.
Through October 31
Greenhouse Gallery
The Beard House (167 West 12th Street) The event pays tribute to James Beard, "America's First Foodie," and founder of the farm to table movement. The exhibit features iconic portraits and vintage cooking paraphernalia.
ON THE RADAR:
Various Locations
Legendary culinary icons from around the globe will dazzle you with their talents.
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
City Winery teams up with partner American Airlines once again for the 5th annual food and wine pairing dinners. Each event features remarks by a leading regional expert, a three-course dinner, and three flights of wine highlighting the traditional styles of the region, this one focuses on Italy.
October 29 to November 2 Annual NYC Food Film Festival Various Locations Watch a food film, then eat the food in the film! Gives new meaning to "dinner and a movie."
October 30 Edible Escape Metropolitan Pavilion (110 West 19th Street) Tickets sell out fast so reserve yours now. Food and drink samplings of more than 20 dining establishments featuring international fare from Japan, Mexico, South Africa and Austria.
November 10 New York Taste (269 Eleventh Avenue) Purchase your tickets for this sought-after event by New York Magazine with all you can eat and drink from more than 40 of New York's most celebrated restaurants and bars, such as Vella and Luzzos.
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Special Feature...
Farms & Orchards
Applewoood Orchards & Winery
Warwick, NY
The orchards are vast and the variety of apples seem endless. Visit their lush pumpkin patch, herb and rose gardens, and general store stocked with plenty of fresh jams and their famous apple donuts.
Hop on a hayride, explore the interactive 5-acre corn maze, visit the haunted house, or grab a bag and pick some apples and pumpkins. This year, the mazes are movie themed - The Labyrinth, The Shining, Harry Potter, and The Maze Runner. Participate to test your film trivia; the maze is color coded for shorter and longer adventures.
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.
Riverhead, NY (North Fork)
Local foods, and freshly made pies are their specialty...the blueberry cream pie is exceptional!
Manorville, NY (Suffolk County)
Pluck pumpkins right off the vine and buy produce by the pound. Go on a hayride or walk through the corn maze. If you're feeling brave, explore the corn maze at night by flashlight October 18th or 25th.
Mattituck, 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.
Masker Orchards
Warwick, NY
200-acres of apple picking fun. The best part is they allow you to eat all the apples you want as you pick. Live music to put you in the mood.
Mr. Davies Farm
Congers, NY
4,000 apple trees on 35 acres... picking poles are available, weekend trailer rides and a pumpkin patch, where you can pick small sugar pumpkins.
Woodside Orchards
Aquebogue (North Fork)
Known for their hard cider (the only hard cidery on Long Island), this family-run orchard grows more than 20 varieties of apples and sells amazing apple pies and pick-your-own pumpkins. But what really sets them apart from the rest of the apple orchards on Long Island is their hard cider. Their varieties include traditional, traditional sweet, cinnamon, apple, and apple raspberry, with tastings available of course!
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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