Summer is nearly here and we know that means you’re looking to get outside, bask in the sun, or in some cases just escape the hustle and bustle of the city completely. Here are a few of our recommendations for perfect summer escapes.
1. Camp out under the stars at Outdoor Fest
Outdoor Fest is back for 2019 and they’re kicking it off by taking over 75 acres of green space in Staten Island. Campout under the stars, take part in the Salomon 5K Night Trail Race and enjoy a live show with Bridges & Tunnels. You’ll also be able to brush up on your survival skills, slacklining abilities, and after you’re all tired out, grab a beer and be mesmerized during a stargazing session hosted by real telescopes and astronomers. Here’s how to attend.
2. Take a tour of Hell’s Kitchen Prohibition dive bars
Although the number of NYC’s dives may be dwindling, those who grew up with the culture—or yearn to preserve the nostalgic element of New York—are keeping this wonderfully grungy part of the city’s history alive! New York’s dive bar culture began with back alley speakeasies during the Prohibition era, but it wasn’t until the late 1980’s when writers like Bukowski romanticized these cozy neighborhood joints (in tandem with the rise of yuppie culture bars in the city) that the popularity of dives truly grew. And if you’re looking for a throwback evening of dive bar culture celebration, there are two great dive bar tours taking place over the coming months. Head to the East Village for a punk-rock tour of NYC culture or wander over to Hell’s Kitchen to talk about all things post-prohibition. And, there’s a free tasting of Seagram’s 7 whiskey at the first bar! Here’s how to come along. ⭐️Sponsored⭐️
3. Take a tour of Central Park
Uncover the hidden meaning in sculptures, find out about the forbidden love story that inspired the park’s most famous statue, and follow the secret navigational device within the park. Take a tour to uncover the most bizarre and veiled places in Central Park, here’s how.
4. Be a kid again at this adult camp
Play every sport under the sun, take lessons from experts, eat delicious food, make friends and dance all night or simply relax and unwind. Get ready for some classics like bloody mary bingo, white water canoeing, mixology with liquid lab, cooking classes and all sorts of adventure activities with delicious gourmet food and thrilling live entertainment. Find out more, here.
5. River tubing along the Delaware River
On this delightful day trip, you’ll be able to enjoy a lazy day floating down the river with scenic views between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Once done there”’ be food, drinks, and even a party once back in NYC! Details of what’s on offer can be found here.
6. Go whitewater rafting
Escape the city heat this summer with a day of whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River. Challenge yourself to two to three hours down Class II and III rapids during the river’s best dam-release days before you break for a delicious lunch, and then back to the rapids for another hour of fun!
7. Take a bike ride along the Hudson River waterfront
Enjoy an epic day of biking, sightseeing and brewery hangs as you cruise the Hudson River waterfront from Manhattan to the Bronx for a party at the famous Bronx Brewery. The 12 mile, slow-roll bike ride along the west side of Manhattan highlights scenic vistas of the Hudson River and a stop at the base of the George Washington Bridge to see a secret spot most folks don’t even know about. For more details, check here.
8. Sail into the sunset with wine and jazz
The hustle, bustle and noise of the city turns to the sweet, cool rhythms of bebop, smoky blues, ballads and other jazz standards as you sail smoothly out into the summer night with the backdrop of NYC skyline. Check out who’ll be playing, here.
9. Escape the city and taste the wines of Long Island
Escape to Long Island this summer and tour some of the finest wineries in the region. Visit the vineyards of Sparkling Pointe, Raphael, and The Lenz Winery among stops for local food. Plan an afternoon here.
10. Take a tour of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn or Manhattan. If you don’t have the right guide, those are the two places the Brooklyn Bridge will take you. However, by tour you’ll be able to explore some interesting parts of the bridge you never knew were there—like a hidden park or even a bomb shelter! Discover more, here.
Looking for some other great outdoor activities to experience this summer? Check out a few of our recommendations here.
Also published on Medium.