Things to Love 2011 Summer Edition


NYC is thriving despite this crazy heat. MSLK has rounded up another fab list of things to do this summer.


McQueen at the Met

The late fashion designer, Alexander McQueen’s, retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has become THE exhibit to see this summer. The exhibit manages to flawlessly display his edgy, fashion forward clothing and accessories in addition to his unparalleled runway shows. The show ends on August 7th so be prepared to stand in line and fight a crowd.


Yoga in the Park

The Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting yoga, pilates, and martial arts classes throughout on weekends until September 25th. All classes are free; a schedule is located here.


Food Trucks!

It’s no secret that the food truck has become one of the biggest culinary trends today. It’s nearly impossible to list all of the amazing meals on wheels available in the city, but some refreshing treats by Kelvin Natural Slush Co, Coolhaus, and Big Gay Ice Cream Truck are sure to help you beat the heat.


Rockaway Beach

Speaking of food, the boardwalk of Rockaway Beach is beginning to experience its own culinary renaissance. Hop on the A train to Beach 105 and you’ll find yourself amidst surf, sun, and amazing food by Caracas Arepa Bar (which is a thing to love in its own right) and impeccable coffee by Blue Bottle Coffee.


The Highline

The Highline has quickly transformed itself into an NYC hotspot. This gorgeous elevated garden located on the West side of Manhattan hosts a variety of events as well as a few choice food vendors such as People’s Pops and L’Arte del Gelato.


The Lot

While it is considered to be a part of the Highline experience, The Lot is worth a mention of its own. Located underneath the garden at 30th and 10th, The Lot features a variety of food vendors as well as The Lot on Tap, a bar operated by Colicchio & Sons. If you head there before September 26th, make sure to check out the giant skating rink sponsored by Uniqlo. And if you even want to get a little shopping done, Uniqlo is operating a pop-up shop at the space as well.


Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is open for the summer and is hosting a wide range of events including some by our friends at Figment. Check out the full calendar of events here!


Free Pools

If you don’t feel like trekking all the way out to the beach, try out one of New York City’s many pools. The Astoria pool in particular is free, Olympic-sized, clean, and surprisingly not crowded. The full list of pools is located here!


PS1 Summer Warm Ups

Every Saturday this summer (until September 3rd) you can check out MoMA PS1’s Warm Up 2011. This annual outdoor concert series aims to introduce audiences to the best in experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJ’s. Admission is free to MoMA members and Long Island City residents.


Astoria Beer Garden

A cold beer is always a good way to beat the heat, and Astoria’s famed Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is a great place to do it at. Bring some friends and enjoy some drinks in this former Czech social club’s spacious garden.


Galapagos Art Space

If you prefer to enjoy your drinks indoors and out of the heat, then perhaps a show at the Galapagos Art Space will strike your fancy. The venue brings the outdoors indoors with a 1600 sq ft lake located in the building. The Galapagos hosts a variety of events including such as burlesque shows and the upcoming Floating Kabarette.


Ice Cream

We’re pretty sure it’s a science-proven fact that summer isn’t complete without ice cream. New York Magazine has rounded up a slideshow of 16 ice creams to check out this summer, and I’m pretty sure i need to try all of them. Check the list out here, and see if you can make it through the whole thing without drooling.


Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

The oldest free outdoor concert series in the US. Features “symphonic and semi-classical” music on select Mondays and Tuesdays in the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell. Sounds like a great place for a classy and cost effective date this summer!


Talk to Me

With McQueen closing soon, it’s time to find another exhibit to check out. Thankfully the MoMA just opened “Talk to Me,” an exhibit all about the design and communication between people and objects. There’s plenty to see and interact with at this new show; don’t forget the museum is free every Friday from 4-8.


Escape to New York

Music festivals have become a summer staple for many people; it’s a great way to catch (more than) a handful of great shows and enjoy the summer. Escape to New York strives to be a little different featuring installations and performance art, experimental theatre, high-end glamourous camping “Glamping,” the world’s biggest brunch at a live music festival, and amazing culinary delights. The music line-up, which includes Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, Best Coast, Of Montreal and a bunch more, seems promising as well! The event is this weekend but tickets are still on sale so there’s still time for a last minute decision!