By the time November rolls around, I’m already quite used to the chilly days and even chillier nights. I love bundling up with the fresh fall air and appreciating the colorful sights of autumn. You might find, however, that this seasonal change may be harder on you than, say, people like me. November also translates to a lot of travel for many, as Thanksgiving at the end of the month beckons people to their loved ones from all over the country and maybe even all over the world. This month tends to kick off “cozy season,” as meals become heartier, your wardrobe grows additional layers, and many people choose to spend their extra time in the warmth of indoors.
New York City is a place with endless things to do. I’ve probably mentioned this over and over again each month, but no matter the time of year, you’ll never run out of activities. The added bonus is that if you’re trying to put your learned English skills to use in real life, New York City is the best place to do it since it’s just a giant cultural melting pot. There’s plenty of excitement in the air this month with all the pending holidays and winter being right around the corner, so be sure to brush up on your social skills, pull out your warmer clothes, and get ready for a month of fun in the Big Apple.
- The New York City Marathon, Sunday, November 3
This is truly one of the most humbling experiences to watch as a resident of New York City. People from all over the country (and the world!) train for months leading up to this 26.2 mile race, and if you plan accordingly, you can likely watch the runners in person! The race starts in Staten Island and travels through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, finishing right in Central Park. Bring your friends and cheer on all the participants, and maybe you’ll even be inspired to start training for next year’s race! Practice your English cheers and you’ll easily be a part of one of New York City’s greatest events all year.
- Fall Foliage Cruises, all month
If you’re willing to spend a bit of money for this activity, these cruises are well worth every penny. With tons of options available, you’ll be able to pick which journey and route is best for you and your schedule and budget. Your location in the Northeast means that you have some of the best scenery available for checking out all the seasonal color changes. Plus, you’ll travel through tons of different areas on the Metro NYC area, so you can even experience a completely different location. Brush up on your English reactionary phrases (“How lovely!”) so you can truly appreciate the beauty of autumn.
- Ice skating rinks, all month
It wouldn’t be a true New York City experience without trying out your skills on the many ice skating rinks throughout the boroughs. While these locations get pretty busy right away in the day, you’ll have to be a bit strategic when it comes to choosing a day and location to test out your skating talents. These rinks will surely prepare you for the start of the holiday season, as many pop-up booths are located around these rinks, selling holiday crafts and gifts, so brace yourself for the beginning of Christmas season as well! To rent skates and any other essentials, you’ll definitely need your wallet (especially for that hot cocoa after being on the ice). Engage with other skaters, and here you can put your speaking English skills to use. Be sure to take some great pics so you can post them on social media and engage with popular hashtags.
New York City in the late fall and early winter is a beautiful sight. Some days are on the warmer side, while you’ll also likely experience some early signs of the winter ahead. It’s important to think ahead when it comes to dressing yourself (stay warm!), but it’s also important to enjoy the change of seasons! As I’m sure you remember from last winter, the dead season can be pretty brutal at times, so appreciate the mild temperatures while you still have them.
Always be practicing your English while exploring the city, as it’s a huge learning experience at every corner. So brush up on some new English phrases, dress warm, and hit the city!