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Entertainment Lifestyle Living NYC

Summer Date Ideas in New York City 2021

Photo by Joanna Nix from Unsplash

It’s about to get romantic

Have you been searching for some new summer date ideas in New York City? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are our picks for romantic summer dates in New York City.

Coney Island

Image by Guusje Weeber on Unsplash

For a fun-filled day with your significant other, visit Coney Island. Complete with rides, a beach, and shops, there are fun activities that all couples will enjoy. Also, while you’re here be sure to visit Nathan’s Hotdogs. Founded in 1916, the original Nathan’s Hotdogs is on Surf Avenue in Coney Island. These all-beef hotdogs have built a reputation, making them a famous staple of the Coney Island experience. A trip to Coney Island is the perfect date for a sunny summer day.

Classic Harbor Line Cruises

Manhattan Photo by Classic Harbor Line

How about a late-night cruise on the Hudson River? With Classic Harbor Line, you can go on relaxing cruises while enjoying the beautiful sights of the city including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island. One of our favorite tours is the Jazz Cruise, a 1.5-hour cruise complete with live, talented jazz musicians. This cruise is aboard the Manhattan, a stunning 1920s style yacht. A night on the water with Classic Harbor Line is most definitely a night to remember. 

Museum of Modern Art

Image by Alex Palmer on Unsplash

Otherwise known as the MoMA, this popular museum is the perfect summer date to escape the heat. Featuring modern and contemporary art, the MoMA is open from 10:30 am-5:30 pm Sunday-Friday and Saturday 10:30 am-7:00 pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $14 for full-time students with ID. 

Rooftop Reds

Image by Rooftop Reds

Calling all wine-loving couples: Rooftop Reds is the perfect date for you! Located on 299 Sands Street, Building 275, Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first rooftop vineyard. This vineyard makes around 20-25 cases of wine every year. This is a romantic rooftop date you won’t want to miss this summer.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Image by Yasir Eryilmaz on Unsplash

For a romantic escape into nature in the heart of Brooklyn, plan a date at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! This 52-acre garden was founded in 1910. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has over 14,000 taxa of plants. Admission is $18 each for adults and $12 for seniors 65 and up and for students with IDs. 

Tokyo Record Bar

Image by Tokyo Record Bar

If you and your significant other are looking for a unique date in the city, you definitely should check out Tokyo Record Bar. Tokyo Record Bar describes itself as “an underground listening room dedicated to quality and obsession through music, food, and booze.” In order to enter this lounge, you need to walk through Air’s Champagne Parlor. 

Tokyo Record Bar does two seatings a night, Monday through Saturday. Once seated, guests are given a song list and a drink menu. Tokyo Record Bar has a large variety of genres of music so everyone can find something they like. The song requests are handed to the DJ who then will then make the playlist for the night and sometimes add some more songs of their choice. Guests will also receive a seven-course tasting menu, complete with various traditional Japanese snacks and food. To experience a taste of Japan from New York City, Tokyo Record Bar is the perfect date.

Dreamland Roller Rink

 

Image by Dreamland Roller Rink

For a summer date that will send you back to the age of disco, visit Dreamland Roller Rink with your significant other! This themed roller skating rink encourages visitors to journey to the past by coming in retro costumes. MCs and DJs will narrate this spectacular night of disco. Dreamland Roller Rink also hosts themed parties, so that each visit is unique. Dreamland Roller Rink is a must-visit this summer for a unique and unforgettable date night.

Jetty Jumpers Jet Ski Tours

Image by Jetty Jumpers

If you and your significant other are looking for some adventurous summer date ideas, you should definitely check out Jetty Jumpers’ jet ski tours. These exciting tours are about three hours long. While jet skiing, you will see some of New York City’s most prominent landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, and more. This is the perfect date for adventurous couples who want a day out on the water.

Color Factory

Image by the Color Factory

The Color Factory is the perfect date for couples looking for a unique experience and a lot of photo opportunities. The Color Factory is an art exhibit that revolves around the beauty and varying palettes of color. Each room is a different experience of color and encourages guests to embrace their imagination and creativity. The Color Factory is an experience unlike any other, the perfect date to escape into air conditioning. In addition, all summer you can visit Eataly Downtown and Color Factory’s collaboration.

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Image from the Bryant Park Corporation Website

Bryant Park movie nights are back this summer, the perfect romantic date under the stars. Admission to these movies, are free. The concession stands open at 5:00 pm and the movie starts at sundown. The movie schedule can be found on the Bryant Park website. If you and your significant other are movie buffs looking for a romantic movie night, be sure to check out Bryant Park movie nights this summer.

 

For more New York City date ideas, click here

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Featured Indulgence NYC Travel Uncategorized

Fall Foliage Cruise

Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises up the Hudson

Being a city dweller, we may not always find the time or have the opportunity to get out of the city, breathe the fresh crisp air, and take in the stunning fall colors.
If you are like us when we think about packing a day bag, renting a car, or taking a train, car service, and figuring out where to go to see the best view for fall foliage, by the time we get through all the planning conversation, were already exhausted.
What if I were to told you that you can take a quick cab to Chelsea Piers, from anywhere in the city it’s about 10 minutes, walk just a few steps to find the most luxurious yachts awaiting you, quickly whisking you away for a 2.5-hour yacht cruise up the Hudson River?
Yacht Manhattan

Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades

Well then, I’m telling you to pack a small bag with just your camera and a snack, as Classic Harbor Line is waiting to take you on relaxing cruises. Sail up the Hudson River to the Grand Palisades, where you and your guests will see sites such as:
  • The beautiful Upper West Side of Manhattan
  • The majestic George Washington Bridge & the Little Red Lighthouse
  • The Riverside Cathedral, Grant’s Tomb & the Cloisters
  • Hudson River Valley up to within view of Tappan Zee Bridge
  • Palisades Park – one of New York’s most dramatic geological features riverside features
Yacht Kingston

Classic Harbor Line’s Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Cruises 

Motor up the Hudson River on Friday-Sunday only, until November 15. This 2.25-hour excursion is offered on Fridays with a 2:00 pm departure, and on Saturdays and Sundays with departures at 10:00 am, 10:15 am, and 1:00 pm on either Manhattan or Manhattan II.

$104/Adult when purchasing 2 or 3 tickets; $88/Adult when purchasing 4 or more tickets. Indoor climate-controlled assigned seating and outdoor seating available (Merv-rated Hepa filters installed for indoor air circulation). Hot beverages like homemade cocoa, tea, coffee, as well as fall-themed cocktails like the New York Apple with made-in-New York components of apple whiskey, apple cider, and sparkling wine are available, first-round complimentary.”

Yacht Manhattan
 

Classic Harbor Line’s Grand Palisades Fall Foliage 

Schooner Sails travel up the Hudson River on Saturday and Sunday only until November 8. This 3.5-hour excursion has departures at 11:00 am on schooner Adirondack, their 80-foot sailboat and at 11:15 am on schooner America 2.0, their 105-foot sailboat. $88 per adult, $64 per child (Please no children under 3). Complimentary beverages included; warm coats, winter accessories, and lap blankets encouraged.

 

Schooner Adirondack
For reservations for these fall excursions: https://classicharborline.com/nyc/ 
Categories
Events Featured News NYC Travel

Manhattan By Sail is BACK

Manhattan By Sail is BACK

We downtowners are thrilled to see all of our favorite yachting vessels back on the water, after a more than 3-month quarantine.

Manhattan by Sail is ready for you to board!

COVID has effected all businesses, but now its time to get out and support your favorite and also learn about some you did not know.

New York by foot, bike, or scooter is remarkable to see but there is something when seeing it from the historical and beautiful Hudson River.

Wikipedia – The Hudson River is a 315-mile (507 km) river in New York. The river is named after Henry Hudson, an Englishman sailing for the Dutch East India Company, who explored it in 1609, and after whom Canada’s Hudson Bay is also named.

It had previously been observed by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano sailing for King Francis I of France in 1524, as he became the first European known to have entered the Upper New York Bay, but he considered the river to be an estuary.

The Dutch called the river the North River – with the Delaware River called the South River – and it formed the spine of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. Settlements of the colony clustered around the Hudson and its strategic importance as the gateway to the American interior led to years of competition between the English and the Dutch over control of the river and colony.

During the eighteenth century, the river valley and its inhabitants were the subject and inspiration of Washington Irving, the first internationally acclaimed American author. In the nineteenth century, the area inspired the Hudson River School of landscape painting, an American pastoral style, as well as the concepts of environmentalism and wilderness.

The Hudson was also the eastern outlet for the Erie Canal, which, when completed in 1825, became an important transportation artery for the early-19th-century United States.

Another one of our favorite sailing vessels is coming back this weekend and we are more than ready to give it it’s due!

 

Manhattan by Sail started in 1972, and has been saying ever since. Check out their story.

Manhattan By Sail is BACK

Sailing is About Prevailing

At Manhattan by Sail, we’re not only a sightseeing company… we are sailors… who are fortunate enough to sail the prevailing winds of the world’s most iconic harbor. We’ve been taking people sailing in New York Harbor since 1972 when a salty welder named Nick van Nes sailed his 70-ft. yawl, Petrel, to The Battery. He built a dock, put up a sign… and slowly, the first sailboat in New York started to draw attention from locals.

Today, aboard the Shearwater and Clipper City, we share the joy of sailing the most beautiful harbor in the world with visitors and New Yorkers alike. But some things have remained the same since the beginning: our passion, commitment, and our caring, enthusiastic crew who sail each day with their whole hearts. At Manhattan By Sail, we welcome you aboard to share in our joyful culture and to join us in falling in love with NYC, over and over again.

Looking back, there have been challenges: through the early days of a new business, through 9/11, through restorations, growth, and setbacks we worked to preserve the traditional art of sailing and everything that it encompasses: sewing sails, welding, woodworking, navigation, and preserving old boats steeped in history. We have created our own marvelous ecosystem and trained hundreds in the traditional craft of sailing. We know that with grit, teamwork, determination, and resilience anything is possible.

Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong New Yorker we invite you to see Manhattan through new eyes and feel reinvigorated. Be part of this.

 

Manhattan By Sail is BACK

The Mighty Clipper City Tall Ship -158 FOOT L.O.A. GAFF-RIGGED SCHOONER USCG CERTIFIED FOR 149 PASSENGERS

THE EXPERIENCE
Have you ever hoisted a sail? Or stood beneath a 12-story mast on a historic boat? Take a deep breath, and get ready for an epic, family-friendly experience. Be part of it. With masts that are 12 stories high, you’ll feel the massive, heroic nature of the boat while enjoying a family-friendly experience. Originally designed for hauling lumber, the Clipper City has a big-ship feel and lifts you high off the water. Six crew members will be hauling on the sails, charging around, and getting you involved. Rather sit back and enjoy? You can do that, too.

THE BOAT
With a length of 158 feet with masts rising 120 feet, she can comfortably sail 149 people, the most of any passenger sailboat in the United States. You will look up and see sails that are bigger than your house. With 12-story masts, we just fit under Brooklyn Bridge by a few meters. This large sailboat has chest-high railings and provides a big, open deck (100 feet x 30 feet) with benches, hatches, and a raised quarter deck where the captain steers. During your journey, we’ll fly 5,000 feet of sail.

THE REFRESHMENTS
Though you may bring your own food, the Clipper City is a nautical adventure with a full-service bar onboard. Bartenders offer reasonably-priced, ice-cold cocktails, local beer on tap, tea, coffee, soda, and pre-made nibbles.

THE LOCATION
Sailing fits easily into your downtown itinerary. Steps from the Charging Bull, 9/11 Memorial, South Street Seaport and the New York Stock Exchange, The Clipper City departs from Slip 2 at the South end of Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, just West of the Staten Island Ferry terminal and Battery Gardens Restaurant. Get Directions.

THE HISTORY
The original Clipper City was built as a lumber schooner just prior to the Civil War. Our Clipper City was rebuilt from the original plans, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, and recently refurbished.

WHO IS CLIPPER CITY BEST SUITED FOR?
Families and children of all ages. This sailboat permits wheelchairs and strollers on board. For those who wish to leave strollers behind, secure stroller parking is available.

 

Meet the Shearwater Classic Schooner. 82 FOOT L.O.A. STAYSAIL SCHOONER USCG CERTIFIED FOR 49 PASSENGERS

THE EXPERIENCE
Are you game for an intimate, active, yachting experience aboard a stately yacht of yesteryear? Prepare for a refined adventure. You will hear “watch your head, sail coming across” when you partake in this engaged yachting experience. Your crew will deftly carry out your captain’s commands while a server makes the rounds and takes your drink order. The Shearwater was built to heel over; you will feel her smooth agility beneath you as you attune to her movement. During this refreshing, transformative, sense-soothing experience, you may catch some salty-fresh invigoration from spray in the forward quarter, and with enough wind, you’ll be close enough to the water to dip your toes.

THE BOAT
Be whisked back in time to the Roaring ’20s aboard this beautifully restored 1929 sailing ship. The pinnacle of luxury yachts at the time; the Shearwater is a blue water ocean cruiser who has been around the globe. She’s sailed the Pacific, been through the Panama Canal, and won classic yacht races in NY and New Zealand. Like New Yorkers, she’s got character and depth. With a length of 82 feet larger than the Mayflower and a width of 16.5 feet, she’s one of the largest sailboats built in her era yet she provides an intimate experience with yachting feel for up to 49 passengers. Seating is ad-hoc: find a place to sit on a bench, deck-box, or skylight or the owner’s favorite spot, directly on the original Rangoon teak deck. With a spiral staircase and mahogany interior, you’ll be immersed in the Gatsby era and Gilded Age while looking at the modern-day New York City skyline.

THE REFRESHMENTS
Though you may bring your own food, the Shearwater has a server who walks around to bring you reasonably-priced soda, beer, biodynamic and organic Italian wines, and premium mixed drinks (from our on-deck coolers).

THE LOCATION
Sailing fits easily into your downtown itinerary. Shearwater Classic Schooner berths at the North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center) in Lower Manhattan walking distance from the 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade, and City Hall. Get Directions.

THE HISTORY
Rich in history, the Shearwater is a national landmark. She’s had books and movies written about her. The last luxury yacht built in her shipyard in Boothbay, Maine before the stock market crash of 1929, she was the pinnacle of Gatsby-era yacht building elegant and adventurous. Read more about the Shearwater Classic Schooner.

WHO IS SHEARWATER BEST SUITED FOR?
The Shearwater is best-suited for adults who seek an active yet refined sailing experience aboard a stately yacht of yesteryear.

 

Thomas Berton

a man holding a fish in the water

Tom Berton’s New York sailing odyssey began more than two decades ago when he discovered the joys of plying the harbor’s waters under sail aboard the legendary Petrel and its equally legendary captain, Nick van Nes, who pioneered public and charter sailing in the city. When van Nes packed up and retired to Martha’s Vineyard in 2000, Tom didn’t hesitate long (by his standards anyway). Leaving behind a successful career in real estate, Berton bought the Shearwater in early 2001 and reached out for the Petrel’s baton. The tests to his will and resilience as a new small-business owner came fast and furious: the boat, its crew, and the operation barely survived the horrors of 9/11 despite having set up shop at the foot of the towers. Berton—a member of that rare breed, the born and reared Manhattanite—has, like his city, persevered and prospered since, creating New York’s most unique, personable, and fun harbor-tour business. The proud father of two beautiful young girls, Berton lives with his wife Ewa in lower Manhattan.

Categories
Featured NYC Sports

SailGP Final Day New York

SailGPJP

Achieving success in NYC is a challenge in any endeavor, so why should Sailing be any different?

SailGP Final Day New York
Photo by Grace A. Capobianco

As smoothly stated by an exuberant Nathan Outteridge, CEO and Helmsman of Team Japan, winner of this weekend’s SailGP: “This race in NY harbor is so much fun precisely because it is so difficult. Our team looked forward to this race all season.”

With strong tidal currents, inconsistent and undulating winds due to our concrete mountains, and similarly caused wind shadows that serve as emergency brakes for these sailboats, NY harbor proved an immense challenge. Even for the best sailors on this planet. Team Japan won this weekend’s trophy because they most effectively adapted to these challenging circumstances.

SailGP Final Day New York
Photo by SailGPJP

The beauty of SailGP as a sport is precisely this ability to create conditions wherein the human element and skill are the deciding factor. All boats are analogous. It is not an arms race to surpass competitors through excessive budgets and signing bonuses. Rather, the technology is jointly developed, and the best team wins.

SailBP Final Day New York

This weekend that team was Team Japan, Nathan Outteridge, Iain Jensen, Tim Morishima, Yugo Yoshida, Yuki Kasatani, Leo Takahash, Luke Parkinson, winning 3 of 5 races as well as the eventual final versus Australia. Skipper Outteridge proved himself the maestro of a well-orchestrated troupe of athletes.

Team USA pleased their local fan base by pulling out a convincing victory in Saturday’s second race, causing an eruption of U.S.A chants by supporters that lined the promenade from Chambers Street to the Battery.

A special mention must be given to the Coast Guard, as well as the NYPD Harbor Unit, for redirecting harbor traffic seamlessly all weekend.  

Finally, a warm thank you to the folks at SailGP. Class acts.  

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Categories
Featured Sports

SailGP Day 1 Recap

SailGP

Though Thursday’s practice was canceled due to inclement weather, the athletes showed no signs of rust during Friday’s races.  In fact, the sailors put on a spectacle for the New York audience, many of which could feel the spray of salt water as the boats literally flew by.

The day, however, was not without incident.  Just twenty minutes prior to the inaugural race, the British team capsized, suffered damage to their mainsail and was not able to continue.  A discouraged Helmsman, Dylan Fletcher, later explained, “a huge westerly gust came in from New Jersey during a tack and simply took the boat out from under us.  We will evaluate our equipment this evening but we are confident we will be sailing on Saturday.”  Winds registered up to 29 knots during race time.

SailGP Day 1 ReCap
Photo by SailGP GB Capsized

The Aussie team took the first of three races while the Japanese took the second and third.  The most improved award goes to Team China which finished last in San Francisco but exhibited some real skill in the harbor today.  The Americans are simply saving themselves for a strong Saturday of sailing.

SailGP Day 1 Recap
Photo by Grace A. Capobianco SailGP Japan

The true winners tonight were the spectators and the sport of sailing.  

SailGP Day 1 Recap
Photo by Grace A. Capobianco SailGP winner Day 1 GB

Smiling faces all around.  Bravo SailGP with more to come tomorrow! 

Categories
Events Featured NYC

Sail GP comes to Downtown, New York

SailGP hits Downtown with gusto this weekend, June 21-22, 2019.

Imagine placing Formula 1 racing, ESPN Extreme Sports and beautiful harbors in a blender and pressing purée. The result is supercharged foiling (that means they actually “lift” off the water’s surface and fly!) catamarans that are technological marvels. Six nations (USA, Japan, Great Britain, France, China, and the Aussies) go head-to-head seeking to claim the SailGP global championship.

The USA Team:

GP Team by Matt Kingbton
Features (in order from left to right): Hans Henken, Dan Morris, Riley Gibbs, Rome Kirby, and Mac Agnese
Not pictured: Taylor Canfield

The basic race rules: three fleet races where all six nations compete run from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on Friday the 21st in the Hudson, north of the Battery. The next round continues on Saturday at 5 pm with two fleet races and a final race declaring the winner.

To get us all in the sailing mood, the folks at SailGP have organized a Race Village at Brookfield Place in Battery Park City for both race days. 

Doors open at 3 pm. This is a must-see for Downtowners.

Tickets are available at  https://sailgp.com and the races will be televised by rebroadcasting at 8:30 pm both days by CBS.

“Fair Winds and Following Seas”