5 Best Summer Staycation Spots In NYC
No need to leave New York City this summer because there's plenty of fun things to do without leaving the five boroughs. From hotel specials to practical picnic options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. By Carly Petrone.
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If you love walking through the High Line then stop by Corkbuzz at Chelsea Market and grab a picnic lunch before heading out to your favorite spot. Locals can come in and build their own lunch boxes with sandwiches like Pulled BBQ Chicken and Fried Soft Shell Crab as well as a selection of sides and desserts – did someone say fresh chocolate chip cookies? And don't forget to pick up a few bottles of wine to pair with your meal – experts will be able to suggest some from their Chelsea Wine Vault across the way in the Chelsea Market. You'll certainly impress your date or out of town guests with this fun take-out option.
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Happy hour lovers will be happy to know that Spirit of New York is offering Happy Hour Cocktail Cruises on Thursday and Friday nights now through August. Kick off your summer with this fun evening cruise that departs at 4 p.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Sail along the Hudson River and enjoy small bites like cheese and crackers, hummus, spring rolls, sliders, and more while sipping on one of their specialty drinks from the bar. Kick off your weekend with a St. Germain Cocktail or a Hendrick's Cucumber Martini. Tickets cost $37.90/person.
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Live like a tourist and check into the luxurious Waldorf Astoria New York this summer. Their Summer of Luxury package includes some pretty stellar perks. With a stay of two nights or more, you can sip on two signature cocktails upon arrival (like the Sea Blue Margarita or Rhubarb Gin & Tonic) and you'll be upgraded to a more special guest room. Stop into the Guerlain Spa because you'll receive a $30 credit toward the treatment of your choice. End your evening at their newly expanded rooftop on the 20th floor. Check out the garden and beehive sanctuary and don't forget to ask about their new Waldorf Buzz honey beer that they plan to roll out this fall.
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Set sail on the North River Lobster Company and enjoy all the best seafood that the East Coast has to offer. This three-floor floating lobster shack is open for the summer season and it now offers an additional 150 seats so everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city's skyline. Grab some shrimp or oysters from the raw bar before noshing on lobster corn dogs ($13.95), fish tacos ($15.95), or everyone's favorite Maine Lobster Roll ($21.95). Wash it all down with one of their mason jar cocktails ($14) like the Nautical Margarita, the Life Saver (Skyy Peach Vodka, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Pineapple, and Grenadine), or a Castaway (Amaretto, Gold Rum, Coco Lopez, Lime Juice, and Bitters). All aboard! Check website for sailing times.
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Grab a ticket on the LIRR and head to Long Beach for the day or weekend. Just a short 50-minute ride away, this coastal town has everything you need for a fun day with family and friends. Grab a spot on the beach, a bite from one of the many food trucks located just steps away from the shoreline, or be adventurous and sign up for a trapeze lesson at I Fly Trapeze. If you feel like staying the night, check into one of the hotels located just steps away from the beach. Stay at the low-key Long Beach Hotel (starting at $184/night) or at the more upscale Allegria Hotel (starting at $246/night). Whether you stay for the day or the whole weekend, there's nothing like spending some quality time listening to the waves and catching some rays.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
