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7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York Winter

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York Winter

Winter's chill may have you longing for the warmer days of summer. And while snowy skies are ahead for at least the next couple of months, that doesn't mean you have to hibernate. Here are seven awesome ways to act like it's summer in the middle of winter.

Splash down into warmer waters...  

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York Winter
Water slides and deep-end dives are enjoyed year round thanks to indoor water parks like Six Flags Great Escape, Palm Island, and Cascades at Greek Peak. Tackling daring free-falls, kiddie rides and tidal pools in a place that's a balmy 85 degrees is a perfect way to pretend you're living in 365 days of summer.

Sink your teeth into southern-style BBQ... 

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York Winter
A rack of ribs slathered in barbecue sauce, cajun fries and hearty mac and cheese sounds like a perfect summer barbeque, right? Take your tastebuds on a mouth-watering trip at must-try BBQ joints including Suzy Q's in Buffalo, Hometown Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn and the iconic Dinosaur Bar-B-Que at it's original location in downtown Syracuse. No matter where you are or what season it is, do yourself a favor and chow down at BBQ spots near you.

Sky-high activities that rock...

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York WinterRock climbing, massive trampolines, aerial rope courses and go-kart raceways will keep your summer-active lifestyle going all year round. We don't need to explain why these are awesome. Get moving at Sky Zone, The Cliffs and fun-packed malls like Destiny USA where Canyon Climb Adventures will reimagines the great indoors.

A tropical getaway without the airfare...

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York WinterThe tropics are closer than you think at the Buffalo & Erie Botanical, Brooklyn Botanic and New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx where tropical fauna and greenhouses give you the feel of warmer days. Check out their special events and exhibits as you warm up in another climate that's close to home.

Channel your inner penguin...

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York WinterAquariums bring you up close to animals from warm and cold climates. Bring out your inner animal at the Long Island Aquarium where the coral reef exhibit, penguin feedings and Amazon rainforest area transports you into toasty weather. While the Aquarium of Niagara's daily sea lion show, touch tank and shark feeding will have you in a summer state of mind. 

Sip your way into summer with piña coladas...

Do you like piña coladas and gettin caught in the...snow? Probably not the latter, but for those of us who love a coconut drink any time of year, treating yourself to a piña colada is the perfect way to get in a summer state of mind. Fort Defiance uses a generous amount of fruit and heavy cream for a delicious hand-spun blend, while Hacienda La Paloma in Westchester is great for classic, festive favorites. Order a tropical beverage at your local spot and find your beach.

Saunas that steam away winter chills...        

7 Ways to Bring Summer Vibes to Your New York WinterWarm up at spas that bring you summer's warmth and relaxed atmosphere. Mirbeau on Skaneateles lake offers specialty seasonal treatments and pristine views of the Finger Lakes, the Mirror Lake Inn Spa takes you to the heart of Lake Placid and Gideon Putnam captures the healing benefits and mineral waters of Saratoga Springs. Check these out or find a spa near you.

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Travel Notes
  • Polaroid of the Week: Snowy New York City Transformed into a Winter Wonderland

    After returning from Israel, I had just a few days in Germany to pack my essentials and bid farewell to friends and family before flying back to New York. Upon arrival, I realized how fortunate I was—flying a day later would have been impossible due to a massive blizzard that canceled over 1,700 flights across all three airports. As a first-time witness to such an intense snowstorm (Germany gets snow, but nothing like this), I was mesmerized watching 10 inches (30 cm) blanket the city in hours

  • Polaroid of the Week: A Magical Winter Day in New York City s Central Park

    On my journey from Peru to Germany, I couldnt resist a brief stopover in New York City, my favorite city in the world. Unbeknownst to me, it coincided with a major snowstorm that canceled hundreds of flights over the next few days—fortunately not mine!I arrived feeling underprepared, wearing Converse canvas shoes and a light rain jacket in -13°C (8°F) with 10 cm (4 inches) of snow on the ground.Despite my unsuitable attire, I layered up and wandered through Central Park, transformed into an ench

  • Master New York Chef Techniques: Elevate Your Home Cooking

    Were about to face a holiday season that is much more limited than usual, with fewer (if any...) people and parties, less time at our favorite restaurants and a lot more time at home. May I suggest that instead of drowning your sorrows and numbing your brain on whichever TV show youre binging (for me its Greenleaf), you find solace in the kitchen, learning to up your game with new recipes, tricks, and techniques from New York City chefs who