SpotYoga’s Rooftop Class
Photo Courtesy of SpotYoga
Summer has taken New York City by force, and folk are seeking out as many creative ways as possible to be outside. Whether you want to enjoy a little sun while keeping cool, dine in the fresh air or see the sights alfresco, there are plenty of options. To start, try one of these refreshing ways to enjoy the great NYC outdoors.
Stretch It Out With SpotYoga’s Rooftop Classes
Across the city at five haute venues, SpotYoga Studio is taking its downward-facing dogs, tree poses and warrior stances to new heights, literally. Enter the world of rooftop yoga, a fun way to workout while enjoying the fresh air. The idea behind SpotYoga was to give New Yorkers a means to take advantage of the incredible spaces hidden across the city (for instance, the vista from Ink48’s penthouse terrace in Hell’s Kitchen is phenomenal), all the while practicing “urban” yoga, which means you just might have a siren or sounds of construction as part of the soundtrack. In 60 minutes you will practice Power Vinyasa while enjoying the view. Not a bad way to sweat, right?
New York Botanical Gardens, Photo Courtesy of Peggy Rockefeller
Spend a Day In The New York Botanical Garden
With 250 acres, an untouched wooded area, over a dozen gardens and this summer’s special Frida Kahlo show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the New York Botanical Garden is one of the best places to relax outdoors during the day. Whether you are looking to see what native plants grow in the region, grow an appreciation of azaleas or you just want to feel like you got away from the bustle of Broadway for a time, it’s great day trip to make from Manhattan. Simply jump on the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station and within 20 minutes you are there — yet it feels like a world away. For even more fun outside, check the attraction’s schedule of special dinners — chefs from Mario Batali’s stable of restaurants will prepare meals on September 13 — and other unique events.
Take A Cruise
There are so many cool boat and cruise companies in the city that you could find at least one tantalizing adventure every day of the year. For your next outing, hop aboard Spirit Cruises. The company does a steamy Latin Moonlight jaunt featuring salsa lessons by the Piel Canela Dance Company and they also have a cocktail happy hour sail. If you want to travel on uncharted waters, book a ride on Manhattan By Sail‘s Clipper City, one of the only floating landmarks in NYC. The carrier has all sorts of fun themes, ranging from a lobster and beer lovers sail to a nighttime jazz cruise. You can sail during daylight hours for a basic tour of the city, too, but the best part about being on the water is stretching out on the deck in the sun as the guide regales the history of New York.
Waldorf Astoria’s Rooftop Garden, Photo Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York
Tour the Roof of the Waldorf Astoria
It’s not everyday you get to climb on top of a grand institution like the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Waldorf Astoria New York. Recently, the hotel expanded its 20th-floor rooftop garden and beehive sanctuary, which translates to not only more honey for guests but chances to explore the property’s deck. Anyone can book this jaunt, but if you are a guest of the hotel’s Four-Star Towers, the boutique side of the property, you can also partake in an exclusive beekeeping seminar with the experts and the chef who uses the sweet treat in the hotel’s kitchen. Finish up your adventure with the Waldorf Buzz honey beer made by Empire Brewing with nectar from the hives you just visited.
Dine Alfresco at The Gorbals
Nothing says summer like sipping a chilled glass of rosé and nibbling on something bright and fresh. You can do both at chef Ilan Hall’s rooftop bar at The Gorbals, the year-old restaurant in the trendy Space Ninety 8 in Williamsburg. Order a cucumber salad with avocado and crispy chickpeas, bacon-wrapped matzo balls and a chilling frozen drink made with Kelvin Sluch Co. slushies. Then, sit back and enjoy the vine-laden trellises, open sky and all-over beach vibe.
