It’s a hot, muggy Saturday, and everyone’s left town. You could curl up with your air conditioner and think of bad things that happen to people who spend weekends at the beach – or indulge in some sun and cool water yourself. The following pools (all with sundecks) will welcome guests for only $10 to $20 for a day. Just bring sunblock, a suit, and a lock for your locker.
Asphalt Green Aqua Center has a 50-meter Olympic-size pool – a glass-enclosed swimmer’s dream. When you tire of laps, check out classes or the juice bar. A rooftop sun terrace overlooks the river – how’s that for a view? $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for kids under 17. Closed on weekdays between 3 and 8. 1750 York Ave., at 91st St. (212-369-8890).
Waterside Swim & Health Club, a country-clubby, kid-friendly place, has a thirteen-yard lap pool, saunas, and a weight room. Snacks for the sundeck can be bought at a restaurant in the building. Bring your own towel. It’s usually $15 for adults, $8 for kids 6 to 15, no charge for kids under 6 (one visit per person – after that, you have to join) – but bring this page, and they’ll let you in once for free. 35 Waterside Plaza, FDR Drive near 25th St. (212-340-4225).
Carnegie Park has a cute, quiet fifteen-yard pool, huge windows, and a glorious sundeck and lawn. They don’t sell food or drinks, but it’s a top place to relax and take in some rays (and a post-sun sauna or steam in the particularly swank locker room). Members only, but bring in this page over the summer and you can try it once for $12, $6 for kids under 15. 200 E. 94th St. (212-423-0300).
Manhattan Plaza’s bustling 25-yard pool (pictured, above) also has a retractable roof; on sunny days, it goes alfresco. Hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, a poolside shower, and a sundeck with café service make for a fab spa day. Members only in the summer ($375 for three months); bring this page to try it once for $15. 482 W. 43rd St. (212-563-7001).
Sheraton Manhattan Hotel’s twenty-yard glass-enclosed pool and sundeck area are nothing fancy, but you can’t beat the location for a lunch-hour dip, tan session, workout, and sauna. Surrounding skyscrapers limit sunlight except at midday. $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 18. 790 Seventh Ave., near 52nd St. (212-621-8591).
Picks of the Week
Scoop has loads and loads of Chaiken, Tocca, Katayone Adeli, and more at 40 to 70 percent off, from $14 for tees to $249 for python pants. 532 Broadway, near Spring St. (212-925-2886); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sun. 9-8; 6/19-6/25.
Princess Foufou’s hats and bags (sold at Barneys) are 50 to 70 percent off: Straw hats are $30, striped beach bags are $40. 141 W. 28th St., suite 1002 (212-239-7862); cash only; Tues.-Wed. 11-7; 6/27-6/28.
Amy Chan’s sale means 50 to 75 percent off her funky handbags and jewelry. Prices are $10-$200. 247 Mulberry St. (212-966-3417); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Sat. noon-7, Sun. till 5; 6/20-6/25.
Norma Kamali’s taking 50 to 75 percent off swimsuits (pictured, left), $33-$133 per piece, and jersey separates, $49-$343. 11 W. 56th St. (212-957-9797); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-6; 6/26-6/30.
The Stork Club offers up to half off quirky, cute kids’ clothes. Prices are $10-$100. 142 Sullivan St. (212-505-1927); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. noon-7, Sun. till 6; 7/1-7/31.
Denise Williamson Showroom’s trendy spring duds from Miguelina, Fake London, United Bamboo, and others are 60 percent off, from $30-$100. Sizes 4-8. 115 Mercer St., second floor (212-226-5507); cash only; Wed.-Fri. 10-7; 6/21-6/23.
Malia Mills’s ultrastylish swimsuits and sarongs are more than half off, from $20-$50 per piece. 150 W. 28th St., suite 1003 (212-645-5222); A.E., M.C., V.; Wed.-Fri. 10-7; 6/28-6/30.
Escada is taking about 70 percent off swank summer dresses, knits, and suits, from $30-$700. Sizes 4-14. Parsons School of Design, 560 Seventh Ave., at 40th St., second floor; A.E., M.C., V.; Sun. 1-5:30, Mon.-Wed. 9-6; 6/25-6/28.
Tiecrafters takes 20 percent off neckwear cleaning ($5.20 a tie, $12.80 a scarf) and alterations ($8.50 a tie). Minimum of four. 252 W. 29th St. (212-629-5800); checks; Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5; 6/19-6/30.
Ermenegildo Zegna menswear is more than half off: Suits are $700-$1200, shirts are from $69. 24 W. 40th St., first floor (212-278-0121); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Fri. 10:30-7:30, Sat. 10-4; 6/20-6/24.
Diane von Furstenberg’s splashy spring dresses (pictured, below), knits, and shoes are half price – $25-$90. 389 W. 12th St. (212-741-6607); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Wed. 8:30-6; 6/27-6/28.
Anthropologie’s leftover spring clothes are up to half off, $20-$50. Sale home stuff is $7-$25.
85 Fifth Ave., at 16th St. (212-627-5885); 375 West Broadway (212-343-7070); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-8, Sun.11-6; 6/19-7/2.
Always a Deal
Green Market
Looking for a little personal growth? The Horticultural Society is putting all extra plants “up for adoption” for $2 each. Offerings change but have included tiny rose trees, topiaries, and succulents. If you’re moving, bring small green friends here – they’re sure to find good homes. 128 W. 58th St. (212-757-0915); A.E., M.C., V., checks; Mondays and Fridays noon-2.