This Labor Day comes with a lot of questions. What is a holiday? Where did summer go? When can I see my friends? What the fuck is happening?
I can’t answer most of those questions. But what I can do is offer some advice to help us all feel better and make that reluctant transition from Summer to Fall a little less painful.
HEY, it’s a Labor Day Weekend Guide! Because whether any of us want to admit it or not, you missed these and I kind of did too.
See below for the best ways I’ve found to feel better, to feel summer, to stay safe, and to support local businesses in all the tastiest ways. It’s your summer and the city isn’t dead and neither are you. So let’s get out there.
Dive Into an NYC Pool
It’s ok, you can go to a public pool. Really, you can. I tested the waters (a few times) and I came out unscathed, and even a little more tan. Think of me as that penguin who gets pushed off into the ocean first to see if there’s a predator waiting to eat the rest of the bunch.
Actually, don’t think of me that way.
The list of NYC public pools that are open right now can be found right here (my faves are Astoria Pool and K Pool in Bed-Stuy!) and here’s a reminder about this magical oasis in the middle of the East River. Masks are required on the pool deck but not in the water. Sun-penetrable masks can be purchased here to avoid that awkward face tan lines. JK I made that up. Just know you won’t be the only one.*
Hit the Beach, baby.
Will it be crowded? Of course it will be. Is this the first time that you can actually tell people to keep their distance from you and not feel like a total asshole? Yep.
This is the end of fucking summer. Don’t let anything come between you and that sweet ocean breeze. Choose your beach (obvs there’s a guide for that). Get there as early as possible. Take your clothes off if you want. Don’t tell anyone I told you it was ok.*
Cookout at the Waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park
I know, you thought by now you’d finally have the apartment with that sweet sweet backyard and the grill and cookouts every weekend and tons of *socially distanced* friends. It’s ok that you don’t. It’s not ok that you don’t take advantage of the public grills that are available for you, all the time. Host your own cookout for you and your vagabond friends at the foot of Brooklyn Bridge Park, overlooking lower Manhattan and Lady Liberty herself. The grills and tables are first come, first serve, however, there’s a rule that you cannot occupy one grill for more than an hour, and people are usually incredibly generous. You’ll find a way in, and probably a way to double the size of your party and potato salad options. Link to the park is here. Nervous about the idea of “public grills” during a pandemic. STOP. Just stop. The virus isn’t fireproof. Jesus Christ, what were you thinking? Calm down.*
Have an American hot dog and drink an American whiskey at the Moonlight Mile
Here’s something you might not know. Moonlight Mile in Greenpoint has been doing free food with drinks way before Cuomo decided it was cool. For real. Gary’s cookouts on the corner there were one of those things that made Greenpoint so quaint- and also what made this my favorite bar in the hood. So go, get a beer, get a whiskey, get a hot dog, and feel like things are going to be ok.*
Those were the days, at Nowadays
I remember at some point thinking that the Nowadays backyard was a little too big- what if I get lost? What if I can’t find the bathroom? What if I wander off while waiting for my food truck order, never to be seen from or sharing a meal alongside again?
That “some point” was way before any idea of a pandemic was a thing. Now? Well now, I think it’s just the right size. This place feels like home in all of its natural wonder, and they have nightly events including film screenings, pandemic-safe dance parties, lawn games, food, friends, fun, safety. Let’s make sure we keep their doors open by spending plenty of time outdoors, all of the days, at Nowadays. Calendar here.*
Or basically do the same thing, at a Rooftop Winery
Wine on a rooftop in the Navy Yard with corn hole and that dirty balls game (what’s the proper term for it?) plus fried chicken and after-hours films. This is why we live in New York, and thankfully, Devin’s business plan is somehow pandemic-proof, before that was even a thing. Reserve a spot now, and aim for a sunset slot. Just trust me.*
Have a Picnic in Transmitter Park
But buy your lunch from 21 Greenpoint. Why? Because they had their liquor license taken away indefinitely, that’s why. And that’s not fucking fair. And we all want them to survive. And also, they have a pretty damn good lunch menu. So show your support and let the government know that no matter how hard they try to force ridiculous restrictions upon small businesses and then make a really obnoxious production of shutting them down, we’re stronger than that.*
Or, be the fanciest person at any other picnic.
With this amazing Bento Box. Yeah, I mean, I didn’t think delivery could EVER look this good. Tell your friends to bring their 6-foot long chopsticks and share the magic. Hit up the Sneaky Spirit Social Club and order their new Szechuan Tincture (free delivery in Brooklyn!) and mix up some wild cocktails for your friends. Secure that invite to the next cool event over all of those bitches who show up with White Claw and hummus.*
*WEAR A DAMN MASK.
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