New York Aquarium

To most, Memorial Day Weekend equates mini excursions, lake side retreats, and beach getaways – but to land locked New Yorkers, it means an island all to themselves. For any New Yorker who has stayed local for MDW, they are familiar with the fact that the city becomes a ghost town, in a very eerie way. As to not get spooked, take advantage of the empty streets by visiting a few of New York’s famous landmarks that we typically avoid due to overcrowding, all while also helping to support those popular attractions that were harmed during Hurricane Sandy.

SATURDAY

Spend your Saturday celebrating the official reopening of the New York Aquarium. After being closed for repairs since Sandy’s wrath, the Aquarium will reopen its doors on May 25^th and unveil its brand new sea lion show. While you’re there don’t forget to say hi to the penguins and walruses within Sea Cliffs.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, why not head back to Coney Island? Sandy gave Luna Park quite the brutal punch, leaving it five feet underwater and with $500,000 worth of damage to face. But after swift renovations all is well. Help give back economically to the iconic New York attraction by sitting in on a few sideshows, taking a ride on the Cyclone, scarffing down a couple Nathan’s hot dogs and, of course, going for a stroll on the beach.

MONDAY

Monday spend your day taking in the beautiful flora at the usually too-crowded-to-handle High Line. Stroll hand in hand with your significant other or take advantage of the open lounge chairs as you spend the day vegging out on the beautiful high-rise park. Once you’ve had your fill, coax your hunnie into a quick Meatpacking District shopping trip by promising to end with a cold brew at the Chelsea Brewing Company, where they offer rotating taps of craft beer.

SAMPLE SALES THIS WEEK: VINCE, INTIMACY, & HILTON HOLLIS

After a laid back long weekend, it will be hard to get back into the groove come Tuesday. Sample Sales agree, as they are not plentiful this week due to people returning from vacations, graduations, etc. However, absolutely do not miss the VINCE Sample Sale on Wednesday, May 29^th. This will be the first time ever the So-Cal brand will be hosting a sample sale and beginning at 10AM on Wednesday within Chelsea Market’s Prive space, VINCE will unleash wallet friendly discounts to the fashionably inclined public. VINCE’s sleek yet trendy casual clothing (if you don’t own one of their tee shirts you are missing out!) will be marked down up to 70% off.

Of course, you’re going to need something to go under your fabulous new casual wear, so pop on over to the Intimacy Lingerie & Loungewear Sample Sale where brands such as Chantelle, Cleo, Elomu, Fauve, and Simone Perele will be up to 90% off. Even if you’re not in need of new lingerie, pay the Intimacy Sample Sale to grab yourself your swimwear wardrobe for the summer, as bikinis and bathing suits will be on sale as well.

For something new, head to the Hilton Hollis Sample Sale this week on 36^th Street, where the recently launched brand will offer up to 80% off their asymmetrical dresses and graphic print sateen jackets. At last year’s sample sale, sizes 0-16 were available, as were samples for as low as $10.

By Caitlin Colford