Six Expeditions In New York This Summer. Rivers, Roofs and A Red Light House.

By Erica and Karen

Cranky that you can’t get away to the Azores? Or Naoshima? Or Abu Camp? Do you live in, or are you visiting, New York? Here are six wonderful jaunts. None of them is an all-day event, so plan to visit the many shops and other sights near each one.

1. Little Island. Just stunning. We watched this island grow in the Hudson, just off Manhattan, near another institution we love, the Whitney Museum. We are not fond of all of Thomas Heatherwick’s work (The Vessel, Lantern House), but Little Island is just heavenly. Much larger than you might imagine, because there is actual terrain to traverse. Three stages. Events. Sunsets. Limited but sufficient (and local) food and drink options—starting at 7 am! You can sign up for a pass if you want to enter between noon and 8 pm, but a lot of people have done that already, so just go at 11:30 am or 8:30 pm—or even better, at 6 am or midnight. Magical. And free.

2. If you do visit really early, have a coffee on the Island. Otherwise, when you leave, go to City Vineyard, on the pier right next door and have lunch or dinner with a grand view of Little Island and the boats on the Hudson. Or, for more, or a trip all on its own, visit the many sidewalk restaurants on 15th street, outside of Chelsea Market, a couple of blocks away. Miznon is justly famous for its pita and hummus, as well as whole roasted baby cauliflower. Very Fresh Noodles is aptly named. Lots of other delicious options. Yes, there is also first rate gelato! And if that’s not enough—Starbucks’ biggest concept store is across the street, where you will find coffee, obviously, but also an excellent bakery. Inside, the Market is not just food—there’s always a really good sample sale of some kind. Pearl River is full of crazy stuff, like brightly painted chopsticks, and its only food shop is in the Market, too. Interesting bags from Marrakesh nearby. Don’t miss the fine outpost of Artists and Fleas.

3. Visit a public library. Really. Let Patience and Fortitude show you around the main New York Public Library, a fabulous and fabulously learned institution. Then go to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, which has just opened across the street after extensive renovations. The building is gorgeous, as is its grand outdoor terrace—and cafe! Another must-see, from a water taxi on the East River and then in person, is a spectacular public library in Queens. Stairs are a key design element. We understand the problem presented by stairs, but it’s worth it for the excitement.

4. While you are in the NYPL neighborhood, stroll around Bryant Park. During the pandemic, the Park really met the challenge of becoming a refuge, an even more wonderful place to read (outdoor library) ride a carousel, play a lawn game. Look at the eclectic historic buildings surrounding the park, and the newer ones, like the gorgeous Platinum LEED certified One Bryant Park. (We wish they gave tours.) Perhaps have lunch on the grass or in one of the Park’s many umbrellaed eateries. Then, walk a few blocks south on Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park, where you can see Maya Lin’s arresting Ghost Forest, especially ghostly now that weeks of rain have surrounded the installation with lush green living things. Some pretty cool buildings line this Park too, and in one of them is Eataly, in case you need a glass of Pinot Grigio.

5. You must venture to the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Of course you would do that anyway.) Release your inner child under the amazing installation on the roof, by Alex Da Corte, an homage to both Alexander Calder and Big Bird. Step to the southern edge to see the skyline, which seems to rise out of enormous waves of green. Downstairs, stop to see The New Woman Behind The Camera, with gorgeous photographs of interesting women. Then walk further South to see another interesting woman, Lady In Gold at the Neue Gallery, newly reopened. Is there anyone more elegant?

6. If you are inclined to venture even further uptown, figure out how to get to the Little Red Lighthouse under the Great Gray Bridge (a/k/a the George Washington Bridge). Surely you read that book to your children? Not so easy but totally worth it. The location is extraordinary, perfect for a picnic, so bring your favorite food and drink. You’ll be just under Washington Heights, where In The Heights was conceived and filmed. A great place to stroll. Then turn south again, ramble along the Hudson, not too far, and visit The Baylander Steel Beach. We loved this real New Yorker story about this “small” aircraft carrier that is now a restaurant.

Summer in the City is grand! Especially this one! Enjoy every minute,