There is an imperceptible shift in the wind but make no mistake, it’s there. Autumn in New York is officially here, debuting her annual collection of breathtaking beauty!
I pull on my grandfather’s beloved dark grey boiled wool sweater and step out into the late morning sun. The falling leaves rustle above and crunch below as I make my way over to Union Square Farmer’s Market where I will devour the lively scene that sends my heart aflutter every single year. Despite the hustle and bustle that surrounds this block in the heart of New York City, I may as well be in the middle of a pumpkin patch on Long Island’s North Fork – the profusion of late summer produce, apples, bittersweet, fresh-made donuts, bales of hay, cornstalks and naturally pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors – are a sight to behold. I dive right on in, filling my basket with sunflowers and tantalizing treasures with which I will decorate my tiny, pre-war 4th floor walkup. I pick one ginormous pumpkin to eventually carve for my jack-o-lantern along with a few smaller gourds to grace the mantelpiece. I hail a cab and upon opening the creaky door, start piling the spoils of the day onto the cracked leather seat while the driver pops the trunk, making room for my mums and cornstalks. No doubt, I am an unusual, albeit festive sight to behold in the middle of Manhattan.
Here’s to Fall festivities and Halloween happiness!