Keep It Cool in 6 NYC Spots Before Summer Ends - Tracy Kaler's New York Life + Travel Blog

Step into the coolness before summer is officially over.

Summer may be winding down, but the heat is still on for a few more weeks in New York City. You’ll close your eyes and be in a down coat in no time, so quit complaining about those hot subway platforms! The fact is we’ve had a pretty mild summer in the Big Apple, but a few humid days have still managed to sneak in among the picture-perfect. To escape those final heat-infused weeks ahead, step into the coolness and chill out one last time.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the arty NYC crowd, there’s something in the Metropolitan Museum of Art for everyone, and it’s a fantastic way to dodge the summer temps. You’ll find a vast collection from legends such as Matisse, Picasso, Miró, Rothko, and Pollock, among others, in the Modern and Contemporary Art section. For fashion and style aficionados, the Costume Institute showcases nearly 35,000 works from the likes of Balenciaga, House of Lanvin, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and many other iconic designers.

The Costume Institute at the Met features nearly 35,000 garments and accessories.

If you’re less cultured and more active, Chelsea Piers offers a plethora of indoor sports including cycling, yoga, rock climbing, Pilates, and more. Not only will you escape the heat and humidity of the Big Apple, but you’ll push yourself extra hard to break a sweat, and that’s a good thing. Located way west by the Hudson River, you’ll burn a few calories just walking to and from the subway, as well.

Since you’re in topnotch shape after your exercise session, I think it’s time to shop. Head to the Time Warner Building where the interior is comfortable and nicely cooled, and you’ll find favorites like Armani Exchange, Lucky Brand, Stuart Weitzman, and Montmartre. Afterward, grab lunch at A Voce or Bouchon Bakery & Cafe.

Time Warner Center provides air conditioning and great shopping!

You’re playing it totally cool, so don’t miss your last chance for water time in the city at this the pop-up pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Whether you’re a swimmer or a sunner, take in the sights, scenes, and rays. Hurry! The pool closes at the end of the summer season.

If you’ve spent the day outside in the heat or burned off a bunch of calories swimming and working out, it’s time to treat yourself to the ultimate splurge. Swing by Serendipity 3 in Midtown East for the Frrrrozen Hot Chocolate ($8.95), or the Forbidden Broadway Sundae –– chocolate blackout cake, ice cream, hot fudge topped with whipped cream –– ($15), easily sharable, and your body temperature will lower in minutes.

If you’re more into the alcoholic treat, I recommend the “Snowflake” cocktail ($15) ––served in a glass made from ice –– at the frigid Minus 5 Ice Bar in the Hilton Midtown. Head to the frozen drinkery on the hottest day for the ultimate freeze –– even the furniture is made of ice! Warning: you will have to wear a fake fur and tolerate temperatures as low as 16 degrees. So much for breaking a sweat this August.