When I first moved to New York, Columbia University tried to sell my fellow classmates and I on the fact that part of New York City’s draw are its four seasons. Now, I was 18 at the time, kind of smart, athletic and definitely not concerned about experiencing all four seasons. Still, Columbia’s weather selling point became a running joke among undergraduates in my class (CC’ 2006) as we embarked upon the coldest winter of the previous quarter-centeury during our freshman year. That same May, my flight home to Texas was delayed because of snow over LaGuardia.
Ever since then, I know that New York City’s main draw is summer. Fall is a close second, especially since it lasts far longer than three months, and I love 60-degree weather more than I love any other possible temperature. I actually like Winter more than Spring, as New York City gets quite lively during the holiday season. And Spring finishes dead last, because you can never tell if it’s going to rain one day, or be 88 degrees and sunny the next. And those damn stretches where it drizzles for 3 or 4 consecutive days can drive insane people to do—well, insane things.
But Summer is clearly the best time to be in New York City. With weather no longer prohbiting people in any way, New York City becomes the busiest place, person-for-person, in all of America.
That’s right, I said person-for-person!
Forget about our advantage in numbers, New Yorker’s of all walks of life are busy during this time of year. From baseball games and galas, to rooftop swimming parties and outdoor theater, it’s hard to beat the list of things you can do in New York City during the summer months.
I got to New York City in 2002, and because there is so much to do, I don’t even think I have scratched the surface on the things I can do in this city. So in 2011, knowing that you only have so much time to enjoy New York while you’re young, I decided to make every summer worth its while. So each summer, I’m presenting myself with activity and personal growth challenges.
You can find those challenges in the Summer in NYC category, and each challenge will always have a list of some sort where you can follow my progress and keep track of the summer activities and venues I recommend you try. So go through my summer lists, tell me what you think, and then go out there and enjoy New York City on your own! I promise you will never run out of things to do!
Summer 2011: 100 Things To Do in NYC in the Summer
Summer 2011: Uzo’s Personal Achievement Goals for 2011
