5 Things To Do this Summer in New York City

Look, I’m just going to be honest, New York City is at it’s best in the Summertime. My favorite season arrived a few days ago and I couldn’t be more excited. Yes, I’ve already begun using my air conditioner sporadically and Con-Edison will get all my coins over the next 3 months but I’m ready. I’ve invested in numerous crop tops from Urban Outfitters, Rainbow (yes Rainbow is killing the game) and this top is from Fashion Nova. I’m not sure when I became this person, but I love a good crop top for under $20 and these places DELIVER! Summer is here and the people have come out of their winter hibernation. The rooftops and outdoor restaurants are open. The barbecues, festivals and pool parties have begun (Hello Dumbo House, I’m coming for your membership). La Marina is an ongoing beach party and the sample sales are popping up left and right. I’ve got my itinerary locked and loaded for the summer and here’s a look at 5 cool things to do this Summer in New York City, from a seasoned NYC culture connoisseur. Damn…I should put that in my instagram bio, no?!?

SHOP TILL YOU DROP
I love Summer in New York City because all of the open air markets set up shop. I especially love The Brooklyn Flea which pops up in Industry City on Saturdays and in Dumbo on Sundays. Summer is when I also love to do more thrifting and my go-tos are Artist and Fleas and Buffalo Exchange. I also love Hamlets Vintage as well. Let’s not forget it’s pretty much Sample Sale Season all summer in NYC. (I just got some amazing finds from the Reformation Sample Sale Yesterday!!!). Another favorite shopping jaunt for cool jewelry, flowers and knickknacks is Canal Street Market.

PARTY
Yes, I said party! You’re never too old to have a little (or in my case ALOT) of fun. I am a faithful Everyday People partier because I always have a good time. I also recently discovered The Roof at Public Hotel and WHEW! The views are amazing and the DJ on a Friday night played every hit from my college days. I’m pretty sure I dropped down and got my eagle on at some point. That was after I downed a cocktail or two from Public Kitchens amazing restaurant (more about that later). I also recently went to a club to celebrate a my girl, Jen’s upcoming nuptials. We ended up at Hayaty a cozy hookah lounge in the LES and well, I had the time of my life. The crowd was mixed and people genuinely enjoyed themselves dancing and singing a long with every song played from R&B to Hip Hop. I also got to practice my salsa and whine up mi waist too. If you haven’t been yet, go ahead and hit up Brooklyn Mirage for their epic events in a lush locale.

GET CULTURED
There are so many things I can write in this section but for the sake of keeping this guide quick and easy I’m gonna get straight to the good shit. CURL FEST is nigh folks and if you aren’t planning on going, then Oh baby WHAT IS YOU DOIN’? I watched a crowd of no less than 200 people with afros, braids and every natural hairstyle in between swag surf and it was GLORIOUS. It’s also free so yeah, there’s that. Then there’s First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum. Get dressed in your flyest fit and go look at some art while enjoying performances and live music/DJs. Maybe meet a man or a woman and start a torrid summer love affair. Then pack your picnic basket and your best hat and head to Governors Island in July for the annual South n’ the City Picnic. I personally love this event because I’m a North Carolina Gal and southern music is music to my ears. Who doesn’t love a crunk picnic?!? Oh and The Studio Museum of Harlem is always a must. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for amazing books and merch. Speaking of reading materials, head over to Iconic Magazines on Mulberry Street to indulge in every type of magazine you could ever want and of course to get that classic photo in the isles of never-ending magazines.

Photography by Rose Lazard || Editing by Monroe Steele

Fashion Nova Top get similar Here | ASOS Skirt | Rainbow Sandals get similar Here | Piñata Tote | Annie Costello Brown Earrings | Nars Endangered Red Lip Pencil

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EAT YOUR HEART OUT
[one_half padding=”0 15px 0 0″]So here’s the best of the best from a bonafide foodie. Drop everything you’re doing and head to Eately (it doesn’t matter which one) and get a pistachio gelato. It will change your life. Head to Public Kitchen for a delectable Black Truffle 3 Cheese pizza, the grilled octopus and the soft-shell crab. I’m not playing. Nearly everything on the menu was made by angels. Oh and if you need a good strong drink that’s also fresh and delicious head to The Crown, 50 Bowery Hotel’s rooftop bar for a Thai Basil Watermelon Margarita with an amazing view of the city! For an excellent Matcha Latte head to Boba Guys at Canal Street Market. [/one_half] [one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 15px”]For the best Mac n’ Cheese, head uptown to Harlem Tavern, the fish taco’s are a 8/10 too, just make sure to ask for more lime. Want the best chocolate chip cookie? Then head to Vesuvio Bakery for your cookie fix. Perhaps you want a Quesadilla, then Dorado Tacos a hop, skip and a jump from Union Square is where you need to go. You may bite off your own tongue devouring their steak quesadilla or their Carne Asada fries. Think McDonald’s french fries, topped with steak, cheeses, guacamole, salsa and sour cream. It’s literally the best thing on the menu and so so good. I come here at least once a week.[/one_half_last]

GET ACTIVE
Go out and enjoy this beautiful city! Go hang out at Chelsea Piers and do some rock climbing or bowling. Hell, hone your inner Katniss with an Archery class in Brooklyn. Go ahead and prepare for your cuffing season body with a cycling class in Harlem or a Brukwine Class that will leave you drenched in sweat and ready to go to carnival. If you like a little something more low key, try a paddle boat in Prospect Park (just not on the hottest day of summer). Even a walk through Central Park, Prospect Park or Brooklyn Waterfront Park will be entertaining given the amount of interesting characters we have here in New York City.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Guide to Living Your Best Life all Summer 18’ here in New York City. To learn more about moving to New York City check out this post. Wanna know more about the dating scene in the city, then this post is for you. Oh and if you wanna know more about Harlem, check out my Guides to Harlem.

xx
Monroe

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