There are many great things about living in NYC, but if we are all to be perfectly honest, August isn’t typically one of them. There are days it feels like you are trying to walk through soup to get from point A to point B. If you spent all your vacation money on July and are here for the long haul, don’t fret. There are ways to keep your money, keep cool and still keep one with nature, even if it is a slightly sticker form of nature than we prefer.
Shorewalkers is a great way to get to know all the waterways of NY, Long Island, and even parts of Jersey and perhaps catch a little breeze. The group meets every Saturday at a different starting point and travel along the edges of our waterways by foot. There is no cost to join. The added bonus is that some of the walkers have been doing it for years and can tell you all kinds of interesting tidbits about the places and landmarks along the way. The pace is slow and easy…perfect for August.
Photo Credit: Shorewalkers.org
(A view of Socrates Sculpture Park as seen along the 5 mile Astoria Shorewalkers’ route.)
Sprinkle Parks are fantastic options for those with munchkins in need of cooling. NYC parks department has a great feature on their website that allows you to search for parks closest to your location that have water features. My favorite water parks are both located in Central Park but are well worth the trek. Heckscher Playground located at the central south end of the park is fantastic. Tons of water, sand, tunnels. slides, etc. It is perfect if you have a group pf mixed ages. The big ones won’t get bored here and there is plenty to keep the babies occupied. Plus, it is a short walk to FAO if the heat gets to be too much. The other is the Ancient Playground located on the east side, right next to the Met. Lots to do for big and small. (Bring dry clothing, and when the day heats up, pop into the Met for some pop art.)
Photo Credit:Yelp.com
If all that running around in the heat has you hankering for some ice cream, try a vendor that supports our local farmers. Blue Marble in Brooklyn has a mission of using all NY organic grass fed cow juice! Or if popcicles are more your thing, try People’s Pops made with fresh local fruit. (Can you imagine what they could do with our peaches!!!!) They are located all over the southern half of Manhattan, even right by the entrance to the Highline. Grab a pop and hit the trail.
Photo Credit: Icecreamchurn.com
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas of how to enjoy our city and its outdoor space, even when its a tad muggy. Now turn off those ACs and go enjoy your city!
-See you in September,
Brandi
Forest Hills CSA 