May is here and that means the mercury is starting to creep up.
New York City’s summer heat is enough to make a top chef sweat, so where can you find refuge? In and around Greenwich Village. Here’s how to stay cool in Greenwich Village this summer.
From sweet ice cream to refreshingly crisp rooftop cocktails, it’s easy to beat the heat on the street.
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!
Amorino
What could possibly make something of top-notch quality taste any better? How about a beautiful budding rose presentation? The decadent taste of Amorino’s gelatos can be attributed to the careful selection of fresh, natural, organic ingredients and patience involved in their preparation.
The added bonus to this gelato stop at 60 University Place (and maybe something that makes its goodies taste that much sweeter) is the unique floral appearance of each gelato cone.
Grom
You can find Grom’s delectable gelato over at 233 Bleecker Street, just down the way from our hotel. The brainchild of Federico Grom and Guido Martinetti, the shop’s goal is to make gelato the way the old country folks did, sans artificial coloring, sweetness, or preservatives.
They use only top of the line ingredients like Italian licorice, Avola almonds, and lemons from Sicily. By purchasing and using only high-quality, raw materials, Grom maintains its natural-tasting flavor.
Culture: An American Yogurt Company
Each and every yogurt flavor is produced on site at 60 W 8th Street. Culture is a yogurt company aimed at bringing you a healthy snack alternative.
They seem to know a bit about yogurt culture (pun intended) and you can find the specific live probiotic cultures used to create their yogurts and the health benefits on their website. Both delicious and nutritious, Culture has your stomach’s best interest at heart.
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
Classic and natural are two words that mean a great deal to Van Leeuwen. They’re on a mission to perfect the art of traditional ice cream making, and they’re pretty terrific at it.
Van Leeuwen offers almost as many vegan scoops as they do classic scoops, in flavors like Earl Grey Tea and Sicilian Pistachio.
Oh, and did we mention Van Leeuwen has two shops in the East Village and West Village that are a short walk or cab ride from Washington Square Hotel? There are 8 shops total and several ice cream trucks you can stop by to taste test Van Leeuwen’s artisan ice cream.
For more delectable ice cream, gelato, and yogurt ideas download our free eBook.
Up Above the Clouds: Rooftop Bars
230 Fifth
A vast greenery-lined rooftop bar with an amazing view of Midtown? If that’s what you’re in the mood for after a hard day’s work, or any other day for that matter, head over to 230 Fifth for a cocktail.
Named after its location, it’s NYC’s largest outdoor Rooftop Garden, and also features a fully enclosed Penthouse Lounge for those cooler summer nights. Once you’re close by, the space on the corner of 27th Ave isn’t too hard to spot (tilt your head up and squint). Open all year long, 7 days a week, 230 Fifth just might end up your new go-to rooftop.
The Skylark
Open Monday – Friday, The Skylark just might be New York City’s hottest new cocktail lounge in the clouds. Set thirty stories above Times Square South, you should feel inclined to swing through for panoramic views of the Hudson River, Hudson Yards, Times Square, The Empire State Building, and most of Midtown.
The Skylark boasts multiple levels and inventive drinks alike. The space is as distinctive as its cocktails, which can both be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. Be sure to check their calendar of events before heading over. Once you’ve done that, go confidently in the direction of W 39th Street.
Catch Rooftop
You’ll find floor to ceiling windows wrapped all around this Meatpacking District penthouse at 29 9th Avenue—meaning you can get beautiful Manhattan skyline views year-round.
For the warmer months, there’s an outdoor terrace outfitted with greenery and hanging lights. The inside décor of stylish tiles, wood, rustic leather and warm colored accents will make you feel comfortable as you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, dinner, a la carte or a cocktail.
Thursday – Saturday and Monday when the clock strikes 11 p.m. Catch switches to nightlife service only. As for their brunch, lunch, and dinner hours, you can check their website.
Discover 7 more classy rooftop retreats in our free eBook.
A Day in the Shade at Washington Square Park
The heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park offers park-goers and tourists a refuge from the heat in a variety of ways.
One of the most popular parks of NYC’s 1,900 parks, visitors sprawl out among the 9.75 acres of grass, benches, and sitting areas. Take a break from the sun by sitting in the shade of the natural canopy created by the park’s historic and ancient trees.
Prop up against one of those trees to get lost in a good book or enjoy lunch from one of the park’s food vendors. If your children seem to be more like water bugs than the kind who will sit still for a picnic, they will enjoy the iconic fountain that lies at the base of the massive Washington Square Arch located at the park’s northern entrance.
From family-friendly entertainment to adult-only rooftop bars, or a relaxing day in the shade and fountain at the park, Greenwich Village offers everyone a little refuge from the glaring sun.
Wrap up your day by enjoying a cool beverage in our air-conditioned North Square Restaurant or retreat to your private and quiet air-conditioned room in our hotel. Make your reservation today.
