08/01/12 - 0 Comments
Great Destinations for “Me-Time”
Although it is always fun to grab a group of girls and go on vacation, spending some alone-time is vital in finding your spiritual self. True, if you don’t often allot time for yourself it may seem slightly awkward at first. However, not only will this build a sense of independence and freedom, but also your self-confidence and esteem will soar significantly. Solo activities are growing in popularity, and here are some ideas to help catch up with your inner self.
Try relaxing at a spa—there are hundreds in New York City alone. The Ohm Spa, located on 260 Fifth Avenue, is known to tailor their treatments to each client, not to mention that they’re all made from vegan and organic products. Their most popular procedure is a lush seaweed masque made of green tea and honey used to relieve the aging effects of the sun.
Another option is the Great Jones Spa, on 29 Great Jones Street. Their specialty is water therapy, and we mean a lot of water. They have a wet lounge with a 3-story waterfall, a thermal hot tub and a cold plunge pool, as well as a river rock sauna.
Greenhouse Holistic, on 88 Roebling & North 7th in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, offers spa therapy, facials and yoga to restore your inner beauty. Their eye treatment to reduce dark circles is a specialty, along with their skin-brightening facials, made with cucumbers and parsley.
Hiking is not just another viable option, but a great way to stay in shape and in tune with nature, too. Try the beautiful Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands State Park, only an 80-minute train ride from the city! This is a perfect trail for beginners, as it’s only 5.5 miles long and not too mountainous. Repeatedly voted as one of the best trails in the country, Breakneck is something you shouldn’t miss out on. Pine Meadow in Harriman State Park is another less-strenuous option.
However, Black Mountain at Lake George would be a better choice for more advanced hikers (and for those who wouldn’t mind the travel!). Moreover, Lake George has so much to offer beyond hiking. The 32-mile-long lake resides beside some of America’s greatest wilderness and, once you reach the highest elevation of your hike at Black Mountain Summit, the view is simply breathtaking.
Museums are a great place to not only discover a little history, but also a little bit about yourself. History buffs would have a great time at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. From 1892 to 1954, over 12 million third-class passengers traveled from all over the world to their freedom in America. Through interactive displays, tours and listening to their stories, you can envision what it was actually like then, as well as find information about any family members that may have passed through Ellis Island. Also a plus—to get there you must take a scenic ferry ride, passing the iconic Statue of Liberty, so be sure to catch it from Battery Park or New Jersey.
The American Museum of Natural History is also a fun option. Discover the world’s past from dinosaurs to Native Americans and more! Located on the Upper West Side, this museum has a lot of mind-blowing information to offer, and is in a great location to walk around the area before or after your tour.
The Museum of Moving Images is also a great, albeit less popular, option. Located in Astoria, Queens, you can find interactive displays recounting the history of the silver screen, important figures and even learn how to make a film! Be sure to check out the film schedule to coincide your trip with your favorite movie.
Beer gardens are always great to visit alone, and the perfect place to meet people as well (if you get a little bored of your own company!). The environment is always so spirited that it will make for a great me-time destination. Try the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden on 2919 24th Avenue in Astoria—it’s cheap (only about $15 per pitcher), spacious, lively and fun. Plus, its authentic Czech menu and regular music and poker scene each night offer added interest.
Loreley, on 7 Rivington Avenue on the Lower East Side, is chic and smaller, but has a hell of a beer. Loreley tries to authenticate your visit by serving only German beer, German food and even only having German furniture. This is ideal if you want a more low-key experience, but just a warning—it does get crowded most nights, as it’s a popular destination.
The Biergarten at The Standard, on 848 Washington Street, is perfect if you are looking for a place where the ambiance beats the food. Their beer is great, but they are perhaps better-known for their rather large soft pretzels. Purchase an $8 ticket—yes, they use a ticket system—to buy your first beer and enjoy your night.
The last tip we have to offer, and perhaps the best recommendation, is to catch a live show at a big venue where you can sort of blend in, get lost and stay anonymous. Terminal 5 is a really fun space to do just that, located at 610 West 56th Street. Part of the Bowery Presents Chain, Terminal 5 has multiple bar areas in addition to its several tiers for viewing the act. Check out The Offspring (9/19), Flying Lotus (10/7), Morrissey (10/12-10/13), Fiona Apple (10/16-10/17) or Grouplove (11/2). Buy your tickets here.
Made famous by their Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall is another great, and really famous, option, located at 1260 6th Avenue. You can see Bon Iver (9/19-9/22), Metric (9/23), Grizzly Bear (9/24), Dispatch (10/5) or The Script (10/9) in the not too distant future. Buy your tickets here!
Lastly, the Beacon Theater is a smaller venue, located on 2124 Broadway in the heart of the city. Watch upcoming performances by Jackson Browne (8/3-8/4), Al Green (8/22), ZZ Top (9/12) or the Tedeschi Trucks Band (9/20-9/21). Buy your tickets here!
Good luck on your journey to find yourself—be sure to let us know how your me-time destinations turn out!
Photo credit: MyNiceProfile, Care2
