We call it a “daycation.” A day filled of activities you wouldn’t ordinarily do, OR with activities you’ve always wanted to do. Take your visiting pals, family, or just pretend you’ve just landed either by plane, or rocket ship and combine a variety of stops that will feed your mind, your brain, and your soul. Check out some of these suggestions:
8am: Let’s start the day with a hearty breakfast. Protein and carbs at Utopia Restaurant (267 Amsterdam Avenue and 73rd Street). Get your fuel for the big morning to come. They’re on top of their game when it comes to constant coffee and water refills.
10:15am: Take a public tour at the American Museum Natural History. Who cares which one, you’re sure to come away amazed at some new fact about our world, or our history. Doing this early in the day ensure that you’ll actually absorb some new fact to impress your friends. And take in the immensity of the place.
(Make rest stop before you leave)
12:30pm: Walk to the Dakota and cross the street to Strawberry Fields. Pay your respects, and take in the quiet. Buy a water from a street vendor, and yes, you can have your granola bar.
photo by Flickr user mjs_2009. https://www.flickr.com/photos/msteckevicz/
1:30pm: Mosey on the through the park, heading north to the Swedish Cottage. This school-house looking building was brought to the US in 1876 for an exhibition in Philly. Fredrick Law Omsted purchased it for the park a year later, and became the home of the Marionette Touring Company; performances are held regularly. Why walk here? Appreciate some NYC architecture and craftsmanship, and because it was a destination for the walk. Take a selfie, and Instagram yourself.
photo by Flickr user Charles Hoffman. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitonlove/
3:30pm: Coffee time! Head west to Joe Coffee (514 Columbus Avenue, 84th Street). Great coffee, vegan chocolate chip banana muffin. It does get crowded, so sit for a bit and then be off.
5pm: 72nd Street Dog Run (in Riverside Park): Watch the poochies play. Sit a spell, watch the sunset, sip your water. Chill and get ready for the night time!
7pm: Food and jazz at Prohibition. Columbus Avenue at 84th Street. This lively lounge has a jazz theme. Dine, drinks, and sway to the music.
