Not because Labor Day has passed it means summer is over. For someone like myself who does not appreciate hearing the sorority girl next to me talking loudly over her glittery cell phone at the beach, or kids running around at the mall, or weekend drivers testing their skills on the highway, this is a welcome time of the year.
Think about it: the traffic going down the shore is minimum, kids are back in the classroom and you have plenty of possibilities to enjoy yourself. True, most of us are lucky to have a job in this hard economy, but we can still squeeze the juice out of what’s left of the day. Having a full time job and a “life” was never an excuse not to enjoy what is given to us for free.
Take the local parks, for instance: most people under thirty will be busy doing homework or going to school in the afternoon, so you have the entire place to yourself and others like you seeking a quiet getaway to read, walk, or simply sitting down and contemplating the natural beauty often forgotten in our hectic area. The Duck Pond in Ridgewood or the Ramapo reserve park are perfect examples of what’s at our disposition.
I personally love going over to the edge of the Hudson River, and stroll along the walkway that connects Fort Lee all the way to Weehawken. It is a calming experience and you can admire the always magnificent Manhattan skyline without spending a cent. There is plenty of parking in the area and places to stop in case you need a snack or a drink. You also will meet many interesting people and this, of course, is an excellent opportunity to network.
The best time to get there is before dusk, when you can admire the reflection of the sun against the skyscrapers and take in the gentle breeze of the evening. On your way back to your car you can stop and shop at Mitsuwa, the Japanese market in Edgewater, or make your way a little down the road to the multiplex where you have at least ten different choices of movies.
So take a break from routine and use your days (or afternoons) to explore what is not obvious to the eye but ready to be enjoyed. And when it is for free we all know it is even better.
