Take me out to the ballgame (& other awesome summer activities)

Hello Summer!

Perfectly timed to the arrival of today's genuinely summery weather (hello 90 degrees in midtown Manhattan!) Dr. H has surprised me with two tickets to tonight's Mets v. Yankees game (what a guy:) I can't think of a better way to welcome my most favorite season than by watching David Wright's booty hover over third base with a hot dog and cold beer in my hands! Though many look to escape NYC during the dog days of summer, I absolutely LOVE it here (except for the sauna that is the subway, nobody can love that sweat box). Here to help you join me in NYC summer lovin are a few of my most favorite activities for soaking up sun in the city (and click HERE for some suggestions from the pros over at NY Magazine!)

* Check out a baseball game. NYC has 4 great teams to entertain you, the Mets, Yankees, Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees. While the majors are always exciting, a trip across the river on the (FREE!) Staten Island Ferry means an awesomely intimate and affordable ball game (check out THIS all-you-can eat deal for just $22) or maybe a date night of Brooklyn baseball and a ride on the Wonder Wheel is more your style? (Don't forget about Nathan's!)

* Dip your toes (or your entire body) in the Washington Square Park fountain. The water is filtered and treated so it's clean and ready for splashing!

* Drink al fresco. Click HERE for some oldies but goodies... Or use THIS guide and head up to the roof!

* Eat some Mr. Softee. The trucks are on every freakin corner... good luck resisting temptation!

* Visit the Central Park Zoo! With a small footprint inside Central Park, the zoo is extremely manageable for people with little kids (plus there's a great petting zoo) and you'll feel miles away from the city as you watch the sea lions, snow leopards and penguins do their thing (Note: Gus the Polar Bear hangs out in his air conditioning when it gets too hot!) 

* Walk along Hudson River Park. This park, spanning from Battery Park City to the George Washington Bridge is such a treat. There's lots of green space for lounging, a bike and running path, piers with playgrounds and water toys, free kayaking, mini golf, bike rentals and more! The park also hosts tons of events throughout the summer including free concerts, movies and fitness classes!

* Visit the Cloisters. This one is on my to do list, as I've never been to the Met's outpost near the northern tip of Manhattan island (on a hill overlooking the Hudson River!) Created through a Rockefellar grant, the art collection is housed in five French cloistered abbeys and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The end is near.

See you later alligator. 

(Note: I DO have a gator float & I WILL be laying on it this weekend)

I saw something tragic yesterday… I’m innocently walking down 6^th Avenue when there it was - a window display for Gap’s new “back to school/fall line”.  Fall. As in shorter days, good bye flip flops and hello outfits that involve more than 1 article of clothing. *Grooooooan* Even though I actually find fall to be a beautiful season, I don’t like thinking about it. I am a warm, sunshiney kind of gal.  So to combat the inevitable end of summer blues, I thought I would compile a “to do list” for the rest of the GREATEST SEASON of them ALL (does this count as plans?). Whether you’re an NYC’er like me or far across the country, be inspired to soak up the sunshine! Happy Weekend!!

1. Swim in the ocean. This is just about the warmest it’s going to get all summer. Time to stop wading and dive in.

2. Visit Coney Island. No more “I really want to go to Coney this summer”
3. Be barefoot. As much as possible.
4. Learn to use my soft serve ice cream maker (or at the very least, eat more soft serve ice cream)
5. Shop the end of season sales. No better way to end the summer than sporting all the trends (for half the price!)
6. Picnic in the park.
7. Kayak (it must be the Olympics, I’m feeling inspired)

8. Eat more lobster (and corn on the cob and watermelon)
9. Make my own Sangria (because those pinterest recipes aren’t going to make themselves!)
10. Stargaze. Lay in the grass and stare at the sky while the crickets serenade you.
11. (One more for good luck) Do a running jump into a pool, lake or other large body of water (because it's FUN!)