Why should you consider visiting Buffalo in the Winter?

I am a firm believer in being determined to not allow the “seasonality” of a place to control the conversation or appeal of experiencing it. Sure, the idea of a warm beach sounds nice in the winter. But is that all we are really seeking? The seduction of ‘warmth’ or comparative comfort to lead us to a place?

Yes, of course, that is all some people are seeking. However, the adventure traveler is basically the exact opposite of a “snowbird”. We do not flee places with unpleasant circumstances and towards those that will allow us to simply relax.

And maybe that means we want to venture way, way north to see what there is to discover in the Winter. Given current travel restrictions and risks, I’ve been thrilled by the challenge of exploring some of the lesser-visited places in New York, and Buffalo kept popping up in my mind. I had been hearing so many things- Buffalo is bikable! Great brewery scene! Nice people! Wings! Really comes alive in summer!

But I wasn’t going to let the threat of a little cold push this destination further down on this year’s travel itinerary. After all, we can wait for the pandemic to be over, for the Western Hemisphere to be warmer, for a better time or reason to go… or we can choose to not wait. So I encourage you to go to a place without waiting for the tilt of the sun to tip its hat to you. I recommend that you let perceived seasonal restrictions be damned. I challenge you visit Buffalo in Winter. 

And thus I’ll show you how to do it.

Skip to:

Big Ditch Brewery

Ballyhoo Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Gabriel’s Gate

K-Art Gallery

The Dapper Goose

Buffalo Central Terminal

West Side Bazaar

Eagle House Restaurant

Serenity Salt Cave

Las Puertas Buffalo

Schwabl’s

What to Pack

• A Winter Coat
• Layering Elements
• Winter Boots
• Scarf, Gloves, Hat
• Attractive Sweaters
• Positive Attitude
• Realization that you’ve never really tested your “cold-weather” gear

How To Get To Buffalo (in the Winter or otherwise)

After a fairly easy 6-hour car ride heading North, we watched the minutes to our destination lessen as the menacing barometer in the rental also dropped drastically- 27 degrees colder than the Brooklyn we left behind. However, with the confidence that our coats were made for more aggressive temperatures than a balmy 34-degree winter, and that our hearts were eager to see just what we were made for. Winter in New York meant so much more than just the city.

What to Do on a Winter Visit to Buffalo

Day 1

Big Ditch Brewery and Ballyhoo

When we first arrive in a place, we often like to visit some very “local” spots to chat with bartenders and get recommendations for the next few days. Our first choices? Big Ditch Brewery and Ballyhoo. And let me tell you, they warmed us right up.

Big Ditch Brewery

bigditchbrewing.com

55 E Huron St.

Inspired by the building of the Erie canal, which put Buffalo on the map and also symbolizes the grassroots pride of the area, this brewery is covered in old photos, murals, and highlighted with their signature “shovel” tap handles that kept covering our tracks all over town.

There was a palpable sense of pride here, in the area and also in the product. After a longish drive, we were welcomed by the warmth of the bartender, the feeling of “strength, pride, ambition” dug from the foundation of the area and written all over the mural walls, and the confidence in every beer they are brewing.
This feeling of excavated discovery was easily palpable. We dug it.

After chatting with the bartender about what was on tap, we chose the Berry Vision sour and a winter seasonal chocolate porter.

As we sipped, the conversation on the other side of the bar flowed easily regarding places we should add to our “must-see” list. We also talked about the lack of freedom of movement we’d all been suffering from given the current circumstances- we had perhaps chosen the farthest in-state location we could safely visit without quarantining. The bartender told us she realized her 2-hour drive to visit Vermont the next weekend would be met with 4-days of quarantining on both ends. Our 6-hour drive seemed comparatively reasonable, and our escape all the more appreciated.

We finished our beers and trudged over the snowdrifts to get back into our rental car and drove 1.5 snowy miles to Ballyhoo.

Buffalo Ballyhoo

buffaloballyhoo.com

211 South Park Ave

Our dinner and cocktail destination of the evening was this charming little local spot that just happened to be around the corner from the Keybank Center where the Sabres faced the Islanders for the evening. Because allowing any capacity of indoor sports spectators was still a week away, this place was bustling with energy despite the hometown team’s record.

We settled in just in time as the place filled up to its COVID-restricted 50% capacity. The crowd was energized and thirsty, and we found it so refreshing to see bartenders “in the weeds”, owning their drink tickets, their space, and recognizing the reward of pushing through orders with speed and precision. These guys were killing it.We soon realized the secret behind their speedy executions- a little something called “Jam Sessions”.

Jam Sessions are clever concoctions that started at Ballyhoo- you choose the jam + spirit combination, they shake it up and pour you a libation that ingeniously requires no juicing, no syrup production, just jams and spirits. We chose the bartender-recommended strawberry and rye combination along with a tequila and apricot mash-up. Both were delicious and warranted a second round, and paired decently with our selections from their small (but lacking nothing) sausage-heavy menu. 

Our selections included the Short Round (Korean short rib with kimchi, samba, and pickled vegetables), the Steak House (seasoned beef with creamed spinach, garlic, parmesan crisp, and pickled shallots), and their highly-recommended mac and cheese which did not disappoint.

When the bartender recognized our industry-roots (they’re hard to hide) we struck up a conversation and soon had a hand-written note of Buffalo recommendations delivered along with two shots of tequila.His recs included Las Puertas (our reservations had been made for the last night in town), Billy Club (highly recommended for cocktails!), And a dive bar called “Old Pink” a place he told us we should definitely go- “It’s an institution here and a great dive bar but just really, really… divey.”

He admitted to us that he’d met his ex-wife there. “Never marry a girl you meet at the Pink,” he advised, raising his shot glass in the air to ours.

Let’s just say when we left we no longer recognized the cold. Thanks, Ballyhoo!

Day 2

Niagara Falls, The K-Art Gallery, and Dapper Goose

I highly recommend choosing your sunniest day to visit Niagara. For us, this was the second day of our trip- full sun, 32 degrees, and a mostly-frozen falls.

What to Expect during a visit to Niagara Falls in the Winter

We didn’t realize just how majestic and rare this experience was until we noticed local and national news sources there to photograph the Falls and said photos’ subsequent appearance virtually everywhere (link to news sources). The “frozen” falls (and the backs of our coats!!) had gone viral.

While the Canada side (as we were told, “the fun side!”) of the falls were closed due to the pandemic, we made the best of the good old ‘Merica side of things. As fun as it looked, we appreciated that we weren’t tempted to lose money at the casinos that stared back at us from the other side of the divide. We were having fun! And keeping our money safe.

We opted for the Cave of the Winds winter experience that brings you down 40 “floors” into the stone cliffside and just below the falls. The ice formations and sun-induced rainbows were magnificent- and there’s no better word for it. We were blown away by this rare glimpse at a mostly-frozen falls and the sheer beauty that ice can create.

Back atop the falls, the frozen vapor in the air covered everything in its path with a coating of sparkling ice. Despite the wind, we stayed about 2 hours exploring and observing this natural wonder. And somehow, we didn’t notice the cold until we got back into the car and felt the slight numbness in our fingers and toes.

And, a rumbling for lunch in our tummies.

Wings at Gabriel’s Gate

gabesgate.com

145 Allen St.

We did our best to research what would be the most authentic wings experience in Buffalo. And while our choice was proven to be right, we were also immediately educated on the whole “wing thing” in Buffalo. 

Read below on how not to seem like tourists while eating wings in Buffalo.

1. It’s not ‘Buffalo Wings’- according to them, there’s no such things. Just wings.
2. Do not ask for ranch. There is Bleu Cheese or nothing.
3. Wings should be washed down with a “Blue Light” which is not considered an import here.
4. No one cares that you worked at Buffalo Wild Wings in high school. Especially not the bartender.

Once we got over the fact that it was very apparent we were tourists (usually something NYC dwellers are quick to point out in other people), we struck up a conversation with the bartender. A native Buffalonian, she talked to us about the changes she’d seen in the quaint (but lively) neighborhood of Allentown we found ourselves in. “There are 22 bars and restaurants within three blocks”, she told us- and only about a quarter of them have reopened. She’s hopeful once restrictions lift further that the neighborhood will come back, but it’s hard to say.

That desperate feeling of the forgotten vitality that the bar and restaurant industry brings to a city sat heavy with us, as it had for the past year. While we were so happy to have made the trip to Buffalo, what would we have found if we’d come, say, in 2019?

The bartender also wasn’t shy on recommendations for us. And once again, the colorful dive bar The Pink popped back up. Considering the annoying prevalence of “Millenial Pink” that had recently infiltrated NYC, I couldn’t get a certain image out of my head for this quirky bar until she went into more detail. “It’s a block from here. There isn’t a sign outside or anything, just a psychedelic mural on the outside that’s in disrepair. It never looks like it’s open but it always is. My sister-in-law works there,” she told us. She briefly touched on the crowd, which varies significantly depending on the time you visit. “There’s this group of middle-aged women who meet there on Tuesdays and drink and watch soap operas. The General Hospital Crew, they call themselves. They have rules about when to drink and it gets pretty rowdy,” she laughed.

A fellow patron who overheard the conversation chimed in. “One good thing about the Pink is that if you’ve ever been to the bathroom there, you’re completely immune to COVID and pretty much anything else,” she laughed. Stumbling into the Pink certainly felt more accessible than getting a vaccine appointment in the city… 

We pondered this as we ate our wings and shoveled around an enormous portion of poutine washed down with Blue Lights and a round of complimentary Jameson shots. It was apparent we were tourists, sure, but the bartenders in us could always overcome any additional stigmas. We were all in this together.

Our tour to find authenticity continued as we sought a little culture to lighten up the fried food we’d just consumed.

Visit to the K-Art Gallery

thek.art

808 Main St.

We headed back to Elmwood Village for a visit to the K-Art Gallery. The prevalence of Native American history and heritage in the area was palpable, and we kept hearing about this gallery that was dedicated to increasing visibility to contemporary Native American Art. Plus, it was right down the street from our Airbnb.

We were not permitted to take photos inside but admired how well the gallery allowed you to experience the art. Pieces and installations were situated next to seating areas and bright windows to allow you to sit among the art. While some of the messaging was intended to make viewers feel slightly uncomfortable, it was refreshingly eye-opening to give these artists and people the opportunity to command our attention. The art was imaginative, perhaps providing a vision into the potential this oppressed culture could have if given the freedom to roam. We were visibly moved and especially struck by the bright palettes and rich textures that highlighted the space. It felt like the perfect balance to the rather low-brow gravy-french-fries we’d just spent time experiencing.

We walked back to our Airbnb to refresh for what we knew would be a rather dapper dining experience.

Dinner at The Dapper Goose in Buffalo

thedappergoose.com

491 Amherst St.

Walking into the Dapper Goose brought us back to what it felt like to have a proper dining experience- you know, before the pandemic ruined restaurants of any sense of ambiance for an entire year. The lighting was low and mostly candlelit, the interior warm and intentionally minimalist- which felt a bit sparse given the restrictions at the moment, but let us imagine the dining room full of life and energy and even more rich smells than flooded our senses upon entry.

We knew we were lucky to get one of the few available reservations that night. We settled in.
The menu changes often, but there are certain favorites with a permanent place on the table and in the hearts of Buffalonians. Namely, the Korean Fried Chicken. Even if you’ve had a wing-tastic lunch, do not skip this.

We also chose the Beet Cured Salmon (avocado espuma, chilis, pickled onion), the mushrooms (farro, fennel, dash, poached egg), the aforementioned chicken, and the budino for dessert (maple pudding, miso caramel, chocolate biscotti). Every intentional and nuanced flavor made this dining experience such an immense delight.

While perhaps wine pairings are recommended, couldn’t pass-up the cocktails we’d heard so much about. We tried the Broken Garden Tools, the Our Circus Days Are Over, and the Sloe Your Roll. The names were clever and the combinations imaginative- Gin with celery and Moroccan spice! Tequila and Mezcal with Bruto! Sloe gin with Cocchi Rosa!The bartender gave us an off-menu digestif- Amaro Dell Etna, a rare bottle neither we nor the bartender had seen previously but ended the experience a touch of Italian elegance.

Normally, our night would have likely ended late-night at a bar, but due to, you know, the pandemic, it ended with red wine and a rousing game of Sequence back at the Airbnb. The pandemic has made us all into dorks, but whatever.

We were thankful to turn in early considering the next day’s plans.

Day 3

Buffalo Central Terminal, West Side Bazaar, Eagle House Tavern, Serenity Salt Cave, Las Puertas

We’ve always recognized that it’s the stories from the people who live in a place that truly color a destination, and the passion that was shared with us on our last day in town made us truly understand and embrace this place. This day started in a cavernous, empty space, wearing hard hats and imagining the days of Buffalo’s bustling past. And I don’t mean pre-pandemic- I mean back to the 1930s.

Buffalo Central Terminal

buffalocentralterminal.org

495 Paderewski Drive

Closed indefinitely for restoration.

Being a resident of New York City for the past 10 years means that my curiosity is never satiated, only enhanced with every step I take outside of my apartment. And that is what led me to be a relative enthusiast of Guastavino tile. I have been trying for years to figure out a way to access the closed subway station beneath City Hall to admire one of the best examples of his unique archways but recognized that this would require some pretty acute timing and footwork lest ending in myself being claimed by train, rats, or the third rail…

Upon further research into his work, Buffalo’s defunct Central Terminal felt a little more accessible. Noting my enthusiasm, I was connected with Monica, the Executive Director of the massive restoration and someone who unintentionally put my tile curiosity in its right place- there was so much more here than this Spaniard’s grout.

The terminal itself is on the East side of town, a seemingly forgotten area set apart from the heart of what feels like the city’s “revival” but in an area that has drawn a strong presence from Buffalo’s immigrant community- driving through you see mostly signs in Arabic and Spanish and a diverse collection of people who now call the city home. This diversity is one of the most important aspects to the revival of the Terminal, according to Monica- she embraces the challenge of getting to know the community, of gaining their trust, and of learning what would be a useful transition for the space.

This “space” rises above the neighborhood, an absolutely massive presence that reflects what Buffalo used to be. Traditionally, train stations were the first message that travelers and visitors would receive about the city- and this one was grandiose, courageous, bold, and a little disorienting.

And now it sits alone and empty, save for the collection of volunteers (please read that part again- volunteers) that were determined not to see another part of Buffalo’s sparkling history turn to dust.

There was, however, a lot of dust that had built up as we secured our hard hats and followed Monica through the entrance and into the terminal (please note that no photos were permitted inside). Save for our echoes and a few lost birds, the cavernous main concourse was silent. As our tour guide pointed out the old signs- a shoeshine, a gift shop, luggage storage, and the stunning and formerly bustling restaurant. I noticed the old boards with flipping numbers that would communicate arrivals and departures to passengers and their loved ones- the clicking sound that would inevitably spark the heartbeats of lovers about to be reunited- my imagination went wild with the stories that had passed through this very space.

Monica’s face lit up as she told us about the stories that resurfaced as the restoration began, stories of immigrants first arriving to the United States, of soldiers returning from war to their families and of those who left through this station to never return, accounts of men getting down on one knee on the marble floor to ask a very important question- moments frozen in time.

She was beaming as she described to us the double-paned windows that reflected and refracted sunlight, an element of the restoration that was filled with both pain and pride as these types of windows simply did not exist anymore. However time-consuming or financially restraining the restoration of the massive archways of windows was, they would not be destroyed.

There was a brass clock that seemed to be the central element of the concourse, and Monica told us that it had been sold off by the former owner of the terminal. It had been missing for over 20 years before it was recovered at an antique store by someone with a discerning eye and perhaps a memory of the glory days gone by in this space.

The clock sat boldly, not ticking but marking time. It somehow embodied the patience and passion of the project.

As we removed our hard hats and walked back out into the snowy afternoon, Monica pointed toward the tracks. “Look!” She said. A cargo train was passing through. “I love it when you see the train go by.” Even though it no longer stops, it somehow makes you feel the magic of what this place once was.

Oh, and, the tile work was beautiful.

As we drove away, we were filled with wonder and also a bit of hunger for what we would discover next.

Lunch at the West Side Bazaar

westsidebazaar.com

25 Grant St.

At every turn, Buffalo had been so much more than we expected. So when our lunch plans came with a side of relentlessly inspiring stories of refugees finding community, opportunity, and safety within an unassuming space in an outdated strip mall, I somehow wasn’t surprised.

I first heard of the West Side Bazaar through this snippet on NPR 6 years ago. But to have Mike, the Executive Director at the Bazaar, invite us in and slowly allow the stories to unfold before us within a space filled with flavors, textures, and smiling faces from all over the world was a hell of a lot better than the podcast version.

Mike himself came to Buffalo after spending a few years in NYC trying to break into the music management scene. Moving here to get his master’s degree, what he didn’t expect was to find a city that felt like a community. While he currently is one of the main music promoters in the city (he books all the talent at Nietzsche!), his day job comes in this colorful business incubator for refugees with talent and ambition, but who lack the place and opportunity to explore it.

He walked us past artisan booths with stories of schools bombed by ISIS, a monastery burned during a revolution, of the complete loss of records and proof of education, of “anti-government” accusations that led to the need for immediate asylum. 

Each story of endless pain and loss was juxtaposed by an original product laced with palpable hope. From Burmese arts and crafts to Iraqi macrame (with lessons!), Vietnamese fashion, Sri Lankan home decor, and Rwandan jewelry.

As we circled around to the market area, we were met with exotic smells and smiling faces, with menus highlighted with foods we’d never heard of and our own rumbling stomachs ready to test them all.

Mike introduced us to every business owned and filled our hearts with their stories while addressing a few of the “chefs” in their own native language. It was apparent how much he rooted for their success. “They’re not supposed to stay long,” Mike told us, mentioning the especially popular booths that had now “graduated” and owned their own restaurants in town, while he also recognized the immense waitlist they have for applicants.

We met refugees-turned-entrepreneurs who now owned their own homes, had started families, and truly felt supported and protected in this Western New York City. 

While our hearts were full, we were, of course, still hungry. “I’ll point out my favorite thing from every booth,” he told us- and not far behind, we selected every recommendation and sat down to a worldly smorgasbord of flavors.

Our selection of dishes included Bagan Partha, the Bao 007, Rakhaing Mutee Soup, an Ethiopian Vegetable Platter, Malaysian Pork Ramen, Thai Beef Salad, and a bright purple bubble tea.

As we indulged in this feast of flavors, Mike couldn’t help but divulge his passion for this city, its people, and the opportunity he himself has found within the West Side Bazaar. “I felt I could make a difference here,” he told us. 

It was so apparent what a profound impact his discovery of this city had on so many families.

Eagle House Restaurant

eaglehouseonline.com

5578 Main St. Williamsville, NY

We drove to Williamsville to get to our next destination (which I’ll get to in a minute) and jumped at the chance to have a drink at the Eagle House Tavern before our appointment. This was a place we had heard a lot about (from my dad!), stating that it was one of the best restaurants in the area, and had been since the early 1800s.

Within just 10 minutes of sitting at the bar, it was apparent as to why this place had such staying power. Not one person who entered the restaurant wasn’t greeted by name, and more often than not, had a drink being poured for them before sitting down. The bartender and manager spoke with each customer as if they were old friends, and the space felt warm and united despite the COVID-induced partitions at the bar. 

The bartender quickly made us feel like regulars, letting us know it was 1/2 off bottles of wine that day, and before long, had poured us free tequila shots. At this point, we were getting very warm, and not just by the stunning brick fireplace that lined the dining room. We loved feeling like a part of this local gem and the recommendations that the bartender offered without hesitation.

We especially appreciated that we only suffered some slightly raised eyebrows when we let them know we had to leave to get to our appointment at the local Salt Cave. “The what?” The bartender asked us, who was a native Western New Yorker… As I tried to explain, he offered us another shot, I assume because we all could at least agree that salt and tequila were a proper pairing, and also gave us a 4-pack of WNY-made beer as we left. 

I already felt us becoming regulars at this cozy local spot.

Serenity Salt Cave

serenitywny.com

2070 Eggert Rd. Amherst, NY 14226

Ok so hear me out. We were searching for a sauna experience to warm up our wintry visit and while there was apparently an old bathhouse in town called “The Schvitz” it seemed that no one had any information about it- not even when we called and emailed quite a few times. As I researched other options in the area, I found more than a few “salt caves” which, to me, made perfect sense. 

I didn’t know what a salt cave was but I had learned that the Erie Canal was used to transport most of the country’s salt during the early 20th century, and Buffalo was a city that grew from the commerce generated by the canal. 

I also knew that the most important element of “weck”, Buffalo’s signature bread, was the chunky salt (ok, and caraway seeds). So it seemed that a Salt Cave was something very sensible to experience when in Buffalo.

It seemed I was very wrong about this when I realized that none of the locals we met even knew these things existed. However, in we went, fully-clothed and barefoot, into a cave made entirely of large pink Himalayan salt rocks. The ground was covered in a thick layer of course salt, and there was some sort of salty air being pumped into the space. There were a series of lounge chairs and we each had our own blanket. We were instructed not to leave nor open the door “until our session was complete” because our bodies wouldn’t get the full benefits of the experience. So, we sat. We lounged. We dug our feet around in the salt. We inhaled the salty air. One of us may have licked the walls, just to check that they were in fact salty. And when our experience was over, we felt… well, warm and relaxed.

And to be honest, ready for a bit more tequila. Which was convenient considering our dinner plans…

Dinner at Las Puertas

laspuertas-buffalo.com

385 Rhode Island St.

There are some dining experiences that you truly never forget. Which is not something that I expected to say regarding my trip to Buffalo. 

This unforgettable experience began when my reservation was confirmed via email not as an electronic response from Resy, but by a man named Victor Parra Gonzalez… who I recognized as the chef and owner of the restaurant, and also a James Beard award semi-finalist. 

Could he really be confirming reservations? 

When we arrived at the stunning, modernist dining space, Victor personally greeted us and showed us to our table. He introduced himself, asking if we had any food allergies. He let us know that he had selected every plate on tonight’s 5-course meal before leaving to shake a round of margaritas (hold the salt, please!). 

And what happened over the next 2 hours was nothing short of pure magic.

Victor and another colleague worked together to orchestrate every plate and moment. We saw him signal when our savory churro should be plated and delicately topped with cheese. He passionately described the market-fresh bruschetta as he opened a blended bottle of Garnacha, Carignan, and Mourvedre. He explained to us how he created the lightly fried and layered potato number that was far more delicate than any spud formation I’d previously experienced. He poured the soup into the aqua-chile, personally torched the halibut, and dusted our desserts with crumbled hazelnuts. 

Note that we were not the only patrons in the restaurant, and he did not know I would be writing this piece.

The care and passion that Chef Victor has for food, flavor, creativity, and service are truly unmatched. As he poured us each a copita of mezcal at the end of the night, he explained how important the community has been to his success in the three years since Las Puertas first opened its doors.

He mentioned that he had wanted to open a restaurant in Manhattan, and after years of trying to find a way, he began exploring other cities. Buffalo felt like it was affordable, approachable, had a budding food scene that was attracting attention, and most of all, the people ready for an ambitious new experiment. And more than anything, they were welcoming and warm. “I would have never been able to do this in Manhattan,” he told us.

He also instructed us on the proper way to sip mezcal. “It kills me when I see people shoot mezcal- this takes about 15 years to make, and then in one second, it’s gone?” He explained, “The copita is not a shot glass- it’s wider and made from the earth where the agave grows. You can taste the earth as you sip.”

He also showed us how to dip a finger into the copita and rub the mezcal between your thumb and forefinger, letting it warm up as you smell all of the life within the spirit. “If you slow down, you can appreciate that these good things take time,” he told us.

Which was apparent in every inch, every plate, every intention behind the doors of Las Puertas.

As we left back into the cold night, our hearts were filled with the unbelievable passion and dedication Chef Victor has to his craft and this magical space on Rhode Island street.

Day 4

A Stop at Schwabl’s On Our Way out of Town

Even with a bag of leftovers from the Bazaar in the back seat, we couldn’t leave Buffalo without one more signature culinary experience- Beef on Weck and a Tom + Jerry.

Schwabl’s

schwabls.com

789 Center Rd.

We took a detour to hit Schwabl’s before we got on the road to get our final fill of Buffalo’s cuisine. Another city relic that was just as bustling as it must have been back in 1837, the place was full within 10 minutes of opening with others waiting alongside us in the parking lot. We went inside to pick up our selected sandwich and added a hot Tom + Jerry to go with it.

Behind the bar/counter, we watched as an older man sliced bright red, rare beef and piled thin layers onto a salted caraway seed bun that had been previously dipped in the meat juice. This wasn’t some sort of glamorous “open kitchen” mind you, but there was no need to keep up with the times. This place knew what they were doing and people loved it.

Their signature Tom + Jerry cocktail came from a bowl of thick “batter” on the counter that was scooped into a cup along with hot water, brandy, and rum added with a vigorous stir.

Their unwillingness to change was refreshing, and it was clear that their approach worked. No need to evolve. 

We left Buffalo with more than a few connections in the city and the promise to return in the summer. Or, you know, perhaps we’ll wait until next winter. 

This Labor Day comes with a lot of questions. What is a holiday? Where did summer go? When can I see my friends? What the fuck is happening?

I can’t answer most of those questions. But what I can do is offer some advice to help us all feel better and make that reluctant transition from Summer to Fall a little less painful.

HEY, it’s a Labor Day Weekend Guide! Because whether any of us want to admit it or not, you missed these and I kind of did too.

See below for the best ways I’ve found to feel better, to feel summer, to stay safe, and to support local businesses in all the tastiest ways. It’s your summer and the city isn’t dead and neither are you. So let’s get out there.

Dive Into an NYC Pool

It’s ok, you can go to a public pool. Really, you can. I tested the waters (a few times) and I came out unscathed, and even a little more tan. Think of me as that penguin who gets pushed off into the ocean first to see if there’s a predator waiting to eat the rest of the bunch.
Actually, don’t think of me that way. 

The list of NYC public pools that are open right now can be found right here (my faves are Astoria Pool and K Pool in Bed-Stuy!) and here’s a reminder about this magical oasis in the middle of the East River. Masks are required on the pool deck but not in the water. Sun-penetrable masks can be purchased here to avoid that awkward face tan lines. JK I made that up. Just know you won’t be the only one.*

Hit the Beach, baby.

Will it be crowded? Of course it will be. Is this the first time that you can actually tell people to keep their distance from you and not feel like a total asshole? Yep. 

This is the end of fucking summer. Don’t let anything come between you and that sweet ocean breeze. Choose your beach (obvs there’s a guide for that). Get there as early as possible. Take your clothes off if you want. Don’t tell anyone I told you it was ok.*

Cookout at the Waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park

I know, you thought by now you’d finally have the apartment with that sweet sweet backyard and the grill and cookouts every weekend and tons of *socially distanced* friends. It’s ok that you don’t. It’s not ok that you don’t take advantage of the public grills that are available for you, all the time. Host your own cookout for you and your vagabond friends at the foot of Brooklyn Bridge Park, overlooking lower Manhattan and Lady Liberty herself. The grills and tables are first come, first serve, however, there’s a rule that you cannot occupy one grill for more than an hour, and people are usually incredibly generous. You’ll find a way in, and probably a way to double the size of your party and potato salad options. Link to the park is here. Nervous about the idea of “public grills” during a pandemic. STOP. Just stop. The virus isn’t fireproof. Jesus Christ, what were you thinking? Calm down.*

Have an American hot dog and drink an American whiskey at the Moonlight Mile

Here’s something you might not know. Moonlight Mile in Greenpoint has been doing free food with drinks way before Cuomo decided it was cool. For real. Gary’s cookouts on the corner there were one of those things that made Greenpoint so quaint- and also what made this my favorite bar in the hood. So go, get a beer, get a whiskey, get a hot dog, and feel like things are going to be ok.*

Those were the days, at Nowadays

I remember at some point thinking that the Nowadays backyard was a little too big- what if I get lost? What if I can’t find the bathroom? What if I wander off while waiting for my food truck order, never to be seen from or sharing a meal alongside again?

That “some point” was way before any idea of a pandemic was a thing. Now? Well now, I think it’s just the right size. This place feels like home in all of its natural wonder, and they have nightly events including film screenings, pandemic-safe dance parties, lawn games, food, friends, fun, safety. Let’s make sure we keep their doors open by spending plenty of time outdoors, all of the days, at Nowadays. Calendar here.* 

Or basically do the same thing, at a Rooftop Winery

Wine on a rooftop in the Navy Yard with corn hole and that dirty balls game (what’s the proper term for it?) plus fried chicken and after-hours films. This is why we live in New York, and thankfully, Devin’s business plan is somehow pandemic-proof, before that was even a thing. Reserve a spot now, and aim for a sunset slot. Just trust me.*

Have a Picnic in Transmitter Park

But buy your lunch from 21 Greenpoint. Why? Because they had their liquor license taken away indefinitely, that’s why. And that’s not fucking fair. And we all want them to survive. And also, they have a pretty damn good lunch menu. So show your support and let the government know that no matter how hard they try to force ridiculous restrictions upon small businesses and then make a really obnoxious production of shutting them down, we’re stronger than that.*

Or, be the fanciest person at any other picnic.

With this amazing Bento Box. Yeah, I mean, I didn’t think delivery could EVER look this good. Tell your friends to bring their 6-foot long chopsticks and share the magic. Hit up the Sneaky Spirit Social Club and order their new Szechuan Tincture (free delivery in Brooklyn!) and mix up some wild cocktails for your friends. Secure that invite to the next cool event over all of those bitches who show up with White Claw and hummus.*

*WEAR A DAMN MASK.

We’re all trying to do our best to navigate the risks involved with this pandemic. There are so many questions that we ask ourselves daily- especially regarding the risks, rewards, and requirements of traveling at the moment.

Should we postpone all travel until a vaccine has been found?

Should we concentrate only on domestic trips within states without a required quarantine period?

Is it worth it to quarantine for 14 days in order to see family?

I recently had to navigate those decisions and myself onto a vacation that I decided for multiple reasons was worth the risk. I’ll share all of the questions I had along the way to help you know what questions to ask, what to expect and how to best make your own decision about travel during the pandemic.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor nor a scientist, just a writer who has done some research worth sharing. Please continue to monitor the CDC guidelines, your state government’s advising, and your own consciousness and that of your loved ones before making any decisions.

When should I get tested before traveling during the pandemic?

This was a question that was seemingly impossible to answer. If you have the ability to completely quarantine for at least 8 days before traveling, then you should get a test 4 days before leaving. Symptoms can lay dormant for 4 days, so if you are not exposing yourself to anyone else who might carry the virus for 4 days, then get tested and wait the 4 days for results, you should have an accurate and clean assessment of your health before traveling.

Flying during the pandemic- is it safe?

Yes and no. There’s been a lot of conversation about the “recycled air” on a plane that makes us all feel a little nervous. 

That being said, if you are traveling by plane, there’s no way to 100% guard yourself from the risk of contracting the disease on the flight. This article from The Points Guy (sounds cheesy, but a great authority on all things air travel) helped me make my decision, as well as traveling with a hefty supply of Lysol wipes. 

If you are able to quarantine for this same period post-flight, wait 4 days after flying (for potential symptoms to develop), get tested, and wait (and hope) that those results come within 5 days.

We flew United, which I can confirm took the following precautions to make us feel safe:

• Maintained a 50% capacity on the flight
• Boarded and disembarked the plane two rows at a time to maintain social distancing (this was also amazing to avoid that annoying moist-flight aisle traffic jam)
• Provided sanitized wipes via a long pair of tweezers from the flight attendant upon boarding (the tweezers were not lost on me.)
• Requested drink and food orders to be put in before boarding so as to avoid the lingering crawl of the cart.

Hotels + Rental Properties- how safe are they during a pandemic?

We stayed at both a beach house found via a local property rental website (similar to Airbnb) that maintained standards for cleanliness and had publicized sanitation guidelines. No one else entered the house but our family during the 5-day stay. The beaches in the Outer Banks are mostly residential, so there was no problem maintaining a 6-foot (or even 20-foot) distance from other beachgoers. This felt like a very safe option for accommodations.

Our hotel, a Hilton in Virginia Beach, provided the following precautions:

• The door sealed with a “sanitization guaranteed” seal when we checked into the room
• All physical “amenities” (the toilet paper, remote control, cups, ice bucket, bathroom accessories) were wrapped in plastic bags
• There would be no room service to make sure no one else entered the room during our stay
• The elevators had a maximum of 4 people inside at all times
• Masks were required in public spaces…

However, the following situations were risky and unavoidable…

• Plenty of people ignored the mask warning
• We still had to use public restrooms coming and going from the beach
• Hotelgoers were routinely drippy (no offense to anyone… it’s an oceanfront hotel)
• The dining space wasn’t physically separated from the lobby

Is Taking Public Transportation Safe During the Pandemic?

I hadn’t taken the subway since mid-March and was very concerned to be taking both the subway and the Path before boarding a plane and seeing my family. However, I didn’t see anyone without masks, and there was plenty of space on the train cars during the times we were riding. It felt good to feel like a normal straphanger in New York again, while still taking every possible precaution.

Is it safe to travel to see family during the pandemic? Is it worth it?

This is for you to decide, based on the age of family and any pre-existing conditions. Note also the hidden “conditions” the pandemic has had a way of exposing in all of us- heightened stress levels and sensitivities don’t disappear in a different, more tranquil environment. We were able to mitigate this by having the difficult conversations we may have been tempted to avoid. The pandemic has reminded us all that life is short and unpredictable- talk to the people you love. Embrace them. And care about them too much to let things slide.

But at least a vacation during the pandemic will be “relaxing,” right?

You know that anxiety we’ve all suffered from when leaving the house when the daily death rate in New York was at nearly 600, or when attending a social situation that we were promised would be “socially distanced” but very much wasn’t, or spending time around a friend for an hour or so who then lets us know they don’t believe in the pandemic and have been acting as such?

Yeah, so just imagine that times 10 but in multiple environments that are beyond your control, and no home insight. 

I can’t say that this was the most relaxing vacation, but it still felt better to get away and be stressed out than to feel stuck and still stressed. Wear a mask, wash your hands like crazy, don’t touch your face, and try to enjoy yourself and time with loved ones. This is the best advice I can give. 

The 14-Day Travel Quarantine Requirement- is it worth it?

A few notes on my decisions to travel regardless of this looming requirement.

What exactly is required for the 14-day quarantine?

What it is intended to require, based on my understanding and research, is the following:

• Not leaving your house, at all
• Getting your groceries delivered
• Exercising indoors, if your tiny apartment allows
• Saying “no” to even socially-distanced hangs
• If you have a roommate, even if it is your partner, everyone should wear a mask indoors
• If your roommate was not traveling with you, you must stay in a hotel for the 14 days at your own expense
• You must notify your building that someone has traveled to a “quarantine required” state… So don’t even think about collecting your own mail or packages…

What is the traveler health form? Do I have to fill it out?

The traveler health form is the form the state is using to help understand who, when, how, and why you were traveling outside of New York, where you traveled to, and how to keep track of you if needed. 

I was surprised to find that this form was not passed out at the end of the flight and required before leaving the departures terminal (as customs forms always are). I was not able to fill one out in the airport, mostly because I was searching for a bathroom and then needed to make the next train in time- at no point did I see a kiosk or individual asking me to fill out the form.

This form is available to fill out online if you do not fill it out in the airport.

But will they really know if I am ‘quarantining’? Will they find me?

They can know and they can find you. And if they do, it’s a $10k fine. This city and tri-state area have fought incredibly hard to get this virus under control, and any future spike will likely be caused by out-of-state travelers.

For the most part, the quarantine is based on the honor system… just as the honor system was what brought us from the brink of complete shutdown a la Italia and into a point where we have the ability to travel at all. Be an honorable person. Do not be the catalyst. Don’t let your actions be guided by fear or fines, just be a good New Yorker. 

#NewYorkTough

Can’t I just get tested as soon as I get back to NYC?

No. You have to wait 4 days to see if symptoms develop before even setting foot inside a pharmacy. If they still don’t, you can get tested, and wait the 5-14 days for your results. And even if you get “negative” results within the 9 days of landing-waiting-testing-results, the government can still fine you for not quarantining for the full 14 days.

Any other questions?

Hit me up. I’m happy to help your decision to travel, and I’ll be in quarantine for the next 12 days. And even then, I’ll still be here, trying to help

2020 has thrown a lot at us. And while we’re sitting here wondering just how much more we can take, there are some positives that have come about from so much hardship.

We’ve become more active politically. We are way more aware of germs. We have had the chance to step back and take a closer look at our lives, at our mentality, at what we’ve been taught. We are shopping smarter, and we have realized that often the strongest impression we can make is with the money we spend. 

I think that we’ve become a lot more weary of our conditioned need for instant-gratification and next-day delivery, and that too often the immediacy of purchases leads to a lack of consciousness about what we’re buying, why we’re buying it, and what it actually means for our lives and the world around us.

I want to know that the clothes and products that I’m spending my money on are doing more to help and less to hurt.

It was along this line of thinking that I happened to come across Claudia, the wonderful spirit behind Bajamar jewels. 

Claudia is from Puerto Rico but has made NYC her home for 10 years now. Through a decade-long experience in the fashion industry, she’s been proud to make a career out of helping to source different materials and textiles and truly getting to the core of what our clothing and accessories are made from.

And then the pandemic hit.

Furloughed from her job but also taking time to recognize her own frustration with the corporate world, Claudia began to think of what she would do if she had the time and the ability to start her own company, now that suddenly, she did.

As her heart is never too far from her seaside community in Puerto Rico, she was also devastated to see a country that has been suffering so much recently taking yet another hit financially from the pandemic- and all of this still ahead of hurricane season.

She began to brainstorm a company that would create sustainable jewelry and accessories that could also help to rebuild the ocean environment like those she’d seen destroyed in Puerto Rico. She imagined pieces inspired by the sea, made from materials that were ethically sourced.

And after many long nights of researching and learning, planning and designing, and more than a little hair-pulling, Bajamar was born.

I first met Claudia at a restaurant in North Greenpoint. Her brightness was a breath of fresh air amid a city hidden behind face masks and now ever-more hesitant interactions, and she was noticeably perfectly accessorized. 

After that initial meeting, I had a chance to sit down with her recently to learn more about how she was able to pivot her lifestyle from a career in fashion product development into an environmentally-conscious entrepreneur, what it has taken for her to build this side-hustle into a burgeoning business, and what she cares about most as the lead designer. 

Dive into the interview below.

Brooklyn, I’m Trying: When did you move to New York and what brought you to the city?

Bajamar: I moved here from Puerto Rico right after High School, which was almost 10 years ago. I moved here to go to college and went to FIT to study Fashion Merchandising, with a minor in Apparel Product Development. From there I was able to work for a huge manufacturer out of Asia, helping source materials for licensed goods for Victoria Secret, Reebok, Adidas, lots of large companies… until I was placed on furlough in March.

BIT: That probably wasn’t part of the plan, just like all of us.

BM: Yeah this whole year has been a surprise.

BIT: When you first moved here, what did you think you’d find here, and what did you actually find?

BM: That’s a funny question. I’ve always wanted to move to the city. When I was a model when I was 12 and when my Mom brought me here with my agent for the first time, I was blown away by it. It was my first time being in a big metropolitan city. I told my mom, “I’m going to go to college here,” and a few years later, I applied, got into FIT, came here to live and within about 2 hours I realized that I’m not a city girl at all. It was so loud, so dirty, and I missed the kindness and warmth I felt from people in Puerto Rico.

BIT: Do you still feel that way?

BM: I’ve kind of adapted. Now I’m used to it, even though it’s been a switch in the way I wanted to live. It was a whole new world for me. Even now 10 years later, I wouldn’t want to live here forever, but it’s a great place to grow up and get those amazing life experiences that you can’t have anywhere else.

BIT: How has where you live affected that?

BM: Brooklyn is a different story. People greet each other here. The only reason we had an interaction is because you spoke to me and we made a connection. That only happens in a small neighborhood like Greenpoint.

BIT: How do you define “hustle” throughout your career, and into this new venture?

BM: (laughing) I would say my entire career has been a hustle. I’m sure you can relate, having a background in fashion. I mean, the internship experience was insane, I came from a small university so it’s very competitive to get a job.

Now with Bajamar, every day is a hustle to the point that, to me, it’s exciting and also surprises me every time when I see the outcome. I go in every day with a mindset and with a goal, and sometimes it does happen but unfolds in ways that I didn’t expect it to happen. Things align in ways you never plan to, at the end of the road, you get to the same place but with a different path. It’s exciting, yet frustrating at times creating your own business. It’s a leap of faith and you have to give it your best shot every day.

BIT: Tell me about Bajamar. What is the inspiration behind it?

BM: Bajamar came to be after I was furloughed during the pandemic and I found myself sitting on my couch with a feeling of abandonment after putting so many years into the corporate hustle. I realized then that I can put all of that dedication and passion into something of my own making. I asked my boyfriend (quick update from BIT: now fiancee) of all the things I need to improve, what is one quality I should focus on during this time?

His response was one word, “initiative”, but that was all I needed to hear. The next day I started brainstorming like crazy and by the end of the day, I committed to creating a sustainable brand that gives back, by making handcrafted jewelry with hopes of adding clothing products later on – a dream I have always kept on the back burner but was finally resolved to action. In my industry, most brands are not known for being eco-friendly or having those industry standards. And that’s important to me.

BIT: And then Bajamar was born.

BM: (laughing) yes, something like that.

BIT: Did you have a moment where you realized, “Holy shit, this is actually happening?”

BM: Yes, that point hit me sometime in May. I had worked day and night for a month, which was sometime in April. I had brainstormed the brand, started ordering materials to work on prototypes. I spent 2 months really digging into and studying heavily, really working on how to create a business. By May I was ready to go, I put up the website, and by May 17th I just launched. I started doing sneak peeks on Instagram and sent out prototypes and the feedback was crazy. That same day I was asked about how to order, where can I buy, what are the prices, things like that. And now everything has happened and I have a business- now it’s end of July… somehow everything has happened in just 3 months.

BIT: That must feel amazing.

BM: It’s overwhelming for sure. There is always lot of things to do. I’m a perfectionist so I always think I could have done things a little bit different… but honestly now, I wouldn’t change a thing. It feels great to do build something of your own and to make a product that people can feel good about wearing. 

BIT: Sounds like you went about it the right way.

BM: In my corporate job, my specialty was textile and material innovation. I saw everything in the testing stage. I would find a new fabric, like a plant-based polyester or bamboo that also wicks, is antimicrobial, etc. I used that for my materials but also for my packaging- I wanted to make sure everything was reusable and sustainable. So my professional background really helped me but I still had to do a lot of studying and learning during the first month or so. 

BIT: What is one reality about starting your own business that you were surprised to learn?

BM: (laughing) Oh my god, there are so many! That’s a really hard question. I guess just the amount of work and the amount of detail that it takes to start your own business by yourself. In my corporate job, my responsibility was only for the product development process. When managing your own business, it’s everything. Finances, accounting, sourcing materials, meetings, deadlines, the website, photo shoots… it’s everything. I don’t think anybody realizes how much work you have to put into it especially if it’s just yourself. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of long hours. I’ve learned so much about the business side now that I’m the one handling it. I don’t have an accounting department… So it’s like a huge wave of paperwork and things that you have to know, all with deadlines. It was kind of a big slap in the face to have so many insane responsibilities. It’s a lot of hard work you have to do yourself because nobody else is gonna do it.

BIT: Right, so you can’t cut corners at all.

BM: There is so much to learn. And also, you have to be ready to put in money if you want to do things right… which was a little overwhelming for me. I was thinking, oh my gosh, am I doing this right, should I be investing money in a company so new? You definitely have to do things premeditated and also take educated, measurable risks. You have to decide when to start, how to do it, and then you have to do all of it. Once you dive in, you can’t take your foot out. 

BIT: How do you balance trying to do the whole branding thing? Define Bajamar as a brand.

BM: Bajamar is all about creating pieces that are not just handcrafted and sustainable, but my aim is that when people where them, that they can express that they are a vehicle of change and ecological awareness. We need to be aware of our environment. Everything that I make is sustainable and ethically sourced. Our silk cuffs are fair-trade or recycled. I’ve also been using things that are often thrown in the sea and putting them to good use and making them beautiful to let people know that hey, we have too much waste in our oceans. We have to be conscious of the extraction of pearls and mindful of the affect that has on the environment.

Now, as far styling and all of that, I try to make it as fashionable as I can. Bajamar pieces are beautiful but also casual and modern. You can wear them to work but also to a bar or out at night. The style should go seamless with your lifestyle, but also express that you are a vehicle for change everywhere you go.

BIT: I know part of the inspiration for your focus on sustainability comes from your Dad. Can you tell me about that?

BM: A percentage of all sales are donated to ocean-dedicated charities. The reason why, and also part of what birthed what Bajamar is today, was seeing my father clean our hometown beach in Puerto Rico, which had become neglected and covered in waste. He cleaned it weekly, all on his own and in his spare time outside of work and now the beach is completely revitalized. Others are able to come enjoy it because of his efforts. Inspired by this, I wanted to do something that covers Bajamar’s footprint and more. Each month we select a new charity in honor of people like my father who are working to save our oceans. 

BIT: How do you maintain energy in your craft and push through periods of frustration? 

BM: Hmmmm… ah that’s a tough one. Well, I guess I always put in a little bit of fun (laughing). I love to laugh but believe it or not, I’m very devoted to my work especially when I’m doing it for me. I do get frustrated, but I tell myself to keep trying, keep trying, until I realize I just need to laugh at myself and just chill a little bit. Relax. Start brand new tomorrow. I tell myself, ‘you’re going down this path and you’re so blessed;  life is not so tough.’ If I need to, I just have a glass of wine and relax.

BIT: Tell us what you are working on now and about your vision for the future.

BM: My vision for the future I would say is to keep growing, but to keep creating a community more than having retailers and stores putting in orders. My goal isn’t just to make Bajamar a hip brand with fashion bloggers, hopefully that will come in time, but for now, Bajamar is really not about making profits but about making a community that will be aware of what you’re buying, where it came from and where it’s going. If I can create a community where our mission is connected to our surroundings and our behavior, then that’s really the main goal I have for the next year. The rest I feel will come with time, but creating a conscious community is really what I’m going for. 

Follow @bajamarstudio to learn more about the brand’s story and see the full collection at bajamar-studio.myshopify.com/

What makes a great beach cocktail? If you ask me, it’s whatever drink finds its way into your hand while you’re sitting on the beach.

The Sneaky Spirit Social Club thinks otherwise. They have a few specific guidelines to help you rethink your beach cocktail, and three bottled beauty cocktails for sale with an exclusive for BIT readers. Read On.

From the Sneaky Spirit Social Club

A beach cocktail should start with fresh, in-season ingredients. We went to our local farmers market for a little inspiration and came back with the following:

English Cucumbers

Fresh Mint Ginger Root

A spikey little Pineapple

And PLENTY of citrus- oranges, limes, lemons.

With these as our inspiration, we thought of the best “base spirits” to accompany them. As a rule of thumb, gin and cucumber always make good friends. Rum is a great bet to make a drink taste more tropical. And when in doubt for anything else, tequila.

We paid a visit to our good friends at Duke’s Liquor Box to pick up these spirits, and came home for a little painless trial-and-error.

We juiced, strained, peeled, pressed, pureed, and paired it all with a few of our favorite Sneaky Tinctures- including a hibiscus spice tincture (made from hibiscus flowers and white peppercorn) and our new Sneaky Szechuan spice (a taste-altering tincture) before coming up with these amazing beach cocktails.

Beach Cocktails with the Sneaky Spirit Social Club

Gin Cucumber Cooler

A minty, cucumber, Szechuan combination with a little fresh lemon guaranteed to make you cooler with the first sip.

Hibiscus Margarita

A tried-and-true favorite made from dried hibiscus, fresh lime, and a little white peppercorn, and a heavy-hand of blanco tequila.

Ginger Rum Punch

Pineapple, Orange, and a bite of fresh ginger bring a brightness to the dark rum soul of this drink.

Each of these has 4.5 ounces of booze (read: that’s more than 2 drinks worth!) and we’re extending a special offer for BIT readers:

Buy 1 bottled cocktail for $12

Buy 3 for $33

Buy 10 or more for only $10 each
 
Free same-day delivery in Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

Call us from the park. Call us the night before you leave for the beach. Let us meet you on the dock before the ferry to Governor’s Island comes. Take us with you, and let’s make this summer a little more Sneaky.

I stumbled across this tiny little oasis trying to find a way to spend 5 hours and avoid the Petri dish that is a hospital waiting room while my boyfriend had surgery. It was the middle of a heatwave. The map seemed to show plenty of coastline, within (reasonable) walking distance. It was 7 in the morning and I had been meaning to intentionally break in my Birkenstock’s for nearly a week now. I set out.

I wandered through the very residential neighborhood of Marine Park and toward the wildness of Mill Basin, Brooklyn’s largest public park, before letting my finger-upon-Google-map curiosity float over to a spot that read “Plumb Beach Nature Reserve”. The sun was hot, my backpack was heavy, and I’d just bought a White Claw that I wanted to pop open while still cold and sitting upon sand. 

After a fairly easy and not too scenic walk, I ended up in a small parking lot with a retro changing facilities (closed per pandemic) and a bold inscription that read “PLUMBEACH” all the way around it. 

This, I could tell, this must be the place I would spend the next 3 hours.
It would be, me, along with about 20 others, all wading out into the endless expanse of 3-foot deep brackish water. No lifeguards, no currents, very minimal waves, and the only momentary embarrassment of having to squat in the water to pee. An ideal way to spend the day. Follow me there…

Where is Plumb Beach?

Plumb Beach is a Gateway National Recreation Area located south of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. It is a sandy beach that opens up to the Jamaica Bay. It’s breezy beaches and calm waters make it a favorite for kayakers, paddle boarders, kiteboarders, and windsurfers.

Can you Swim at Plumb Beach?

Yes! The water is about 2-feet deep at low tide, 3.5 feet at high tide, and you can walk all the at least 100 yards out at this depth. The waves are minimal and there is no current. It’s a great safe beach to bring children.

What should I bring to Plumb Beach?

Bring everything you want to have on the beach with you. There is no boardwalk and no food options within walking distance. Be sure to bring plenty of water!

What is Prohibited at Plumb Beach?

According to the National Park website, the following things are prohibited:

• Swimming, diving, or bathing
• Rafts or other inflatables
• Consumption of alcohol
• Littering
• Smoking
• Any discharge into water
• Pets off leash or in the water
• Open flame
• Storing personal property
• Motor vehicles without specific authorization

Of this list, I either participated in or witnessed 7 of these activities taking place. Yes, you can swim. Yes, you can bring rafts. Yes, you can responsibly drink alcohol. Yes. you should prioritize above EVERYTHING else protecting the vulnerable ecosystem of the Jamaica Bay. And no, there is no one patrolling the beach, looking to take away your spiked seltzer. Just don’t be an asshole, ok?

How do I get to Plumb Beach?

By car, you can get to Plumb Beach via Belt Parkway/Shore Parkway around the southwest edge of Brooklyn, or take Woodhaven Boulevard through Queens and connect to the Belt Parkway/Shore Parkway. If you want to take public transit to Plumb Beach, take either the 4-5, the 2, or the B and connect to the B84 Bus, which stops at the Plumb Beach parking lot. Biking to Plumb Beach will take you via bike lanes all the way down Bedford Avenue via Prospect Heights, down Leonard through Bed Stuy, or through Bushwick and Brownsville. From North Brooklyn, the bike ride is about 1.5 hours.

Is Plumb Beach a good place for Photographers?

Yes, because of the long distance of shallow, calm waters, taking photos in the early morning at Plumb Beach creates a smooth, silvery surface on the water, ideal for nude photo shoots and artistic effects you can’t achieve on other coastlines in New York.

Why should I go to Plumb Beach?

Because this city has nearly 520 miles of coastline, yet we all seem to compete for the most ‘coveted’ areas at Rockaway, Fort Tilden, and Coney Island. And, with the recent shark sitings at Jones Beach have left me yearning to float out into the safety of a shark-free bay. Plumb Beach is clean and comfortable and just hidden enough to keep it from getting too crowded, even on the weekends. 

Let’s face it- we’re in a state of limbo… hoping that another ‘spike’ won’t happen but kind of knowing it will, feeling ourselves visualize the unreality that we now know happening again, seeing the next season of our lives shuddered… decidedly resisting the urge to impulse-buy puzzles.

I don’t know what to tell you. Hell, I don’t know what to tell me. But what I do know is that now is the time to try to somehow feel normal again- while taking all necessary precautions. WEAR A FUCKING MASK. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. But also, try to feel like it’s summertime and we all still live in the best city in the whole goddamn world. Let’s try to feel it, and feel it normally, while we still can.

I’ve found a few good ways. Come on, let’s do this.

Take a Walking Tour with your friends, in Brooklyn

That’s right. I do walking tours. Which means, choose your group, choose a neighborhood, and let me show you what’s so amazing about life in Brooklyn. My tours combine cocktails and local bites, stories and culture and new ways to fall in love with the city again. DM me for more info. Let’s walk around, together.

Book a Virtual Cocktail Class, with all of your friends

Because Zoom feels like it’s kind of drying up (or is it just me?) shake things up by inviting all your friends to make drinks, together! The Sneaky Spirit Social Club wants to come to your house and throw a virtual party with you and all your friends. Learn to make drinks. Stock your bar cart with hand-selected spirits. Feel better about getting drunk at home. Learn more here. Let’s get sneaky together.

See a Concert with City Winery, in Hudson!

Live music isn’t going to be happening in any capacity for a while. That’s why City Winery has swooped in with a new series at their upstate property, complete with concert pods. Yep, that means anywhere from 2-10 people will have their own little socially-distanced pod situated in an outdoor amphitheater, with an option to add “picnic boxes” complete with meats and cheeses and obviously wine. Check their schedule here (I’ll be seeing Chris Thile on 8/15!) 

Rooftop Films’ New Drive-In Theater

Because Skyline Drive-In in Greenpoint has recently caught some heat for being blatantly racially insensitive, and downright overpriced (however… this is New York… why is anyone surprised?) check out Rooftop Films’ new drive-in at the Army terminal. Your $45 price per car (stuff ‘em in!) includes extras like Q&A’s with Andy Samberg after seeing his new film Palm Springs. Get your tickets here.

Spend the Day in Red Hook

Brooklyn Crab and the amazing views at Louis Valentino Jr. Park want you to feel normal again. The two-tiered, always outdoor seated crab shack invites you to have a socially-distanced dinner al fresco, then get a cocktail to-go and admire the unparalleled views from the park down the street. Take a long stroll up toward Brooklyn Bridge Park when you’re done and fall back in love with the city.

Culture Lab LIC

Live outdoor concerts in their parking lot (some even emceed by Michael Che!) that they announce the day-of. Check-in with their Instagram account, wear a mask, bring a blanket, get yourself some culture that isn’t on a screen.

Look but don’t touch at House of Yes

Because you’ve missed the element of unexpected that you can only experience at House of Yes, While we still can’t return to sweaty dance parties and in-your-face performances, they are doing the best they can to bring you that wildness within current restrictions. Book a table for dinner and drinks and expect plenty of seductive surprises, just… stay in your seat. Also, check out their outdoor market that will allow you to browse tons of amazing artisan goods that could have only gotten better during quarantine (right?) Info here.

Turn your Dinner Parties into Picnics

Yeah. Dinner parties are kind of a thing of the past for now, but here’s your chance to really improve your picnic skills. Impress your friends with a charcuterie and cheese board with wine pairing from & Sons Buttery, a Sommelier-owned ham bar and (now) market that has the finest selection of domestic hams and cheeses that will make you forget all about that-time-in-Spain, and instead replace it with a dreamy little picnic in Prospect Park. Or you know, do it with Mekelburg’s and Domino, or the new Azure Market and Transmitter. Or Smorgasburg (order ahead of time!) and the waterfront at North 6th St. Choose your own adventure, and invite your friends. Because dinner parties were getting stuffy anyway.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Like, a full day. Because it’s the best way to spend time with friends with virtually no restrictions. (I mean, if you’re sitting closer than 6 feet to a stranger at the beach, something’s wrong with you) Pack a lunch, grab some White Claws (and have no shame about this), and head out to any of the miles of coastline this city has to offer within about 1.5 hours of anywhere you are. And if you really want an uninhibited experience, check out this piece I wrote about letting it all hang out at Fort Tilden. See you out there

Roosevelt Island Pool, with grills!

Camp out as this candyland of an island paradise, all day. This virtually unknown pool in the middle of Roosevelt Island will have you sun-drenched and nestled between the world’s most infamous skyline and that cool place where you live (Brooklyn), swimming and sipping (they don’t allow you to bring alcohol. It is not hard to bring alcohol.) and even hosting your own intimate cookout. They have two grills and a communal fridge so you can heat those meats only when you’re ready to. Also, there’s almost nothing else to do on the island (ok, ok, the smallpox hospital facade is… there.) so you won’t blink an eye at the $40/$65 (week/weekend) cost of entry. For real, don’t. Just go. Info here.

Rediscover Governor’s Island

Use this amazing guide and spend the day at Governor’s Island. There’s food, breweries, bike trails, amazing views of the city, a wondrous place called Slide Hill, and camping (but sign up QUICK). It’s an amazing way to get out of the city with just a quick little jaunt on the ferry (but reserve your tickets first!)

So freedom is a funny thing right now, isn’t it. We don’t have the freedom to gather together, to leave our homes without covering our faces, to return from 16 states that we might want to visit, to hug, to share secrets, to relax and spend time with our friends.

But there is still a reason and plenty of ways to celebrate our freedom, and how far we’ve come as a city during this pandemic. Show your PRIDE this weekend and celebrate safely with friends. Join one of these marches and feel the necessary, hopeful change that these demonstrations are bringing. And find ways to safely appreciate living in this amazing place, by staying here or getting safely out of town, below.

Celebrate in the City, Carefully

Spend the Days (finally) at Nowadays

Because until the days finally arrive when dance parties are a thing again, let’s all spend our nowadays together by congregating safely in the massive, magical backyard with our friends at Nowadays. They’ll have music and food trucks and cocktails and human beings staying apart but feeling together. Reserve your spot right here and let’s get through these days in the best ways we know how (for now)

Stop Hearing No’s with House of Yes

Because we’ve all been hearing a lot of “no’s” lately, come celebrate the (partial) reopening of House of Yes this weekend! Yes, they’ll have seating outside! Yes, there will be music! Yes, you’ll get live performances! Yes, (as always) expect the unexpected! And… no, there will be no sweaty, crowded indoor dance parties there yet… but YES, let’s all remember the good times until we can crowd together again. Reserve a spot HERE.

Party (safely!) on the Rooftop at Elsewhere

Because there aren’t really many other places we can go, head elsewhere to Brooklyn’s best rooftop where you’ll have to remain distanced (I know, I know… sucks but do it so we don’t end up like Florida) but they will be pumping out the amazing tunes you’ve come to expect from this multi-tiered party Mecca, and we can all jive together in our seats and feel better about feeling almost normal. Plus, fireworks! Reserve your spot here right now.

Dinner and a Romantic Stroll, with fireworks

Le Fanfare and the new waterfront park just 3 blocks from it want you to #savethedates and have a very romantic dinner in their charming backyard. Because let’s be honest- this whole parking-space dining thing is fine but not very intimate. Call ahead to make sure a table is available and then wine and dine and walk it all off together along the water. And yes, there will be fireworks. If not from the city then from its inhabitants that are taking it upon themselves to light things up, nightly.

Join the Good Room 3 Day Virtual Party

Whether you are partying with your quarantine partner or having people over, tune into Good Room’s 3-day virtual party, all to help Good Room staff and some of the amazing artists they support. Tune in here and turn it up, give that disco ball a spin and make a good party even better.

Make Some Sneaky Cocktails

Are you entertaining (safely) this weekend? Impress your guests with these amazing Summer cocktail recipes, from the Sneaky Spirit Social Club (in collaboration with our bubbly friends at Topo Chico!)

Want to learn more? Join Us for a Custom Cocktail Class via the Sneaky Spirit Social Club. Learn more here. 

Get Out of Town

Camp and Swim at Harriman State Park

Because why choose between the mountains and the beach when you an have both? Within an 1.5 hour drive of the city, Harriman State Park has ample camping without too much hiking to access it, plus this amazing beach area with grills too. Get there EARLY early to claim a spot and grill at the beach. Worry about pitching the tent later. Info here.

Bike and Swim at Shirley Chisholm Park

Bike around (you can bring yours or rent one of theirs!) have a cookout on a private(ish) beach area, and feel miles away from the city in this amazing and still fairly undiscovered park. Oh, and just forget all about the whole biggest-landfill-in-the-US part. Really, forget about it. After 60 years of cleaning and stabilizing and endlessly monitoring the land and water around it, this might be one of the safest places in the nearby area to enjoy nature. Info here.

Camp in a Teepee in Cape May

Yeah. I mean, they’re likely all booked up this weekend but sometimes there’s a gap between stays… but at least now you know this is a thing- teepee with AC’s on a campground with tons of activities in a charming little beach town that’s just 2.5 hours from the city. Book now. Or, just channel your inner Native American and burn someone out of their teepee and claim it as yours. (I don’t actually mean this.)

Camp on Governor’s Island

Yep, you can glamp on Governor’s Island. Which, yes, is a little pricey but given the fact that most fun things in the city aren’t available right now, they’re taking every precaution to keep you safe and distanced while having a community experience and being able to roam the island virtually free of tourists. Reserve your fancy-ass tent here.

Mountain Creek Water Park and a stay at the Quality Inn

Water Parks in New Jersey are open and mega-chlorinated. So find yourself a waterproof mask (that isn’t a joke, and it isn’t all that hard to find) and keep your distance from the limited number of other thrill-seekers that they are admitting daily- tickets available here. Get yourself a room at the nearby Quality Inn (just $84/night!) so you can partake in the provisions at the bar at the park. Because nothing goes better with chlorinated water than a little risky-whisky.

Book a Bungalow and Explore the Delaware Beaches

Head to this amazing Airbnb, and experience the hidden beaches (that DO exist!) to avoid the crowds in Delaware. We rented a pontoon boat for the day from Dewey Beach Water Sports to keep ourselves distanced and free from judgement from the obscene amount of White Claws we were all consuming. Check their availability here and book your stay.

So I’ve started a sneaky little cocktail club with my partner-in-crime (and drinking) and we’d like to share with you our favorite summertime mocktails (that you can easily make into cocktails) featuring our bubbly little friends at Topo Chico. Follow our adventures here and let’s shake things up this summer.

The Gilligan’s Island

A tropical fruit and Ginger punch you’d want to get stranded with

2oz Strawberry Rhubarb Puree

1.5oz Lemon juice

.75 Ginger syrup

Shake with ice

Dirty Pour into Highball glass

Top with Topo Chico Grapefruit soda

Garnish with Strawberry

Optional Spirit addition

2oz White Rum (be sure to use appropriately sized glassware)

The Cool Kid

Minty freshness and cucumber crispness without all the attitude of that kid you hated in high school

2oz Cucumber Juice

1oz Lemon juice

.75 Mint simple syrup

Shake with ice

Dirty Pour into coupe, or other stemware

Top with Top Chico soda

Garnish with Cucumber wheel

Optional Spirit Addition

2oz Gin or Vodka (be sure to use appropriately sized glassware)

The Teenage Crush

A berry-basil blast that you won’t get over… until September comes

Gently muddle four trimmed strawberries with 1oz Basil syrup

Add 1.5oz Lemon Juice

Shake vigorously with ice

Dirty Pour into Big Coupe, or Rocks Glass

Top with Topo Chico soda

Garnish with Basil and Strawberry

Optional Spirit Addition

2oz Vodka (be sure to use appropriately sized glassware)

Gallagher’s Revenge

A totally smashable watermelon-mint cocktail

2oz Watermelon juice

1oz Lime juice

.75 Mint simple syrup

Shake with ice

Strain into couple glass

Top with Topo Chico Lime soda

Garnish with watermelon triangle 

Optional Spirit Addition

2oz Vodka (be sure to use appropriately sized glassware)

What is the Sneaky Spirit Social Club?

We are Zach and Liz, two bartenders living in Brooklyn, and this is our club.

It’s a cocktail thing that we do on the down-low. Kind of like speakeasies when they were actually illegal, or cults without the dying, or gangs without the killing, or sleepovers without the sleeping and with booze that you don’t steal from your parents.

Want to book a sneaky, virtual cocktail class with us? Send me a message here and let’s get started.

Cheers, Brooklyn… from the Sneakies.

Today is Juneteenth – a celebration for the Black community that commemorates the same day in 1865 when Union General Gordon arrived in Texas to announce that slavery had been abolished. And tomorrow is our future. What can we do today to learn, commemorate, celebrate, and move forward together? I’ve pulled together a list of events to help us participate and acknowledge that this day should have been celebrated by everyone a long time ago.

Use this list but for EVERYTHING else, follow @justiceforgeorgenyc including meditations, 5k runs, bike rides, vigils, drum circles, public forums, rallies with art, rallies with musical instruments, and so many other creative and important ways to celebrate and participate.

Learn 

Read this or listen here to the Daily’s very informative podcast.

And this A free and accessible starting point from Dr. Angela Davis

Take a bike ride down to Green-Wood Cemetery. Pack a picnic. Feel the rich history that so many black people have given to our city and country, like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and feel the importance of the Civil War victory, Juneteenth, and how far we still have to come for racial justice. Plus, this intensely moving mural will remind us that even as we enter Phase 2, the virus is still very much a reality. Wear a mask, folks!

March

Activist Valerie Walker is leading the Break The Chains With Love March from Jane’s Carousel on the waterfront. After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, it’ll stop at the African Burial Ground before continuing to City Hall for a rally and celebration.

Walk or bike in this Freedom Ride through Bed-Stuy to The Southern Comfort to show your support and get a little good-for-the-Soul food too. 

Use These Neighborhood Protest Resources

Bushwick – @assemblywomandavila. At Maria Hernandez Park and Bushwick Daily for daily protest updates.

Greenpoint – @greenpointers for info on vigil’s at McCarren Park and where to head from there.

Williamsburg – @yeswilliamsburg nightly marches leaving from McCarren.

Jamaica, Queens – at Council Member Adrienne Adam’s Office

For everything else, follow @justiceforgeorgenyc

Or use this full map of Protests for George Floyd, worldwide.

Celebrate Virtually

Tune into this virtual Juneteenth event by the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture featuring the founder of the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, Chefs Therese Nelson and Carla Hall, and music from Rootstock Republic.

The BRIC’s Juneteenth: Then and Now, a virtual town hall features artists, journalists, activists, and politicians to help us learn from the past and create a better future, together.

Tonight with Carnegie Hall, a celebration of Juneteenth with performers and speakers. Tune in from 7:30-8:30pm right here. 

Plus tune into this amazing concert Friday with pianist Nnenna Ogwo returns with her ever-brilliant collaborators, Sterling Strings from with Joe’s Pub starting at 7pm tonight!

And with the Public Theater here.

And Nowadays with four hours of Underground Resistance in honor of Juneteenth. Tune in now here.

Give

Last Summer I was lucky enough to see the Public Theater’s version of Much Ado About Nothing with an all-black cast, interpreting this Shakespearean comedy into a very modern reality. The Public Theater continues to support and expose the reality of racial injustices. Follow their lead by supporting them and these amazing organizations.

And celebrate our victories during this movement-  GLITS, an organization that successfully raised over $1 million last week to set up permanent housing for Black trans people. Let’s continue to support them in their future endeavors while also recognizing the need to support additional missions such as Princess Janae Place who works to help people of trans experience maximize their full potential as they transition from homelessness to independent living.

And this very good message from the good people at Good Room: This Friday, June 19th, to commemorate Juneteenth, Bandcamp will be donating their share to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, a national organization that has a long history of effectively enacting racial justice and change through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Head to Good Room’s Bandcamp page to pick up tees, slipmats, totes, and our ‘Alone Together’ Relief Comp, with all proceeds from these sales going to support the club while we’re closed.

Stylist Anthony Payne wants to make you look and feel better.

Because we’re all gettin’ realllll scraggly, local hair magician Anthony Payne has moved his salon beneath the Williamsburg Bridge until we reach whatever phase allows us to get haircuts again… so support this amazing artist and entrepreneur and look better while doing it. Oh, and, he’s donating 100% of your donation-based payment to Black Lives Matter. Look better, feel better, do better. Then go march. Info here.

Celebrate with Dinner and a Movie, with this amazing list of black-owned restaurants and movies that celebrate black history, from the Infatuation.

And this Sunday, CALL YOUR DAD and tell him you love him. Most of us can’t be with our Father’s this Father’s Day, so I’ll plan to celebrate by doing things my Dad likes to do- having a vodka tonic (or two), picking up fresh seafood from Greenpoint Fish, hanging out by the water in Transmitter Park and stealing money from my friends while playing dice.