5 Things Our Secret NYC Video Producer, Dan, Loves About Fall In NYC

Fall is the season of comfort food, scarves, cozy evenings at home with cocktails, ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and all the pumpkin spice-flavored things. And everybody knows that NYC does fall like nowhere else.

Want to know how to make the most of this stunning season beyond strolling through the reds and golds of Central Park? We asked our iconic Secret NYC Video Producer, Dan Shure, for his top five things to do in New York City in the fall. And boy, did he deliver!

1. Check out a Halloween Costume Contest … for dogs. 

I enjoy the one in Tompkins Square Park, but there are others scattered throughout the city – and they’re often judged by some local celebrities and/or passionate dog lovers. Maybe you’ll see my french bulldog @chico_el_frenchito there someday. He looks like Baby Yoda already!

2. Feast like it’s fall. 

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all your sweet, spiced and slurpable favorites. I love grabbing some comforting rice congee and handmade dumplings from Kai Feng Fu Dumpling House to eat in Sunset Park after bowling at Melody Lanes. But fall is also a great time to start slurping down some ramen … or soup in general. Soup hive – rise up!

3. Thrift some fall fashion favorites. 

Fall is truly my fashion moment – especially because I get to switch it up from wearing shorts 24/7. This is a great time to turn out the iconic cozy looks. If you need a new wardrobe, I highly recommend going thrifting at Beacon’s Closet in Park Slope or Greenpoint, or L Train Vintage. They have more light jackets than you can even FATHOM.

4. Go to a farmers market. 

Fall is the perfect time to wander the Union Square Greenmarket or head to the outer boroughs to catch the Park Slope Down to Earth Farmers Market or Jackson Heights Greenmarket – with a latte in hand, of course. Feel your autumnal vibes as you shop for fresh produce and bump into friends.

5. Cozy up at home and make fall cocktails! 

When the temperature starts dropping, it’s a great time for me to switch from my summer spirit (tequila) to my winter spirit (bourbon). I bartended in NYC for many years and am very particular about cocktails. A great fall cocktail to impress your friends with is a New York Sour: my favorite recipe is 2 parts Maker’s Mark®, 1 part lemon juice, 3/4 part simple syrup, and a dash of egg white (optional). Shake and pour over ice in a rocks glass with a red wine float.

Once you’ve tried these trusty fall faves, perhaps you’d like to share your own? Tell us what you love about fall in the city by raising a Toast to NYC with Maker’s Mark. This Kentucky-born, New York-embraced bourbon is all about celebrating the individuality and unique, pioneering spirit of New York – championing the diverse people that give the city cultural vibrancy, the unforgettable places you’ll never find anywhere else, and those little quintessentially NYC things we all love.