NEW YORK CITY – It’s an understatement to say the coronavirus has put a damper on summer in the city. Stay at home orders, social distancing and fear of infection has made enjoying the sun tricky.
Parades have been scrapped, bars closed and all large events and gatherings canceled. But not even a pandemic can shut down NYC totally.
The coronavirus summer might look very different, but there are still plenty of creative ways to enjoy the city. Here are some of the highlights:
Farmers Markets
The Hattie Carthan Community Market in Brooklyn returned on July 11 to its spot next to the community garden on Clifton Place and Marcy Avenue, across the street from Herbert Von King Park. The market follows a list of guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus, including requiring customers to wear masks to enter and to follow social distancing rules. Hand sanitizer will be available and customers are asked not to bring their dogs or bikes into the market space.
The Domino Park Greenmarket will open on July 12 and will continue on Sundays until Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be located at South 4th Street between Kent Ave. and River Street. All shoppers will be encouraged to wear face coverings, maintain 6 feet of distance, make quick trips, limit parties to two people and leave dogs at home.
In-person events
The Parking Lot Social, a new drive-in experience complete with live bands, a silent disco, “car-a-oke,” bingo, trivia and movies, will be coming to Brooklyn on Aug. 12 and will stay through Aug. 23. The event is designed to promote social distancing, with online ticket purchases and food ordering, hand sanitation stations, and more.
Skyline Drive-In bills itself as the only drive-in in America with a view of the Manhattan skyline. Situated on the East River at 1 Oak Street in Brooklyn, the drive-in is showing favorites such as Black Panther and Anchorman, and features online ticket purchasing to increase the contact-less experience. Walk-in and bike-in seating will soon be available as well.
The Tribeca Drive-In will be showing films at Orchard Beach on weekends through Aug. 2. Tickets are available for online purchase online. Attendees are required to wear masks any time they leave their car. Social distancing guidelines and safety measures will be enforced.
Streaming events
The 2020 U.S. Open will still be held in New York City in August and fans will be able to stream the games instead of watching from the stands. The event will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from Aug. 13 to Sept. 13. Details on how to watch the games have not yet been announced.
“Broadway Barks Across America” will be streamed for the first time ever on Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. The even will be hosted by Bernadette Peters and will feature adoptable animals presented by celebrities across the country. The star-studded cast includes Alec Baldwin, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Lin Manuel Miranda, Sean Hayes and Hugh Jackman.
Zoos & Aquariums
The Bronx Zoo is set to reopen to the public on July 24 with new safety guidelines, after being closed since mid-March. All visitors must have date-specific tickets, masks will be required for visitors and staff members, and social distancing measures will be enforced. The park will enforce one-way paths, contact-less interactions and frequent hand sanitization.
The New York Aquarium will also reopen to the public on July 24 with new safety measures. All visitors must have date-specific tickets, masks will be required for visitors and staff members, and social distancing measures will be enforced. The aquarium will enforce one-way paths, contact-less interactions and frequent hand sanitization.
The Queens Zoo will also reopen to the public on July 24. All visitors must have date-specific tickets, masks will be required for visitors and staff members, and social distancing measures will be enforced. The zoo will enforce one-way paths, contact-less interactions and frequent hand sanitization.
Beaches
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Brooklyn: Brighton Beach – Get there via the B train
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Bronx: Orchard Beach – Get there via the 6 train
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Queens: Jacob Riis Park – Get there via the A train to Beach 116
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Staten Island: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk & Beach – Get there via the Staten Island Ferry
Public pools
15 of the city’s public pools will re-open for swimming this summer. On July 24, the following pools will open:
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Bronx: Mullaly Pool
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Manhattan: Wagner Pool
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Queens: Liberty Pool
On Aug. 1, the following pools will open:
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Bronx: Crotona Pool, Haffen Pool
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Brooklyn: Betsy Head Pool, Kosciuszko Pool, Sunset Pool
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Manhattan: Hamilton Fish Pool, Jackie Robinson Pool, Marcus Garvey Pool
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Queen: Astoria Pool, Fisher Pool
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Staten Island: Lyons Pool, Tottenville Pool
This article originally appeared on the New York City Patch
