We've already gotten a taste of sweat-soaked, beating-rays days, and it's not even summer solstice yet! Before you swear you can't proceed with life anymore, take these activities into consideration. These will be sure to wipe that sweat off your forehead (and back, and buttcheeks).
1. Take a dip in an NYC Pool.
New York City has a bunch of pools just asking to be cannonballed. In the offseason, swimming is only for the posh hotel-goers with a rooftop pool and those with an expensive gym membership. In summer, the NYC Parks Department blesses the public with dozens of free pools. Check out where your nearest pool is at NYC Parks Department website. But if you're willing to make a trip to Brooklyn then go visit The Park at the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the Pop-Up Pool!
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2. The Beach is a summer must.
Everyone goes to the beach in the summer. It's one of the oldest ways to cool off in the heat and for a good reason; it's fun! Who could hate the beach? It has sand (hate it), cool seawater (YAS), sandcastles (eh) and half-dressed people (lol). If you grew up in Queens (like me) or currently live in either Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn you can easily take a trip on the subway to a nearby beach. The A train can take you to Far Rockaway Beach, the D/F train can take you to Coney Island and the B/Q train can take you to Brighton Beach.
3. Relax in those air-conditioned theatre seats.
It's super hot outside and sometimes you just want to sit down and relax. In New York City, if you're going to sit down then do it at an AMC movie theater, Regal Cinemas—for the exorbitant multiplex experience go to the AMC in Times Square or the Regal Cinemas in Battery Park—or the posh balconies of the many Broadway shows and professional stages of New York! You can sit down and chill, all while enjoying the entertainment the Big Apple is known for.
4. Indulge yourself with sweet, sweet ice cream.
If you love sweets like I do, then ice cream, gelato and Italian ices are the way to go in the sweltering New York sidewalks. If you want the razzle-dazzle ice cream experience, head to Victory Garden— you won't regret it. If you want an exotic "Thai-inspired" ice cream roll run to 10Below Ice Cream (get there early to avoid the long line). For Gelato, fly on over to Italy or rather Little Italy on the lower east side. The whole area has nothing but great gelato vendors. If you enjoy an Italian ice, then my favorite has always been The Lemon Ice King of Corona, it's one of Corona's last Italian-American establishments. We are going to get so fat this summer with all this ice cream!
5. Box yourself in with books at the New York Public Library.
Summer is one of the best times to catch up on that long list of books you wanted to read during the year, but couldn't because of work or exams. New York City is a treasure trove for volumes of books across its many libraries. The famous Manhattan central library is always a great place to go. However, if you want a library with a view visit the NYPL Jefferson Market Library. An air-conditioned library is the place to be for you book-lovers.
6. Visit the museum or an art gallery.
I love art so I'm pretty damn happy that I grew up in New York City—a hub of art, art history and fashion. You can easily toil away the day wandering around the vast hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. There is also the Queens Museum and the Brooklyn Museum amongst many other museums and art galleries. I would say more, but art should be experienced to truly enjoy. In New York, art is a spectacle and experience that allows one to travel to new lands and view different cultures. Don't miss out!
7. Bring a blanket to Central Park.
Leave the smoking oven that is the asphalt streets of New York City and venture into the beautiful green oasis of the historic Central Park. Bring a blanket, a beach umbrella, some drinks, a picnic basket and a group of your closest friends to enjoy a relaxing day on the grass.
8. Go out on the open waters.
Kayaking is becoming pretty popular in the piers of New York City. In Manhattan, walk to Pier 26 or Pier 96 for some free kayaking lessons and one heck of seaside view. If you have some cash to spend then go sailing on the pier. Be prepared to get wet and remember to bring some sunscreen!
9. Take a class in something cool.
Summer has always been the season for me to get my life together and learn something new and exciting. Don't let these precious few weeks go to waste! Take a martial arts class, experience some unorthodox "escape" entertainment, or learn how to bake a pie (I prefer pie to cake). You won't mind the heat if you're enjoying yourself with a new course in your life. I take fencing classes in my free time so perhaps I may see you at my fencing salle (Wednesdays are the best days).
10. Board the ferry to Governor's Island.
My all-time favorite spot to cool off and hang out in New York is Governors Island. It's a small island 5 minutes off the coast of the southern tip of Manhattan. You can go bicycling, rent out a tourney for the family, eat ice cream, enjoy a picnic beneath the leaf-shades, go kayaking, explore the historic terrain and participate in the many events hosted by island staff over the summer. The only draw back is the insanely long line to board the ferry, but once you get on the ride is fairly quick.
Summer Tips:
1. When taking the subway, stand as close to the yellow safety line as possible. Nothing feels quite as good as the underground winds of a passing train.
2. Don't be afraid to use your air-conditioner, but be judicious on whether you can settle for a fan on certain days. Even if it's hot we should always try to be eco-friendly!
3. Don't be lazy! The heat won't bother you as much if you do something with friends and family.
4. Drink plenty of water. Otherwise a martini, sangria, wine or chilled beer is an acceptable alternative.
