hempstead lake state park

As part of my FREE: things to do in NYC, ($8.00 parking) I visited a great state park not too far into Long Island yesterday. Hempstead Lake State Park is just a about an hour away from the city and engulfs a huge lake, picnic area and bike trails and that span for miles. I stumbled upon a small hideaway on a trail that you have to see for yourself:




I only explored the park for two hours and so I know there's more to see. I do intend to update this with a Part 2 but for more info check out the website. There's a lake (perhaps what the park is named after?) that is as clear as can be. Really, I mean you can see your feet! But you can't swim here.. :( Though there was a man fishing and we all took our shoes off and walked in about knee deep. I don't think anyone would go in here with a suit -so don't pack the bikini- but a pair of flip flops would do good. Some of the scenes were breathtaking and there are a lot of cozy corners for reading and thinking too. Here's a video of the lake:



and some great photos:

etsy's craft night at south street seaport

I attended Etsy's sailor themed craft night at the south street seaport yesterday and it was loads of fun! Well, kind of! Here's the original article on Etsy. I wish it were a little less crowded but hey something free in NYC is hard to come by. It was also hard to start a bond with other crafters since some had come with a friend and sadly didn't talk to their neighbors!

Despite that, the vibe was welcoming and etsy admin were walking around offering assistance. The freebies included yarn, embroidery thread and I love Etsy bumper stickers! The best part though was that I got to meet Julie (the one who puts all these craft nights together) and got on top of that had gourmet ice-cream from a Coach (the brand) truck outside, for free! They were promoting a new line or something...

Whoo hoo to creating something with your hands and walkiing away with more than you came with!