NYC Summer Dream

As the sun shines longer and the temperatures begin to rise, summer has officially begun here in NYC. And while some of us have already started working on our tans and planned out our summer vacations, it's definitely clear that the sunny days bring an apparent shift in mentality. Even by taking a look outside the streets and parks, there is a bustling crowd of people more engaged with one another and actively participating in life, rather than having passive experiences via technology or cocooning at home as in cooler months. As this is the time many of us take more time to spend with friends and family, whether we get Summer Fridays or take weekend trips, outdoor activities are favored during this time of year.

Today we highlight some of the summer festivities happening in our neighborhood, many especially designed for the summer season. From dining al fresco, flea markets, music festivals, to outdoor movie screenings, there is something for everyone here in NYC. Take a look and if we're missing out on something, please feel free to leave a suggestion. We'd love to hear from you!

photo via: The High Line

The High Line | The Lot
Section 2 of the High Line, between West 20th and West 30th Streets, finally opened earlier last month. Allowing an even longer, beautiful experience, the High Line is a great open space for picnicking, sunbathing, and people-watching. The Lot, a temporary public plaza below the High Line, also recently opened for the summer. Offering free events, family activities, an outdoor bar, food trucks and more, this area is always a perfect go-to spot to hang with friends or family. The Lot also offers a new outdoor 350-seat bar, called the Lot on Tap, operated by Colicchio & Sons, the chef Tom Colicchio's restaurant. Featuring a rotating roster of five or more local food trucks, and a taproom of domestic wines, sodas, and local beers, Lot on Tap is a great place to find sustainable, local, and fairly affordable food.

photo via: Open Air Cinema

Bryant Park
Summers at Bryant Park is a classic destination for many NY locals. With multiple activities going on throughout the day, there is always a mixed crowd of people of all ages. Some of our favorite events here are the outdoor films and live music. Whether it's a local jazz band, traditional Japanese folk dancers and musicians, or world renowned pianists, the raw talent is always a special treat. Or if you're more of a film buff, make sure to check out the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, featuring weekly film screenings at the park's lawn. Bring your blankets and a packed dinner and you're all set! The park also offers free tai chi and yoga classes as a perfect way to start your morning and get in shape. Click here to see what's happening this week!

photo via: The Shop Brooklyn

The Shop Brooklyn
Taking pride as NYC's only licensed bar in a motorcycle shop, The Shop Brooklyn, offers a truly a one-of-a-kind Williamsburg experience. As a multi-faceted space, The Shop is an espresso cafe by day and a bar by night. In addition, they offer a barbecue menu and host special musical and film performances. If you are looking for a cool, unique atmosphere at a low budget, this is the place for you.

photo via: Hester Street Fair

Hester Street Fair
Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, the Hester Street Fair is a carefully curated flea market offering specialty foods, hand-made goods, and vintage/local clothing and accessories. Opened every Saturday from 10am-6pm, the outdoor market features new vendors each week from all over the city. Suchin Pak, a veteran media personality and television host, is one of the partners behind this street fair. Considered one of the most recognizable faces in the environmental media spaces, one can surely see her fingerprints in the way this fair is neatly organized. One of our favorites is the Schier Shoes, offering vegetable dyed leather desert boots crafted in Namibia. Check out their website to see who will be in this week!

photo via: Flickr

Good Morning America Summer Concert 2011
It's not an everyday opportunity to see stars like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Mary J. Blige make a live performance at little to no cost. However, with Good Morning America's 2011 Summer Concert Series, anyone can see over a dozen of special live performances by a number of world-famous artists at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. As all shows are from 7-9am Friday morning, we recommend you get there early to catch a seat as space is limited!

photo via: NY Times

The Rockaways
If you prefer bungalow barbecues and piña coladas over Champagne galas and polo games, the Rockaways is your type of beach. Favored by the young, artsy crowd generally from Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan, this Queens beach is slowly rising in popularity, reminding some of what Venice Beach in Los Angeles used to be 25 years ago.  Against all things bourgeois, the Rockaways has more of a gritty, run down feel that turns away families and the elderly, leaving it vacant for the creative young types. With a strong presence of a surf and skateboard culture, this beach's boardwalk is now the new Bedford Avenue (at least for the summer that is).

photo via: Gansevoort Summer Series

Gansevoort Park Roof Top
Unless your apartment has a pool, any New York City native knows how rare of an opportunity it is to go swimming in the city. Luckily, the Gansevoort hotel offers exclusive weekly pool parties taking place every Sunday at their rooftop from 3pm to 9pm. With world renowned DJs spinning live music, this is one of the hottest places to spend your Sunday evenings. Click here for more!

photo via: Meetup.com

Etsy Labs
We have all heard the saying, "No one is ever too old to learn." And with Etsy Labs, we can guarantee that anyone can learn something new while also having fun and meeting great people. Offering classes in sewing, jewelry making, book binding, embroidery, and crochet, Etsy Labs hosts a free weekly crafts night at their Brooklyn studio. Bring a friend or come alone to hone your skills. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired and start setting up your own Etsy shop in the future!