Being the largest city in the country, New York has many unusual activities at all different times of the day or night and within all five boroughs of the city. Since variety is the spice of life, adding a new routine or activity to your daily life can be fun. Skip the classics, like the Empire State Building and Times Square and have a distinctive experience in the Big Apple.
Go Surfing
New york City actually has a place where experienced surfers can catch some challenging breakers. The place is called Rockaway Beach and it is on the Rockaway Peninsula, which can be reached by taking the A train across the Broad Channel. The city has designated two areas along the shoreline where surfers can try their skill. They can be found between 67th and 69th streets and from 87th to 92th street. Good swimming can also be found at Rockaway Beach, which begins at Beach 9th Street.
Bike the Brooklyn Bridge
At one time the Brooklyn Bridge was the biggest suspension bridge in the world. Today, the massive steel structure is still used as a thoroughfare between Manhattan and Brooklyn. For pedestrians, bikers and in-line skaters there is a two-lane path that follows the center of the bridge across the East River. Access is free, but bikers and skaters need to stay in the bike lane and be especially on the lookout for tourists, who often inadvertently wander into the bike lane.
Trapeze School of New York
This out-of-the-ordinary educational institution offers introductory courses to the fine art of trapeze. To find out if you are circus material, you can sign up for one of these highly supervised classes. This outfit actually runs four schools around the country, including the NYC location at Pier 40. There is no lack of safety equipment at the school for the classes always start with the basics and work up. Their two-hour introductory course fills up quickly and are offered to participants of all ages. And don't worry if you aren't any good at trapeze, for you can always try clown school.
Kayak Tour of Governor's Island
Governor's Island is a small island in the Upper Bay of the Hudson, not too far from the Statue of Liberty. The island is the home to two forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams and has recently been classified as a national monument, so it now falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. For an unusual way to tour the island you can pass on the free ferry ride and join a kayak tour. Several kayak companies in the area offer float trips to the island that offers excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Poetry Slam
To discover and appreciate a challenging art form, where urban street vernacular meets public speaking 101, attend a poetry slam. In this literary style, street-smart poets recite their own creative works to a live audience and panel of judges. In New York there are at least three places where poetry slams are held on a weekly basis. They are the Urbana Poetry Slam at the Bowery Poetry Club, the Nuyorican Poets' Café and the The LouderARTS Project at Bar 13. Health-conscious drinkers can order up a virgin Bloody Mary or Pina Colada and enjoy the show.
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