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

The best way to enjoy Manhattan is from Brooklyn. Transmitter Park offers views without the crowds, and you can pick up coffee-to-go and treats from nearby Ovenly. The India St/Greenpoint Ferry is a 5 minute walk and will take you all the way to the Rockaways in the Summertime.

It´s a must to go there for Dinner or on a Date-Night. A very vibrant special place in the heart of the Lower Eastside! Make sure you use the bathroom downstairs! ;)

Its quite a trip out there but so very worth it if you wanna have the very special beach-experience! You can go there by car and then take the ferry either to Pines or Cherry Grove (I would prefer Pines!) or you do all by public transportation - there a "getaway tickes" for 36Dollars and the transfer works really smooth - may even be faster than by car!

This park sits halfway between my apartment and my studio. I spend a a lot of time hear sketching and making phone calls. The trees are beautiful during spring and fall.