New York City in August Means Fun in the Sun
Written for NY Fine Traveler Examiner
Smart travel agents know that summer in New York City can be a blast. Hot, steamy, and sweaty, this is just the place you want to be if you like walking around the best city in the world in flip flops and t-shirts — while drinking milkshakes and boating in the middle of Central Park. The typical weather for August isn’t as heinous as people think — the Normal High is 84°F, the Normal Low is 69°F, and the Normal Average is 76°F, according to AccuWeather.com.
First, visit High Line Park perched atop the old elevated railway on the West Side of Manhattan. There you can relax, bask in the sun, hang out with artists, and celebrate architecture. Or you can grab a $15 High Line Picnic Basket at Friedman’s Market in Chelsea. Next, check out urban artist Richard Wood’s wall and door and roof art at City Hall. Part of the Public Art Fund’s 20th exhibition at City Hall Park, this is free to the public.
Hi Line Park Flowers New York City by Laura Medley
A great place to stroll around is Madison Square Park, with entrances at 20th, 18th, 16th, 14th, and Gansevoort. While there, {visit Shake Shack and} try out a Concrete Jungle (custard, peanut butter, hot fudge, and bananas) or some hand-chopped sirloin with their garlic Shack Sauce.
Central Park is also another fabulous place to walk and explore. At the North end of the park, there are trails that lead past woods and streams. You can even take a ride on the carousel near East 64th St. for $1.50. There are also amazing tours in Central Park. The Conservancy offers at least 10 different walking tours, including “Amble through the Ramble” and “Castle & Its Kingdom” and “Let the Games Begin.” Or you can design your own tour and visit all the places where Central Park has been featured in movies including Annie Hall and Kramer vs. Kramer.
A really fun NYC park activity is to go and watch an outdoor movie. Many of these movies can be seen in Central Park and Bryant Park, and they’re all for free. Alternatively, find out about all the free music and free theater being performed this summer at www.nycgovparks.org.
