As a final ode to summer, I must reflect on la playa. We wait all year long for it to be summer, because we're going to do ALL THE THINGS. We'll see all the free movies and concerts in the park, breath in every sunset on cool rooftops, and of course beach it as much as possible. And somehow, at the end of the summer, there's no time left to do ALL THE THINGS. "How did we only make it to the beach twice in the past 3 months?"
Well, I was a bit more intentional this year than summers past about beaching it more often. Why not? I decided to simplify my routine for a few months: work less and breath more. Create some space in my life for new things to blossom. Create some time in my life to actually dream about what I want those new blossoming things to look like and taste like. And eat a few tacos. (Best decision ever.)
We frequented Rockaway Beach quite often. (the Ramones were onto something...) It's a hit for us 20-somethings in the city; I know i'm not unique in this find. But I love that I can get on the A train up in the heights, ride it down for an hour or so, collecting more folks along the way, pass JFK, and then hop out in a small local surf town. I didn't really need much notice on the decision-making end to beach or not to beach on any given day. It's a choose your own adventure. And it's free...so anyone could come along, no excuses.
There are multiple beaches accessible to the city, and Meg and I made a list of all the ones to hit up this summer (and report back here of course), but I found myself liking the familiar. Don't get me wrong, I love new things, but I may be the type of person who goes to a restaurant and orders the same thing I got the last time. Because it's sooo good every time. Sure, the menu probably has a lot of other good options, but I just get my reminiscent heart set on things some times. I would rather have something I know I'll love than the risk of something mediocre. Do you know what I mean? Rockaway became my local beach of choice.
Rockaway has an eclectic scene-- young families, thong-wearing Latino mothers, tatted Scandinavian hipsters, dreaded surfers, and everything in between. And I love that. I love the freedom of diversity, the accessibility to all, and the fact that we all made the pilgrimage to this small chunk of the sea because being by the ocean is good for the soul. It may not be the cleanest, but I prefer it to the homogeny of the hamptons. Did I mention THE FOOD? There's good food options (and usually friends to make while waiting in line and some live music). Gamechanger.
The chill of Fall may have settled in, but consider running away to the Rockaways for a few hours. The town has come so far post-Sandy, so come breathe in the sea, do some people watching, eat a taco, and boost the local economy :)
to note:
- head to the 97th St Pier for more of a crowd & diverse hipster-y food options. (i mean the stop on the subway is called: "Beach 98 Street- Playland")
- head further down to 116th for less of a crowd. on your way back to the train, check out the Wharf Bar & Grill on the bay-side of the beach. It's hidden behind a gas station, so it's not swarmed with people. You can sit on the deck, drink some Coronas, eat fish & chips, and watch the sun sink into the little tiny city skyline in the distance. It's not fancy, and I likey that way.
- make sure you stop at Rockaway Taco. #tacos4lyfe warning: the line gets LONG