13 Chilly Day Activities On The Upper East Side
The weather has officially turned chilly, but there’ss still lots to see and do on the Upper East Side! While we love a brisk walk in the park as much as the next New Yorker, we realize it’s helpful to have backup activities to do indoors for when you just don’t feel like taking that autumn wind anymore. Here is your guide to making the most of New York’s crisp and cold days, everywhere from inside your Glenwood home to out and about the neighborhood!
1. Visit Your Local New York Public Library
Is there anything cozier on a chilly day than cuddling up with a book? The New York Public Library has branches throughout the Upper East Side, and these are fantastic places to borrow books (both new and old) for absolutely free. Grab a pile that will last you through the month!
2. Find A New Favorite Coffee Shop
And after you find your perfect autumn-themed library book, why not try out a new-to-you coffee shop in the neighborhood? You can become friendly with the baristas and before you know it, they’ll have your order down the second they see you walk through the door.

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A chilly body requires heat…and lots of it! Heated yoga classes are fantastic ways to warm up from the outside in. Medicine For The Soul Yoga is a new boutique yoga studio located on 84th Street (quite near both The Cambridge and The Lucerne), and they offer several hot classes a week.
4. Check Out A New Exhibit
Of all the neighborhoods in NYC, the Upper East Side boasts the most museums per square foot, so take advantage! Even if you’ve mindlessly walked around the MET every time you have out of town visitors, do it with a bit more intention this time. Research an exhibit ahead of time that truly interests you, and spend your time in that area, really taking a deep dive into the art.
5. See A Film
Walking by a movie theater and smelling the buttery popcorn is such a lovely feeling! Autumn is a time of year with many wonderful new releases, so grab a friend and plan a toasty movie date.
6. Have Afternoon Tea
From the intimate Kings Carriage House to the more regal tea at The Carlyle, there’ss plenty of options for a traditional sit down high tea on the Upper East Side. What’s more warming than hot tea, warm scones, and delightful sweets in the afternoon?
7. Attend a Pottery Workshop
Hunkering down in a pottery studio and learning to throw and glaze a bowl is a comforting chilly day activity to do. Earth Works NYC is a pottery studio located on 1st Avenue between 88th and 89th Streets, and hosts a variety of classes and workshops for locals. Residents at The Andover are just a stone’s throw away!
8. Host A Cookie Swap Party
Tis the season to be merry! What easier way to get together with your friends than to have them all bring over a plate of homemade cookies, and then swap with one another?! Not only will you get to catch up with everyone in one setting, but you’ll also all benefit from having a variety of sweets to share with people over the upcoming weeks!

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, take advantage of those chilly afternoons to tackle some home organization projects. You’ll feel better about having people in your home when there’ss not piles of stuff plopped around where it shouldn’t be.
10. Work Out
Glenwood buildings have their own gyms. Grab your sneakers and head down for a workout! Or if you don’t have a gym in your building, pop on a YouTube video and break a sweat in your living room.
11. Get A Jump Start On Holiday Cards
If you find yourself with a free afternoon, brew up a cup of steamy hot cocoa and start addressing all those holiday cards. Trust us, your December-self will be thanking you!
12. Pull Out All Your Favorite Board Games
Whether it’s a classic game of Uno or a more, shall we say, edgy game of Cards Against Humanity, board games are a great way to get the entire family together, sharing a fun activity. Pair it with apple cider and cookies (from your cookie swap!) and it will quickly become an annual favorite!
13. Start A New Series
While just plunking down in front of the TV can feel quite mindless, if you sit down with the intention to watch a new series it can actually feel quite exciting and purposeful! Bonus points for getting into something the entire family can watch together, or coordinating with your co-workers on a show you can then discuss together at the water cooler. And voila, it quickly becomes a social activity!
What are your favorite chilly day activities? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!
Posted in Apartment Living NYC, manhattan living, Upper East Side | Tagged fall • things to do in november in nyc • Upper East Side NY