Whether its icy margaritas at a sidewalk café or picnics in Central Park, spring is a time of major celebration in New York City. Here are five ways to join the party.
Central Park Roller Disco
South of Terrace Drive, Central Park.
For some new Yorkers, warmer weather means bustin' out the spandex, polishing up the vintage roller skates and beating a path to this patch of Central Park, which is transformed into an outdoor roller disco every weekend from April to October. The rest of us flock for the captivating people watching; a surreal explosion of Xanadu-worthy disco moves, kitsch skating costumes and Donna Summer tunes.
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Outdoor Dining
Perhaps it's the shoebox-sized apartments, but New Yorkers have a love affair with outdoor eating and drinking spots. Skip across the East River to the Gowanus Yacht Club, and enjoy cold beer and hotdogs served in a ramshackle nautically themed space (323 Smith St, Carroll Gardens Brooklyn; +1 718 246 1321). For a side of stargazing with your spaghetti, request an outdoor table at West Village Italian favourite Bar Pitti, and take in the legendary sidewalk scene (268 6th Avenue, +1 212 982 3300). Further uptown, pricey drinks come with commensurately extravagant views at Salon de Ning, a glamorous Shanghai-on-the Hudson aerie atop the Peninsula Hotel (700 Fifth Avenue, +1 212 903 3861).
The New Yankee Stadium
One East 161st Street, Bronx.
Does it get any more quintessentially American than a day out at the baseball? The Yankees have just moved into their new $1.8 billion stadium, which was opened less than a month ago. Designed to preserve the spirit of the iconic old stadium whilst adding serious mod cons (gourmet restaurants; large screens), the stadium is set to open another chapter for the city's most beloved sport.
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The Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park.
+1 212 923 3700.
If you're in the mood for a spring fling, there's no more romantic place in the city than this semi-secret oasis located at the very northern tip of Manhattan in Fort Tyron Park. Discover the museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, stroll the extraordinary passageways salvaged from ancient French monasteries, and finish with a picnic on the lush grounds overlooking the Hudson River.
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The Brooklyn Flea
176 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn.
The brainchild of Brooklyn blogger Jonathan Butler, the Brooklyn Flea has exploded to become the city's largest outdoor market. It's all in the mix, with more than150 flea-approved vendors selling everything from mid century furniture, vintage couture, hand-made jewellery and vinyl records. Hot tip: make a stop at food vendor Rafael Soler, famous for his legendary pupusas (Salvadoran stuffed cornmeal cakes). Afterwards, haul your treasures to DeKalb Avenue for a well-deserved pint at newly minted hotspot The General Greene (No 229).
Every Saturday.
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