Labor Day is on Monday, September 4, 2017.
Which means it is just around the corner!
As labor day is the unofficial end of summer, it may be your last chance to make memories of Summer ’17.
Whether you want to revel in the New York City hustle, or escape the fast paced lifestyle, we have got a list for you!
To begin, what to do
“IN” NYC :
Go to a Parade:
Labor Day Parade // West Indian-American Parade – August 31st – September 4th
Caribbean Carnival Week happening throughout labor day weekend! You’ll find the parade on Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NYC.
Go to the Beach:
Fort Tilden Beach
This beach is accessible from the city via subway, but it is typically better to drive or even bike. Pack up your sunglasses, towel, umbrella, sun hat, sun screen and soak up summer.
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
With almost 3 miles of sandy beaches it is able to provide beach volleyball courts, basketball, playgrounds, amusement rides, and the boardwalk patrons themselves can provide hours of entertainment.
Jacob Riis Park Beach
A slightly less crowded alternative to Coney, allowing you to have some space beside your towel, enjoy the view, and have some relaxation time.
Jones Beach
Jones Beach State Park stretches 6.5 miles of white-sand beach on the Atlantic. It is located on the south shore of Long Island, and allows families to enjoy their own slice of beach front for a day.
Have Brunch:
Rustic Table – 504 W 42nd St, New York City, NY 10036
A rustic take on brunch in this bustling nook of New York City. With Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free options, it can be enjoyed by the whole gang.
Sunday in Brooklyn – 348 Wyeth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Jack’s Wife Freda – 224 Lafayette St, New York City, NY 10012-4027
This menu gives you tons of options and a real mix up to your typical brunch. An adorable store front, beautiful presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll want to have brunch right here.
Have a Picnic:
Astoria Park
The largest and oldest park in the city, and is widely recognized for it’s beautiful pool. It also offers outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, trail systems, and plenty of green space to picnic.
East River State Park
Located in Williamsburg, this riverside park offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. It also features play areas, green space, and some New York history.
Fort Tryon Park
With views of the Hudson River, park goers can enjoy 8 miles of trails, extensive lawns, and the city’s largest garden with unrestricted public access.
Madison Square Park
Located between Fifth & Madison Avenues between 23rd & 26th Streets. An urban park found within Flatiron and NoMad to bask in the quiet reflection, stunning art, and gorgeous gardens it has to offer.
Go for a Bike Ride:
Governor’s Island
With 172 acres in the heart of the New York City Harbor, located a mere 800 yards from Lower Manhattan and even closer to Brooklyn. Grab a bike and take a spin to see the different skylines.
Brooklyn Bridge
New York City is home to the largest network of bicycle lanes in North America, with over 1,000 miles of bike routes. This includes the notable Brooklyn Bridge made for pedestrians and cyclists to make it across the river safely.
Summer Streets
Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space – streets. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation; such as, bikes.
Go for a Boat Ride:
Staten Island Ferry
Today the Staten Island Ferry provides 22 million people a year (70,000 passengers a day not including weekend days) with ferry service between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. The ferry is the only non-vehicular mode of transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan. Hop on for the true NYC ferry experience.
Central Park Boathouse
Within the iconic Central Park, The Loeb boathouse offers rowboats and gondola rides to tour the park. Rowboats are available from 10am til sundown and are $15 per hour (cash only). Grab an Oar!
East River Ferry
The former East River route has transitioned to the new, expanded NYC Ferry Service featuring lower fares ($2.75 per ride), onboard concessions, new boats and more.
Go to a Museum:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Venture beyond the iconic steps of the Met and take a look inside. ETHEL and Friends is taking place on September 1st in the Great Hall Balcony, and is free with Museum Admission.
New York Public Library
Although this is a library and not by definition a museum, the New York Public Library is rich in history and features regular exhibits. Locations throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
The museum is located in the Main Building of the former immigration station complex. The French Renaissance Revival structure, tells the moving tales of the 12 million immigrants who entered America through the golden door of Ellis Island.
Go to the Theatre:
Drunk Shakespeare
Shakespeare as done by a company of professional drinkers. Off-Broadway show going on for 90 mins and is located at the Lounge.
War Paint
Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole star in this new musical about beauty titans Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. Located at the Nederlander Theatre, running 2 hrs and 30 mins with 1 intermission.
Westside Theatre
Located between 9th and 10th Avenue, it is an adorable off-broadway theatre, currently showcasing Curvy Widow and Stuffed.
Not for you? Looking to escape the city this labor day?
Then hit the road and head…
OUT:
Asbury Park, New Jersey – 1 hr 31 mins
Welcome to the Jersey Shore. This seaside town was formally a Victorian resort town complete with a boardwalk and a casino. It fell on hard times in the 70s, but is now making a comeback. It has resurged while maintaining all of it’s old timey charm.
Bear Mountain, New York – 1 hr 40 mins
Found within rugged mountains which rise from the west bank of the Hudson River. This park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.
New Paltz, New York – 2 hrs 17 mins
Known as the heart of Ulster County, noted for it’s Mohonk Preserve (nature and wildlife areas) makes it perfect for a weekend getaway.
Shelter Island, New York – 2 hrs 30 mins
Shelter Island is all about unwinding, with historic plantations, cafés, kayaking and, ocean views. It is a midsize island just a seven-minute ferry ride from Greenport, NY,
North Fork, New York – 2 hrs 40 mins
The North Fork is a 30-mile-long stretch of field found between the Sound and the South Fork. It thus features farms, beaches, wineries, local breweries and renowned NYC chefs looking for a change of pace.
Fire Island, New York – 2 hrs 48 mins
Fire island is recognized to have legendary parties with huge crowds. Thus your experience depends when you go, and what you’re looking for out of your weekend trip.
Phoenecia, New York – 2 hrs 53 mins
Found within the Catskills, this hamlet is mellow and attracts anyone from local old-timers to Brooklyn hipsters. The ‘hippie-dippie’ culture makes it easy for anyone to relax here.
Cape May, New Jersey – 2 hrs 58 mins
The East coast had a secret, and it was this beach. Some call is the most unspoiled beach on the coastline, but don’t let that fool you, because it still has lots happening – anything from boardwalk vendors to dolphin-spotting tours.
Catskill Mountains, New York – 3 hrs 11 mins
Perfect for a weekend camping getaway. Bask in the history, the hills, and the mountain-modern hotels (if you are more into glamping). Don’t miss the 260 ft drop of Kaaterskill Falls.
Montauk, New York – 3 hrs 27 mins
While geographically it may be part of the Hamptons, it feels like a world away. It is less dense, with fewer places to see and be seen, and even more nature.
Berkshire, New York – 4 hrs 4 mins
Berkshires are also compared to the Hamptons, being without the nightlife, art, theatre, music, and all that money. Although this location is luxurious, it is served in a laid back setting with a beautiful backdrop and outdoor activities galore.
Newport, Rhode Island – 4 hrs 30 mins
Newport refers to themselves as the “choose your own adventure” destination, allowing you freedom to go boating, experience the art scene, history, explore the farms, live music, hike, play golf or tennis, go surfing, paddleboarding, or just lounge on the beach.
Watkins Glen, New York – 4 hrs 44 mins
Watkins Glen State Park has a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. Visitors can watch the falls, or enjoy the large pools they create. If you can’t make it up for labor day, it is gorgeous in the fall as well.
Whiteface Mountain, New York – 5 hrs 17 mins
Recognized as the Adirondacks premier location, Whiteface Mountain serves up gorgeous views, amazing hikes, and tons of activities.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts – 5 hrs 12 mins
Cape Cod is known for it’s beaches, but it has so much more than that. It has wonderful dining, lighthouses, history, ferries, and vineyards. It is our longest drive on the list, but you won’t be disappointed!
There you have it. How to spend your Labor Day (Labour* Day for Canadian friends) IN or OUT of New York City.
Whatever it is you get up to, we hope you have had a wonderful summer and that you go enjoy every last minute of it!
Written by: Nicole Roach
Featured photo source:@isabelkeleti