spring in the city with hai.: a borough-by-borough guide
the city is finally starting to defrost after two blizzards, freezing temperatures and 5 p.m. sunsets. whether you are new to the city or a lifelong city dweller it can be difficult to go outside when it's cold and everything is covered in snow, but now it's warm! hai has locations all over new york city and now that the city is defrosting, there are full day activities, meals and adventures in each of the boroughs, perfect for the upcoming warm weather.
manhattan
🌿 a classic nyc staple is the high line. with its beautiful views of the hudson river, easy access to downtown manhattan and covered in the history of manhattan. it is a great way to start the day with a bit of fresh air, a light walk and beautiful views. bringing your favorite hai pen to enjoy while you walk and admire the flowers, apartments and old train tracks.
🍕 after the high line stop in a west village classic, roey’s, which now has outdoor seating. the classic pizza restaurant wood fires their famous sourdough pizza with loads of toppings ranging from classic margarita to sweet and spicy. they offer a wide selection of drinks, the crowd favorite being an aperol spritz, and several other dishes and sides to enjoy while getting some vitamin d.
🛍️ heading a bit more downtown, 2nd street, in chelsea is a great way to browse around the shopping areas that chelsea has to offer. whether you just want to browse around or spend some money, 2nd street is a great place to admire rare vintage fashion that is always adding new additions at several different price points. while in chelsea, stop off at verdi’s on 23rd st and pick up your favorite hai products.
🍸 lastly, head to the boom, previously known as the top standard, for beautiful views of the sunset and a nice meal after wandering around downtown manhattan all day. they are famous for their views from the bathroom, expansive windows, great food and drinks, come hungry and relax as the sun sets.
hai. retailers in manhattan:
brooklyn
🎨 creatively wild art studio is based in dumbo and offers art classes for all ages and all across different art forms including media, painting and they social art events all day long. it is a great activity to do to start the day to get the creative juices flowing.
🌞 marsha p. johnson state park is a beautiful little park that has great views of the nyc skyline and offers a quick walk along the river. bring a blanket, some snacks and a couple of drinks to wind down and relax. bring your favorite hai product with you, you can enjoy it by the water and be in nature.
🍴 smorgasburg street vendors is a great place to stop to get a bite to eat, experience new cultures and help local businesses. they are known for their korean shaved ice as it helps when august comes along. using pineapple fizz as a palette cleanser in between bites is a little insider tip.
🌸 hanami night at the botanical gardens is a great quiet way to end the night, this event is only a week long, but you get to see the cherry blossoms all lit up, enjoy a japanese garden, experiment with authentic japanese crafts and utilize your blanket to lie down under the trees as they give out drinks and snacks to be enjoyed. stop off at beleaf dispensary, it's only a 15 minute walk away from the gardens.
hai. retailers in brooklyn:
bronx
🖌️ the artistic social is specifically designed to be a creative-social experience with new people. you are meant to create and connect on a group level, which is a great way to get you out of your comfort zone and try something new. this place is a local landmark and is known for bringing people together. only a 15 minute trip away, is toke dispensary and they carry many of our sun grown hai products.
🇮🇹 zero otto nove is a great place to get a slice of great pizza with an old school italian setting. they specialize in neapolitan pizza, but reviews praise almost everything on the menu. after a morning of socializing, some pizza and a nice cool drink sound lovely.
🌼 the bronx botanical gardens are a classic attraction this time of year. everything is in full bloom and their famous orchid show is up and it is fabulous. featuring buildings, cars and nyc staples created out of nothing but dozens of orchids. it is every flower lover's dream to stroll through the greenhouse.
🍻 the bronx brewery and hudson yards kitchen is a great place to wrap up the day, sit down, get a nice glass of beer and eat some food. they host live music events, dj sets, they have a large selection of beer and are known for their wall art which features lots of street artists. it is a great stop to end the night. it is a great place to bring a hai jar and it's easy to throw in your pocket or purse.
queens
🎥 the museum of moving images is a great way to learn about the history of film, go to screenings of your favorite classic movies and see exhibits on cult classics like the sopranos. they host new exhibits and talk backs almost every week, it would be a great new museum to add to your favorites list.
🍃 socrates social park is a great place to see funky, new and exciting art, as you wander around and discover new sculptures while enjoying views of the east river. they are open everyday starting at 9 am and host several events and house many different exhibits. there's even a little beach area available. 20 minutes by subway will land you at culture house where you can pick up some of your favorite hai accessories and products.
🪴 alter work studios is a great studio located in astoria that offers classes, if you are the hands on type, in pottery, film, painting, photography and sewing. they also host exhibits often featuring artists' work and students work occasionally. it is a great place to stop and make something new.
🍴 queens night market is a staple for a reason. it hosts over 100 vendors, across the arts, food and features performances for you to listen to as you decide which tent to get food from. it is a fun cultural experience that is a great way to end the day, be prepared for some crowds, but i think it is worth the wait. while waiting in line, bring your favorite hai pen and some of our marbles, they will keep you occupied.
hai. retailers in queens:
staten island
🧹 makerspace nyc is a great non for profit organization where you can take a large array of classes being offered in blacksmithing, embroidery, sewing, broom making and 3d printing. it is a great activity studio to do with a large group of friends or a solo adventure and they have open studio time to go by yourself and start a new project.
🐛 the snug harbor cultural center is a great place to walk around, take in some nature and enjoy 19th century architecture. the center is on an 83 acre garden and features almost a dozen old buildings from the 18th to 20th century including an old house. it also includes an authentic japanese garden. high stone is a great dispensary only 10 minutes away, they sell our products in their store.
🐌 another beautiful garden to go to is the chinese scholar gardens. they are covered in historical buildings from the ming dynasty and beautiful architectural bridges and designs. it also features a museum and an art gallery for all different kinds of exploration and learning. taking a beat and relaxing with your favorite hai product is recommended, the tranquility of the garden will aid your relaxation.
🍺 killmeyer's old bavaria inn is a great classic spot to go after a long day of creating walking and learning. it is a classic american restaurant that serves cold beer and classic comfort food, as well as some german specialties. it features an outdoor garden with a gazebo and lovely patio seating. a great way to end the day.
check out high stone dispensary in staten island for hai. products
