We may be Aspen-born, but in a lot of ways, we’re New York raised. And we know that so many of our fans call this amazing, resilient city home, too. If you’re here, you know one thing is certain: New York isn’t dead. Here are 5 of our favorite signs of life in the city we love:
1. COMMUNITIES TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN
Community fridges governed by the simple rule of “give what you can, take what you need” have popped up from the Bronx to Brooklyn to help fight food insecurity. Maintained and stocked by local residents and mutual aid groups, @iohnyc keeps a list of the growing network.
2. UNITING AROUND BUSINESSES OLD + NEW
Just take a look at North Brooklyn—where Vinnie’s Pizzeria is serving “comforting words” alongside slices when you order delivery, and the Blue Light Speak Cheesy found a creative way to deliver grilled cheese at the height of quarantine (dropping them down to the street via rope and hook from a third story window).
3. STILL FINDING WAYS TO PARTY
From stoop steps to the corners of usually busy intersections converted into open streets, musicians are setting up impromptu performances that draw crowds citywide. Meanwhile, Bushwick’s Syndicated theater is screening free movies outdoors and the new Greenpoint Terminal Market includes a roller rink complete with a live DJ.
4. THE HUSTLE NEVER STOPS
In the city that never sleeps, the hustle never stops. Barber Herman James, AKA @hairitage121967 has been giving fresh cuts to clients in Central Park. Similarly savvy entrepreneurs have responded to an increased demand for bicycles that quickly outpaced the city’s supply, sourcing used bikes upstate and reselling them Brooklynites in McCarren Park on weekends.
5. KEEPING THE CITY HEALTHY
New Yorkers know it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and take care of ourselves—with rooftop pilates classes, donation-based yoga in the park, and retailers like Higher Standards offering in-store browsing and curbside pickup so you can stock up on your favorite Toast CBD products, wellness doesn’t have to take a backseat.