In a matter of weeks summer will have come and gone. This might be a welcome realization for some, especially given the high temps and oppressive humidity that have characterized the last two months.
But in light of the impending change of seasons, we’d like to take this opportunity to advocate on behalf of our neighborhood and the myriad reasons people should keep their cars in park over the weekend and remain in our great city. We should also point out that every day it seems as if we are being told to pay attention to the air quality. Surely refraining from jumping on an eastbound Hampton Jitney or loading up the car to drive to the Jersey shore can only help improve the ozone levels.
But the key point is that there are lots of reasons to stay in Lower Manhattan as it offers such a cornucopia of summer activities. From outdoor concerts to simply strolling along the waterfront, there is really no excuse for not taking full advantage of what our Downtown neighborhoods have to offer.
If you haven’t been to Governors Island yet, well, you will discover an extraordinary retreat. Even when there’s not an event happening, there are always miles and miles of car-free roads and maritime vistas. What? You don’t have a bike? Well then you can rent one. And on Fridays, you can rent one for free.
Besides the bikes though, there are still some amazing events taking place during the month of August. This weekend Civil War enthusiasts can take the ferry over and experience a little bit of history, complete with cannon blasts, battle reenactments and more. And for music lovers, there’s still the chance to see acts like Dave Matthews Band, The Roots and more as part of a three-day music festival from Aug. 26 to the Aug. 28.
There are ongoing art exhibitions at the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden, including a terrific photo exhibit featuring the work of blues aficionado Jack Vartoogian. And the city’s (and perhaps the country’s) premier multi-arts festival, Fringe Fest, is kicking off this weekend and running through Aug. 28. It offers the public a chance to experience cutting-edge drama and art exhibitions that pretty much exemplify what it means to reside in New York City.
And there are the staples of our community that should not be overlooked. We have Pier 25. Why go to the Hamptons to stick your feet in the sand when you can do it right in Tribeca? The same goes for the South Street Seaport and Water Taxi Beach.
And if you want green pastures, then just head to Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City. Its swath of freshly mowed lawn is more than enough to satisfy the kid in all of us. Take your shoes off and regale yourself in the blades of grass beneath your feet.
In a nutshell, there is simply no need to sit, stuck in traffic on the Long Island Expressway or I-95 when you can bike or stroll, decrease your carbon footprint, and enjoy the spoils that a summer in the city has to offer.
