Don’t Go Away, Stay!

Over the past year, our city, the greatest city in the world, has taken a number of blows. With many New Yorkers unemployed this summer, the usual vacations may not be a financial possibility. The term “staycation” has become a common phrase in our urban vocabulary. This too-poor-to-take-a-real-trip “vacation” is sometimes looked down upon, but this kind of downtime should be seen as an opportunity to finally explore the city that has so much yet to offer. New York City is a chameleon, constantly changing with the times and people who inhabit it, so maybe its time you got to discover a city you might not know as well as you think.

At the forefront of the new social movement, the Lower East Side has become the Mecca for artsy urbanites. With its numerous tucked-away pubs and quaint restaurants, it almost feels like this part of the city changes as fast as the day becomes night. A walk down these street can transport you from Dublin to Paris and even Amsterdam. Dinner at Prune (located at 54 East 1st Street) will definitely put you in that Parisian state of mind.

One of the best things about our city is that one neighborhood is never the same as the others. Entirely different adventures are to be had just a few blocks away. Strolling around Chinatown will definitely help make your time off feel more like a real vacation, especially since the street signs are in two languages! The numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities lead to a bustling community full of enthusiasm and interest. The culture will surely inspire you and maybe teach you something too. Any New Yorker knows you can find some good Chinese food in Chinatown.

The street markets of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen are great places to discover ancient ruins—or at least a fabulous vintage find. Antique furniture, paintings, and clothing can all serve as your “vacation” souvenirs. The best part – you won’t pay retail prices! Try the flea market on 39th between 9th and 10th avenues. Weather permitting, they are open from sun-up to sundown every Saturday and Sunday. And while you are there, take a break or have a meal at HK Restaurant on the corner. The pure white interior works to relax your body and mind, plus the Greek influenced dishes are sure to fill you up.

Visualization is the easiest way to feel a change of locale and what better place to find it than in a museum. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, and the American Museum of Natural History are all great places to escape the madness of an over-crowded city. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is free on Fridays from 4 to 8 PM, thanks to sponsorship form Target.

Central Park is so easy to lose yourself in that you could use it as a getaway spot as well. A long walk is not only good for the body, but also good for the mind and soul. With the constantly changing landscape and tons of things to do and see, including a Zoo stock full of animals, this is a great place to spend your free summer days. One of the highlights of this summer season is an offer to escape to London, England, through the Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park. This year’s show, Twelfth Night, plays Tuesday through Sunday until July 12th starring Anne Hathaway!

So many people dream of riding a train across the American countryside, but what happens when the trains stop running? Find out by walking the Highline, Manhattans newest, and highest, man-made park. With incredible design, constriction, and beautiful views of both the skyline and the Hudson River, the Highline may not make you forget you are in New York, but it will definitely give you a new appreciation for it.

The possibilities of rediscovery are endless; you just have to use some imagination. In times like these, it is our own creativity that will pull us though. Resourcefulness is key to a successful turnaround, and putting some money back into our own city’s economy can’t hurt either.

SEAN KIELY

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