Beat the heat in New York City

New York City is one of my favorite places on the planet. It is busy, there are a lot of tourists, but it is such an incredible place, full of art, food, music, stories, and opportunity.

And New York in the summertime? It is hot, steamy, and well worth a visit!

I couldn't possibly fit even 1/1000th of the incredible stuff there is to do into just one blog post, so I'm going to break it up and do a series of posts, highlighting a few of my favorite moments in The Big Apple.

So, first up, when it's really hot I like to seek shade in New York's beautiful parks. Central Park, being the biggest and most well known, has so much going on in summer. There are games, live music, sunbathers, dance classes, theatre performances and so much more!

This is the view from Belvedere Castle (built in 1869), I recommend climbing to the very top!

Rent a boat and take a romantic paddle around the Central Park lake, or have afternoon tea at the famous Loeb Boat House. Stroll the cool, tree-lined avenues, stopping in at the MET or Museum of Natural History (which is fun for kids big or small) along the way.

Or, grab a hotdog from a street vendor, and take in a baseball game. Or simply sit and people watch, you won't be bored, I promise.

One of my other favorite green spaces in New York City is Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library, apparently it's also one of Elmo's favorites as well. ;)

Bryant Park is such an oasis of calm amongst the skyscrapers. You can enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants, grab a snack from a street vendor and sit in the sun, ride the carrousel  play a round of petanque, and afterwards wander through the beautiful library.

They also have the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, so pack yourself a picnic dinner and get there early for a good seat!

If you find yourself in the Village, Washington Square Park is a must. In the summer time it is full of live music, street performances, sunbathers, and is surrounded by some great places to eat.

Here's a little video view of the park:

And here's a taste of Colin Huggins 'The Crazy Piano Guy' playing piano in the park:

Just a short walk from Washington Square Park is a french patisserie called Mille-Feuille. They have the most amazing macaroons, croissants fresh from the oven, and pastries this side of France, I highly recommend a visit....or seven!

Another small, but not to be overlooked, park space is the New York High Line. The High Line was transformed into a mile-long park from the old, elevated, West Side rail line.

 

The High Line offers interesting views of the Meatpacking District, both looking up and down, as you walk along the old tracks.

And last, but certainly not least, head down to the Financial District and spend some time relaxing along the New York Harbor in Battery Park. There are lovely views of the Statue of Liberty, you can watch the yachts sailing, or visit the Skyscraper Museum. 

And this is going to sound strange, but be on the lookout for Zelda the wild turkey that lives down there in the park, I see her every time I visit.

While you are down that way, you could always jump on the Staten Island Ferry and take a trip across the harbor, past the Lady of Liberty. It's free too!

Next post I'll share a few more of my favorite New York moments with you, but for now, here's a quick time-lapse video including Grand Central Station and Bryant Park.