Summer is finally here! Whether it be a vacation from work or a relaxing weekend spent out in the sun, the summer months give hard-working New Yorkers a time to rest and relax with friends and family. While the heat may seem unbearable sometimes, New York City also presents us with a line-up of fun events all over the city.
Some of you might prefer grabbing an ice cream at Sundaes and Cones in the East Village instead of taking a dip in Astoria’s Olympic-sized public pool – or vice versa. But we can all agree on the fact that NYC in the summer has it all, and then some. So, for those lacking a Summer 2018 bucket list, look no further; here are the missing pieces to the puzzle that will make this NYC summer the best one yet.
Cruise Through Summer
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While a scenic sunset from a nice rooftop is hard to beat, imagine escaping the Manhattan Island for a couple hours to enjoy time on the river and take in the skyline. For $40, Pier 83’s Midtown Harbor Lights Night Cruise allows guests to experience a 2-hour cruise along Manhattan, while the sun dips behind the NYC skyline.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, this boat cruise gives guests a glimpse of famous landmarks – including a sea level view of the Statue of Liberty – and a beautiful view of the classic bridges in Manhattan. More highlights on this cruise include an incredible view of Wall Street and One World Trade Center as they drift along the Hudson River while enjoying a fully stocked Happy Hour aboard. With countless other notable sights along the way, this NYC boat cruise definitely belongs on your 2018 Summer bucket list!
SummerStage 2018
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For all of you concert enthusiasts that are lacking live shows on your summer bucket list, check out SummerStage for live music, poetry, theater, ballet, and more! From June 2 to September 27, SummerStage festival hosts countless events almost every day. Entry is free, but if you feel like giving, you can purchase a ticket for charity.
The main stage is in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, but SummerStage events happen across all five boroughs in New York City. For music shows, genres range from R&B, jazz, rock, classical, and hip-hop. Without even having to spend a dollar for the majority of offerings, this festival can be the best place to spend some of your summer days in NYC.
Seriously Good Eats
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Why not eat something new this summer? From June through August, NYC has a plethora of delicious food options that can be found in all five boroughs. For every weekend through October, local food vendors set up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to participate in Smorgasburg – a food lover’s heaven that offers a wide variety of snacks and cuisines that will satisfy anyone. Smorgasburg has built a reputation for offering bold and quirky food choices, which makes the festival a true trendsetter. Crowd favorites are grilled lobster and ramen burgers.
In Queens, check out the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival on July 22nd, celebrating Caribbean cuisine, music, and culture. This food festival also involves a jerk cook-off where competing chefs show off their impressive cooking skills. If your summer bucket list is lacking good eats, look no further and indulge yourself in these delicious snacks!
Take a Dip
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To escape the almost unbearable heat during summer, check out the various New York City pools that open their doors in the summer! In Soho, Jimmy at the James provides guests with a rooftop pool 18-stories high with scenic views of the NYC skyline. Come late afternoon, locals can reserve a spot without paying a cover.
If you live in Brooklyn, check out McCarren Hotel and Pool for the largest outdoor heated swimming pool in the city. This summertime hotspot does require an entrance fee of $45 Monday through Thursday and $65 Friday through Sunday, but it will be worth it.
Another option if you’re looking to swim laps or chill out beneath cabana-style shade structures is the Sheltering Arms Pool in Harlem. This rooftop pool is free and even provides guests with complimentary SPF 50 sunscreen. This summer, don’t deprive yourself of a relaxing poolside day and take advantage of what the city has to offer!
