Summer streets–where the city closes Park Avenue to cars, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, on select Saturdays–have really grown in popularity since we took advantage on the first happening, three years ago. This year brought with it free helmets and free bike rentals, picnic and exercise stations, all set-up along the route.
In the past, we walked the nearly 5-mile path, but this year we grabbed our bikes and headed toward the southernmost point. It quickly became clear that it would be unsafe for us to continue without some morning coffee.
My favorite part of the stretch is the area around Grand Central Station: the approach up the hill as Park Avenue prepares to split, and then seeing the wide open stretch of the avenue as you come down off the auto-ramp from inside the Helmsley Building is awesome.
But perhaps the most interesting addition to this year’s route were the dumpster pools. The city has tried to assign new meaning to “dumpster diving.” And while Bill Murray parodied the idea perfectly–the actual pool was built up to the point that its trashy origin was hardly detectable.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh yes! Sign me up!
xo tash
You guys are seriously making me want to pack up and move to NYC right now! Every time I read your blog I long for it a little more
Love the dumpster pool! (My daughter lives in Manhattan, so I always scan your shots, just in case she might be wandering by. Silly, I know.)
What a great program!!! Wish I could have joined you!
xxx
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
Dumpster pools? Yet another reason why I love that city…
You never know, Willow! That's pretty sweet of you–is she a student here?
I have the same comment as Michelle. I feel such a pull when I read your blog. I'm going to get to be there for just a day next month and I planned it so I could go to the Brooklyn Flea Market just from your posts and know I'll pick a restaurant from here.
That's so nice to hear! Thank you, both of you. Everton–I'll cross my fingers for lovely fall weather for your visit. The flea is awesome and I'm sure you'll have fun. Let me know if you need any help narrowing the dining options you're considering! Are you passing through on your way somewhere? Have fun!
Urgh you guys always make me want to live in New York City. I need a better bike route than what I have. This looks so fun I bet those 5 miles go by real fast. And that dumpster pool looks like a kid's dream come true.
Dumpster pools…what a blast!
Y'all's New York posts make me so eager to move. Also, how awesome is Bill Murray?
the dumpster pool is so cool…i need to plan a trip to nyc asap
I love NYC and had not heard about the dumpster pool…very interesting! Great photos!!!
Liesl
how cool! that must be such a neat experience to see the usually bustling streets a little more serene and happy
love those dumpster pools, looks so fun!
Free bikes AND free helmets?! They have got it sorted haven't they? What a great idea. Yay nyc.
wow the dumpster pools are inspirational. you guys always look like you're having a fabulous time in the city.
I love your little paper cups of pretty coffee.
I want to see the 'dumpster pools' in action? I guess they won't be in action when I visit NYC in October. Can't wait!!!!
So, I knew about the dumpster pools, but I had no idea they closed off the streets over there! Where have I been? I gotta do this before summer ends.
Haha the dumpster pool is so interesting!
Wow that is awesome! I love NYC
i saw a dumpster pool on color me katie- so funny- living in nyc totally suits you guys. love it.
Thanks for a nice post. The summer streets in New York are so famous for biking in summers from Brooklyn Bridge to central park and provide enjoyable bike riding experience.