Make New York City Yours Again with These Simple Outdoor Activities
Photo by Marc Kargel on Unsplash
We’ve officially hit the one-year mark since New York City reported its first confirmed case of Covid-19. To this day, I’m still in shock at the magnitude of change it has imprinted on our everyday lives. Someone's lost a family member, a job, a home, or possibly all of it. Someone’s also lost their chance to experience a proper graduation, a wedding, or a quinceñera.
And yet, life continues. During the pandemic, it was odd to not feel that morning hustle in New York. The absence of tourists in Times Square and Soho has brought a sense of peace that still isn’t quite fitting for the urban jungle. Pace of life has slowed. New York hasn’t been herself in months, and I miss her. We all do.
I’m happy the CDC has finally allowed vaccinated individuals to congregate indoors without masks, but even as the city slowly returns to normal, I’m still skeptical of moving ahead too quickly. If anything, having fun outdoors when the weather permits still seems like a safer bet for the time being. Here are a few simple outdoor activities you can do to make New York City yours again during these crazy, unprecedented times:
Take a CitiBike and ride along the Hudson River Park
If you’re able to get out of work in time for a nice sunset view, rent a CitiBike and enjoy the outdoors while biking along the Hudson River. My suggestion is to unload a bike from any of the docks around Columbus Circle, then make a right turn on 55th Street westward until you hit 12th Avenue, where you’ll see designated bike path along the river. Majority of the path is uninterrupted by pedestrian traffic, making it a smooth sailing for anyone wishing to whiz through sixty blocks of Manhattan glory. After docking, buy yourself a burger from Shake Shack or browse through imported goods at Eataly, located behind the Oculus.
Alternatively, you can grab a bike from any of the docks near the World Trade Center (the dock at the corner of Murray and West Street always has an abundance of bikes) and ride northbound while enjoying the sunset on your left. For this particular journey, make any of the restaurants in Hells Kitchen your final destination as a reward for burning those extra calories.
Learn how to kayak or stand up paddle at Manhattan Kayak
Not interested in running or any outdoor field sports? Take it to the water. Manhattan Kayak is open all year long to offer private / group classes and group tours those who seek adventure on the Hudson River. If you’re new to kayaking or stand up paddling, it’s best if you sign up for classes during the warm season, which starts March 31st. If you’ve done it before and wish to skip beginner lessons, however, you’ll need to take a placement test. Fair warning: in order to pass, you’ll need to be able to paddle a mile within a 20-minute window. If you don’t, you’ll have to start from the basics. You’ll find the boathouse located on Pier 84.
Enjoy outdoor dining at the North River Lobster Company
Another hidden gem along the Hudson River is the North River Lobster Company. It’s no ordinary restaurant — it’s “New York’s only floating lobster shack” serving New England-inspired seafood classics and drinks. It’s a great place to go after a placement test at Manhattan Kayak; simply walk a block south and take a ride on the ferry to enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline while devouring a generous portion of lobster rolls. Prices are higher than average, but worth it if you want a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Bundle up if you’re taking a cruise later in the evening, though, because it could get slightly chilly out on the water.
The North River Lobster Company will reopen April 22, 2021.
Take a 305 Fitness outdoor dance workout class on the steps of the NYPL on 5th Avenue
I was a client at 305 Fitness for a little over two years before the pandemic hit, and it’s definitely one of those intense cardio workouts that make you work hard while having fun. 305 has adapted well to the pandemic by offering outdoor classes with social distancing and mandatory mask wearing enforced. The New York locations offer classes held just on the steps of the famous New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. If you’re not keen on twerking in public, that’s fine too. 305 offers at-home classes that can be streamed anywhere, anytime via their app for an affordable price.
Outdoor workout classes will resume at the end of March.
Have a rooftop? Host a socially distanced group yoga session
I’m lucky to have known my good friend Isabel through Italian class at NYU, but little did I know one day she’d become the bubbly, certified yoga instructor she is today. Anyone who has access to a rooftop and knows a friend who teaches yoga has almost no excuse to not enjoy a good New York View while stretching out their backs in a downward dog. Don’t have a yoga mat? No problem, use a towel. Don’t have a friend who teaches yoga? No problem. Make it up as you go or pull up a free yoga session on YouTube. If you don’t have a rooftop, that is fine, too. Take it to the park. Hey, whatever it takes right? Carpe diem. Seize the day.
Enjoy a long walk in the neighborhood — put on some music, or call a friend
I used to take long, trans-Atlantic calls with my friends from Europe at home, right on my couch. Although it was nice catching up and hearing about the progress (or setbacks) of the covid situation on the other side, it didn’t help that I was stuck inside all day, staring at the same beige walls. I remember when my friend from London dialed me and I responded, “Nicole, hold on a second. I’m putting on my boots.” It was freezing outside, but worth it. Just taking a pause out of your busy schedule to hear your friend on the phone while walking in the park, or across town, or while exploring a new neighborhood you never set foot in, is a great way to mix up your day instead of staying cooped up. Maybe you’ll bump into an old friend or a misbehaving Golden Retriever along the way. Just don’t forget to wear your mask.
