Staying Cool in NYC Pools
Being outside in the summer heat can feel like stepping into a gigantic steam room. When the sweltering, humid air hits your skin, there’s no better place to cool off than in one of NYC’s pools. As of last week, all 54 public outdoor pools are open for business. Here, we give you the inside scoop on some of the city’s most interesting swimming holes.
Lasker Pool & Rink
(inside Central Park, between 106th and 108th Streets)
In winter, it’s an ice skating rink; in summer, a swimming pool. Whether you’re in the market for exercise or purely interested in splashing around for fun, Lasker Pool is a fantastic place to take a dip and escape the blazing summer heat.
Open 11am-3pm and 4pm-7pm daily. Click here for directions and additional information.
Asser Levy Recreation Center
(392 Asser Levy Place, at East 23rd Street between First Avenue and East River Drive)
In search of an all-inclusive recreational experience? Look no further. The facilities at Asser Levy include an indoor pool (closed for the summer), basketball courts, handball courts, a playground, and a fitness center – all in addition to the outdoor pools, of course. The main pool in this park measures a massive 120′ x 45′ and stands adjacent to a smaller wading pool, perfect for pint-sized swimmers.
Pools are open 11am-3pm and 4pm-7pm daily. Click here for directions and additional information.
Barretto Point Park
(Tiffany Street, The Bronx)
Barretto Point Park encompasses over 11 acres of magnificent land, but the truly unique aspect of this public space is surely the freshwater Floating Lady Pool. Visitors “walk the plank” from the mainland to the pool, which is set on a barge docked in the East River through Labor Day.
Pool is open 11am – 3pm and 4pm to 7pm daily. Click here for directions and additional information.
Fireworks and Festivities on the 4th
July 4th marks anniversary of America’s independence. Get into the spirit with these classic events that celebrate the holiday with an NYC twist.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is one of the most awe-expiring displays in the world. The celebration starts at 9pm with performances by Beyonce and Brad Paisley. Then, look to the skies where over 40,000 explosions of color and light are sure to inspire “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd. This spectacular event takes place over the Hudson River, just off the west side of Manhattan.
For more information and details on where to stand for the best view, click here.
If you prefer a more vintage feel, gather at the rooftop bar of The Empire Hotel (44 West 63rd Street, at Broadway) for The Liberty Belle Spectacular. This extravaganza celebrates the best of Americana kitsch, with live rockabilly bands, Hawaiian swing music, burlesque showgirls, and lively dance numbers.
Click here for details and ticket information.
Movies By Moonlight
Enjoy free outdoor movie screenings all summer long at NYC’s most scenic open-air locales. From Back to the Future to Cool Hand Luke, spend an evening under the stars watching some of Hollywood’s all-time classics.
The HBO Bryant Park Film Festival (40th to 42nd Streets, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues; enter at Sixth Avenue) is one of the most popular outdoor movie screening locales in the city. On Mondays through August 22nd, gather with hundreds of New Yorkers to view some favorites like Easy Rider and Airplane! Grab a picnic dinner at nearby ‘wichcraft and head into the park. Films start at sundown. Click here for details.
Hop aboard the deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (Pier 86 at West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue) on select Fridays for screenings of films ranging from The Goonies to Jurassic Park. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Doors open at 7:30pm and screenings start at sundown. Click here for details.
Museum Mile
Last week’s post touted Central Park, which is teeming with special events all summer long. But just to the east, Museum Mile (5th Avenue between East 82nd and East 105th Streets) waits to be discovered. Aside from well-known icons like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, several smaller niche museums on this renowned stretch of land are treasure troves of history and culture.
The Museum of the City of New York is a celebration of everything that makes up this remarkable city. With current exhibits on everything from transportation-themed toys to the NYC Green Cart program, a visit here is sure to enlighten even the most seasoned New Yorker about the city that never sleeps.
(1220 Fifth Avenue at East 102nd Street)
El Museo del Barrio showcases the richness of Latino, Caribbean and Latin American culture. As the city’s leading Latino cultural institution, this museum offers several exhibitions and collections, as well as year-round cultural celebrations and educational programs.
(1230 Fifth Avenue at East 104th Street)
A few blocks south, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the way that human creativity and design has affected daily life for centuries. A member of the Smithsonian Institution, this landmark is the only museum in the country devoted to historic and contemporary design.
(2 East 91st Street at Fifth Avenue)
Get Your Culture Fix in Central Park
‘Tis the season when Central Park comes alive with theater and music. Check out these ways to get your culture fix in NYC this summer.
Shakespeare in the Park
For over 50 years, The Public Theater has performed some of the Bard’s most beloved masterpieces for the enjoyment of New York City audiences. The 2011 season kicked off this week with Measure for Measure, which, alternating with All’s Well That Ends Well, will run on select days through July 30th. Tickets are free but in high demand, so be sure to read up on the details.
(Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Near the park entrances at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.)
Central Park SummerStage
Not far away, Central Park SummerStage brings energy and excitement to the city all summer long. This concert series presents a host of music and spoken word performances, from traditional favorites to emerging artists. A highlight this year: Shelebration! A Tribute to the Works of Shel Silverstein. Check out the full schedule here.
(Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Near the park entrance at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue.)
A Taste of Times Square
Mark your calendar and bring your appetite. This Monday, June 6th, brings the 18th annual Taste of Times Square food festival, where some of the area’s top restaurants offer up their dishes to the masses amidst live music and entertainment. This year’s 40 participating Times Square staples include B. Smith’s, Becco, Toloache, Virgil’s Real Barbecue, and Ruby Foo’s.
While there is no admission fee, tasting portions can range from $1 to $5, depending on the dish. Hungry festival-goers must purchase “Taste Tickets” at the Times Square Visitor Center and Mini-Museum (Seventh Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets).
This culinary extravaganza takes place on the Broadway Plazas between 42nd and 47th Streets from 5-7pm. Arrive early to ensure the best selection.
The Many Sides of Madison Square Park
While for years Madison Square Park was best known as the home of Danny Meyer’s first Shake Shack, this fantastic green space now boasts much more than just burgers. Located at 23rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, Madison Square Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re a lover of art, food, music, or all of the above.
See
Take a stroll through the park now through August 14th to view an astonishing work of public art by celebrated Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa. Echo stands 44 feet high and depicts the face of a nine-year-old girl lost in a state of thoughts and dreams. This astonishing masterpiece exudes a welcome sense of tranquility and quiet in the middle of bustling Manhattan.
Taste
Burgers and shakes aren’t the only way to satiate your palate in this neighborhood. Madison Square Eats brings together some of New York City’s most buzzed about restaurants and food trucks, including Momofuku Molk Bar, Resto, Nunu Chocolates, Eataly and Calexico. The outdoor food paradise is located just adjacent to the park and is open daily from 11am – 9pm, now through June 3rd.
Hear
Grab a picnic blanket and some take-out and enjoy a night of music under the stars. Starting on June 22nd, Madison Square Music will present free outdoor concerts every Wednesday night through August 10th. Featured performers come from a variety of genres, including folk, country, bluegrass and jazz. Concerts are held rain or shine, and start times vary. Check out the schedule for details.
Coney Island Time
Jutting off the southern tip of Brooklyn, world-famous Coney Island has thrilled New Yorkers for decades. From the bustling boardwalk to the celebrated Cylone, this remarkable neighborhood is packed with exciting events and places to enjoy this summer.
Brooklyn Cyclones
Catch a minor league game – or even a fly ball – at MCU Park (1904 Surf Avenue). In their first 2011 home game, the Brooklyn Cyclones take on the Staten Island Yankees starting at 6:30pm on June 18th. Games run through Labor Day. Click here for a full schedule.
Luna Park
This amusement park is just entering its second season, but, as home to the historic Cyclone roller coaster, its legacy goes back over 80 years. In addition to the infamous 85-foot wooden thrill-ride, Luna Park (1000 Surf Avenue) also boasts 23 state-of-the-art rides, plus games, food and shopping.
Special Events
Coney Island hosts some of the city’s most festive summer events, like:
- June 18th: the annual Mermaid Parade
- July 4th: the world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
- July 17th: the Grimaldo’s Mile swim race
- August 6th: Sand Sculpting Contest and Unity Day
On the Streets of The Bronx
Unless it’s baseball season, The Bronx doesn’t rank high on the list of popular NYC tourist spots. But this NYC borough has so much more to offer than hot dogs and home runs at Yankee Stadium. From May 12 – 22, hop an uptown-bound train and be a part of the 40th annual Bronx Week.
Over the course of this fun-filled festival, 120 events will take place throughout The Bronx, celebrating the area’s storied history, diverse population, and rich culture. Programs this year include an urban farm tour, a film festival, a hip-hop block party, Johnny Mathis in concert, a Fitness Fiesta, free spa pampering, a Historic Trolley Tour, and free boat rides on the Bronx River.
On Sunday, May 22, the 11-day celebration culminates with a parade featuring more than 80 participating local schools, as well as musical performances by artists including Big Daddy Kane, Force MD’s and salsa sensation Conjunto Imagen.
Click here for a full schedule and locations. Then head north, and let the lure of The Bronx win you over.
Festival of Ideas for the New City
From May 4th through May 8th, NYC’s first Festival of Ideas for the New City brings together scores of downtown organizations, from universities to community groups, with the goal of enacting positive changes in the city. The Festival was created as a platform for artists, writers, architects, engineers, urban farmers, planners, designers and thought leaders. Festival events will take place in multiple downtown venues and are organized around three central programs: Conference, StreetFest and Projects.
Conference
Throughout the week, a conference of symposia, lectures, and workshops addresses the Festival themes: The Heterogeneous City; The Networked City; The Reconfigured City; and The Sustainable City.
The Cooper Union, New York University, and the New Museum
Streetfest
Attend an innovative, minimal-waste, outdoor StreetFest. More than 100 local grassroots organizations and small businesses will be there to present model products and forward-thinking practices.
Event takes place along the Bowery
Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m to 7 p.m.
Projects
Independent projects, events, performances, and walking tours will be open to the public throughout the downtown area all week. Click here for a full Festival schedule.
