7 Autumn Activities to Enjoy in Suffolk County

1. Pumpkin and Apple Picking

Whether you’re seeking out the perfect pumpkin from the patch for carving jack-o’-lanterns or fresh apples for homemade pies, pumpkin patches and apple orchards are an autumn-season staple many Long Islanders look forward to year-round. 

For 19-year-old liberal arts major Kamila Rodriguez, Harbes Farms in Jamesport is a seasonal favorite for spending time with family and friends.

“They had games for the little kids, food, and hayrides. It was really nice,” Rodriguez said. 

2. Catch a game at the Brookhaven Gymnasium

While many associate fall with football, there is no shortage of great games for sports enthusiasts to indulge in right here on the Ammerman campus. The Women’s soccer team’s upcoming match on Oct. 11. against Nassau Community College is sure to be a highlight of the season, but if you’re more of a baseball or a tennis fan, check out the composite schedule for all our teams to support our sharks.

3. Visit a Haunted House

Spooky season is upon us, and for some Sharks, that might mean seeking out a spine-chilling haunted house for some Halloween thrills and chills. Eric Trommer, a 19-year-old Engineering Science major from Manorville, is looking forward to visiting Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse in Bellport this weekend with friends he met in his Chemistry lab.

“We decided to go to a haunted house because we wanted to do a fall activity that would match with the season–something that’s only around this time of year. So we figured it was the perfect thing to do,” Trommer said.

4. Take a Leaf-Peeping Hike 

As the leaves begin to transform into bright, brilliant colors, take the opportunity to enjoy the crisp autumn air and get some exercise while viewing some beautiful fall foliage.

Avalon Park in Stony Brook and Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown are both great options for all of the above.

5. Drive by a Spooky Monuments 

Many living on Long Island know the history of the infamous Amityville Horror House, but what about the legend of Lake Ronkonkoma or the shocking stories about Sweet Hollow Road near Melville? Suffolk County has plenty of haunted locations for Halloween, history, and horror fans alike. 

6. Try Out a New Recipe 

Thanksgiving will be here in the blink of an eye. If you picked those pumpkins or apples as suggested above, it’s never a bad idea to be the guest who brought the pie to the party. Try out a new recipe like this apple crisp, or, if baking isn’t your speed, take a shortcut to everyone’s favorite fall pastry and try out a strawberry rhubarb or coconut custard pie from Lenny Bruno Farms in Manorville. 

7. Fun Fall Festivals    

There are many fun fall festivals to stop by in Suffolk County this October, but not many have coffin races or goblin parades like the Halloween Fest and Parade. Head over to  downtown Riverhead anytime between 11 a.m.- 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 to catch all the frightening fun.