Summer in the city has been idolized since the 1966 billboard hit song with the same title recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful.  In this eccentric place we call New York, there are certain pleasures that only New Yorkers can claim.  Here are some of them to get your summer juices flowing, from our Natural Awakenings readers!

“For those times that I have a ‘staycation’ here in NYC, one of my favorite places to spend some relaxing time is at Hudson River Park which stretches along the west side of Manhattan, just below 14th Street. Beautiful piers that poke out into the Hudson River, soft grassy lawns to partake of a summer picnic, nap and sunshine, Great tree covered benches to sit and read and watch the boats go by. Summer breezes, salty air, sailboats, ferries, motor boats and even barges crossing past my view. And, the best sunsets money can buy. While NYC is filled with hustle and bustle, it has wonderful places to rest and relax.”

~ Rebecca Spath, Gramercy Park

 

“My simple pleasures would have to do with making it to some Carribean beach at 7am when the waters are still and so clear that you can see your toes curled around the pebbles. Just standing there with your family, holding hands and bathing in the gentle rays of the early sun... No cell phones...No computers... No TVs.....Pure bliss...”

~ Svetlana Kogan, MD, Upper West Side

 

“I am a novice gardener, but I have a nice herb garden that I tend along with my 5 year old son. It’s fun to incorporate the herbs into our homecooked meals and really transforms just about anything we add them to. Also, we have transformed the back of our apartment from a lot of overgrown weeds to a lovely community garden, which is becoming ripe with herbs, figs, berries, tomatoes, zucchini, rhubarb, lettuce and many other goodies.”

~ Megan Franzen, Astoria

 

 “My favorite thing about summer is when my wife and I bungee our tent, sleeping bags and other camping gear to our bicycles and head to the woods/mountains for camping, hiking and cycling.”

~ Thomas Goforth, DO, Midtown East

 

“Every Saturday there is a wonderful farmer’s market in Westhampton Beach. They sell an outstanding sangria mix with fresh peaches, a delicious black bean dip and beautiful flowers. There is nothing better than enjoying them on a beautiful summer night after a day at the beach.“

~ Katia Ascher, Midtown East/Westhampton

 

“I love the long days and warm nights. Eating at a cafe or restaurant outdoors with friends or spending a relaxing day at the beach. The sun is invigorating and it makes me want to explore and be outdoors. Its great to be in nature under the heat of the sun. I love it! Also, I love finding and experiencing new places and the summer opens me up to do just that.”

~ Tasha Bailey - Astoria

 

“My all-time favorite summertime treat is bike riding. Being free and blowing in the wind is sheer exuberance. Flying a kite feels like that too, and anytime I pass a kite off to someone else a huge smile breaks out across their face. It’s beautiful to see!” 

~ Tina Woods, Natural Awakenings NYC Publisher