Summer is drawing to a close, so I would get out there at check these off your list before NYC goes into hibernation!
Central Park Foraging
Saturday, 10 AM – 12:30 PM
Follow wild edible and medicinal plant expert Leda Meredith through Central Park’s wild apple orchards while she teaches you to identify the Cornelian cherries and other wild edibles that are prolific in this park. At the end of the foraging walk, participants will have a chance to sample treats made with wild edible ingredients.
Why? It’s the ultimate in local food–trucking stuff in from upstate is just so carbon intensive.
Meet at the the entrance to Central Park at West 77th Street and Central Park West (Please arrive by 9:45 AM). $20, sign up here.
Free Yoga
You don’t need a $100 per month membership to get your yoga on. Just keep an eye open for complimentary classes. For example, every weekend you can find free classes at Lululemon locations around the city. Well, free as long as you make it out of the store without buying those darn pants.
Why? It’s free yoga! Why not?
Saturday:
Union Square, 10:30-11:30 AM, Atmananda Yoga, 67 Irving Place (at 18th Street), 2nd Floor
Sunday:
Lincoln Square, 9:30-10:30 AM, in the store at 1928 Broadway
Soho, in the store at 481 Broadway, 7:30 PM
Smorgasburg
Saturday, 11-6pm
You know I love Brooklyn flea. I actually rarely buy anything there. But what keeps me coming back is the food. Smorgasburg–every Saturday rain or shine–by the Brooklyn Flea takes the typical fare and elevates it either further, with jam, ribs, ice cream, handmade soda, tacos, macaroons, coffee, granola, slushies, pickles, pretzels, s’mores, lobster rolls, taquitos, cupcakes, syrups, Japanese street food–hold on let me catch my breath … OK–jerky, gluten-free baked goods, chocolate bars, popsicles, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, salsa, ramen, cookies, and bubble tea, all made in Brooklyn. Whew!
Why? It’s the epicenter of locally crafted, largely sustainable Brooklyn food. And it’s delicious.
Williamsburg waterfront between North 6th and North 7th St. brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/
Mr. Sunday
Sunday, 3-9pm
Mr. Sunday (a.k.a. Mr. Saturday when it’s at night) threw their 100th celebration three weekends ago, and they’re still going strong through the end of the summer at the wonderland that is Gowanus Grove. Eat food from food trucks, drink sangria and Brooklyn Summer Ale, and rock out under the fairy lights and disco ball to fabulous summer music by Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter–think funky casual music that slides into a deeper bass as the sun goes down.
Why? It’s got picnic benches in the shade–the perfect way to spend a hot August weekend in the city without feeling like you’re in the city.
$10 before 5 PM with RSVP to mister@mistersaturdaynight.com. $12 after 5 PM. Gowanus Grove, 400 Carroll St (between Bond and Nevins), Brooklyn. More info and advance tickets here.
New Amsterdam Market
Sunday, 11 AM-4 PM
New Amsterdam Market is to the Union Square Farmers Market what ABC Kitchen is to Pain Quotidien–it’s the gourmet version. Yes, it could technically be called a farmers market, but with more prepared foods like popsicles and ice creams, and more high-brow ingredients like rare fungi, kimchi and smoked fish, it’s not really a grocery shopping trip as much as a foodie adventure. (Hint: Bring cash. Lots and lots of cash.)
Why? You’re interesting in more high brow farmers market fair than just upstate apples.
At the old Fulton Fish Market in Lower Manhattan, located on South Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip. More info here.
