Labor Day weekend has arrived… unless you unfortunately have to work today (womp womp). Thousands of Manhattanites tend to depart The Big Apple during this time as it officially marks the end of summer and they would prefer to be elsewhere than here. Why not stick around though and see what some fabulous spots have in store for the extended time off?
We have seven, yes SEVEN locations that would definitely tickle your fancy when it comes to the best shopping, dining and more this Labor Day weekend in and around NYC. Take a look.
Start the Long Weekend Off with After Work Rooftop Drinks at Haven or RFTP
Depending on your borough of preference Haven Rooftop (132 W 47th St) in Manhattan or RFTP (247 Metropolitan Ave) in Brooklyn are perfect picks to kick off your three-day weekend. Haven Rooftop is situated up on top of The Sanctuary Hotel, far away from all the hustle and bustle of Midtown down below. RFTP is a beautiful bar and lounge above the POD BK Hotel, which comes with complimentary views of the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhood and Manhattan skyline. More information can be found by visiting here and here.
Feel like you’re in Key West or Palm Springs on Saturday by heading to Surf City in Jersey City or The Springs in Greenpoint
Surf City (1 Marin Boulevard) in Jersey City has a Key West attitude with a NY/NJ latitude. The frozen drink machines work on overdrive throughout the summer season so now’s the perfect time to indulge in a Pina Colada or Miami Vice with your feet planted in the sand. The Springs (224 Franklin Street) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn is another great choice for day-drinking and takes inspiration from Palm Springs circa the 1950’s. This uniquely large indoor/outdoor resort-like oasis serves elevated and playful cocktails designed by Sarah Boisjoli and tasty bar snacks that come from the retro food truck outside. The Springs offers Palm Springs inspired drinks and a full slushy cocktail program including the Aperol Spritz Slushie, Sunburn, and Scooby Snack. More information can be found by visiting here or here.
Spending Sunday Shopping at Grand Bazaar NYC
Head out to Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W. 77th St.) for End of Summer Specials on Sunday, September 2nd anytime from 10am – 5:30pm. Hundreds of unique vendors will be offering specials up to 50% off including everything from one-of-a-kind pieces of art, to fashions from around the globe, rare and limited-edition goods from independent vintage and antique dealers. After you spend the day shopping head to dinner at Bustan (487 Amsterdam Avenue) which brings flavors from Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa to the Upper West Side. Bustan, meaning “garden” or “orchard” in Hebrew, Arabic and Ancient Aramaic brings an eclectic gastronomic style and the hospitality of Israel to NYC. Many of the restaurant’s signature dishes and breads are created in a Taboon oven, a rare find in the city creating dishes that can’t be replicated. More info here.
End Your Staycation with an Over the Top Brunch Party at Bagatelle on Monday
Bagatelle (1 Little W. 12th St) will host a Love Boat themed brunch party on Monday, September 3rd from 11:30am – 6pm. Bagatelle is a contemporary French restaurant celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and their brunches are notorious here in the Big Apple for all the right reasons so get ready to dance on a banquette after your French toast to a live DJ and still get home with enough time to get some extra shut eye before the work week begins again. More info here.