Where Brooklyn (nurses) at? NYC nurses, make some noise! Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a newcomer, it’s hard not to feel some time of way when the city that never sleeps is not what it used to be. One year and counting of COVID-19 is enough to make any sane nurse feel a little stir crazy. Can we blame you? Absolutely not! 

Between shelter in place orders, shutdowns and restriction after restriction we’ve all had no choice but to spend time within the walls of our home. Whether you live alone or with roommates, significant others, family, pets, etc., loneliness still happens. 

If you’ve been working, we know how difficult the pandemic has been. NYC nurses are the definition of essential workers and you all have worked tirelessly to provide for those most affected by COVID (in addition to those who suffer from everyday ailments and injuries). You deserve to have fun, too!

The silver lining is, NYC has certainly gotten resourceful and creative during this new normal. We’ve got pandemic-friendly places and activities for you to check out, so keep reading and get some inspiration!

Outdoor Dining

Now that Spring has sprung, outdoor dining is flourishing! While indoor dining is slowly coming back, outdoor dining is certainly the safest option. Many restaurants and cafes have utilized their space in effective and creative ways to offer some delicious food and cuisines from all over the world. Whether you dine in an outdoor booth or backyard, there are sure to be restaurants all over the city that you can hit up! Grab a nurse buddy or a friend in your circle and enjoy some fresh air and a tasty meal! 

Botanical Gardens & Parks

Speaking of Spring, this is the perfect time of year to visit the city’s famous botanical gardens and parks. There’s the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx), Brooklyn Botanical garden and many more! Stop and smell the flowers (literally!) as you stroll through scenic areas and admire what nature has to offer! Bonus activity: as of this April, renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s “Kusama: Cosmic Nature” art exhibit is on display at the New York Botanical Garden. 

Then of course are the plethora of parks available to the public in NYC. Central Park and Union Square are two of the most popular parks accessible to inhabitants of any borough. There’s also The Cloisters in Washington Heights/Inwood with medieval art, spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge and a pretty active bird watching community!

Farmer’s and Foodie Markets

While farmer’s and foodie markets have been around pre-COVID, there has never been a better time to appreciate them in all their glory. Whether you’re in the mood for some food or anything from home goods to apparel, there is something to be found in every market! Bonus points for shopping small and giving back to local communities! Here are some (of many) markets to hit up in each borough:

Bronx: Bronx Night Market

Brooklyn: Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Manhattan: Union Square Greenmarket

Queens: Queens Night Market

Staten Island: Saint George Greenmarket

Drive-In Movie Theatres

Everything old is new again! Drive-In Theatres reached mainstream status in the 1930’s and while they certainly have not gone anywhere, the pandemic has brought them back in the spotlight in a major way. Especially in NYC! If you’ve got a car (or know someone who does) take a drive to your nearest drive-in theatre and check out what’s playing on the big screen. 

Art Exhibits

NYC is home to many art museums, many of which are world-renowned and very famous! There’s big players such as the MOMA, The Met, Guggenheim and smaller more independent art museums and galleries scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re into the classics or modern art, there’s something for everyone in a city that’s rich in the arts like New York. 

Major museums are at 50% capacity, so you may have to do a bit of planning! If you’re still on the fence, museums are also expected to adhere to NYC and CDC protocols such as social distancing, mask mandates and cleanliness! 

We hope that these activities provide a sense of relief and fun in these trying times and that this post encouraged you to try something new! Let us know what spots you’ll hit up!

Disclaimer: Please engage in these activities and visit these places at your own discretion. While the city has certainly maintained strict standards during the pandemic, your health and safety is always the #1 priority. At NurseDeck, we would never want our nurses to be in a situation where they do not feel comfortable! Be sure to assess your own level of comfortability when re-entering social scenes. Stay safe and be well!