By Gigi Starr
Things to Do During the Day in NYC
While
New York City is known for its vibrant nightlife, there are also fun things to do during the day. Whether you're an outdoors buff or a shopping fanatic, there are many stops for low-cost fun in Manhattan. Many options are even open in the early morning hours. Make certain to check for registration or ticket requirements before showing up at an event.
The New York Botanical Garden
The foliage and blooms of Manhattan's city conservatory and garden are accentuated in the morning light. Visit the Botanical Garden for special events, concerts and talks year-round. Located in the northern region of New York City called the Bronx, admission to the Garden is $20 for an all-access pass, or $6 for a grounds-only pass. As is the custom with all New York City government cultural monuments, Wednesdays are free admission all day, with a two-hour free period on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The grounds open at 10 a.m. The New York Botanical Garden is located at the intersection of the Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road in the Bronx.
Free Fitness Walks
In Fort Tryon Park, there are free group walks complete with stretching and toning exercise. The organizers and participants will help you develop a custom fitness program using just the resources in the park--no machines or gym necessary. These walks are year-round, with cancellations in case of heavy rain. The organizers require pre-registration on the website (link in resources). The walks are Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with an additional Saturday session from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The link in the Resources section includes all email addresses and telephone numbers for registration. Fort Tryon Park is located from Riverside Drive to Broadway, West 192nd to Dyckman Streets; meet at the entrance of the Heather Garden on Margaret Corbin Circle where Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue converge.
Shop at Century 21 Department Store
Century 21 is discount shopper's secret located near the downtown Financial District. The store becomes mobbed in the evenings, and the shoppers in the know search for the best new products during the day, when others are at work. Filled with high-end designer labels at a deep discount, the store has several locations in the tri-state area; the New York City one is the flagship. Plan to spend several hours, and bring an outfit that easy to change out of. Century 21 is located at 22 Cortlandt St. and opens at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Union Square Greenmarket
According to the Council on the Environment of New York City, the greenmarket "supports farmers and preserves farmland for the future by providing regional small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products to New Yorkers." The Union Square location is one of the largest, with a plethora of local farmers, bakers, cheese makers and others assembling every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Union Square Greenmarket is located at Union Square Park at 14th Street and Broadway on the south plaza.
Resources
About the Author:
Gigi Starr is a freelance fashion writer. She previously served as the blog editor for a major online fashion blog and has more than a decade of backstage experience in the beauty and high fashion industries. She has worked for businesses like an internationally renowned theatrical touring company and events such as the Mercedes-Benz N.Y.C. Fashion Week.
Photo Credits:
2007 bridgepix / Creative Commons
