My 5-Borough Summer Tour

Brooklyn -- Coney Island
I’ve already told you all about this one. Recently, I got word that my brother is challenging Joey Chestnut to a kolache eating contest. Greg “always-the-last-to-finish-eating-because-he-chews-more-than-the-average-adult” Norris, you ask? Yep. I think if he can make it through the event without a public display of partly digested food then we’ll file it in the win category. If you’re in Houston, check him out at Minute Maid Park on September 4th!!

The Bronx -- The Bronx Zoo
You’ve already read about this trip too. The Bronx Zoo has always been on my list and it definitely didn’t disappoint. I just wish I could have taken Maddie with me!

Staten Island –- er Governor's
I decided to cheat a little and skip the crowded biker bar and Buy-1-Get-1-Free tanning salon. Instead, Stephanie and I chose to play hookie from work for Lady Date #2 on a different island. Governor’s Island. So, it’s not Staten Island, but the ferries are next to each other. It is an old military base that was converted to a national park six or seven years ago. The only businesses are a bike rental stand and a hot dog cart. There are no cars or taxis either. We rode bikes all afternoon then met a friend at Stone Street in the Financial District. I’m in charge of planning Lady Date #3. This one may be tough to beat.

Queens –- PS1
This year’s trip was a little less eventful than last’s. We met at a pub in Lower Manhattan for a pre-event drink. We chatted with the Texan bartender for a bit and then caught the train to Long Island City. A little art, a German beer, some incredible people watching, and a touch of techno rounded out the day. Queens? Check.





Manhattan –- High Line Park
Team Big G escaped the office on Friday afternoon for some quality bonding time. We had a picnic on one of the West Side Hwy piers and afterward walked to High Line park. The park is an old industrial elevated railroad that’s been transformed into some under-challenged urban planner’s lifelong dream. It’s engulfed in controversy and taxes and angry letters to the Post. It’s a park where jogging and pets are banned. That sort of nonsense would never fly in Texas. Afterward, we went to Park -- a very appropriately named establishment for the day -- for a cocktail. The weather was unbelievable; there were no cereal emergencies back at the office; there was minimal Blackberry usage by all; and lots of office gossip. I think we made Michael Scott proud.