As summer approaches, it’s time to start planning your beach trips. Fortunately, tons of coastal cities are easily accessible from NYC either via car or public transportation such as trains, ferries, and buses.

So if you’re looking to ditch the hustle and bustle for a seaside escape, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the best beach towns near NYC

1. Long Beach, Long Island

Beyond going for a stroll on the iconic boardwalk, Long Beach, NY has tons of things to see and do. Brush up on your history at the Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society, or catch some waves at Ocean Beach Park. You can stay up to date on the city’s latest events on their website.

: 29.4 miles from Manhattan

2. City Island, The Bronx

Technically a neighborhood, this island in the Bronx is a quaint fishing village. Its adorable streets will transport you to a charming oasis full of seafood fare and waterfront bars. Find all the best things to do on City Island with our ultimate guide here.

: 14.7 miles from Manhattan

3. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is situated just a four hour drive from NYC. Admire the harbor filled with luxurious yachts and be sure to stroll the opulent mansions along Bellevue Avenue. This beach town is also known for hosting America’s Cup, an annual sailing regatta.

: 178.5 miles from Manhattan

4. Cape May, New Jersey

A visit to Cape May is a must-do trip in the summertime! Spend the day on the water jet skiing or parasailing before exploring one of their many museums and galleries, and end the day grabbing drinks at a local winery. From beaches to dining to shopping, this village in New Jersey truly has it all. Find even more activities to do in Cape May on their town website.

: 161.4 miles from Manhattan

5. Mystic, Connecticut

This seaside city is the recognizable backdrop for the 1988 Julia Roberts film, Mystic Pizza. Beyond scouting filming locations, we recommend you check out the Mystic Aquarium, walk the historic downtown and visit the Mystic Seaport Museum.

: 132 miles from Manhattan

6. Montauk, Long Island

Montauk is one of the most visited summer destinations away from the city with its variety of beaches known to have spectacular waves for surfing. Grab your board and hang loose at the most popular beach, Ditch Hills.

While in Montauk, be sure to snap a picture of Montauk Point Lighthouse and even visit the museum if you so please. With additional historical spots like Camp Hero State Park and unique activities like horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch, Montauk has something for everyone.

: 121 miles from Manhttan

7. Lake George, New York

The town of Lake George, located in the Adirondacks, is most known for but not limited to it’s beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. Cruise the lake with Lake George Steamboat Company, servicing passengers for more than 200 years, or let out your inner daredevil at Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, the largest aerial treetop adventure park in the country. Whatever you do in Lake George, it’s sure to be a trip to remember.

: 203.9 miles from Manhattan

8. Far Rockaway, Queens

For one of the quickest beach escape, Far Rockaway, Queens (again, another neighborhood rather) is the perfect solution to a hot summer day in NYC. Simply hop on the ferry and enjoy a fabulous beach day within one of NYC’s very own boroughs. Always wanted to learn how to surf? Visit Locals Surf School for private lessons or group sessions and shred the water in no time.

: 24.3 miles from Manhattan

9. Fire Island, Off the shore of Long Island

This car-free paradise is sure to bring out your inner islander. But rest assured, this spot isn’t just for beach vacations. It also has a fantastic night scene with tons of bars to party at after a day in the sun.

: 63.6 miles from Manhattan

The post 9 Charming Beach Towns Near NYC To Visit This Summer appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Good Black News wants to take a moment on this day to honor and remember the women who gave us life, who nurtured and raised us, and also offered us solace, counsel, wisdom, humility and humor.

To all the mothers out there – be they Aunties, Grandmothers, Cousins or Friends – thank you for all you do. It might not always feel like it, but you are deeply appreciated.

For those of us who aren’t able to be with our mothers or mother figures in person due to circumstance, distance or transcendence — we are with you in voice, online and always – in spirit!

Happy Mother’s Day!

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke:  The spring season will have more on the calendar for everyone and will feature local live events such as the 30th Annual African Film Festival at Maysles Cinema this weekend.  Keep it all in the neighborhood and help support uptown’s small businesses!

* This article was originally published here

According to npr.org, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D, Missouri) has introduced new legislation calling for $14 trillion in reparations for Black Americans, in an effort to see the federal government atone and attempt to compensate for the practice of chattel slavery for over 250 years and the generations of racist policies that have followed.

To quote from npr.org:

“The United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of Black people,” Bush said in a Wednesday news conference attended by Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., as well as other stakeholders.

“America must provide reparations if we desire a prosperous future for all,” Bush said.

Rep. Bush’s resolution is the latest in a long line of congressional efforts by Democrats to compensate Black Americans for centuries of racial inequity. Similar language about reparations has been introduced in every legislative session since 1989.

“We know that we continue to live under slavery’s vestiges. We know how slavery has perpetuated Jim Crow. We know how slavery’s impacts live on today,” Bush said, citing the racial wealth gap, voter suppression, infant mortality rates and other negative health outcomes for Black people.

“It’s unjust and it wouldn’t happen in a just and fair and equitable society,” Bush also remarked. “Those are not the natural consequences of human society… They are directly caused by our federal government’s role in the enslavement and exploitation of Africans and Black people throughout our history.”

California is currently exploring reparations on a state level, San Francisco is proposing reparations to bring Black people back to the city, while Evanston, Illinois started offering a form of reparations in 2019 through its Restorative Housing Reparations Program.

RELATED:

• https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/the-black-families-seeking-reparations-in-californias-gold-country
• https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/13/us/reparations-state-local-commission-reaj/index.html

* This article was originally published here