No need to reach for the suitcases. Or worry about who’s gonna mind the pets. I’m happy to

remind you that New York is celebrating good times and good health with a great-
outdoors world of new parks, landscaped bike lanes, activity-filled piers, water front

sports - and enriching programs for all ages. In these demanding times, Manhattan and its

neighboring boroughs are welcoming us with new ways to experience nature’s beautiful, fresh-

air bounty. Breathe in. Breathe out. Have fun.

Rediscover the Hudson River

Hudson River Park has transformed five miles of waterfront on the west side of Manhattan. Gaze at

everyone biking, strolling along the river, shooting hoops, kayaking, sunbathing and saluting
sunsets with cocktails – and you’ll get a sense of the invaluable role that Hudson River Park

plays in our community. Hankering for a round of miniature golf? Manhattan’s only 18-hole

miniature golf course - complete with waterfalls and sand traps - awaits you at Pier 25 opposite

North Moore.

Follow the East River

The East River Greenway stretches from Battery Park all the way to 120th Street – with a detour

around the hallowed turf of the United nations. While the landscaping might not be as pristine as

Hudson River Park, the East River frontage offers the exciting opportunity to walk or bike
under the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. And then there’s the Brooklyn
shoreline panorama on the other side, a captivating mix of urban grit and luxury condo glam.

Heading downtown, you’ll want to enjoy drinks at South Street Seaport. Uptown, venerable Carl

Schurz Park adjoining Gracie Mansion is the perfect spot for a lazy gaze across the river, as well as

summertime concerts.

Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park

It’s the new kid on the block. Extending 1.3 miles along the East River shoreline, Brooklyn Bridge

Park meanders from the DUMBO ferry dock all the way to eclectic Atlantic Avenue. Escape the

summer heat as you wander along lushly shaded pathways. Explore the several piers,
featuring a gigantic roller rink, basketball and volleyball courts and soccer fields. And head

lickity split to some of the best ice cream anywhere from OddFellows Ice Cream Co. A brand-

new elevated walkway leads you to the history-filled streets of Brooklyn Heights.

Ferry to the Rockaways

For a fabulous change of scenery, hop on the NYC

Ferry at Wall Street for a breezy 1-hour cruise to Rockaway Beach in Queens. (The ultimate

bargain: just $2.75) Bring your bike or get a Citibike, and cruise the lively seaside boardwalk that

runs for 5.5 miles – one of the longest boardwalks in the U.S. You’re sure to be surprised at just

how terrific this beach is, so be sure to pack a towel and sunscreen.

Delight your pooch

It’s high-time I introduce you to my fantastic dog McGruff. Thanks to my shaggy best friend, I’m

discovering impressive dog runs throughout the city – day camp for dogs! – and McGruff’s

favorite is Jemmy’s Dog Run in historic Madison Square Park. It’s being totally redesigned

with new water features to keep dogs hydrated. There are dedicated areas for both large and small

dogs. Even the ground is covered in loose smooth pebbles that are easy on canine joints. Parks –

old and new- are the treasures of our city. Watch dogs at play, and city “vacations” become
all the more joyful.

Celebrate summer

As you can tell by now, there’s a summertime ease to this newsletter. Deciphering the real estate

market can wait til next month. For now, I invite you to explore – from the Socrates Sculpture

Park in Queens to the year-round pleasures of Governor’s Island to the stunning flowers and fields

of Bronx’s Botanical Garden. Lastly, it’s the perfect time to rediscover Central Park - especially

the streams, rustic bridges and “Adirondacks” tranquility of the North Woods. The only GPS
you’ll need is wanderlust!