I've never met a city that gets so into summertime as New York City does! While the heat is not my favorite weather to explore in, I can't help but get caught up in the summer hype. The absolute best thing about NYC in the summer is that everyone is outside - and I mean EVERYONE, from the tourists to the food trucks, flooding the streets, each and everyday. There are obvious summer activities, like the legendary Coney Island Mermaid Parade and Shakespeare in the Park, but there are plenty of other fun and quirky NYC summer funtivities that I never knew existed until I moved here.
Another great summertime tradition in NYC is the Jazz Age Lawn Party, which is held during two separate weekends every summer on Governor's Island. Now, Governor's Island is cool to begin with - it's open every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is chock full of history, nature, and special events - but this Gatsby-esque weekend really takes the cake. Hosted by Michael Arenella & his Dreamland Orchestra, this two-day concert and festival invites guests to journey back to the 1920s with old-fashioned cocktails, a pie recipe contest, a classic car show, and vintage portraits. I mean, they even have Charleston lessons. This summer's Jazz Age Lawn Parties are this weekend (June 16 and 17) and again August 18 and 19.
My third and final favorite summertime activity is drinking on rooftops. New Yorkers know we have a shortage of ground space, but we have an abundance of space up in the air! There's plenty of rooftop bars and lounges only open during the summertime, but my favorite has to be the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Roof Garden. The Met's roof offers beautiful views of Central Park and classic uptown architecture, which is only heightened by its current showpiece, Tomás Saraceno's Cloud City (pictured above). Visitors are invited (with free tickets) to peruse the structure and take in the trippy views through the sculpture's reflective surfaces. The Roof Garden also offers light snacks (read: overpriced sandwiches) and frozen cocktails - all available virgin, of course, in case you'd like to bring the young'ns.
As you can see, there's PLENTY to do in NYC in the summertime! What's your favorite local tradition?
Like outdoor movie series! Several parks, including Bryant Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park, run summer movie festivals, free and open to the public. Some are more family-oriented than others (any guesses as to the movie playing in the above photo?), while some focus on classic films. These movie series are a fun way to get outside, get together with friends, pack a picnic, and enjoy a flick - regardless of whether or not you've seen it a dozen times. Too hot for you outside, you say? Never fear! The Museum of Jewish Heritage is hosting a Mel Brooks film series in their cozy, air conditioned building. You can bet I'll be checking out a bunch of these this summer!
Another great summertime tradition in NYC is the Jazz Age Lawn Party, which is held during two separate weekends every summer on Governor's Island. Now, Governor's Island is cool to begin with - it's open every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is chock full of history, nature, and special events - but this Gatsby-esque weekend really takes the cake. Hosted by Michael Arenella & his Dreamland Orchestra, this two-day concert and festival invites guests to journey back to the 1920s with old-fashioned cocktails, a pie recipe contest, a classic car show, and vintage portraits. I mean, they even have Charleston lessons. This summer's Jazz Age Lawn Parties are this weekend (June 16 and 17) and again August 18 and 19.
My third and final favorite summertime activity is drinking on rooftops. New Yorkers know we have a shortage of ground space, but we have an abundance of space up in the air! There's plenty of rooftop bars and lounges only open during the summertime, but my favorite has to be the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Roof Garden. The Met's roof offers beautiful views of Central Park and classic uptown architecture, which is only heightened by its current showpiece, Tomás Saraceno's Cloud City (pictured above). Visitors are invited (with free tickets) to peruse the structure and take in the trippy views through the sculpture's reflective surfaces. The Roof Garden also offers light snacks (read: overpriced sandwiches) and frozen cocktails - all available virgin, of course, in case you'd like to bring the young'ns.
As you can see, there's PLENTY to do in NYC in the summertime! What's your favorite local tradition?
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What's on your positivity playlist this summer? Share your favorite feel-good songs!
