I am in New York City fairly regularly, and now that I have finally gotten my bearings in the city I feel comfortable creating a monthly date guide.
As the summer winds down and people jet out on last-minute vacations before school starts again, I find myself enjoying the city scenes more than I would a crowded beach. That’s why August is a great month to visit NYC, and an excellent time to plan an extended date during my tour later this month. Better yet, we can plan an exclusive visit at your convenience with my special NE travel rate.
Some things I would to enjoy with you:
Sports
Thanks to Drake, I did not make my way up to Toronto for Caribana weekend- I usually dedicate at least one day during my annual visit to a Blue Jays game. Fortunately, the Yankees face them in a series of 3 games August 17-19. Coincidentally (or fate?), the Mets will play the Washington Nationals from August 24-26; their dates overlap with my NYC tour dates from August 22-26.
Regrettably, I have not had the pleasure of setting foot on a tennis court all summer. But, it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to attend the U.S. Open. The last Grand Slam event will return to Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY from August 27 - September 9. Of course, the tournament will likely feature superstar players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. But I’m also anxious to see John Isner and Sloane Stephens bringing some great competition.
Food
NYC restaurant weeks extend from August 1 to August 18. How about dinner at one of my current faves, like Fonda, Catch, or Buttermilk Channel. If you’re into something new, let’s curl up in a booth at Michelin starred Junoon, The Clocktower, or the trendy Armani Risorante on Fifth Avenue. Better yet, introduce me to one of your off-the-list (and less crowded) favorite NYC haunts while I’m in the city!
If you’re tired of eating out but not keen on the mess, how about home cooked somewhere besides home? The ever-trendy Eataly offers the opportunity to tap into your inner chef at La Scuola di Eataly. Let’s do the Hands-On Fresh Pasta Intensive Workshop on August 23 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. We’ll learn how to make pappardelle before enjoying 2 fresh pasta dishes and a glass of wine. Or, perhaps, we can make NY’s classic pizza our very own at the Pizza School NYC.
Oh, and you know I love a good burger?! Time Out New York will be hosting the Battle of the Burger on August 16 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Long Island City Landing.
Outdoors
Let’s take New York City block by block at Summer Streets NYC! On August 11 and August 18 from 7am to 1pm, traffic is completely stopped on nearly 7 miles of NYC streets for pedestrian enjoyment. We can stroll around to enjoy outdoor arts & crafts, live performances, wellness activities, and food and beverage tastings.
There are few things I can think of that would be more romantic than sailing into a summer sunset on the Hudson River with a glass of champagne in hand- but Hornblower Cruises at Pier 15 provides the opportunity to do just that from Thursday to Saturday of each week with their 3 hour party cruise from 9:00pm - 12am.
Summer rooftop season and outdoor movies both begin wrapping up this month - let’s make a date to remember of some of them before it’s too late! The One World Trade Center Observatory is open until midnight through Labor Day. If that’s too touristy for you, we could get acquainted while enjoying incredible views at the Roof at Park South or Jimmy at the James Soho. Across the way in Brooklyn, we can enjoy lunch or dinner at 1 Rooftop at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge or Westlight at the William Vale Hotel. Alternatively, let’s head to Butterfunk Chicken (my fave!) for dinner and then lay out in Bryant Park for an outdoor movie. The Monday film series ends this month with Thelma & Louise (August 13) and The Terminator (August 20).
It’s just like New York to take something, anything, to the next level. Accomplice the Show is like an escape room turned outdoor scavenger hunt turned theatre. It’s a great opportunity to explore the streets of New York City in Downtown or Greenwich Village during a 2-3 hour immersive theatre experience.
For a more classic date, with a millennial twist, let’s take the ferry over to Governor’s Island for The Jazz Age Lawn Party on August 25 and 26. We can enjoy the “Dreamland Picnic Tote” instead of preparing our own, then burn off the calories by take dancing lessons or sit for vintage portraits.
Museums and Art
I am dying for a trip to the Met, and this month is the perfect time to do it! At the moment, they have Picasso and Klimt’s proper nudes (the subjects are nude, no dick pics of Picasso are included... to my knowledge) on exhibition, as well as Huma Bhabha’s sculpture works. Afterwards, we can talk art and life upstairs over cocktails and light fare while enjoying views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline at the Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar.
There’s always something interesting at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art - this month, I’m intrigued by Walter Price on view. The Georgia native creates art that resonates with me on a personal level as he creatively recounts his own childhood experiences of living in the South. Meanwhile, The Long Run is a curated exhibition of works from MoMa’s collection that emphasize “progress over perfection”. The showcase features experimental, innovative pieces from Georgia O’Keffe, Philip Guston, and Helen Levitt.
The scientist in me is itching for a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. The Inside You exhibit is an open exploration of health and the human body. Meanwhile, Neil DeGrasse Tyson (!!!) narrates the Dark Universe space show, which takes visitors into outer space to examine cosmic phenomena. Before leaving, we can look into the deep at Unseen Oceans before exploring the depths of desire in a more intimate setting.
Remember my visit to Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum last December? I am still hoping to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Complex to see the Enterprise orbiter. Let’s make it happen! There are also several other exhibits that would be exciting to see, like the USS Growler submarine from the Cold War.
Movies, Music, and Live Entertainment
Afropunk is one of my favorite Brooklyn traditions, and it’s back on August 25 & 26 at Commodore Barry Park. Alongside the legendary and inimitable Erykah Badu are headliners like R&B crooners Janelle Monae and Miguel, with Jaden Smith, Daniel Caesar, and H.E.R. providing additional line-up support.
The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah brings the funny to the Rooftop of Pier 17 on August 12 at 8pm. I thoroughly enjoy his witty, intellectual, comedic commentary on current events and I’m sure he’s even better live! For fresher comedic talent, we can always head over to (the ever amazing) Gotham Comedy Club for one of their All-Star shows or New Talent Showcases.
Finally, what’s a trip to NYC without a show on Broadway? There are three shows currently running that I am yearning to see: Mean Girls, Hamilton, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!
