Ghosts, Fall Foliage, and Hidden New York

Audio By Carbonatix

Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas kick off this Fun Friday with a spooky twist—Cristyne returns from Charleston, fresh off a ghost tour featuring haunted cemeteries and fiery hotel legends. Kevin admits Halloween isn’t his jam, but the eerie tales set the tone for October adventures.

The duo shifts gears to fall escapes in the Hudson Valley, spotlighting Teatown Lake Reservation. Executive Director Kevin Carter joins to share why this 1,000-acre nature preserve is a must-visit for vibrant foliage, wildlife sightings (yes, black bears!), and family-friendly trails. Bonus: Teatown is now an official foliage tracker for I Love NY.

Listeners get insider tips on peak leaf-peeping dates—late October through early November—and a sneak peek at Teatown’s ambitious expansion: a new ADA-accessible nature center, education building, and nature play areas, all set to debut in 2027. Until then, EagleFest in February promises owls, falcons, and bald eagles soaring over the Hudson.

Next up, Justin Rivers from Untapped New York spills secrets of Grand Central, including the Whisper Gallery’s sonic magic and a brand-new “Nightcap Tour.” Imagine uncovering hidden nooks, then sipping a cocktail at Grand Brasserie—Kevin votes Negroni, Justin opts for an Old Fashioned. Classic New York meets classic spirits.

The episode wraps with weekend tips: Columbus Day festivities, Arthur Avenue feasts, and a free “Dear New York” photo exhibit at Grand Central. Plus, a heartfelt tribute to Shelly Fireman, the culinary visionary behind NYC icons like Brooklyn Diner and Bond 45. Fun Friday delivers its promise—spooky stories, scenic escapes, and city secrets shaken, not stirred.