Summer in NYC is a great chance to do a few things you’ve never done before, like visiting Governor’s Island.  Here are a few suggestions that are like mini-vacations in your own backyard.

Friday Nights at The Met

Here’s a great way to spend a hot summer Friday night in the city. Start your weekend at MetFridays! The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer and The Met Cloisters will all stay open late.  Curate your own evening from a host of events: see an exhibition, experience a concert, drop into a drawing class, or enjoy a cocktail with friends. There’s something happening every Friday evening until 9:00 p.m. Get the full schedule.

Governor’s Island

Okay Tomatoes.  Fess up.  How many of you have actually been to Governor’s Island? This beautiful 172- acre island in the heart of New York Harbor and it is a quick ferry ride away. It’s like taking a mini-vacation.  It’s open every day during the season (May-October) and there are a ton of things to do –  like bike riding (you can rent bikes there), events all summer long, miniature golf and so much more.  Go and Explore!  Watch the video.

Sunset Wednesdays at Wave Hill

Wave Hill in the Bronx (an easy ride of the Metro and a shuttle picks you up at the station) is a spectacular 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Beautiful gardens and landscapes, with magnificent views. And every Wednesday in the summer, you can enjoy a concert on the Great Lawn while the sun sets over the Hudson River and Palisades.  You can always buy a delicious gourmet boxed suppers, complete with a different specialty cocktail each week.  Get all the details.

High Line Tour from Freight to Flowers

One of the best experiences in NYC is to stroll the High Line. But did you know that there are free tours twice a week? Every Tuesday at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 am (from May-October) you join a docent led, 75- minute tour and get an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design and landscape.  Get the details.