Whether it’s with friends, family, or a special someone, fall is a special time of year to explore the Garden State. Many people claim fall as their favorite season, and it just takes a quick look around town to see the golden leaves to see why. We’ve rounded up some of our best suggestions for fall dates that are a departure from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine. Read on for a list of fall date ideas that aren’t dinner in New Jersey and New York.
Catch a Fall Festival
Nearly every town in New Jersey has a Fall Festival at some point during the season featuring local businesses and artisan crafts. Locally, All Saints Episcopal Church has a Fall Festival on November 4th. In Hillsborough, Norz Hill Farm + Market Fall Days has hay rides, a corn maze, and lots of treats from the farm, like an Apple Rum Butter. For those looking for more thrills, take a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure for Oktoberfest through November 5th.
Read More: Fun Date Night Spot Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City
Cocktail Making Class
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Guests can mix up more than just a love connection with a cocktail-making class. Backstage at Sirenetta hosts regular themed cocktail-making classes, like their Fall Cocktail Class making drinks like a Pumpkin Espresso Martini. For a private cocktail class, head into the city to Patent Pending, where guests can learn how to make classic cocktails in an intimate setting.
Drive-In Movie
This date goes back in time with a trip to a drive-in movie, Pink Lady jacket optional. In Brooklyn, visit Skyline Drive-In with seating options for those who drive, bike, or walk, since in this town cars are also optional. Watch a movie, like The Eras Tour, with a view of the Hudson and the NYC skyline lit up in the background. Another option is to pair a day trip to Warwick Distillery with a visit to Warwick Drive-In for a more traditional experience.
Day Trip on Seastreak to Hudson Valley
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This is an all-day commitment so make sure you like your date before embarking on a Seastreak cruise. There are five different fall foliage cruises that depart from NYC and cruise up the Hudson to various locations. The cruises visit West Point, Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, or Milton for an afternoon of fresh air, changing leaves, and exploring a new town.
Catch a Comedy Show
There’s nothing more boring than a date without laughter, making a comedy show a great option for couples at any stage of dating. Luckily, there is no shortage of comedy show options in the area. The Laugh Tour Comedy Club is at Dorrian’s on Fridays and Saturdays. There are two shows each night featuring comedians from Netflix, The Tonight Show, and more. For weeknight dates, The Brightside Tavern has comedy shows on Thursdays.
Take a Food Walking Tour
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This is a yummy way of exploring a new neighborhood and a great way to sample dishes that may not be in a typical dining rotation. For a taste of something new locally, Beyond the Plate Food Tours has both Downtown and The Heights options in Jersey City, as well as Somerville and Red Bank tours for a day trip.
Check Out a Seminar on a New Topic
For those interested in a topic and who want to learn more, catching a seminar is a great way to get a new education. Venues around the tri-state offer a plethora of seminars covering topics like First Time Homebuying to Climate Change, and lighter topics, like analyzing Jane Austen’s Wardrobe. Most of these seminars are at no charge, making them an even more ideal date-night option. Eventbrite has an extensive list of seminars available this fall.
Host a Fall Movie-Themed Night
For those nights that the weather is ick and going out seems like a total chore, pick a classic fall-flick, whether it’s a rom-com like When Harry Met Sally or a cult classic like Practical Magic, deck out your space in the full theme. From decor to dining, host a cozy night that totally plays to the theme.
Take a Museum Trip
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Residents of Hudson County are fortunate to have hundreds of museums within a 10-mile radius. The Museum of Natural History has a new exhibition called Garden of Green, in collaboration with Van Cleef + Arpeels, featuring green gemstones from the French jewelry house. At Liberty Science Center, the new Science Behind Pixar exhibit is open with over 50 interactive exhibitions to go behind the technology of films like Toy Story.
See a Live Performance
From the fall season at the Met Opera to The Great White Way, and all of the concert halls in between, there is a live performance for every discerning audience member. Two of the most anticipated shows of the season on Broadaway are Gutenberg! The Musical! starring Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, and Merrily We Roll Along starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez. Frozen and Harry Potter fans are both set for a fabulous season. At the Met Opera, catch a classic like La Boheme, with a few performances remaining this fall.
See More: 7 Fall Date Ideas in New Jersey
Make Custom Candles
‘Tis the season for bold candles that invoke memories, make us feel cozy, and warm our homes. Set the tone for a sexy night in by starting with an outing to make custom candles. Visit ReWax + Unwine in Jersey City and make the perfect scents to bring home. After making candles, walk over to Jane Doe for a nightcap.
