The NYC End of Summer Check List
AH, it’s August. That means it’s pretty much October the NYC end of summer. There’s approximately 50% of people who really relish in that statement and another 50% of people who will write me emails dripping with seething rage, to which I say, get it the fuck together.
There’s a lot of signs that the world is probably going to end soon. It’s fine, we’re all kind of burnt out and tired and could use an eternity of sleep anyway. But, with that possibility on the horizon, now is a good time to make sure that you enjoy life to the fullest in New York City. The summer, especially with all that is going on, is the best time for that. With wide open spaces, outdoor dining, and temps finally not at balls hot highs — make sure you didn’t miss out on an important opportunities.
Swim at the Dirty Beaches
Yeah, we know that Coney Island isn’t exactly Antigua, but thanks for pointing that out anyway, Suburban Guy. Nobody goes to New York City beaches for the clear sparkling waters, we go for the people watching, the proximity to food, and the hope that we can find a little baggie of drugs accidentally dropped in the sand.
But, really, the beaches in the five boroughs really aren’t bad. The water is perfectly swimmable (just ignore the third hand growing out of my chest) there’s plenty of space to put out your beach blanket, and the coolest of all, each beach has its own culture and identity. As previously stated, you’re never too far from a restaurant, snack shack, or bar.
Courtesy: NYC GO
Escape the Streets at a Pool
It’s never more apparent that New York City is a city than in the summer time. The smell, the throngs of sweaty people, the grey building after grey building — it’s nobody’s idea of a tropical paradise. But, if you know where to swim, it most definitely can be. Places like The Beach at Dream Downtown take you from Smelly City to Caribbean Island Paradise in a matter of minutes. Grab a lounge chair and enjoy pitchers of your favorite summertime beverages and some grilled and fresh favorite foods. Dive into the pool and put your feet in the sand. Get absolutely trashed or enjoy a good book. The day is yours. Looking around, you would never guess that you’re in Manhattan!
Courtesy: Meat Packing District
Tiki Here, Tiki There
Tiki themed bars in the winter are just sad and absurd. Visit your favorite Aloha inspired watering holes and order all of the daiquiris, coladas, and Blue Hawaiians that you can handle. Suggestions? Ottos’ Shrunken Head on East 14th, Tiki Chick on the UWS, and Zombie Hut on Smith Street in Brooklyn.
Courtesy: Otto’s Shrunken Head
Eat Overpriced Oysters
What’s better than slurping down a living organism that resembles genitals? Paying a boat load of money for it! If you’re into ambiance and impressing your friends, spring for a place like Grand Banks. If you’re into history and good times, try Dorlan’s Tavern and Fraunces Tavern. And if you’re into dollar oysters, street art, and fishnets on everyone — Seamore in Bushwick will do nicely. Of course everyone’s favorite, including our own is Maison Premiere. Be sure to make a reservation!
Courtesy: Grand Banks
Go Sailing on the High Seas
A boat ride around New York City is something that locals almost never do. It’s right up there with ‘visit the Empire State Building’ and ‘making an appointment for a root canal.’ It’s only once you’re on the boat that you realize how utterly remarkable the Manhattan skyline looks from the water. Whether you’re on a sailboat with some wine in hand or on a huge party boat with snap-happy tourists, being on the sea is a great way to forget your worries and take in the beauty of New York City in the summer.
Courtesy: Sailing – NYC
Enjoy Green Spaces
New York City has no shortage of green spaces. Everyone always thinks about the heavy hitters like Central and Prospect Park, but part of your August Bucket List can include exploring new places like Wave Hill in the Bronx or the Snug Cultural Center and Gardens in Staten Island. If you’re like me, a person who gets to a park and says, “OK…now what” take comfort in the fact that there’s usually something cool and free going on from yoga, to forest bathing, to lectures, rest assured, you’ll find something.
Courtesy: NY Curbed
Relax at an Outdoor Beer Garden/Bar
New York City does outdoor drinking spaces really, really well. Beer gardens are a great place to meet your friends, bring your pets, and unwind after a long day or work or a long day of doing nothing, which can also be grueling. Some spacious and unique spots are Pig Beach, Brooklyn Beer Garden, The Bronx Beer Hall, and Cafe Masal in Sheepshead Bay.
Courtesy: NYC BBQ
See an Outdoor Movie
I swear, New York City just be doing things and not even telling anyone. Evidently, outdoor movies are back this summer. The ones put on by New York City Gov and Bryant Park are free and feature in all five boroughs, and the choices of films are usually crowd pleasing. If you’re willing to pay a little more, you can snag a spot at some cooler places like the Seaport Cinema, Standard Hotel, and Rooftop Movie Club.
Courtesy: Do NYC
Smoke a Doobie.
Why not? It’s not like anyone’s going to do anything about it. And it’s much more enjoyable in the warm weather than when you’re freezing your ass off.
Courtesy: Unsplash
Visit Coney Island
This is the summer to do it. You’ve been talking about going literally non-stop and you never do. With less people doing big trips this summer and with the world feeling like it might implode or explode at any moment — just go. Watch the sun set from the top of a roller coaster, enjoy a decadent gelato or frozen margarita, and people-watch all along the boardwalk.
Courtesy: NYC GO
