the high today is 70 degrees!!! what the heck? it is november, but it's warm. i better soak it all in before the snow comes rolling in. so as i sit here awaiting to go outside and enjoy the weather, i will reveal my 5 favorite outdoor things to do in nyc!
1. eating al fresco at shake shack: this place is no joke that i have eaten one of their tasty shack burgers in freezing cold weather. however, it is more enjoyable on a nice balmy evening or afternoon, like today. located in the madison square park (around 23rd and madison..take the R W line to 23rd street to get there) the shake shack offers burgers, dogs, the best fries in the city (i think), and delicious frozen treats like custard, shakes, and concretes (think mcflurry but 10 times better). they also offer treats for dogs and have specialty items for those who don't eat meat (my friend alissa adores their shroom burger). while you wait in a super long line, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city around you. the flat iron building is there, and the you get a fantastic view of the empire state building. the atmosphere is fun and lovely. i take all my visitors there, and some ask for more! my poppop said that he had one of the best chocolate shakes in his life there...and trust me, he has had a LOT of shakes from all around the country. so check it out, and look for their season custard flavors to try.
2. walking along riverside park: i go here quite frequently because i work only a block or so from it. if you get to where the bike path is, you can view the river with all the sailboat gently drifting along on the water. it is a peaceful walk and the scenery is very pretty.
3. playing in the leaves at central park: you can do this now, because not only is it warm, but the leaves have mostly fallen making it perfect for jumping and scampering in them. if you don't go for that kind of thing, take a walk around the reservoir for a beautiful panoramic of the city and the park's fall foliage. to locate the reservoir, check out one of the park's maps when entering. it is around the high 80's and can be reached either on the east or west side, as it is located in the middle of the park. just south of the reservoir is the great lawn, perfect to set up a blanket to rest and relax. bring a frisbee or a good book along for further enjoyment.
4. the bronx zoo: this place is huge, and celebrating it's 100th birthday! there are all types of animals, and if you have little ones (or just a big kid yourself), go visit the children's zoo for a more interactive experience with farm animals and go burrow through a tunnel with the prairie dogs. there's lots to do and see, and every wednesday it's free!
5. walk the brooklyn bridge: this is not for the faint of heart. it is windy and you are right above moving traffic. however, the view of south manhattan is breathtaking, and you can see lady liberty in the distance. pedestrians do have to share the bridge with bikers, but stay in your designated lane and you won't get run over. there is also a sense of accomplishment you might feel once you have crossed it...safely. the bridge is beautiful, and one of the first big suspension bridges engineered! so you too can be a part of history as you walk across it! if you start in brooklyn and end up in manhattan, treat yourself to my favorite beer, farmer jon's oatmeal stout, at the heartland brewery at the south street seaport. if you start in manhattan and end up in brooklyn, go get some homemade ice cream at the brooklyn ice cream factory. i recommend the butter pecan!
well, there you go! a short list of my favorite things to do in nyc on a beautiful day. hope you enjoy yours today.
this is beth signing off.
mission will be accomplished soon :)
You're such a good tour guide! I love doing each of these things with you. You should also do a post about your fave things to do in Brooklyn!
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