5 Things to Do in the Warm Weather

After months of seemingly never-ending polar vortex Winter, we bet you locals are clamoring to get outside in the sun. Cabin fever isn’t a real disease, but the effects of the seasonal depression are real. After being cooped up inside for so long, you might not remember what nature even looks like, so we’ve compiled a handy list of things to do when you leave your apartment – just don’t let the sunlight blind you.

1. Take the dogs for a walk in Fort Greene Park

Spike Lee said in his now infamous gentrification rant that Fort Greene Park is “like the Westminster Dog Show.” Twenty thousand dogs roaming the park in the morning might be an overstatement, but Fido is probably just as sick as you are of pacing your apartment. And luckily, the park has an off-leash section so Fido can run free for a few hours.

2. Go for a bike ride

Though Citibikes weren’t quite welcome in the nabe last year, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill are beautiful places to go for a ride. The nabe is full of parks with bike paths and the streets are perfect for a spin – whether you have your own wheels or pick them up on the way.

3. Visit an outdoor market – or a few

New York – especially Brooklyn – is known for its outdoors markets in the warmer months of the year, and the nabe is home to a few. Brooklyn Flea’s Fort Greene location opens back up on April 5 for the spring season, and there’s 150 vendors and food stands to explore. It’s located at 176 Lafayette Avenue, between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues, on Saturdays until the fall. Fort Greene Park Greenmarket is open on Saturdays year-round. Local farmers come together to sell their food goods and local artists provide entertainment.

4. Pack a chair and listen to live music

As the weather warms up, many local artists and groups will take to the streets with their music. Pack a chair or a blanket and get a front row seat, maybe at the park – like the String Orchestra of Brooklyn did last summer – or at your favorite outdoor market.

5. Have a picnic in the park

After you’ve taken a trip to the Greenmarket and grabbed a blanket, find a grassy spot in the park and have a picnic. Nothing says spring more than fresh fruits and vegetables on top of a spread-out blanket. Maybe you’ll pass by an ice cream stand to round out the day.

Have any other good ideas to get out in the warming weather? Email them to TheNabe@TheNabe.me.