It's that time of year again...time to break out the sundresses and sandals because it's almost spring! Shoutout to both global warming and good old Punxsutawney Phil for making sure that spring could make an early appearance this year. Temperatures skyrocketed into the high 70s this week in NYC which, in comparison to the 40-degree weather we had this time last year, is kind of a miracle. The emergence of this God sent warm weather has caused some changes in the City air to happen, seemingly overnight. Let's just hope the weather can stay nice. Fingers crossed.
1. The streets are more crowded
The months preceding the arrival of spring just happen to be New York's slowest time. After Christmas has passed and everyone has seen the tree and gone skating in Rockefeller Center, there's nothing romantic about a NYC winter, unless slushy piles of black snow and freezing your butt off is your idea of a good time. But, when the weather gets warmer and the sun starts to shine, the tourists make their way back into the City. Not only are the streets crowded with visitors, but the nice weather makes New Yorkers want to opt for walking to work rather than shoving themselves into a crowded subway car, or splurging on a taxi. No matter who you are, you're probably outside and you're probably loving it, at least until you bump into four strangers and add 20 minutes to your commute.
2. Fashion becomes more fun
New Yorkers are infamous for our uniform of all black ensembles, all day, all year. But, when the flowers start to bloom, we all forget that for a little while. Instead of pulling on the same big black coat, gloves, hat, and scarf, we get to sport those new yellow ballet flats and floral sundresses that we've been saving in the back of our closet. Whether you're going to work, class, a date, or just for a nice afternoon walk, the streets become a fashion show of bright colors and patterns.
3. There are more food trucks
You know it's spring when your favorite Mr. Softee truck is parked right outside your go-to hangout spot. Morning walks to work or school are filled with the smells of coffee and breakfast foods, more abundant than usual. When it's cold, no one wants to stop outside to grab a quick bite. In fact, running into a Starbucks is usually just an excuse to get out of the bitter wind for a few minutes. But, now that winter jackets are a thing of the past, why not grab your breakfast from a quick cart, or get lunch with co-workers from one of the various collections of food trucks! What appeared maybe every 5-6 blocks or so, is now on every corner and wherever you look.
4. Restaurants open up their outdoor seating
What's better than getting to enjoy Sunday brunch with your best girlfriends on the outside patio area, absorbing some much-needed rays of sunlight and people watching? Nothing. Some restaurants even lift up their front walls, expanding their restaurant and creating a more "open concept" layout. Going out to eat just got that much better. Thank God.
5. You anxiously wait for the green to come back to your favorite park
As soon as the weather went above 50 degrees, my first instinct was to dash to Central Park and just lay in the sun for hours on end rolling around in the luscious green grass that I missed so much. But, in reality, it's still the 2nd week of March...the grass isn't all that luscious yet. A lot of parks aren't even open. Bryant Park is still recovering from it's Winter Village set up, the Highline has about as much green as Times Square, and Central Park hasn't quite regained its summer look. But, any day now all of our favorite parks will be in tip-top shape again and afternoons can be spent laying in the grass instead of in the back corner of Starbucks.
6. You can't wait for all the outdoor events
Outdoor movies, Shakespeare in the Park, Smorgasburg, outdoor concerts, etc...The number of fun outdoor activities offered in NYC are endless. Warm weather means there's always something to do. But since we're still in transition, all of these activities are still in their planning stages. So while we're thankful that mother nature granted us the blessing of sunlight, that just means all the longer to wait for all the fun. While we're waiting, we can keep anxiously checking for online schedules and information, and making our own plans for fun in the sun.
7. You start actually wanting to do stuff
Sleeping in just doesn't seem as rewarding as it did a month ago. In the midst of NYC winter, it's rare to actually want to leave your place of business or home to "socialize" and "go outside." But now that the temperature brings a smile to my face, I can see that there's more to life than Netflix. Motivation is a beautiful thing, and I'm glad that it's resurfacing within me.
8. There are dogs everywhere
Without a doubt, the best thing about warm weather means that there are dogs literally everywhere. People bring their dogs on longer, better, walks. Of course, dog owners still had to take their dogs out during the winter, but now people bring their dogs with them everywhere! Dogs make the world go round and I am personally thankful for any factor that makes their presence appear more frequently in my life.
9. People smile more
Last, but not least, the most obvious change that occurs when New York City transitions from winter to spring is that people are happier, and therefore, smile more. The streets feel less rushed and much more pleasant, people actually want to stop and chat with each other, and even if you're alone, it's hard to keep a grin off your face. Warm weather is such a blessing and even though global warming is super scary and totally sucks, it's kind of amazing to not have to bundle up every time you step outside.
Thank God it's almost spring because I had almost forgotten what natural warmth feels like. But, summer you can hold out for a little while. I'm in no rush to sweat my way to school every morning and fear the possibility of passing out from dehydration and sunburn. We can wait.
