A fall trip to New York wouldn't be complete without a stroll through colorful Central Park.

When the muggy days of August give way to crisp autumn weather, New York undergoes a renaissance of sorts as cooler temperatures invite meandering walks through the city's mosaic of culturally diverse neighborhoods, and world-class arts organizations commence their fall seasons. Time your visit just right and you can enjoy a respectable display of fall color in Central Park framed by the city's incomparable skyline.

When to Go

Fall color in the park normally peaks around the end of October or early November. From Thanksgiving on, there's no better place to get in the holiday spirit as the city gears up for Christmas and Hanukkah.

Accommodations

Midtown hotels offering easy access to the park and cultural venues range from the simple Comfort Inn Central Park West to upscale digs like The Plaza and the Ritz-Carlton New York. Go to www.1800usahotels.com/nycvisit for booking assistance.

Dining

The choices are endless and the ethnic variety unparalleled here in the birthplace of the Zagat restaurant survey. Point your browser to www.zagat.com for guidance.

What to Do

• Central Park: A 150-year-old urban oasis with 840 acres of green space, more than 50 miles of trails and pathways, and a range of recreational facilities for all ages. The Central Park Conservancy (www.centralparknyc.org) offers guided walks focusing on local history, flora and fauna, or you can explore by bicycle, roller skates, horseback or horse-drawn carriage.

• The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Cloisters, featuring the art and architecture of Medieval Europe, as well as a dramatic view of the Hudson River. Enjoy refreshments, light fare and contemplate the rich beauty of autumn -- as well as priceless treasures -- at the Trie Cafe. See www.metmuseum.org for information about exhibitions and special events.

• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: Multifaceted venue for the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, Jazz at Lincoln Center and other arts organizations. See www.lincolncenter.org for full performance schedules and ticketing information.

• Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: A venerable holiday tradition featuring block after block of floats, marching bands and larger-than-life helium-filled cartoon characters. See www.macys.com/campaign/parade/index.jsp.

Insider Tip

Watch your budget by combing online events calendars for free performances, such as dance, drama and music recitals at Lincoln Center by students from the Julliard School (www.juilliard.edu/asp/calendar/calendar.asp), or the family-oriented events offered by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancywww.bpcparks.org.

Posted September 2006.

Information

NYC & Company, 212-484-1222, www.nycvisit.com.

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