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What are the best activities to do while in NY city?

Sober in the big city

  • I live in New York City and I have a friend coming into town in a few weeks who is going through alcohol recovery. I'm looking for things to do in the city with them that lessen the presence of alcohol in the environment. I know that drinking culture in NY is pervasive across most social/nightlife activities, so it's inevitable that alcohol will be around. I'd just like to lessen the impact so my friend doesn't feel like they're in a bar constantly. Unfortunately, most of my personal experience and knowledge involves places that have very high alcohol visibility. Currently my idea list is a little generic, with The Moth, small comedy/theater, lecture/film series, restaurants, and art openings/museums. Are there any big opportunities I'm missing, or any specific shows/venues that you could recommend that background the bar feel?

  • Answer:

    http://www.smorgasburg.com is delightful. Great food, outdoors, and no booze.

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How about an http://www.got-archery.com/ in Brooklyn?

dcjd

Zoos!

rockindata

http://brooklynboulders.com/brooklyn/! I think they're open till midnight or so. Or how about Coney Island/Brighton Beach? Swim, ride the Wonder Wheel, bring a picnic.

the_blizz

Be extra careful with restaurants. On more than one occasion, I have taken recovering friends and family to restaurants in NYC only to have them wonder why I was taking them to a bar... if the restaurant has a bar in the front, it may become an issue.

maggiemaggie

Zagat: https://www.zagat.com/c/new-york-city-ny/no-alcohol-served-restaurants. Lots of coffee, cafe and dessert places, but also a few restaurants. http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/washington-square-outdoor-art-exhibit is Sunday, August 30 - Monday, September 7 in Washington Square Park in the Village. If you're willing to travel and they will be in town through September 20th, there's the http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/. They have "Bookend" events from the 14th - 21st. Participating http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/2015/authors.

zarq

Tram to Roosevelt Island and a walk around the island (preferably at sunset).

carrienation

incolorinred

Don't forget the ultra touristy. Broadway shows, the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, a nighttime boat tour, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, Yankees or Mets game (no idea if tickets for such things are available or impossible), Art After Dark at the Guggenheim (there will be booze, but no more than in any restaurant). Maybe a dessert only place (or cheesecake somewhere). Maybe a tea or olive oil shop with tasting?

cnc

Super touristy: Sit on the bleachers in Times Square and peoplewatch.

SisterHavana

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