In a season where so many of us are (im)patiently waiting to travel again, our team has taken this opportunity to uncover some creative and safe experiences in our own backyards.  With some necessary precautions and a bit of creativity, our local businesses continue to find unique and innovative ways to bring us together, and as a Brooklyn resident, Dana is excited to pass along some of the treasures she has found.

If you are anything like me, and feel lost without live music, put the Brooklyn Stoop Series on your calendar. These safely distanced concerts showcase various artists, who will make you feel like all is right in the world. You can catch them every Friday night on President St, between 6th and 7th Ave. Take a peek at their Instagram here. 

Another neighborhood gem that has captured my attention this Summer is Syndicated, a rustic warehouse bar and cinema. Due to COVID regulations, they took their movies to the street and began the Sidewalk Cinema. Every night their outdoor restaurant is filled with spectators, with the sidewalk behind it as overflow seating. Whether you come early to snag a table, or bring a blanket and cozy up on the sidewalk, you will not be disappointed by their lineup of classics. See their calendar here.

For those itching for a weekend escape, Hasbrouck House is the perfect upstate destination. This stunning boutique mansion provides an array of charming rooms, each with a homey touch, fit for any various group or celebration. Not only does it boast dreamy fall scapes, but it is complete with nearby hiking, vineyards, and ski slopes that offer an intimate getaway filled with activities. Hasbrouck has also found a creative way to bring guests together in a COVID-compliant fashion, with their Sunset Flix Outdoor Film Series. If you have cabin fever, and need a break from the city, Hasbrouck House is just a short drive away.

From carry out windows, to park hangs, and sidewalk dining, it has been a sweet Summer of watching our favorite spots explore new ways to foster community. Not only has this brought about a fresh energy during a monotonous time, but it has eased our transition into some new and welcomed normals. I hope you have been able to safely enjoy your neighborhoods this Summer, as much as I have mine.