1. Festivals and street fairs.
My personal favorites are the Midsummer Swedish Festival in Battery Park City and the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. The Swedish Festival has already passed, but keep it in mind for next year if you enjoy making flower crowns and eating Swedish meatballs and candy. The Italian feasts are great for fried zeppoles, authentic sausage and pepper heroes, and that New York street festival feel.
2. Smorgasburg.
Running for a long time on Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Brooklyn Bridge Park, there are two new locations at the South Street Seaport and Coney Island. The ramen burgers have achieved quite a level of popularity, and who doesn’t enjoy food and drinks in locations on the water with great views of the city? There’s a combined 75-100 vendors that serve food and drinks, so you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
3. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
By far one of my favorite summer time treats, taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to get to this famous ice cream shop is a must. Get your ice cream (cash only!) and go sit on one of the many benches where you will have a stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge as well as Manhattan right across the water. In a tiny store only slightly larger than a shed and which features only eight flavors on their menu, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory makes you understand why sometimes simplicity is the best.
4. Central Park.
There are so many wonderful things to do here, but here are a few tried and true favorites. Head to Sheep Meadow where grass replaces sand and the Manhattan skyline replaces the roaring ocean. Whether you're getting your tan on, throwing a frisbee, or having a picnic this is a great place for a daytime date or to hangout with friends. If you’re looking for an adventure then go off the beaten path, literally, and wander your way through trails that aren’t flooded with people. You just might stumble upon a picturesque view of row boaters set against the backdrop of the city. Next, head to the carousel for a quick trip back to childhood, and from there head to the Central Park Zoo to escape the buzz of the city and get to know some animals.
5. Ride the Staten Island ferry.
Yes Amy Schumer, this ferry. The ferry on which you so begrudgingly rode back to Manhattan in your new rom com. But the ferry, and Staten Island, are pretty great. First of all, the ferry is free. Yes, FREE. The tourists have all caught on, so it’s about time you did too. With (free) and some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and of course Manhattan, anyone who begrudges the ferry and the island is just missing out (yes I’m talking to you Amy). I know the chances of people actually getting off on the Staten Island side to explore are pretty slim, but come back in 2017 when the island will be home to the New York Wheel; the largest ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere. Pretty cool, huh?
6. Shakespeare in the park.
For something different, head to Bryant Park to watch actors transform it into Verona as star crossed lovers. With Belvedere Castle as a backdrop to the drama or comedy happening in front of you, it is sure to be a spectacular experience.
7. New York City Summer Stage.
These concerts are 100 percent FREE which I know is music to your ears. Most of the artists and performers may not be recognizable names, but if you’re looking for a cheap yet fun thing to do at night, definitely check this out. There are locations all throughout the city, with one of the most popular being Central Park.
8. The Highline.
An outdoor floral oasis in the midst of the bustling city. That’s a pretty cool combination if you ask me. Not only does The Highline stretch from the Meatpacking District to Chelsea but it’s also elevated on an old railway track giving visitors the ability to look down onto the streets and pedestrians. A great place for people watching and photo ops with views of the Hudson River, you’ll definitely have to check this one out.
9. Pizza.
There seems to be two things New Yorkers are known for: always being in a rush, and eating great pizza! L&B Spumoni Gardens, Grimaldi’s, John’s of Bleecker Street, and Denino’s are some of the best. There are many, many lists online where you can find a pizza exactly to your liking. You might want to check out Thrillist to find out.
These are some of my favorite summer time activities, and they're great because not only do they make throwing plans together super easy, but fun too. They're awesome things to do with a date, or just with some friends.
