How lucky are we with the fabulous weather in the NYC area this summer? You see there was reward for having to deal with our most horrible winter. If you’re getting antsy with all these perfect days and just hanging around the pool or beach enjoying drinks with little umbrellas, there’s lots going on, like this weekend’s Dragon Boat Festival and next week’s Jazz Lawn Party on Governor’s Island. And here’s something unique to do with visitors this summer – take them on a tour of the Woolworth Building. Want a one day vacation? Head to Cold Spring.

August 8-9. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival In New York

Head to Flushing Meadows Park this weekend for the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. There are 180 dragon-boat teams from around the world that will race on the Queens Park’s Lake. There are events for the entire family, live entertainment, traditional food, and lion dance performances.  The event culminates in the U.S. Dragon Boat Open Championship Race on Sunday.  Admission is free. Get more details.

Aug. 15. A Mini-Vacation in Cold Spring

The fab tomato Deborah Goldstein of Driven Professionals invites tomatoes to join her for a fun filled day in in the quaint and adorable Hudson River village of Cold Spring. Lined with charming 19th century facades, Cold Spring offers everything you could want in a weekend getaway: shopping, antiquing, art galleries, dining, hiking, kayaking, and even picnicking on the shores of the peaceful Hudson! A 75-minute train ride from GCT will put you right into the middle of the action. Get the details.

Aug. 15-16. The Jazz Age Lawn Party

Dress to the nine’s in roaring 20s clothes, and head to Governor’s Island next weekend and travel back in time. Selected by The New York Times as one of the most memorable events of 2011 and 2012, The Jazz Age Lawn Party offers a magical opportunity to travel back in time. Enjoy fabulous jazz, dancing, picnic on the lawn, and experience one of the most colorful and formative epochs in American history. Get the details.

Looking for Something to Do with Out-of-Town Guests?

Looking for something to do with out-of-town guests? Head to the Woolworth Building. From its grand marble staircase and its glass mosaic ceiling to its striking murals, the Woolworth Building is a structural work of art. The lobby of this historic landmark was closed to the public for 12 years, but it’s recently reopened for tours. Choose from a 30-, 60- or 90-minute guided tour led by an expert of the building’s gothic structure and history. Learn about the building’s role in helping form Manhattan’s skyline, and about Frank Woolworth, who commissioned the building, and Cass Gilbert, its architect. Get discount tickets from Goldstar.