By: Stefanie DiMartino

Summer is still in full swing, and the city is slowly returning to its normal self! So, if you’re looking for all the best things to do, the best art exhibits, and the best in dining, then here are my top picks of the best things to do in NYC August 9-15.

The Top 7 Best Things to do in NYC August 9-15

THINGS TO DO

HAPPY DAY FARM: BLUEBERRY & SUNFLOWER PICKING

Now – August 15, 2021, and August 29, 2021 | Wednesday – Sunday, 8am-3pm | $15 *CASH ONLY

106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726

If you want outdoor fun in the sun that’s perfect for the whole family, then consider a visit to Happy Day Farm. The farm is located a little over an hour from NYC. It sits on a sprawling 130 acres where you can pick your own blueberries, zinnias, and sunflowers!

“It’s not just about the product, it’s about the experience.” – Farmer Tim

You can pick blueberries until August 15th, and you can pick zinnias and sunflowers until August 29th. 

Note: Tickets are sold at the door and it is cash only!

BARTON ORCHARDS SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL

August 13 4pm-8pm, August 14, 11am-8pm, August 15 11am-6pm

Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag NY 12570

It’s a summer of sunflowers! For more outdoor fun, head to Barton Orchards in Poughquag, New York – about an hour and a half from NYC. The Sunflower Festival is back and it is Dutchess County’s most photographed event of the year. So, if you want those Instagram-worthy shots, you don’t want to miss this!

After exploring the fields, guests can also enjoy ice cream, donuts, fudge, and cookies. Their concession will be open for lunch, snacks, and dinner. They also have wine, beer, hard cider, and their famous Apple Cider Donuts right next to the field. The festival includes live music, craft vendors with local products for sale, free parking, and more!

The festival only runs until the 15th, so that’s why it’s one of the best things to do in NYC August 9-15.

SEA THE CITY: HOT TUB BOAT TOUR

Liberty Landing Marina, 84 Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305

There’s still no better way to enjoy your summer than on a hot tub ON a boat! Sea The City offers one-of-a-kind hot tub boat tours. Surely, this is a unique and fun experience that you do not want to miss!

This boat has two full size hot tubs on it and sails to the Statue of Liberty and back, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. I went with about 20 friends (10 per hot tub). The ride is BYOB and 90 minutes long. Coolers, Ice, and Cups are provided free of charge. Don’t miss it this summer!

PS: For FREE towels on your tour, write FUNK TOWELS in the booking comments and let them know that you got the idea from me!

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $49-$599

Tourism is back in NYC! And, there’s no time like the present to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor, you certainly do not want to miss out on any of these one-of-a-kind NYC experiences! 

There are quite a few tour options to choose from to fit your interests and your budget !

For a truly unique experience, book a custom designed private tour with either Sarah, Luis, Marcus, Gary, or Nicola! Prices for private tours range from $299-$599. For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining the Best of New York Food Tour with Luis. Offered onSunday mornings. The tour includes four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences! Another option is to join A Secrets of New York Tour on Saturday mornings and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! Each guide is an NYC expert and enjoys showing others around the city they love, so be sure to book today!

And now, you can also get expert help with planning your dream NYC vacation with FunkyTours Concierge! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

BROOKFIELD PLACE SAND CASTLE 

Now – August 14, 2021 | FREE!

Brookfield Place, Waterfront Plaza, 230 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

Don’t miss Brookfield Place’s summer sand castle! 

“Celebrate beach season at Brookfield Place with the tallest sand castle in all of New York City. World-renowned, professional sand sculptor Matt Long crafted a sandcastle that will “shore-ly” delight visitors of all ages. The completed sculpture is on view until August 14.” – Brookfield Place

SHAPES FROM OUT OF NOWHERE: CERAMICS FROM THE ROBERT A. ELLISON JR. COLLECTION

Now – August 29, 2021 | $25

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

The exhibit comes from the personal collection of Robert A. Ellison Jr. As a result, it represents over 40 years of collecting ceramics, and features the work of over 49 artists. There are over 70 works featured!

DRINKS/DINING

EL VEZ AND BURRITO BAR

259 Vesey St, New York, NY 10282

NYC is full of great restaurants. El Vez offers modern Mexican favorites. They have both indoor and outdoor dining available. The space features fun, vibrant colors and decor, as well as a great bar area. The menu has a lot of great food and drink options! I really enjoyed the Frozen Blood Orange Margarita – definitely a blend of unique flavors! First you can start with the Classic Guacamole and Chips.

Most importantly, for your dinner, I highly recommend the Beef Short Rib Enchiladas and Steak Tacos. Both entrees are flavorful and delicious!

And of course, no meal is ever complete without dessert. The Classic Flan and Tres Leches cake are both tasty! 

In conclusion, these are the best things to do in NYC August 9-15. Have fun and most importantly, stay safe!