Summer is coming to an end, and fall is rapidly approaching. Here are five ways to escape reality and soak up the last few rays of summer.
Freshen up with a pop
There’s no better way to cool down than slurping up an ice-cold popsicle. People’s Pops, which serves fresh, local fruit popsicles and shaved ice, is a summer staple in the East Village. Using seasonal fruits like strawberries and rhubarb, this intriguing shop’s ice pop recipes are far from boring or processed. Past flavors have included rhubarb and ginger and raspberry basil. Popsicle season is slowly coming to an end, so be sure to pop on by.
The Stand (East Seventh Street and First Avenue) is open seven days a week (weather permitting) from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 12 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
via nopsa.hiit.fi
Appreciate some artwork
More than eight decades ago, in the early years of the Great Depression, an outdoor art exhibition in Washington Square Park was held to help struggling artists. Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning were among the few who propped up their paintings in hopes of scrounging up enough money to pay their rent. Today, more than 100 artisans — including painters, photographers, jewelers and glassblowers — exhibit their work.
From Washington Square East at 3rd Street to University Place at 12th Street. Sept. 1 to 3 and Sept. 8 to 9, noon to 6 p.m.
via Flickr
Catch some waves
Surfer dudes and beach babes rejoice. Rockaway Beach, one of the few city beaches that allows surfing, is the place to catch some waves or to just soak up some rays. With restaurants like Rippers and Rockaway Taco filling up the boardwalk, it’s no wonder the popularity of the beach is on the rise. Check it out for yourself before bikini season transitions to sweater season.
How to get there: Take the A train to Broad Channel, transfer to the S to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St. (If riding on the subway for more than an hour scares you, just listen to The Ramones’ hit “Rockaway Beach” while you travel).
Courtesy of Barry Solow
Get wild at a block party
Each year, Astor Place transforms into street fair. With over 100 international and American foods vendors, artisans, art dealers, jewelry designers and antique collectors filling up the streets, the event is block party heaven. In addition to the artisan market, there will be multiple cultural and corporate exhibitions on display, as well as several live bands.
Sept. 1 on Astor Place from Broadway to Lafayette St.
via Flickr
Watch a movie down by the river
What could be better than enjoying the Manhattan skyline at sunset while watching a movie? Brooklyn Bridge Park is in its 13th season hosting “Movies With a View,” and their last film, which will be selected by public vote, will be screened this Thursday, Aug. 30. Movies this summer have included “Clueless,” “Slumdog Millionaire” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Movie begins at sunset at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn, Brooklyn.
A version of this story appeared in the Aug. 26 print edition. Katya Barannik is deputy features editor. Email her at [email protected].