The Ultimate NYC Fall To-Do List.

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, especially when you live on the east coast. Here are my favorite things you must do this season if you live in New York City:

1. Picnic and admire the changing leaves.

The changing of the leaves is one of the best parts of fall. Take an afternoon or two to look at the beautiful hues of nature's foliage, while enjoying yummy pumpkin-flavored treats or a turkey sandwich. Some of the best places to go to check out the yellows, oranges and reds are Central Park, Prospect Park, Fort Tryon Park, Alley Pond Park, and Greenbelt Nature Center.

2. Spend an afternoon at Storm King Art Centre.

This art center features more than 100 works of art over 500 acres of fields and woodlands, and is just 90 minutes away from New York City. It's open until the end of November - make plans to visit while you still can!

3. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Spend a lovely afternoon walking through the changing foliage and the last of the fall blossoms here. Make a day of it by visiting the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park afterwards - both are close by. One of the coolest things to see when you're visiting are the koi fish in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It will totally make you feel like you're in a different country.

4. Watch the giant balloons go by at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

This three-hour event is a must at least once in your life. Join 3.5 million other people who attend the parade each year along Central Park West and Sixth Avenue. Why watch it on tv when you can see it in person?

5. Go ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center.

The weather outside may be getting frightful, but it's never too early to start ice skating. Go as soon as you can because it will only get busier closer to the holidays. No need to make a reservation (although you can), tickets are general admission; first come, first serve. It's $50 for a 30-minute session. Ice skating lessons are also available.

6. Get giving (and biking) with Cranksgiving.

Cranksgiving is a food drive on two wheels. It originated in NYC in 1999 and is now at 80 organized events around the world. The event is part bike ride, part food drive, and part scavenger hunt. All you need is a bike, bag, and a lock!

7. Experience the magic of the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting.

The official tree-lighting will take place on November 30 with exciting performances from 7-9 pm.

8. Embrace your love for drinking and ugly things during the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl.

Join festive drinkers on December 3rd in the East Village for the Ulgy Sweater Pub Crawl. Some of my favorite ugly sweaters include this fa la llama Christmas sweater, Drake hotline bling sweater, and this Hogwarts crewneck sweater.

9. Start holiday shopping early at the Union Square Holiday Market.

Visit Union Square from November 20th through December 24th for over 100 booths that range from apparel and accessories to toys and games. You'll find tons of amazing local and homemade gifts for the season.

What are your favorite things to do in the fall? Any events or beautiful sights in New York that you absolutely love? Say hello at @melaniesutra or leave a comment below!