It’s not cold enough to bundle up and hit the ski slopes, and it’s not quite hot enough to throw on a yellow-polka-dot-bikini and hit the Jersey shore. It’s that infuriatingly pretty time of year when we can’t decide what to do for entertainment anymore: spring. Sure, there’s always dinner and a movie, but that always leaves something to be desired. For that, we turn to a little state called New York. With the perfect blend of culture and crazy, New York always has something going on. We’ve compiled a list of cool things to do throughout the boroughs to keep you motivated but more importantly, to keep you satiated.
See a Broadway Show
If you’ve never seen a play, you’re missing out on one of the most amazing experiences that New York has to offer. Though, who are we to judge? Maybe you’re just not sure what’s out there! That’s why we’re here to inform you. Music lovers, especially, will be thrilled to discover tributes like Motown the Musical, A Night with Janis Joplin, and Jersey Boys. Literature lovers will go crazy over A Raisin in the Sun and Macbeth. Of course, there are always fan favorites like The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Wicked. Whether it’s on Broadway or off, go indulge!
Shop at a Flea Market
Who said New York City gets to have all the fun? Brooklynites definitely know how to have a good time. If you think a flea market is just a bunch of people selling their junk, you’re absolutely right. If you think a flea market is just a waste of your precious time, you’re absolutely wrong–and you’ve definitely never been to the Brooklyn Flea. There is certainly no shortage of flea markets all over the city, but the Brooklyn Flea is an urban oasis. Every weekend, the event promises fresh food, repurposed furniture, stunning antiques, retro clothing, vintage jewelry, and everything in between. The vendors’ “junk” doesn’t feel like junk at all, but fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces that will have you rearranging your home to make space for a rainbow Buddha lamp that you didn’t know you needed. Let’s not call this an event, but an experience–one that every city slicker should experience if only once.
Take a Class
While you can do this pretty much anywhere, no place offers variety quite like New York. There are literally hundreds of classes to choose from; what’s more is that many of them are free! On warmer spring afternoons, take advantage of yoga in Bryant Park. On chillier days, plenty of rec centers offer free indoor yoga on the weekends. The New York Public Library boasts everything from chess lessons to crochet/knitting instruction. Do you want to learn how to cook like a Top Chef or perfect your pottery skills like Demi Moore (Patrick Swayze not included)? Check out Groupon and Living Social for awesome daily deals on either hobby. We guarantee you’ll find yourself having fun trying new things–things that you never knew you had any interest in!
Visit a Museum
You don’t have to be an art buff to appreciate New York City’s incredible museums. You also don’t have to be loaded. With most museums offering donation-only days, there’s no reason not to make the trip to Manhattan. Whether it’s The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection, or The Cloisters, there’s enough inspirational eye candy for the average Joe to just stare for hours. If you think it’s all paintings, think again. You’ll encounter everything from unicorn tapestries to suits of armor. If you’re looking for great photo opps, play paparazzi with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum. Science and anatomy lovers will be blown away by BODIES… The Exhibition where over 200 human forms are displayed in all of their inner beauty. There’s no shortage of museums in the city, so find one that fits your interests.
Take a Tour
It’s common knowledge that tourism in The Big Apple centers on staples like The Statue of Liberty and The Empire State Building. While you should definitely see these landmarks, if only once, know that city tours can be so much more unusual and fun! Take a ride on the TMZ bus to see all of the city’s celebrity hot-spots. Take advantage of the countless New York City and/or Brooklyn brewery and winery tours. Take a bike tour through Strawberry Fields in Central Park–not after your brewery tour, of course! You should probably avoid a tour through the New York City precinct. Just use your imagination (and Google)! There’s so much more to see than old Lady Liberty.
Check out our Feb/Mar issue to see the rest of “Spring in the City” and more!
