Kaaterskill Creek, NYNo one dares say it yet, but the end of summer is slowly creeping upon us here in New York City. I am in no rush to see the hot weather go, especially because I feel we were shortchanged by one month - June was a wet sad mess of a month here and almost had me convinced that New York has temporarily moved to Seattle. Even so, I still continue to open the travel articles arriving in my inbox and came across this one here, featuring some of the world's most amazing hotel pools. My favorite by far is the one at Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy. The infinity pool itself is nice but the location won me over since the Amalfi Coast is right now at the very top of my wish list of travel destinations. Yes, *wish* only, sigh, for now...
Double sigh because it is a stormy night here and, although there are only few better things in life than watching a huge storm descending upon the Manhattan skyline with the windows wide open (before the rain starts pouring in), taking in the sounds, the smells and the breeze, right now I only dream of being in sunny summery Italy (thank you, Phillipe).
Reality check in 3, 2, 1, 0! Here is a list of the best pools in the city. Sadly, I became a bit of a pool snob after having carte blanche to a friend's amazing private pool for most of the summer, but be careful if trying some of the free options on the list. I will only attest that Astoria Park pool gets insanely busy in the afternoons, the water is clean but ice cold in the mornings, and that they close it between 3 and 4 p.m. to clean, then reopen til 7 p.m. Oh, and the other one on the list that I have tried - 2 years ago mind you - is the Hotel Gasenvoort rooftop one which has an amazing view of the New York skyline but, as you would expect, everything is a bit overpriced at trendy Gasenvoort - from drinks to spa services.
Hmm, swimming and more splashing, let's see... This Aquarium for Humans in Queens looks enticing enough to give it a try. We've done the usual rounds to New York's beaches this summer, favorites being Long Beach on Long Island that charges a daily $10 fee but it is sooo worth it - hello clean! Also Lido Beach or Old Field Beach are nice, with the latter being close to scenic Port Jefferson on the north shore where you can go for a nice dinner after; although a town beach, we got in without a problem. Lake Welch is an old fave. I have yet to try Tiorati.
Old Field Beach 
Long Beach by me
Long Beach by me
This child was adorable, I couldn't help it! He snacked on stuff the whole time, about three hours passed and he wouldn't stop eating :) I instantly liked him - we would make very good friends; no need for talking just chewing and nodding...
Peekamoose swimming hole
Free Kayaking Lessons New York City
Mohonk Mountain House on flickr
Mohonk Mountain House on flickr
