The summer may be coming to a close, but outside it is still definitely hot hot hot!! When visitng NYC, you must spend some time outdoors at our world-famous Central Park. It’s accessible, offers tons of different sights, and is absolutely gorgeous. Grab a map and explore these great places: One is The Pool, between West 100 to 103rd streets, a body of water shaded by weeping willows and a collection of other pretty trees and nature. Similarly, The Pond (below) in the southeast corner of the park is an extremely attractive area, beautiful and shielded from Manhattan street noise by trees and rocks.

The Ramble (below) is a famous part of the park running from 73rd to 79th streets in the middle section, an entirely man-made sprawl designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and carved out of natural hillside. Feel free to lose yourself in this 38-acre expanse of pathways, cliffs, and streams—both figuratively and literally! It can be easy to get lost here, so remember that map!

If you won’t be visiting until the leaves fall and that cold weather returns, a trip to Wollman Memorial Skating Rink on East 62nd street is a must, offering a spacious ice-skating area, a great view of the famed Duck Pond, and plenty of time for handholding and couples skating. Winter admission is affordable, running $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for children. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and snacks at nearby concession stands.

There are so many neigborhoods in the city, you can’t seem ‘em all…but you sure can try! Get guided exclusive access to our hip, downtown neighborhoods through our Shop Gotham tours, and cap off the day by heading uptown and exploring the Central Park spots mentioned in this post!

A bold piece of jewelry can be the perfect way to spice up the basic, light pieces we so enjoy during the summer. As an NYC teen reporting to you from the streets of Manhattan, I can say that big statement necklaces are the perfect way to accent your outfits right now. Instantly transform a simple summer dress into an evening stunner with ribbon pieces like this one from J Crew (left), which comes in pink and black, and this beauty from Made Her Think:

Bib necklaces are also an awesome way to add some flair to a simple tank/blazer combo or your favorite Little Black Dress. Check out this one from BR (top) or, if you’re feeling daring, this Top Shop beaded piece:

All of these styles and many more can be found in the chic boutiques of NYC. Let our Shop Gotham tours take you there and get exclusive deals on this amazing trend. Book now!

An NYC teen here to give you the insider report on what the city’s young and stylish are rocking this season…Cool summer nights in the city call for ditching the denim cut-offs and slipping on the latest hot trend: The Boyfriend Jean, spotted on celebs like Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Bosworth. These slouchy pants are best distressed, worn in, and rolled up, and look fabulous paired with a blazer and chic evening tank. Here are hot pairs from J Brand (left) and Rich & Skinny:

Our Shop Gotham tours can bring you to stores with exclusive deals on this must-have trend!

Stay tuned to our ShopNYC blog for more NYC teen insider info!

This season offers a varied and unique array of things to do with your teen in the city. One of many: HBO has partnered with Bryant Park to offer the 2009 HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, showing outdoor screenings of such classics as Harold and Maude and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Your teen will love the atmosphere, spending an evening picnicking with snacks from nearby ‘wichcraft kiosk (owned by Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio) at the famous site of New York Fashion Week! Grab a towel from your hotel room, pick up your gourmet sandwiches, sit back and enjoy! View the movie schedule here: http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php