Summer is officially over, but New York City still presents students with a variety of ways to cling on to its spirit, from biking, to concerts, to outdoor shopping. Below are some recommendations for activities to help Columbians catch a last breath of fresh summer air, before the impending flow of papers and exams forces a mass retreat to the air-conditioned embrace of Butler.
Back-to-school shopping goes vintage at flea markets
Flea markets are the city’s go-to spots for unique finds at prices far lower than those at downtown vintage stores. Like farmers’ markets, they are also usually associated with warm-weather browsing, but those described below keep offering up the goods long past the beginning of fall classes.
The flea market in Hell’s Kitchen (39th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) is a New York City staple. Although a few of the 50 registered vendors stick it out with frosty breath year round, the time to browse is while the weather is still warm. Sifting through racks of homemade essential oils and trying on vintage Salvatore Ferragamo shoes just isn’t as fun with a numbed face and toes. For those shopping on real fashion calendar time, pick up a fur (or faux) for the winter now.
Hardcore flea-goers can day trip to the Williamsburg Market (Wythe Avenue between South Second and Third Streets, on Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m.). Newly opened last June, this market is smaller than others but easy to identify with features like a vintage tractor and a bocce ball court. Finds include local artwork and antique room furnishings.
A little closer to home is the GreenFlea Market, stretching across MS 44’s playground near Columbus and 77th Street on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This market champions the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto with randomly cool finds like vintage toasters. Or enjoy the last of summer’s fruit crop at a baked good stand.
Relax to the sound of music at outdoor concerts
New York’s free outdoor concerts are one of the main reasons to endure the sweltering city streets and subway platforms for the long months of summer. During the height of the season there are so many parks and venues hosting shows that it’s sometimes hard to choose what to see. As August winds down, most summer music series come to an end. Yet, there are still a few places where outdoor concerts can be found all the way into September.
SummerStage in Central Park (at the Mainstage, near Rumsey Playfield) hosts legendary artists as well as multicultural concerts all summer long. One upcoming show is 90s underground alternative legend Pavement, who play a ticketed performance on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. For budget-conscious Columbians, the venue also sponsors a free afternoon of music from Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria, as part of the Black Sea Roma Festival, on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 3 p.m.
Through the Clinton Concert Series, Pier 84 of Hudson River Park (44th Street and the Hudson River) hosts picture-perfect riverside concerts at 6 p.m.—right in time for sunset. The last show is Soul Understated on Monday, Sept. 13. The blend of R&B, jazz, blues, and hip-hop is perfect for late summer dancing.
Taking the ferry out to Governors Island (leaving from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street) is well worth it for the big names playing at its beach. Folk legend John Prine has a show that is $70 seated or $25 standing on Friday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Animal Collective’s Panda Bear plays a show Saturday, September 11 at 8 p.m. that costs $25 for general admission.
Soak up the sun on a weekend beach getaway
Throw on that yellow polka dot bikini, don those cool shades, and don’t forget to slather on sunscreen! Hit up the beach to soak up the last summer rays. Relax on the three-mile stretch of sand in Coney Island, an hour away by the D/F/N/Q train. The classic boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with a hot dog from Nathan’s in hand, but only after experiencing the famous Cyclone roller coaster. For students who dare to take a dip in the New York waters, hop on the Long Island Railroad to Long Beach. The pristine sand and clear waters are a draw, and the surfers riding the waves provide some nice eye candy. The popular but crowded Jones Beach is another option, right off the Long Island Rail Road. Music fans can rock out to outdoor concerts after a day of fun in the sun.
Outdoor films move the silver screen under the stars
There’s no better way to keep hanging on to summer than to enjoy outdoor summer movies long after autumn has its grasp on the city. There are only three holdouts from myriad summer film screenings, but each offer the perfect pairing of movies and picturesque New York as a backdrop. Rooftop Films, which lives up to its name hosting underground films on top of assorted buildings around New York, includes not only thought-provoking flicks like “Gasland” (Sept. 11) but an open bar and DJ after each screening. They have just extended their summer series for a few more weeks, including the first-ever movie screening on the beautiful High Line (“Twelve Ways to Sunday” on Sept. 22). Red Hook Films boasts fun films for all ages against a beautiful waterfront backdrop. All films are water-related and include an upcoming showing of “The Life Aquatic” (Sept. 7) and “Pirates of the Caribbean” (Sept. 14). Finally, Brooklyn restaurant staple Habana Outpost hosts films every Sunday through the end of October (upcoming screenings include “Saturday Night Fever” on Sept. 12 and “Urban Cowboy” on Sept. 26).
Exercise helps conquer students’ new semester studying slumps
Even though late nights of studying and the accompanying lethargy aren’t far away, with a little creativity, students can still continue the forms of exercise they enjoyed during the summer and avoid those always-unappealing trips to Dodge. Through Oct. 10, students can catch a ferry to Governors Island, where free bike rentals are offered every Friday. The island is also a great place to explore while biking or even walking or running, as it juxtaposes contemporary outdoor sculpture parks with historic, abandoned buildings that date back to the Revolutionary War. For even more of the great outdoors, Central Park Yoga holds $10 group sessions Sundays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m, meeting relatively close to campus at 81st Street and Central Park West. And for those really wanting to hang on to active fun in the sun, a growing surf scene is taking foot at Rockaway Beach, where the two designated surf spots, between Beach 67th and Beach 69th Streets and between Beach 87th and Beach 92nd Streets, are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Surfing paradise may not be hiding at the other end of the A train, but a few last drops of summer definitely are.
Beat the heat with reality television shows that put summer on the small screen
The days of trashy summer television may be ending, but certain reality shows are easy to follow into the fall for students in need of some occasional mindless fun. This list can help get Columbians through these first weeks of the semester when there’s really no studying to be done anyway.
While it might have seemed like a tame spin off the franchise’s normally crazy seasons, “Real Housewives of D.C.” is hitting its stride just as summer ends. Michaele Salahi, who became infamous when she crashed a dinner at the White House, has become the season’s breakout star. She’s no Danielle, but she’s entertaining.
As for “Jersey Shore,” nothing more really needs to be said. Snooki is ridiculous. The Situation loves his abs.
The MTV show “Teen Mom” follows the lovely ladies of “16 and Pregnant” as they deal with raising kids while still being kids themselves. Sometimes it veers toward depressing (like broken familial bonds), but it’s usually satisfying reality fare.
Finally, on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” The Jenner/Kardashian clan is back for a new season of their E! reality show. It should be interesting to see Kim trying to find a post-Reggie Bush hookup and to see Kourtney finally dumping that lunatic.
Keep up the summer lovin’ on a date in Central Park
Watch the leaves change color this autumn with a special somebody in Central Park in the spirit of a summer romance. Whether students wish to research polar bears, stroll through a dreamy garden, or catch a ball game, the Park offers Columbians and their dates plenty of ways to enjoy one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks.
Discover an urban wildlife park—the Central Park Zoo (located on the East side between 63rd and 66th streets)—home to puffins, snow leopards, and other animals that are certainly not native New Yorkers. Learn about how global warming is affecting the lifestyle of the polar bear, and read about the eating habits of red pandas. There is no student discount, however, and at a price of $12 per ticket, it might be best just to observe New York squirrels while sitting on a bench outside of the park.
Classy and quiet, the Conservatory Garden (Fifth Avenue and 105th Street) is a six-acre garden that highlights three European gardening styles. It includes such decorative flourishes as fountains and a romantic wisteria walkway and is protected from the rush of the city. Perhaps students will even find their dates spellbound by the scent of the chrysanthemums, which are planted each autumn.
Students may at least get to first base with their dates this autumn at the Heckscher Ballfields (7th Avenue and 64th Street). Munch on a hot dog from Ballfields Café nearby while enjoying America’s pastime as it’s played by locals. Although this is no Yankee Stadium, enjoy the field’s neighborhood feel and maybe even catch a foul ball!
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