Summer in NYC

Living through a NYC winter should qualify residents for some type of compensation. At the very least, a free pint of Talenti/Stella, depending on your proclivities. This isn't a post to complain about the thankless winter because for a few months in the middle of the year, we actually get something better than free gelato and smooth beer: a steamy playground of [practically] free fun all summer long. Not that summer is ever long enough.

A few of my favorite things to do on a budget:

• Free Movies!!! Everywhere!! Just bring a blanket/beach chair, a picnic and some games or books if you plan to get there early (which you should). Don't neglect the amazing deal that is Rooftop Films: Live music to start, a movie or series of shorts on a rooftop and then an after party with free beer to close off a fabulous night. For under $20. Shut.the.front.door.
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• Cheri, the loveliest expat, just scored a gig at Max restaurant where they serve bomb lasagna and meatloaf (with a boiled egg inside, the way it's served in the Motherland). After stuffing your face, walk next door to the Duane Street Patisserie where they make incredibly delicious and gorgeous shortbread cookies. You will leave with a smile on your face and a happy belly. Now take your pretty little feet to Washington Market Park, run through the sprinklers and don't stop running til you reach Pier 25 for some Mini Golf. It's right on the water and a great deal at $5 per person. 
• Well, you already heard me raving about the free music in my beautiful city :)
  
• Ice Cream! Here or here or here. You're welcome. As for the savory, all I eat in the summer are fish tacos and pizza. Still haven't found perfection, but I love Dorado Tacos on 12th st and Patsy's on 1st ave between 117th and 118th st.
• Museum Day isn't until September 27th this year, but museums in general will blow your mind.  Libraries, too! New York is a treasure trove. Plus, many museums offer free and pay-what-you-wish days/hours every week!
• Luna Park and Coney Island. I usually go at the end of the summer when the crowds die down, but it's always an adventure at Coney. It's magical. Check Groupon and Livingsocial for deals: last year I got unlimited rides for $19.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Central Park :) You have the zoo, rowboats, bike rentals and an enormous plot of land to explore. Get your fitness on or just stretch out in the sun and get really toasty. Tan skin is deceptively clear skin, just make sure you wear sunblock, my friends.
• Speaking of parks, check out Brooklyn Bridge Park, Astoria Park and Gantry State Park for awesome date activities, the city's biggest public pool and unreal views of the Manhattan skyline!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• If you aren't a walker, consider renting a Citi Bike for the day ($10) or week ($25). So cheap, so convenient and great for the environment! You can even score a free 24-hour pass if you take their complimentary skills class. Think about it. 
• The Cloisters! Gorgeous...just gorgeous. Go! 
  
  
  
  
• Don't forget Bryant Park: last summer they hosted a square-dance that was a damn good time. They offer tons of free events, so make sure you check the website regularly. From Bryany Park, cross the street and check out Kinokuniya Bookstore because books (and manga!). Plus, their cafe is to die for. Amazing pastries, drinks and sandwiches! 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I completely suck at tennis, but on a smaller scale the game is tons of fun! Take it from someone with terrible hand/eye coordination: you can learn to be decent to awesome at ping pong. My favorite place to go is Spin. It's $20 an hour before 6pm on the weekdays and you have a big bucket of balls, conveniently refilled by employees as you play, so you can spend your time perfecting that backhand instead of running after your balls. Ha. 
• Last year's Jazz Age Lawn Party was a mother effing ball. On a whole, my sisters and I love to dress up for anything. Make sure to pick light and breezy fabrics for your 1920's look. I had a marvelous time...welp, the ticket situation (long lines to get (cash-only) tickets to get drinks and food and...everything else) was kind of frustrating, but hopefully this year they have a better system. Just to be safe, bring a picnic lunch to share with your fabulous jazzy homies.

I know some of the things I posted are "touristy," but let's be real: the tourists have it made! I've always wondered what it would be like seeing Manhattan for the first time as an adult. I'm sure it would blow me right off my feet. Even though I grew up right across the Harlem River, I still get giddy when I walk down a street I've never ventured before. I love to play tourist in my own backyard.

In honor of the deeply seated, shamefully hidden, teensy part of my soul that is a tourist and lovin' it, I give you my favorite thing to do (at least once) during the summer:

• Fall in love all over again from the top of the Empire State Building.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Enjoy your summer, beautiful people!