FCINY's Summer Recommendation List

In celebration of reaching the season of ‘out of office’ -email replies, heatwaves, and the midnight sun – our team here at the FCINY got together to brainstorm some of our favorite ways to spend the summer. To help you in this shared endeavor, we’ve compiled a fool-proof list of summer activities and festivities to experience both here in New York, and across the Atlantic in Finland. Whether you’re into exploring historic running routes or vintage cinemas, or looking for the best spot to find lime pie or a memorable art experience – we’ve got you covered.

New York To-Do’s

KATI

“A huge recommendation to the free public summer events (concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions etc) happening both in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but also Upstate and in Long Island - there are so many lovely organisations and events to explore. I also just found out that Parrish Art Museum on LI hosts concerts on its lovely terrace – haven’t been yet but it’s definitely on my to-do-list for the hot and humid summer nights! Exhibition wise, I’d suggest the Summer Group Show at HB381 with selected Works by Veera Kulju, Marianne Huotari and Hanne G.”

See: NY Public Events, Parrish Art Museum, and the Summer Group Show at HB381

ELINA

“In New York things do not slow down during the summer. I’m looking forward to feeling the tropical summer vibes of the city, and also experiencing some art both outdoors and indoors. On my list there are at least a visit to Governors Island and its various public artworks, Public Art Fund’s project Black Atlantic, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge at Pioneer Works, and Eva Hesse at Guggenheim.”

See: Black Atlantic @Public Art Fund, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge @Pioneer Works, and Eva Hesse @Guggenheim

ISABELLE

”One of my favorite summer time activities is going down to Redhook to eat at Brooklyn Crab and Steve's Key Lime Pie. Both spots are delicious and Redhook is far enough away that it feels like a little getaway to a summery fishing village :)”

See: The Red Hook Neighbourhood, Brooklyn Crab, and Steve’s Key Lime Pie

JAE

“Running the Ted Corbitt Loop in Central Park: The loop runs 10k / 6 miles around Central Park and celebrates the co-founder and first president of the New York Road Runners / ’father of long distance running.' Corbitt is an incredible and inspirational figure in running, and there's something deeply meaningful about running those same miles and seeing the scenery of New York shift every block. The loop is filled with so many runners and I always feel like we're cheering each other on, no matter if we're doing the full loop, taking a couple of runs on the loop, or heading off to walk around the reservoir. 

When I ran the loop in May a big thunderstorm rolled in and drenched everyone - but it's great because when it pours you get to do the extra special running nod to other runners and walkers to say "I see you, yes it's terrible outside, yes I absolutely can't believe we're doing this, and yes, isn't it worth it anyways?"

Below, you’ll find a bit on Corbitt's life and legacy. And, in overlapping histories, he actually competed in the 1952 Olympic marathon in Helsinki - being the first African American runner to represent the United States in the event.”

See: Ted Corbitt Loop, Central Park, and Corbitt’s life and legacy

HELMI

“Some of my favorite things to do in Manhattan during the summer has been hanging out at the kind-of-secluded Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park, after which it’s super easy to stop by either a 30under30 -show at the NYC Ballet, a ‘date night’ at the MET (featuring drinks, live music, and a gallery tour), or at the NYPL Rose Main Reading Room.

Most of my time is spent in Brooklyn though, and some of my fave spots there include Mao Mao in Bushwick (think thai street food + immaculate lighting + a vintage cinema), the recently opened McCarren Parkhouse Cafe, and Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. Plus any rooftop you can find your way to – especially for sunsets.”

See: Hallett Nature Sanctuary, 30under30 @NYC Ballet, and McCarren Parkhouse Cafe

KIA

“My favorite place to rewind in New York is the Green-Wood cemetery in Brooklyn. You can sit and read by the lake, observing the turtles and monk parrots and visit Jean-Michel Basquiat’s grave. The panoramic view of the New York skyline is marvelous too! I’m also a huge fan of McGorlick Park and Park Slope farmer’s markets. Highly recommend the vegan/gluten free bakery Sixteen Mill who sell their out of this world products at the markets on alternate Sundays.

I also love finding a private spot to hang out at the park in Pier 3 by Brooklyn Heights, as well as going to different indie bookshops such as Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill, Greenlight Bookstore in Fort Greene, Housing Works Bookstore in Soho, and Rizzoli Bookstore by Madison Square Park to name a few. For a nice afternoon refresher, make sure to pick up a rose matcha latte from Anima Mundi in either their Soho or Greenpoint locations!

Another good spot is Book Club which is a café, bar and bookstore in East Village. They also host events, such as Drinking & Drawing every Monday evening.”

See: Green-Wood Cemetery, Books Are Magic, and Anima Mundi

Helsinki To-Do’s

KATI

“SHAPE map is a new website resource for Helsinki’s contemporary art landscape; a mapping of art spaces and public events across the city. SHAPE is a useful tool for locals and visitors alike for navigating the diversity of the Helsinki art scene, and to find out what’s happening, where and when. When it comes to exhibitions worth seeing, I’d suggest Kustaa Saksi’s Aura, happening at ARS NOVA from June until mid-October.”

See: SHAPE Helsinki and Kustaa Saksi @ARS NOVA

ELINA

“I’m spending the summer between Finland and New York. In Finland, I'm looking forward to seeing at least the ARS22 -exhibition in Kiasma in Helsinki. Outside the capital region, I’m excited to visit Emma Jääskeläinen’s Young Artist of The Year -exhibition at the Tampere Art Museum.”

See: ARS22 @Kiasma and Emma Jääskeläinen @Tampere Art Museum

HELMI

“I’d say the optimal summer evening in Helsinki includes at least one drink at a Harju 8 jam session; a restaurant-bar that hosts jazz gigs at a street corner in the Kallio neighborhood. (A fair warning that you will bump into anyone and everyone you know in the city there). To continue your night, just join any cool-looking group and head on over to an outdoor rave under the midnight sun somewhere in Lapinlahti, Sompasauna, or Mustikkamaa.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a metro to Tapiola to visit the Kino Tapiola historic cinema. Built in the 50s, the movie theatre is known for its bespoke selection of indie films, mid-century interiors, and cozy atmosphere. Further away from the hustle and bustle of the capital region, I’m also hoping to visit the Fiskars Village Biennale in August.”

See: Harju 8, Kino Tapiola, and Fiskars Village Biennale

KIA

“In Helsinki, I love to take long walks around Mustikkamaa, as well as go to the different island such as Suomenlinna to walk around the sea fortress and Vallisaari that hosts the Helsinki Bienniale. You can easily find nature all around the city and enjoy the long summer nights outside!

One of my favorite places is the Academic Bookstore in the city centre. Apart from the vast selection of books, it’s worth visiting to get inspired by the architecture and design of Alvar Aalto. I also adore going to the many smaller cinemas such as Maxim, Orion, Kino Engel, Riviera and Kino Regina who show both new and old films, legendary classics and unknown gems.

Hakaniemi Market Hall is a great spot for food and knickknacks, especially Moccamate with their stunning selection of coffee beans, loose leaf tea and delicacies. Make sure to check out the fully vegan, 100% magical restaurant Magu’s seasonal menu for a one of a kind gastronomic experience!”

See: Suomenlinna, The Academic Bookstore, and Magu

Wishing you a relaxing summer!
- FCINY Team