Summer Streets – E 72nd to the Brooklyn Bridge

New York City is full of folks who grew up elsewhere and journeyed to this fine island seeking “something more.” Still, from time to time nostalgia creeps in, and those suburban transplants crave the kinds of quieter streets ideal for Wiffle ball and roller hockey (cul-de-sac preferred). Enter SUMMER STREETS! For three Saturdays this August you can frolic down the NYC streets from E 72^nd to the Brooklyn Bridge. As summarized on their website, it’s a chance to use the “valuable public space” that is our city’s streets to “play, walk, bike, and breathe.” Oh good! Finally a chance to breathe!

The route is loaded with rest stops and neat activities. Personal highlights include:

- Guacamole-making demonstrations by Chipotle (at Park & 51^st)

- Free bike and roller blade rentals (throughout)

- Double Dutch Performance by National Double Dutch League (at Uptown & Foley Square rest stops)

- REI rock climbing wall (at Spring & Lafayette)

- Barefoot running by Vibram and Merrell (at SOHO rest stop)

and so much more!

While you’re enjoying juice and snack bars at the Astor Place Health and Fitness Zone be sure to look up. Animus Art has installed their super cool Flaming Cactus (cacti?) throughout the intersection. This public art installation caused quite a stir on East Village Grieve. What do you think? Is it interesting? Is it worth it? Is it art?

When you reach the southern end of the Summer Streets route, keep going! Continue down to City Hall Park for the Sol Lewitt sculptures. Then, if you’re up for it, why not walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?!

Of course, there are a million places to eat along the way, including free sample stands. Do yourself a favor, though, and stop in Hampton Chutney Co for a delicious dosa (just before the SOHO rest stop on Prince St near Lafayette). It won’t break the bank, and it’s the perfect amount of food to fill you up without making you too logy to keep going. Plus, they have cardamom coffee!

Ingredients:

Venues: NYC Summer Streets; Astor Place; City Hall Park

Artists: Animus Art; Sol Lewitt

Streets: E72nd – Duane St +

Eats: Hampton Chutney Co

Map: (See above Route Map)