New York Trivia Tuesday

New York's most most famous hometown beer company, Brooklyn Brewery, has been a staple of local watering holes not too lng after its creation in 1987. Co-creator Steve Hindy learned to brew beer during a six-year stay in the Middle East, where alcohol was not sold and its consumption forbidden.

When business was booming, Hindy and his co-owner, Tom Potter, bought an abandoned factory and transformed it into a brewery. Before then, however, the factory had produced:

a) eyeglass lenses
b) matzoh balls
c) dress shirts
d) tires

Check back on Thursday for the answers to this week's trivia question!

What to Do This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

Where can you find mustard seeds, mushrooms and more right in New York? You don't even have to go to one of our favorite NYC farmers' markets. Just look down. Steve Brill, the “wild man” of NYC, is taking a group of intrepid city slickers foraging around the urban jungle to find what’s growing right underneath their feet. The pickings are definitely cheaper than what you’ll find at your local Whole Foods, and you won’t have to worry about choosing paper or plastic at checkout.

Sun, August 29, 11:45am-3:45pm; $15 suggested donation Meet at Dyckman St and Broadway; RSVP 24 hours in advance to 914-835-2153

DRINK

This weekend, drink for a good cause: more drinks! One of our favorite jazz bars, Puppets, is throwing a weekend fundraiser to ensure that they can keep their doors open. Have some drinks, take a look at the tasty (and all-organic) menu, enjoy some live music (with no cover charge), give whatever donation you can and help support a great Brooklyn business, plus all the musicians that depend on it!

Sat, August 28, 5pm – Sun, August 29, 4am; donations encouraged 481 5th Ave, Brooklyn; puppetsjazz.com

SEE

Take a look back at New York history in action—literally! Revolutionary war re-enactors are bringing the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle against the British after the Declaration of Independence was signed, back from the past. After the battle, celebrate our victory and join the parade led by the Regimental Band of the United States Merchant Marine or stroll through scenic Green-Wood cemetery and find some city history for yourself.
Sun, August 29, noon; free 500 25th St, Brooklyn; green-wood.com

SHOP

Get some of the city’s best food deals in … the world’s biggest train station? For the first time, Grand Central Market, the gourmet food emporium and a haven for NYC foodies, is offering its own dining week that ends this weekend. Specialty foods include cupcakes, cheeses, spices and more. Stock up your kitchen and check out the goods!
Sat and Sun, August 28-29 87 E 42nd St, Manhattan; grandcentralterminal.com

PLAY

NYC summer events are winding down this weekend, so take one last spin around the dance floor. Dress up in your 1920s finest (we’re picturing strings of pearls and suspenders) and hightail it down to Governors Island, where the Jazz Age Lawn Party is in full swing. Michael Arenella’s Dreamland Orchestra provides the music, St. Germain provides the liquor, and Governors Island provides the scenery. All you have to bring is your dolled-up self.

Sat and Sun, August 28-29, 11am–6pm; $10, advance $7 Governors Island; dreamlandorchestra.com

Which NY borough has had the most tornadoes?

And the answer is ...

d) Staten Island

Of all the five boroughs, Staten Island has had the most tornadoes on record, with three only since 1990. The 2007 tornado in Brooklyn, however, was stronger than any of these. Although it initially touched town on Staten Island, it didn't become a powerful force until later in the storm, when Bay Ridge and Sunset Park neighborhoods were particularly affected; the Cyclones, Brooklyn's minor league baseball team, weren't the only tornado in town that day.

New York Trivia Tuesday

The rain in NYC this week has been unrelenting, but it pales in comparison to the storms in New York just three summers ago. On August 8, 2007, a tornado blew through Brooklyn, hitting parts of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park especially hard and shutting down subway service around the city.

Not only was the 2007 twister the strongest to hit New York on record, it was also the only one ever to hit Brooklyn. But there have been several tornados to hit other boroughs in recent years. Which New York borough has had the most tornados on record?

a) Queens
b) Manhattan
c) The Bronx
d) Staten Island

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best of New York: Dog Parks

Dog owners in NYC don’t often have backyards at their disposal, but city dogs can still get a workout at one of the numerous dog parks around New York. In celebration of our upcoming Dog-Friendly Race, here’s a rundown of our favorite puppy parks in NYC.

Tompkins Square Park Dog Run

Located in the heart of the East Village, this was the first dog run ever built in Manhattan; in the 1980s, when the area was a high-crime neighborhood, locals would gather their dogs here informally for a safe place to play. Having been granted official status in 1990, the recently-renovated dog run now boasts swimming pools, water stations, and picnic tables where owners can relax and socialize as well.
E 7th St & Avenue A, Manhattan

Dog Beach at Prospect Park

For a summer treat, head down to Prospect Park, where Dog Beach is open for the season. A mini-vacation to city-bound pups, the Puppy Pools are only open during the summer; special off-leash hours allow the dogs to swim comfortably and escape the heat on the scenic pond’s shady banks. On the first Saturday of every month, snacks (for both dogs and owners) are provided at the park by FIDO, a Brooklyn dog owner association. Come check out what Prospect Park has to offer at the Amazing Dog Friendly Race, where dogs and their owners will embark on a scavenger hunt and obstacle course throughout the park!
95 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn

Hillside Dog Park

To avoid the crowds that gather at many NYC dog parks, Brooklyn locals favor Hillside: there’s ample room in big and little dogs alike in this sizeable dog run. Wood chips, rather than gravel or sand, provide the ground cover, keeping mess to a minimum; you won’t find it in your shoes the next day. And the proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River Promenade make for a scenic walk on the way home.
Columbia Heights & Vine St, Brooklyn

Riverside Park

Besides offering a beautiful view of the Hudson River (and being one of our favorite picnic spots in NYC), Riverside Park is also a paradise for dogs. A spot that’s particularly dog-friendly, with long stretches of the park designated off-leash zones all day long, Riverside also provides three designated dog runs (at 72nd, 87th, and 105th Sts), where pups can meet and mingle with other dogs through fountains and over special dust-free ground covering. For the more cautious canines, “small dog” areas are gated off from the rest of the run, so they can play safely.

475 Riverside Drive, Manhattan

McGolrick Park

A neighborhood favorite, this tucked-away Greenpoint haven is an intimate and beautiful alternative to the chaotic dog runs at bigger parks. Although the dog run is small, it is as well-maintained as the manicured lawn surrounding it, and the towering trees provide a welcome shade for pups and humans alike. The locals are a friendly and loyal bunch—the dog park equivalent of “Cheers”—and they’ll all be glad you came.

Nassau Ave & Russell St, Brooklyn

What to Do This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

In most places outside of city limits, summer means county fair time. And county fair time means lots and lots of fried food. Whether you’re nostalgic for the fairs of your childhood, or just want to pig out for a day, join the Minnesota State Fair Day food tour around Manhattan on Sunday. Your guide will lead you to the best approximations of fair food in NYC, from milkshakes to funnel cakes.

Sun, August 22, noon; pay as you go Meet at Fat Annie’s Truck Stop, 131 W. 33rd St, Manhattan; mnstatefairday.com

DRINK

Put your taste buds (and your alcohol tolerance) to the test at the Brooklyn Wort’s Amateur Brewing Competition. 20 local contestant will be pouring from their own home-brewed concoctions, from IPAs to Belgian ales. Cast your vote for Brooklyn’s finest, and wait to hear the results by soaking up the suds with some free BBQ.

Sat, August 21, 2:30 pm and 5pm; $20 Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn; 347-240-5850, brooklynwort.com

SEE

As the summer winds down, enjoy the last weekend of car-free streets and entertainment at Manhattan’s Summer Streets. All Saturday, Park Avenue and Lafayette Street will be closed to motorized vehicles for 7 miles, all the way from Tribeca to the Upper East Side. Street performers and activities are set up at rest stops along the way, the most popular of which are the open dumpster pools (they’re clean!). Put on your bathing suit and walking shoes and take back the city!

Sat, August 21, 7am-1pm; free Visit nyc.gov/summerstreets for routes and information.

SHOP

This weekend marks the last of Greenpoint’s Backyard Bazaars, our favorite shopping event turned garden party. Browse the clothing, crafts, jewelry and vintage housewares from a dozen local designers—all at a discount—while relaxing in the boutique’s garden and sipping your free mimosas (or, for the less girly-drink inclined, beers). We recommend purchasing before imbibing.

Sat, August 21, noon-6pm; free admission In God We Trust, 70 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn; greenpointbackyardbazaar.blogspot.com

PLAY

Get a team of friends together for our last Come All Race of the year! The Amazing New York Race lets you see NYC in a whole new way. Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY and complete crazy challenges in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! The winning teams receive prizes including massages, photo tours, food, drink, jewelry and more. Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.

Sunday, August 22, 12:30p-6pm; $35 per person Meet at Dave & Busters, 234 W. 42nd St, Manhattan; theamazingnewyorkrace.com

What is the Met's Most Expensive Work of Art?

And the answer is ...

c) Duccio's "Madonna and Child"

Sometimes known as the Met's "Mona Lisa," "Madonna and Child" was medieval master Duccio's last known work in a private collection before it was sold to the museum. Although the sum paid for the painting is confidential, it is known to be the priciest purchase for the Met ever; sources say the museum paid over $45 million. You can see this famed painting, from the 1300s, on permanent collection in the medieval painting gallery!

New York Trivia Tuesday

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City's most beloved institutions, with millions of visitors every year. It also has one of the more comprehensive collections of art in the world, from modern art to the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur, a structure that is one of the museum's most popular attractions.

It isn't, however, the priciest. What artwork did the Met acquire in its most expensive purchase ever, in 2004?

a) Jackson Pollock's "Autumn Rhythm"
b) Limbourg Brothers' "Belles Heures of Jean de France"
c) Duccio's "Madonna and Child"
d) Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait with Straw Hat"

Check back on Thursday for answers to this week's trivia question!

New York's Best: Farmers' Markets

As summer winds to a close, it’s getting closer to harvest time. Check out what’s been growing around New York-area farms by heading to your local farmers’ market here in NYC. Although you may feel far away from the barn, getting farm-fresh produce and other goods is easy. Check out this list, or read about our particular favorites:

Union Square Greenmarket

One of New York’s flagship farmers’ markets and its biggest, with nearly 150 vendors passing through each week, the Union Square Greenmarket is a haven to those who want farm-fresh food. Watch street artists performing or visiting chefs providing cooking demonstrations as you browse the two acres worth of booths. You can find everything from flowers to pheasant to maple candy and homemade jams—but check the market schedule before you go, as vendors rotate daily.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8am-6pm.
14th St at Broadway, Manhattan.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Brooklyn’s answer to Union Square, the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket was founded by the same team but features many different visiting vendors. Favorites include Rick’s Picks (all different kinds of pickled vegetables, not just pickles themselves) and Ronnybrook Farm, which still gives you milk in those fabulous glass bottles (you can return them for a $1 refund the next week). Family events like pumpkin carving and cider pressing make this farmers’ market a true community celebration of food.

Saturdays, 8am-4pm
Prospect Park West at Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn.

New Amsterdam Market

One of the newest farmers’ markets in the city, the New Amsterdam Market has moved into the old Fulton Fish Market space to recreate the thriving covered market that used to reside there. Although smaller than the Union Square behemoth, New Amsterdam makes it mark in specialty goods, including artisan cheeses, ice creams and honeys. If you’re hungry, prepared food is available from restaurant favorites like Porchetta and Luke’s Lobster.

Schedule varies; visit newamsterdammarket.org
902 Peck Slip, Manhattan.

Stiles Farmers Market

Although fans of the Stiles Market admit that you might find the most seasonal goods over at Union Square of New Amsterdam, they’re not complaining. Why? The fruits and vegetables here are still fresh, from the farm, and above all, some of the cheapest in the city! Stiles focuses on produce (with a few bread vendors in the mix) and the selection is smaller than at many other markets, but the prices are unbeatable (Try peaches at $1 a pound!) and it’s open six days a week.

Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-6:30pm
8th Ave at 42nd St, Manhattan.

Inwood Greenmarket

This rapidly-growing farmers’ market is a favorite of those who live north of 150th St., but it’s becoming known to those in the southern boroughs as well, especially for its wine and fresh seafood. Don’t eat breakfast before you visit, since you’re going to be tempted by the wealth of fresh baked goods here. Get some organic berries as a follow-up snack while you browse the rest of the offerings.

Saturdays, 7am-4pm
Isham St, between Seaman Ave and Cooper St, Manhattan.

What to Do This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

Chinese food, Thai eats, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine have all long since gone mainstream, but what about Burmese food? Although it’s bordered by Thailand, China and India, Myanmar still has a ways to go before it becomes a staple in US kitchens. That’s not any comment on the food, however, whose deliciousness you can sample at the Myanmar Baptist Church Fun Fair this weekend. With over ten dishes to sample, mostly from $1-$5, you’ll be able to become a Burmese foodie in no time.

Sat, August 14, noon-6pm; free admission 143-55 84th Drive, Briarwood, Queens; mbcnewyork.org

DRINK

Dust off your ping pong table, bust out the moves from your college days and start training for the SummerSlam Tag Team Beer Pong Tournament. The grandfather of drinking games is going pro, with 32 teams competing to win the championship belt and the $250 prize. Players get all the free beer they want and WWE is sponsoring, so be prepared for some smackdowns and maybe a body slam or two.
Sun, August 15, 6pm; $25 per player Bar Twelve, 206 E 34th St, Manhattan; bar12.com

SEE

Recreate a classic photo and mack on several hundred strangers at the Times Square Kiss-In. Everyone’s seen the picture of the famous V-J Day kiss, celebrating the end of World War II and making girls everywhere swoon over sailors (The photo was featured in A Night in the Museum, so you know it’s a big deal). Strike a pose, get a few kisses, and remember the days when Times Square wasn’t so overrun with tourists.

Sat, August 14, 11am-2pm; free
Military Island, Broadway to Seventh Ave between 43rd and 44th Sts; timessquarenyc.org



SHOP

Get a quick taste of Mexico and get some souvenirs to bring back home on the Little Mexico Walking Tour through Jackson Heights. Dina Leor will guide you through the neighborhood’s multitude of shops that bring the products of Mexico to NYC. Stop by specialty food stores, arts and crafts shops, music sellers and even the biggest religious statuette store in town.

Sat, August 14, noon; $15 Meeting location given with RSVP; 212-780-9113

PLAY

For those looking for sun, fun, and a chance to meet and mingle with other singles, take a break from the city and join The Amazing Club Getaway Race: a vacation, scavenger hunt, Berkshire resort and social event all in one! Racers in our POGO Weekend get special rates for their entire stay, including sports lessons, mixers, meals and our special edition scavenger hunt, with prizes from Club Getaway bar books and merchandise to a free NYC race from POGO. Take a mini-vacation and join us at the Club!
Sat-Sun, August 14-15 www.theamazingnewyorkrace.com

Which Famous NYC Bar Got the Worst Bill of Health?

And the answer is ...

Trick question! Both McSorley's and the White Horse Tavern received C grades on their recent health inspections, with Bar None and Chumley's reports still to come. The oldest Irish tavern in New York, and a favorite watering hole of Abraham Lincoln, McSorley's was also one of the last men-only pubs, going co-ed in 1970 under legal pressure.

The lesson? Stick to drinks only at these historic NYC haunts.

New York Trivia Tuesday

This summer, New York has taken a rare page out of LA's book: the NYC Health Department is giving letter grades to all New York restaurants, based on the number of health violations found. The kicker? The owners are required by law to display those grades until the next inspection, so everyone will know what's lurking in your kitchen.

Which famous NYC bar got the worst possible grade, a C, on its last inspection?

a) McSorley's
b) The White Horse Tavern
c) Bar None
d) Chumley's

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best Burgers in NYC

New York may be the Big Apple, but here you’re more likely to crave a big burger. Luckily, the city offers a wealth of options for any budget and for any taste, from the simple classics to the gussied-up reinventions. Check out some of our favorite burger joints in NYC:

Shake Shack

The lines are notorious in NYC, but bite into your burger and you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait. Shake Shack has taken New York by storm since its first location opened in Madison Square Park in 2005, with four new NYC locations since then and more on the way. With the secret Shake Sauce on the hearty potato bun, the patty is best paired with one of the Shack’s signature custards. And for a burger of this quality, it’s reasonably priced (although more than the burgers of the roadside stands it imitates).

Price per burger: $4.75-$7.25 Multiple locations; shakeshacknyc.com

Minetta Tavern

It’s been known as the king of all NYC burgers: the Minetta Tavern Black Label. It’s also one of the priciest, coming in at $26 a pop. The reason? The burger meat is a signature blend of prime dry-aged beef, shipped from Creekstone Farm in Kansas. Add a helping of clarified butter and you’ll see why it’s a burger that melts in your mouth. Paired with a seeded brioche bun, it’s the classiest a burger you’ll find in New York.

Price per burger: $26 113 MacDougal St., Manhattan; minettatavernny.com

Paul’s

For the best burger deal in Manhattan, take a trip to the East Village: Paul’s is not only one of the best hamburgers in the city, it is also one of the biggest and one of the best valued. A plain burger costs less than $5, and is far larger than what you’ll find at Shake Shack. Burgers come in every form here (including a raw beef tartare burger), and with a variety of toppings from jalapeño peppers to cottage cheese. But skip the sides and head down the street to Pommes Frites to get your fix from one of the best French fries purveyors in NYC.

Price per burger: $4.90-$12.95 131 2nd Ave, Manhattan; paulsburgers.com

The Spotted Pig

Although the pig is honored in the name of April Bloomfield’s classic gastropub, the cow is often the star here. But the Spotted Pig’s famed burger is not for the faint of heart. Blue cheese haters, beware: this one is paired with a heaping helping of Roquefort, as well as a gravity-defying plate of rosemary and garlic shoestring fries. The brioche bun is lightly grilled, and the meat itself is some of the juiciest in NYC.

Price per burger: $17 314 W. 11th Street, Manhattan; thespottedpig.com
Peter Luger

The world-renowned Peter Luger is known primarily for one thing: steaks. But if you want a Luger experience without breaking the bank, or just want to get something new for a change, the burger lives up to the famed meatery’s reputation. There’s no frills on this burger, just melted American cheese and some raw onions on the side, but the meat is the true star and shines in a simple preparation.
Price per burger: $8.95-$11.90 178 Broadway, Brooklyn; peterluger.com

What to Do This Weekend in NYC

Every weekend, we're bringing you five of our top events picks from around NYC. Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

Bastille Day was last month, but you can still indulge in the best of Paree with delicious crêpes at Môtek. The East Village crêperie offers classic fillings like Nutella and sugar to elaborate pairings like the signature Môtek: vanilla cream cheese, Halva, roasted coconut shreds, strawberr y & honey, all torched at the end like a crème brulée. And with this deal from 8coupons, you can get all that for just eight cents. We say oui to that.

Sunday, August 8, 11am-6pm; $0.08 with coupon
125 St Marks Pl, Manhattan; 8coupons.com

DRINK

Broozy brunch is a NYC weekend tradition by now, but you’re probably not used to it quite like this. At Sunday Morning Mimosas, sip your champagne while listening to the vocal stylings of drag queen hostesses Aunt Anita M. Buffem and Aunt Gina Marie Rittale as they work their way through the power-pop canon. After the drinks, you’ll feel less guilty about joining in on “California Gurls.”

Sunday, August 8, noon-4pm; $13-18 (brunch prix fixe included)
40-17 30th Ave at 41st St, Queens; 347-642-4840

SEE

Heavy-duty construction tools plus music always seems like a good combination, and now there’s a whole festival dedicated to it. The Musical Saw festival brings the talents of international saw musicians to Queens, with some non-saw players joining in as a backup band. Join the Musical Saw Workshop and learn how to coax some music out of the metal, or tune in to the grand finale: all saw players jamming at once in “The Chorus of the Saws.”

Saturday, August 7th, 2pm; free
Hellenic Cultural Center, 27-09 Crescent Street, Queens; musicalsawfestival.org

SHOP

Shutterbugs, make your way to the Lomography gallery sale, where all minimal-defect and sample cameras on heavy discount, up to 50% off. No digital here: Browsing the selections takes us back to a time when film was the norm, and movies like One Hour Photo were still relevant. Pick up a vintage Canon, snap some cool shots, and own a piece of technology that is slowly becoming steampunk.

Saturday, August 7, 10:30am-9pm and Sunday, August 8, 11am-7pm.
W 8th St, Manhattan; lomography.com

PLAY

Team up in a twosome and tour the town with our Amazing New York Race: Teams of Two! Follow clues that take you through the secret gems of NY and complete crazy challenges in this event that's part obstacle course, part scavenger hunt, and all New York! The winning teams receive prizes including massages, photo tours, food, drink, jewelry and more! Make sure you bring a digital camera and an unlimited MetroCard to keep up with your team.

Sunday, August 8, 1:30p-6pm; $35 per person
The Village Pourhouse, 64 Third Ave, Manhattan; theamazingnewyorkrace.com

Which Yankee Legend Threw the Opening Pitch at Yankee Stadium?

And the answer is ...

d) Yogi Berra

Although Reggie Jackson threw the first opening pitch in Yankee Stadium during the preseason, Yogi Berra has the official season claim to fame. A former Yankee catcher, nominated as the MVP of the league an impressive three times, Berra also served as manager and coach to the team over the years. Yet Berra is most remembered for being eminently quotable, with quips including "It's deja vu all over again" and, in regards to a st. Louis restaurant, "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."

New York Trivia Tuesday

New York's new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, replacing the city's first Yankee Stadium from 1923. The first game of the regular season was played on April 16, 2009, against the Cleveland Indians.

The Yankees lost that opening game, in an embarrassing 10-2 defeat to the Indians, but they celebrated their long history with the ceremonial opening pitch of that first game. Which Yankee legend threw the first opening pitch to make history and christen the new stadium?

a) George Steinbrenner
b) Derek Jeter
c) Reggie Jackson
d) Yogi Berra

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best of NYC: Picnic Spots

Sure, there’s Central Park and Prospect Park, but NYC boasts a surprising number of scenic picnic spots for a so-called asphalt jungle. And as the summer heat is slowly dissipating, now is the perfect time to move meals alfresco; plus, it’s can be a cheaper alternative to NYC's outdoor bars. The next time you’re packing the picnic basket, consider dining in one of these garden paradises.

Fort Tryon Park

Head all the way up to 192nd Street, on the border of Manhattan and the Bronx, and you’ll find Fort Tryon Park. A world away from the overcrowded fields of Central Park, this urban oasis’ perch on the top of a hill provides killer views and creates a rolling rocky landscape studded with crumbling fortified walls and old citadels. After your feast, check out the nearby Cloisters, a monastery-turned-museum that houses the Met’s collection of medieval art.

Riverside Drive to Broadway, West 192nd to Dyckman Streets, Manhattan
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forttryonpark

Moses Mountain

For non-residents, a visit to Staten Island can be a long haul, so make a day of it and plan a hike through the Greenbelt. Three times the size of Central Park, a trail map offers a variety of hikes for the serious athlete to the occasional walker. Your picnic will be your reward for the hike up Moses Mountain, where the 360-degree New York views will be well worth the climb.

200 Nevada Avenue, Staten Island
http://www.sigreenbelt.org/

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Views of the Manhattan skyline make the best dinner theater, and Brooklyn Bridge Park offers some of the best in all five boroughs. Pier 1 and Pier 6 offer a combined 13 acres of lawn right on the waterfront and a small cove allows you to get up close and personal with the East River fauna. Pack a picnic on a Thursday until September 2 and get a post-dinner movie during the Movies with a View series.

2 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

Riverside Park

Just a few blocks’ walk for Upper West Side residents and Columbia Students, Riverside Park is the lesser-known work of Frederick Law Olmstead, the famed landscape designer of neighboring Central Park. Olmstead created the park to appear as an extension of the Hudson River Valley’s scenic beauty, and the terraced paths and views of the river’s Boat Basin are breathtaking. Take a trip to Grant’s Tomb, also located in the park, after dessert.

72nd to 158th Streets, along the Hudson River, Manhattan
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_riverside_park/vt_riverside_park.html

The Rockaways: Breezy Point

For dinner by the sea, take the A train out to the Rockaways, where the sand dunes and sea breeze offer a mini-vacation for city dwellers. Located on the very tip of the Rockaway peninsula, you’ll have panoramic views of the Atlantic and access to prime bird watching in the marshlands, a dazzling ecosystem protected by the National Park Service. Just make sure no sand creeps into your sandwich.

Rockaway Point, Queens
http://www.breezypt.org/