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With Memorial Day Weekend fast-approaching, it is time to formally introduce the Summer of Fun 2012 list. For those of you unfamiliar with Summer of Fun, it is that time in New York when we go out and explore just why this is arguably the best city in the world (and we also go out in search of justification for the ridiculous rent prices we all pay to be here).
Summer of Fun officially kicks off Wednesday, May 30, with Manhattanhenge and will run through Labor Day.
So for those of you looking for things to do in NYC this summer, here is what I will (be attempting to) do and report back on. Feel free to join in on the journey.
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- Manhattanhenge, May 29/30, when the sunset aligns with NYC’s grid.
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- 2nd Annual Summer Spit BBQ, June 3, Studio Square, Astoria. Join Chef David Burke and brewmaster Jim Koch on June 3 for a day full of unlimited pork goodness and Sam Adams on tap. The event is held at Astoria’s Studio Square, 36th Street between 35th and 36th avenues.
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- Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival. Celebrate the Blues downtown at the World Financial Center’s waterfront Plaza as new stars join great legends for a two-day musical tribute to the history and continuing legacy of the Blues on July 11 – 12, 2012.
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- NYC’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Head out to Flushing Meadows Park (for free!) for a weekend full of ornately decorated dragon boats racing up and down the river, much like is done in China and Hong Kong.
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- Jazz Lawn Party. Step back to the Roaring 20s this summer during the 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. Held June 16 and 17, and August 18 and 19, Governor’s Island transforms to a scene right out of the Great Gatsby, complete with period games, music and food.
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- The Color Run, August 25-26. Join fellow New Yorkers for a rainbow of a 5k. Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color. 1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink, and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.” As the runners/walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR RUN Zones, they will be blitzed by volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR.
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- Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, Astoria. Many have tried, many have failed. To house a beer garden in a major metropolis is not an easy feat. However, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens has withstood the test of time and continues to be the number one spot for outdoor German imbibing.
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- Blues on Bleeker Street. The blues halls on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village are reminiscent of a Memphis nightscape. Wander in and out of bars along the street and take in the soulful sounds and a few bottles of suds.
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- The Staten Island Ferry. Ahh, New York’s “other” borough. Whether you approve of it or not, Staten Island is a very real part of New York. You want your Italian gravy at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, or a quick ride into Bayonne, NJ? Staten Island is meant to be experienced.
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- Little Brazil. W 46th Street in New York is home to Little Brazil, one of the smaller ethnic neighborhoods in NYC, but no less vibrant. Wander down this street for your own little taste of Rio and Sao Paulo.
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- Brooklyn Cyclones. Sure, it’s not the Majors, but Minor League baseball promotes conversation! Head out to Coney Island’s MCU Park to represent Brooklyn’s finest!
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- Rooftop Films. Where can you catch a good flick this summer? Up on the roof, of course. During the summer months, New York City’s rooftops light up with movie screens as tons of hipsters head up for some city cinematics.
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- City Island. Just off the coast of…the Bronx…sits a sleepy little fisherman’s island, right here in our own city. Head to City Island for a break from the buzz and some freaking fresh seafood.
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- Brennan & Carr. Who doesn’t love hot beef? I know I do. And yes, that is what she said. This Sheepshead Bay establishment serves up hot roast beef dipped three ways. I really don’t know how else to convince you.
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- Roosevelt Island. Smack dab in the East River, Roosevelt Island (formerly known as Welfare Island), is steeped in history and killer views of New York. AND…you can walk there from Astoria, so you know I’m hooked.
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- Apotheke. Ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top 100 bars in the world, Apotheke is an off-the-beaten-path gem on Doyers Street in Chinatown. If you do happen to find it, you’ll discover crazy cocktails, a luxe lounge scene, and a surprisingly good playlist.
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- The Smoke Joint. Located in Fort Greene, The Smoke Joint is a BBQ haven that you won’t want to miss. Why? This is New York BBQ. What? Yeah you’re intrigued. So you should check it out. 87 South Elliot Place.
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- Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos. Perhaps you didn’t know this about me, but I am obsessed with all things Anthony Bourdain. On an episode of No Reservations, the legend himself visited New York’s outerboroughs, notably this mom-and-pop taco shop in Bushwick. It’s the real deal.
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- The Pickle Guys. A pickle emporium on the Lower East Side. What says summer like a pickled vegetable in Tompkins Square Park? Not much, I say. Not much at all.
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- The Frick Collection. The Frick Collection is a compilation of European paintings, sculptures, porcelain and furniture. It’s just one of those museums in New York that you should really see.
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- Broad Channel. This random little beach community in Queens is a collection of waterways and bridges – it is one of New York’s more laid back communities, and a must-see for all nautical fans.
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- Eataly. Yeah…really late to this party. But I’ve never been. I hear it is overpriced and overhyped, but I like food and I like the idea of eating lots of different kinds of it in one location. Bring it on, Batali.
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- Sunrise at Coney Island. What better way to end a debaucherous night out in New York with a subway ride all the way out to Coney Island to catch the sunrise? Take the N/Q line all the way to the end and stroll along the boardwalk to catch the magic moment. Do me a favor and don’t go alone, okay? I don’t need to hear any horror stories. Be smart, people.
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- The Campbell Apartment. Located in Grand Central Terminal, this once-office of a 1920s’ mogul serves up classic cocktails in a dimly lit, borderline kitschy setting.
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- pdt. This is just a personal vendetta. pdt (short for Please Don’t Tell) is a speakeasy in the back of New York’s famed hotdog joint, Crif Dogs. I was denied entry to this exclusive backroom, so I will make it a personal goal this summer to get back. But for those of you without a hatchet to bury, it’s still pretty cool. Mixologists concoct magical elixirs while you gobble up hotdogs with weird toppings. You don’t have to be completely sold, but you will be. Oh, you will be.
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- Porchetta. Porchetta isn’t new, but this little hole-in-the-wall on E 7th Street in the East Village recently obtained its beer/wine license. ABOUT TIME. What could be better than a succulent porchetta sandwich and a glass of red wine? If you haven’t been, this is the time to go.
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- 5Pointz Graffiti. Have you ever ridden the 7 train? I mean past Grand Central and all the way into Queens. Have you? If you have, you’ve passed by a giant warehouse plastered in vibrant graffiti art. This is 5Pointz Graffiti, and it is a real thing. Tours are offered weekly where you can learn the stories behind the art and see the artists in action.
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- Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club. Sand, fire pits, beers on tap and skyline views. Nothing sounds more like summer in New York. Oh, and it’s open at noon every day. Accessible by the A, C, J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 at Fulton Street. The Beekman Beer Garden is located at Beekman Street and South Street on the north side of Pier 17.
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- Red Hook Food Vendors. Purveyors from all across Latin America gather in Brooklyn’s Red Hook to serve up local delicacies. Oh yeha, and people play soccer. Soccer and a papusa. That sounds lovely. Corner of Bay and Clinton St. Brooklyn, NY Subway: F & G to Smith-9 Streets
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- Beauty & Essex. Hidden behind a door at an obscure pawn shop on the Lower East Side sits this ultra-chic cocktail bar and restaurant. It’s pretty gimmicky and quite expensive, but it is definitely a place to see some A-listers and feel fancy for an evening.
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- Fox & Jane. This one may be just for the ladies (and if gentlemen are interested, that’s cool. I don’t judge). This Lower East Side salon and finishing “bar” is a full service salon with alcoholic incentive. 154 Orchard Street, Store B New York, NY 10002.
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- Parm. Parm: breaded meat (or eggplant), doused in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Essentially, heaven. And when you put it on a roll…I don’t even know if there’s a word for that kind of euphoria. Parm at 248 Mulberry Street can make parm out of anything. Anything. Have I said enough?
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- The Odeon. Tribeca’s The Odeon is an institution for brunch. (By the way, brunch is a religious experience in New York. We don’t f*ck around.) If you can manage to drag your bones out of bed before 3 p.m., head down to The Odeon to settle your stomach and soul.
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- Museum of Sex. I’m not sure if this really needs elaboration. It’s a museum of sex. That must appeal to some of you. 233 Fifth Avenue.
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- Home Sweet Home. Head to this bar on Friday nights for some kind of retro/90s sock hop. Head to 131 Chrystie Street between Delancey and Broome. There is dancing every other night, as well. But something intrigues me about a retro sock hop.
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- Rocks Off Concert Cruise. The Rocks Off Concert Cruise series is a three-hour booze cruise around Manhattan featuring live music and alcohol. There’s a Pearl Jam cover band schedule for this summer. Enough said.
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- Russian and Turkish Baths. In operation is 1892, the Russian & Turkish baths on E 10th Street have been mellowing out New Yorkers. The facilities have been newly renovated and include a Russian sauna, ice pool, Swedish shower, Turkish room and other intriguing therapeutic things.
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- L.I.C. Bar. L.I.C. Bar, in Long Island City, has a 100-year history and a hot summer scene. I suggest checking out this watering hole on Wednesday evenings when dogs are welcome and the backyard opens up into a barbecue bash.
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- Skydive the Ranch. About an hour and a half outside of New York in Gardiner, New York is Skydive the Ranch, a tandem skydive facility where….people jump out of planes with parachutes strapped to them.
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- Scott’s Pizza Tour. Put your feet to the pavement and check out some of New York City’s most famous pizzerias. You can also do a tour by bus, but that just seems ridiculously lazy. Walking tours are approximately $35.
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- Flushing, Queens’ Korean Scene. Flushing, Queens (last stop on the 7 train) is an emporium of authentic Korean restaurants. Take the train, take the day, wander around and Korea yourself.
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- Governor’s Island. Take the ferry to this island off Manhattan’s southern tip. Rent bikes, explore the bar scene or lay out in the sun and enjoy some piece and quiet away from the mainland.
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- Harlem Week. What once began in 1974 as “Harlem Day” has been expanded into a week-long tribute to all that makes Harlem fascinating and fantastic. We’re a little early on this so the dates haven’t been finalized, but we’ll get back to you.
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- Sandy Hook Beach. This seven-mile stretch of beach in New Jersey is a lovely way to escape for an afternoon. The Jersey Shore bound ferry will sail you through New York Harbor where you can view Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse, The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Hoffman Island, Swinburne Island, West Bank Lighthouse, and Romer Shoal Lighthouse.
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- The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. This overt ice cream parlor has garnered quite a reputation for itself as being big, gay and delicious. The lines speak for itself. Note: This is on the same block as Porchetta. See where I’m going with this?
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- Jane’s Carousel. According to the website, “Jane’s Carousel was created in 1922, the heyday of the American Carousel, by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (P.T.C.). Designated as P.T.C. No. 61, it was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, then a prosperous steel-making city. The Carousel has been fully restored back to it’s original elegance.” I don’t know…it’s an historic carousel in a glass case on the East River. Get on board.
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- Astoria’s Little Egypt. Hookah houses and Egyptian restaurants flank Astoria’s historic Steinway Street. Sit al fresco smoking on some hookah pipes, drinking Arabic tea and eating some very, very weird things.
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- Strawberry Fields. Bring your camera, your ipod and your favorite herbal refreshment and watch the freaks pay homage to the Beatles at this iconic New York tourist trap.
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- K-town Karaoke. New York’s Koreatown (E 32 Street) is home to a bevy of late-night karaoke parlors. If you have the burning urge to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” at 3 a.m., this is probably where you should go to do so.
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- New York lightning storm. This item is a bit dependent on New York’s weather, but typically in the summer the humidity and other…meteorological factors…create these wickedly intense rain and lightning storms (ask a weatherman for details. I’m a writer.). Don’t miss out on these spectacular natural events. Take a walk in it, revel in it. Stop by the river and watch the sky crack with the white fire. Just don’t carry any metal on you or go swimming. Live on the wild side.
Okay, so maybe this is five months overdue. But I swear I’ve been productive. I’ve hit up Mexico, Ireland (twice!) and….New Jersey (trust me, a journey all its own). But the creative juices are flowing once again, my friends and I am back. Oh yes, I am back…
…most recently from Vienna, Austria, a city that can be summed up with classic, imperial and elegant. I was in town for a short three days attending the first Austria Destination Summit, a trade show for travel agents looking to learn more about the destination. I could bore you with tales from the private Vienna Philharmonic rehearsal, or the nighttime tour of Shoenbrunn Palace (which ended with a lavish banquet overlooking the city)…but I think I’d rather tantalize you with tales from the table.
Night one: Champagne and hors d’oeuvres in Vienna’s iconic Ferris Wheel (the oldest in the world). The Viennese absolutely love their smoked salmon, cheese or ham on bread. And as basic as it sounds, it does the trick. Creamy, salty smoked salmon with a dollop of creme fraiche on a soft slice of baguette. Sold. Then it was wienerschnitzel (lightly breaded and fried fillet of veal) with a squeeze of lemon and a side of scalloped potatoes, with a never-ending glass of crisp, white wine at Wagon 31, the restaurant adjacent to the Ferris Wheel. Did you know Vienna has a booming wine industry? Me neither…but I was not disappointed.
Dessert was loosely translated on our menus as a chocolate-filled dumpling with strawberry sauce. I’m not a girl with a sweet tooth, but man that sounded like a drug that I had to get my hands on. Diabetics: Avert your eyes. Picture a fluffy white cake ball filled with oozing, molten chocolate, crusted in shredded coconut and topped with gooey strawberry sauce.
Night two: A private dinner in the wine cellar of Klosterneuburg Monastery, a Roman Catholic monastery just outside of Vienna on the Danube river. The working monastery is home to not only a cellar chock full of delicious Viennese wine, but it is home to the largest cask of wine in the world (56,000 liters!). Hey, heaven. The monastery capitalizes on this by offering guests the opportunity to literally slide down the barrel. Needless to say, I could not resist after I had sampled a few glasses of the onsite libation.
Night three: A feast for the senses and a true taste of Vienna. Our hosts rented out Cafe Gloriette, part of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence for the Habsburg family. It was built in 1775 as a ‘temple of glory’ for Empress Maria Theresia. In 1780 it was transformed into a breakfast room for the Emperor Franz Josef I. Today it is an elegant restaurant boasting breathtaking views over Vienna. Arriving at night was an experience all its own as the building was set aglow with dramatic lighting. We entered to a quartet playing delicate Mozart (which later erupted into some sort of hypnotic blend of house beats with electric Mozart – odd, but it grew on me. Or maybe that was the wine). In any event I tucked into a Viennese staple: beef broth with soft dumplings, similar to matzoh balls. Following this we were served flaky cod and saddle of veal, all culminating with my favorite: oh yes, those chocolate-filled dumplings. What a gloriously calorie-filled bookend to an already overindulgent trip.
Despite my waistline’s better judgment, Vienna has not seen the last of me.
Roaming Memphis in the bright of day is sobering. At least, that’s how we felt on Monday as we readied to head back to New York. Our last stop on our list was the National Civil Rights Museum, and I don’t think there could have been a more appropriate way to spend our last few hours.
In the blur of Blues, ribs and beer it is almost easy to forget that Memphis was the city in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed on April 4, 1968. He was killed on the balcony of The Lorraine Motel, which has been turned into the museum. It is eye-opening and, in my opinion, a must for anyone.
Before you enter the exhibit you watch a screening of the Oscar-nominated ‘The Witness,’ narrated by Rev. Billy Kyles, who was with Dr. King the night he died. If at the end you aren’t holding back tears then you missed the whole point of the film.
Wind your way through the history of American civil rights. What makes this exhibit that much more meaningful is that it is located in the South. I don’t think it would have hit me as hard were it located in New York.
The museum takes you up to room #306, Dr. King’s room. Here you can look out a glass window onto the balcony where he was murdered. There really aren’t any words to capture this experience – at least none that wouldn’t sound forced and corny. Just go for yourself. Adult admission is $13 and I would carve out three hours to do it properly. You do not want to rush.
We meandered down to Beale Street and although a good handful of people roamed in and out of the blues clubs and restaurants, it looked more like a ghost town compared to the past two nights. We even made an attempt to get back to Ground Zero to find out the name of Johnny’s band (I feel stupid that I can’t remember), but seeing it empty and silent was eerie and another reminder that the journey really was over.
I’ll be raving about this trip for a very long time. I cannot wait to get back and I will recommend Memphis to anyone.
The whole drive here whenever we mentioned we were going to Memphis we got one of two responses: skeptical looks (which, after last night’s insanity we are still confused about) and “You into Elvis, or something?”
Ok…yes, we went to Graceland. I know I like to pride myself on not being a tourist but, come on. I think if an entire Paul Simon album bears its name it really is worth a visit. And also…it’s Elvis.
I’ll admit I didn’t know much about the King or his palace before my visit, but I was told by my friend Becca (an avid Graceland visitor) to opt for the Platinum Tour Tickets, which cost $34 and include an audio-guided tour of the Mansion; access to his airplanes; access to the Automobile Museum; his Hollywood Exhibit; a pop culture exhibit; access to a wardrobe exhibit; and a self-guided tour of the ’68 Special exhibit.
Elvis bought Graceland in 1957 for around 100 grand. He was 22. I’m 22 and I think I’m making it through the rest of this weekend on $61. It’s good to be the King.
“There’s a pretty little thing waiting for the King…down in the Jungle Room.” – ‘Walking in Memphis’ by Marc Cohen.
The tour of the mansion takes you through the lower floors. The upstairs, Elvis’ private quarters, remain off limits out of respect. You get to see the living room, dining room, kitchen, basement and of course, the Jungle Room. Holy 1970s decor. Shag carpet on the ceiling? What were people thinking? The tour also includes the grounds of Graceland, including displays on his movie career and his many, many awards.
Getting there: If you don’t have a car there is a free shuttle service that leaves from the Memphis Rock’n'Soul Museum every hour on the half hour. I’d carve out a good three hours to do Graceland right.
Not into Elvis? There is still plenty to do. We also checked out the Beltz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art and tomorrow we plan on hitting the Civil Rights Museum. Memphis is also a prime location for people watching. Grab a stool at one of the many bars with front windows and watch the local color pass by. Check out the giant decked out carriages that leave from The Peabody Hotel. While you’re there, see the March of the Ducks, which happens at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Get there an hour early to get a good seat. It’s a little kitschy but the ducks are so damn cute.
