Hudson River Fall Foliage

As I walked through Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood on my way to Classic Harbor Line, I looked at the trees just starting to turn golden shades of yellow and orange, and I realized that despite the unusually warm temperatures the past couple of weeks, summer is long over. Although we do love summer at Classic Harbor Line, we’re excited about the change in season because it means we’re gearing up for some serious leaf peeping around Manhattan and in the Hudson Valley followed by a festive holiday season. 

The Fall Foliage Sail is one of our favorite excursions this time of year. Schooner Adirondack sails up the Hudson River to the cliffs of Palisade, where the crisp autumn air blends peacefully with the vibrant landscape. Wear a scarf and snuggle up with a blanket and hot beverage in hand; then enjoy lunch and complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, or soda. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon, and according to our dedicated and adventure-loving crew, fall is the best sailing season.

If a motor yacht cruise more suites your needs, you’ve come to the right place. Think Leonardo DiCaprio and The Great Gatsby era. Our 1920s-inspired commuter yachts are timelessly elegant, featuring teak decks and mahogany trim. Settle in the climate-controlled cabin of Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II and relax with a beverage in hand while you gaze out the large observatory windows at picturesque trees nestled along Manhattan’s unparalleled waterfront architecture. Circumnavigate the island during a Fall Foliage Brunch cruise, complete with a 4-course buffet and a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. Not to mention the pumpkin-spiced waffles we’ll be serving fresh off the iron.

If architecture calls to you then we welcome you to the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Cruise. Classic Harbor Line partnered with the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter seven years ago to offer this unique, five-star tour. We truly love the combination of comfortable seating, iconic city views, a complimentary beverage, and a comprehensive narration of Manhattan’s most outstanding structures. Plus, the added contrast of foliage around Manhattan’s waterfront is something to write home about. There’s a reason we offer this trip daily. Check out our little 1920s-style classic Yacht Kingston for an even more intimate Fall Foliage Cruise offered on weekends. 

A Note about the Author: 

Meg Yeiter: Meg grew up and went to college in Michigan. After graduation, she did what any 21-year-old with a degree and no job would do – move to a mountain town to spend all day skiing fresh powder and afternoons clinking glasses at chic après ski lodges. Just kidding, she moved to Park City, Utah, where she got her first journalism job as a reporter at the local newspaper and borrowed her friends ski’s to hit the slopes a few times a month. Meg has always had a passion for traveling and the outdoors. She moved to New York City in early 2015. During her first year here, Meg found herself consistently running to Classic Harbor Line to catch an evening sunset sail. She officially joined the Classic Harbor Line team in April 2016 and now no longer needs to run anywhere. In her free time, Meg enjoys exploring New England, repurposing furniture, and sailing of course.