This is a pro tip, but also a summer tip, take the ferry from Lower Manhattan to Rockaway and spent the day. The beach is great and the area is impossible to gasp that it's 30 min from Manhattan (without traffic) - Eat as many tacos you can, cause it's the best in the state of New York!

Books are Magic is a great local spot for bookworms. The staff is warm and friendly with regular events happening monthly. 

Easing in the park, the city facing you and traffic honking its way over the Brooklyn Bridge. Best enjoyed on a late-summer afternoon/night.

A now-iconic Chinatown eatery with a mouthwatering menu of health-conscious eats.

I think it takes place every Saturday morning to afternoon, vintage shopping while having a great view at the Manhattan skyline from the East River State park. You will find lots of vintage shops and warehouses around this area of Williamsburg.