Embrace the Magic of Autumn in New York City

September 20, 2023 by

As the leaves transform into hues of red, orange, and yellow, and a crisp breeze fills the air, New York City welcomes the arrival of fall with open arms. The Big Apple offers an array of exciting activities for both locals and visitors during the season of autumn. Here’s your guide to the fun fall activities that await you and your family in the heart of New York City.

  1. Breathtaking Fall Foliage: Central Park stands as the crown jewel of New York City, and during the fall, it shines brighter than ever. The winding paths and serene lakes become even more breathtaking as they are enveloped by the vibrant leaves of fall. Take leisurely strolls through Central Park’s iconic landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Don’t forget to capture the exquisite beauty of Bow Bridge framed by golden foliage. Alternatively, hop on a scenic cruise along the Hudson River to witness the breathtaking fall foliage from a unique perspective. Several cruise companies such as Sail NYC, Seastreak and Circle Line offer special fall foliage tours. These cruises allow you to relax and soak in the stunning views of the changing leaves, along with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
  2. Pumpkin and Apple Picking: While Midtown Manhattan may not have sprawling pumpkin patches and apple orchards, the surrounding areas provide fantastic options for enjoying quality family time in the fall. Simply hop onto a train or take a short drive, and you’ll discover charming farms offering hayrides, corn mazes, bountiful apple orchards, and pumpkins ready for decorating or carving. Below are some recommended farms where you can relish a perfect fall day of apple picking, pumpkin carving, and indulging in apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider:
  3. Fall Fairs and Festivals: New York City hosts an array of fall fairs and festivals that celebrate a wide range of interests, from music and culture to art and food. Explore the Harlem Harvest Festival for seasonal produce and artisanal goods, or attend the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival for a stunning visual display. Food and drink enthusiasts can indulge in mouthwatering treats at festivals such as the NY Coffee Festival. Here are some notable fall festivals in the city:
  4. Iconic NYC Attractions: Local attractions in New York City embrace the spirit of fall with their unique charm. The New York Botanical Garden’s Fall-O-Ween event includes hundreds of pumpkins and gourds on display, hands-on activities like mini pumpkin decorating, 3D pumpkin carving, food and beverage talks, tastings and more. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo will showcase more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins in a jack-o’-lantern trail stretching over half a mile. Visitors can also enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, and indulge in festive fall treats and food truck delights. 
  5. Explore Historic Sites: Fall provides an excellent opportunity to explore New York City’s historic sites without the summer crowds. Consider visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, embarking on a tour of the historic neighborhoods of Harlem, paying tribute to heroes and remembering victims at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, dedicating an entire day to exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or venturing into the grounds of the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art nestled in Fort Tryon Park.

From leisurely walks through Central Park to exhilarating fall festival adventures, New York City offers an abundance of exciting fall activities for all to enjoy. So, make plans to embrace the magic of autumn in the city that never sleeps, and create lasting memories with your loved ones! 

All of us at Sentry Window Guards hope that you have a season of joy this fall! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today.

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: ,

Safety Tips for More Treats Than Tricks This Halloween

October 19, 2021 by

Halloween is always a magical night in New York City full of fun and wonder for kids. It is also a time of year when accidents can easily happen. At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring, but we also want to keep kids safe outside the home! There are many precautions parents and children can take around Halloween to ensure more treats than tricks. Check the tips below to make safety a priority.

  • Dressing up in costumes is a huge part of the fun, but make sure to dress with safety in mind.
    • If your child will be outside at night, choose a costume that will allow for greater visibility to others. Light colored or neon colors are easier to see at night. You can also add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the costume.
    • Make sure nothing hinders the visibility of the costume wearer. Check that masks, wigs, or hats don’t limit your child’s peripheral vision.
    • Everything should “fit well” to reduce the chance of trips and falls. This includes wearing shoes that allow the child to walk confidently in under lit areas.
    • Avoid accessories like swords or wands that are too large or too sharp. Children can easily be hurt by these if they stumble or trip.
  • Enjoy trick or treating in your neighborhood by having a safety talk beforehand.
    • Kids under 12 should always go trick or treating with an adult. Those 12 and older should go out in a group on a route that has been approved by an adult.
    • Carry glow sticks or flash lights if you will be trick or treating after the sun goes down.
    • Only go to homes that have the porch light on.
    • Teach children to never enter a car or a home for a treat.
    • Kids get excited, but stress the importance of slowing down and staying alert while in areas with vehicle traffic. 
    • Look both ways before crossing a street and use crosswalks when possible. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways. Moving as a group makes it easier for drivers to spot you.
    • Remain on well-lit streets and walk on sidewalks as much as possible.
  • Help your child Inspect treats for safety before allowing them to consume.
    • When in doubt, throw it out. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that weren’t made by someone you know. Though tampering is rare, it can happen.
    • Don’t let babies and toddlers have anything that is considered a choking hazard – hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies like jelly beans, pumpkin seeds, or anything with whole nuts. 
  • Create a safe environment for those coming to trick or treat at your home.
    • Remove any items from the front porch or yard such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations that could cause someone to trip or fall.
    • Sweep leaves and other yard debris from sidewalks and steps. 
    • Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. 

Stay alert to protect your children this Halloween. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today! 

Filed Under: Child Safety Tagged With: ,