Is it going to snow soon? Well, it certainly feels like it outside, doesn't it?
As beautiful as the snow in New York City is-- and we've got to say it is completely stunning --we do tend to get cabin fever when we're cooped up in our apartments for the long winter months.
Whatever shall we do about the imminent arrival of even darker, colder days than we've got already?
Well, we should take advantage of the outdoors, now shouldn't we?
We should hit the basketball courts near our apartments and play pick-up games. We should stroll through our nearest park and pause (bundled up in our coats of course) to read our books.
The point is, we should take advantage of the outdoors while we've got it. Read on to find out which outdoor activities we've got to take advantage of before we won't be able to for another year.
1. Bike in Central Park
october_again Balade en vélo dans Central Park w/@sauve_jeanbaptiste_coach #bikeincentralpark #bike #centralpark #walk #newyork #newyorkcity
If you haven't twirled circles around the huge outer edge of Central Park on a bike, you're really missing out. Plus, the leaves are in all their fall foliage splendor now, and it's the prime time for some whipping through the wind past some pretty breathtaking park scenery.
Just think of how many people in the world would love to visit Central Park! You have a couple options for actually attaining a bike. Of course, you can follow the explosive Citibike trend and rent one of these for $9.95 for 24 hours of half-hour rides, or $13.95 for 24 hours of hour rides.
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If you don't want such strict time limits, you could rent a bike in Central Park. They're available in three locations: Tavern on the Green, Merchants' Gate Plaza, and the Loeb Boathouse. Hours and rates vary per location.
Or, of course, you could always get your own bike and one of those industrial locks. Then you could ride to work before it snows in addition to pedaling through Central Park. Nothing like spending your commute fearing for your life and then arriving sweaty!
2. Skateboard in Union Square Park
Union Square Park is where all the cool skateboarders hang out. It's basically its own subculture/clique. Everyone's riding around, testing their moves, and pulling tricks.
If you have a skateboard and you sit on the side, you can bet another skateboarder will approach you and ask you to tighten their wheels, check out their trick, or be their friend.
Do these skateboarders date each other? We can only guess the answer is probably yes.
You might be worrying, now, but I don't know how to skateboard! Don't fret. Neither do we! But you'll never know unless you try, right? There's also an extreme, thriving subculture of skateboarders at Columbus Circle, too, so once you've gotten your wheels under you, be sure to hit that up before the snow comes, too.
3. Play pickup soccer
Do you love soccer? Are you nostalgic for the days you hit the field every day after school, tearing it up in your awesome fluorescent cleats?
Yeah, we feel the same. Well, guess what? There's this super cool organization called Pickup Soccer NYC, and they've been dedicated to bringing outdoor pickup soccer to NYC since 2006.
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Does your heart lurch in desire every time you pass the soccer fields at Pier 40 because they're the prettiest effing fields in the city, or is that just us?
Okay, well, these games are totally co-ed, and they go on through the winter too. It's just that, clearly, the games in the winter are much more cold. They play in Central Park, Riverside Park, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, and, yes, Pier 40. Sound good? Register here.
,4. Take a boat ride
bestofnewyorkcity Cruise around manhattan with a dinner buffet, drinks and dancing 💃🍸🍺🚢 #nyc #iloveny #nycdrinks #nycrestaurants #nycboatride #thingstodonyc #nycdateideas #nycdatenight #wheretogotonight @bestofnewyorkcity @datethiscity
Yeah, it's not too cold for a boat ride. Well, it's not too cold yet!
You could take a Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise, which will allow you to enjoy the delights of live jazz music while dining on the Hudson. Yes, you should bring your jackets. You should also bring your friends.
There will be a robust brunch buffet, free-flowing mimosas, and plenty of excellent views. It's pretty much exactly where it's at.
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If you want more of a nighttime thing, you could get a ticket for Rock the Yacht which is a three-hour cruise complete with city views, DJ dance music, and a cash bar. Plus, these tickets only cost $25.
If you're on the fancy side and you've got money to blow, we're thinking the Manhattan Dinner Cruise may be more your thing.
Tickets cost $85, and include a decadent three-course dinner, after-dinner dancing, and sights of the trifecta of landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
5. Picnic
michaeljtito Central Park North - Picnic Saturday @danabeil #centralpark #NYC #newyorkcity #meerlake #harlemmeer #harlem #saturdays #lake #pictureperfect #citylife #citynature #nature #parks #citypark #nycpark
Okay, stick with us. It might be a tad too cold to have one of those, wear a tank top, spend-hours-outside-picnics. We recognize that.
However, is it too cold to stroll through Washington Square Park looking at the leaves, wearing sweaters, and sitting down bundled in a blanket?
We think not. We think this weather is the most excellent opportunity to gather a gaggle of pals, snag yourselves some hot apple cider-- spike it with whiskey --and spend your Saturday afternoon playing Cards Against Humanity.
Or, you could just chill out outside wrapped very warmly in your coat and chat. That's an option too. Our point is, have a picnic before you won't be able to do it again for another year. Alright? As you know, there are plenty of parks to choose from.
6. Shop at a farmer's market
lesliebrienzaphotography Rainy day at the Union Square farmer's market. A colorful place on a gray day. #rainyday #fall #autumn #farmersmarket #unionsquare #nycfarmersmarket #nyc #igersnyc #foodphotograhy #lesliebrienza
Nothing like fresh fruits and vegetables, right? Right. Lucky for us, this city is bursting with all the farm-to-market farmer's markets we could imagine. We're killing it on the farmer's market game.
If you don't get out this weekend and sink your teeth into a fresh grown apple, or a recently harvested orange, or, like, some apricots, we have a feeling you're going to regret it once it's December and you're stuck inside eating canned tomato soup.
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Which farmer's market should you go to? What an excellent, pragmatic question. You could hit the Union Square Greenmarket, the McCarren Park Greenmarket, the Down to Earth Farmer's Market, or you could just check here to see which farmer's market is closest to you.
Check out 7 Must-See Attractions and Museums in Queens.
[Feature Image Courtesy Vivienne Gucwa/smugmug]