Black Oak Nights – New York

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Get Outside People!

Posted by Black Oak On August - 11 - 2009

Have you been stuck inside your office all day, only to spend the little bit of free time you have in some bar or club?

Get outside!

Enjoy the summer! You know you will be cursing the weather out come November, so take advantage of the heat while you can. Here are a few things to do before fall weather arrives in New York City.

Governors Island
Going to Governors Island has to be one of the most underrated activities in New York City. Why more people do not frequent these lush, open grounds more often is amazing. Nevertheless, take advantage of the crowd-less paths, the newly constructed promenade and the impressive lawns and enjoy being in the mist of New York Harbor without having to bother yourself with the smell, sites and people of Manhattan. Governors Island boast great picnic grounds, several art displays and a new Water Beach Taxi location fresh with an array of summer events. You can even catch an independent movie or two at the island’s theater. The island is only open to the public on the weekends, but for 3 days out of the week, it is yours to take advantage of.

Movies in Bryant Park
If you want to truly enjoy a film festival without all of the hype, why not take advantage of a casual Monday evening in Bryant Park and attend the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival! It is one of the most popular events in New York City every summer, and yet there are so many people who haven’t attended it. You have to get there early (let’s say 4:30 at the latest) if you want to get a good spot on the grass, but by 5 o’clock (when they’re on time), you’ll be presented with a tribute to the movies of yesteryear. Some of the upcoming showings are The Defiant Ones (July 27), Kramer vs. Kramer (August 3) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (August 17).

Coney Island
You have not truly experienced Summer in the City until you have spent a day at Coney Island. Yeah, you thought it was for kids, but there is no doubt that young and elderly adults alike can enjoy the one place in New York City where childish behavior isn’t admonished (outside of Wall Street that is). Coney Island is not your father’s fair grounds anymore either. With burlesque entertainment, Coney Island Museum exhibits on Sundays, and film showings on Fridays, Coney Island is your one-stop shop to divert your city-centric mind. Of course, there’s nothing like the brisk breeze off the water, walking the boardwalk, and the infinitely famous Coney Island Hot Dog. If you haven’t been already this summer, I recommend going on Labor Day. It’s not as packed as some of the other big days of the summer since the tourists have generally left for the season, and Coney Island is certainly a good place to find some barbeque if you can’t find a cookout to attend in the city.

Prospect Park
While most Manhattanites are overly zealous with Central Park, its neighbor to the South gets very little love. But maybe those who attend Prospect Park on the regular basis don’t have a problem with that. With all of the hassles that come with going to Central Park, such as a permit for this, a permit for that, limited space and one too many rules and regulations, Prospect Park is essentially like throwing caution to the wind. Want to barbeque? Go ahead! Want to play ball in an open area of the grass? Go ahead! They’re not as strict in the park of Brooklyn, which is why those who have been once tend to make a return visit!