Image via Complex Original
You don’t have to be a stoner to have a good time in New York City. But when it bubbles down to it, some things are just better done stoned in “the baked apple.”
First off, kids, drugs are bad. But, the good news is, most people agree that weed isn’t a drug, and, we’re convinced. So light a J, hit the bong, fire up the vape—do whatever you need to do to get lifted, there’s fun to be had in the city, and you don’t want to be sober for it. If you’re a local, you know where to re-up. For visitors, don’t go looking for it—it will find you. These are Things Better Done Stoned in NYC.
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Walk the High Line
Enjoyment level while sober: It's nothing but a bunch of glorified benches and planters
Enjoyment level while stoned: Just the idea of being "high on the High Line" is enough to keep you amused
Light it—it's time to get elevated at the NYC's "highest" park. An entire mile of urban landscaping above the bustling city streets, the High Line offers the perfect backdrop for any stoner looking to just chill out, man. There's no smoking at the park though, so either get loaded before you head out, or grab one of those wax pens and vape it up, son.
Stroll Through Central Park
Enjoyment level while sober: A stroll through Central Park sober just means you're doing a whole lot of walking for nothing
Enjoyment level while stoned: Ever seen Pan's Labyrinth?
Some things are just better done outdoors, amongst nature—that especially applies to smoking the ganja. There's no bad time to smoke at the park, but after dark is where it's at. Not only because there are less people, meaning you're less likely to get busted, but also because the park is trippy as f*** at night. You start hearing and seeing shit that isn't there. And it isn't just the Mary Jane talkin'. If you know the right spots, you can even catch some dope views of the midtown skyline.
Go to a Beer Garden
Enjoyment level while sober: You're just drunk
Enjoyment level while stoned: You're drunk and high—whoo!
There's nothing like a nice cold brew to go with that bleeze—it's time to get twisted son! There's no shortage of bars in the city, but if you're looking for an experience, hit up one of the city's many beer gardens for some good high times. Just remember, weed before beer, or you'll be in for a long night.
High Times Square
Enjoyment level while sober: None. None at all.
Enjoyment level while stoned: You're starting to think that shit was laced
Let's be real, if there's one thing Times Square's got going for itself, it's all the bright flashing lights—enough to attract stoners from far and wide. Being amongst the slew of tourists and oversized rats (not sure which is worse), though, can get frustrating if you're sober. However, it's nothing a little bit of herbal remedy can't fix. So, make sure you roll up some of that sticky icky beforehand. There's plenty of weird shit going on out here to keep you entertained 'til that high runs out.
Listen to Music-Anywhere
Enjoyment level while sober: You like some music
Enjoyment level while stoned: You like ALL music
Blowing trees and listening to beats is what life's all about. Music makes weed better, weed makes music better—they complete each other. No wonder why N.O.R.E. rapped about being married to marijuana. NYC already has one of the dopest music scenes on the planet. Add dope to the equation and you have a recipe for complete nirvana. Whether you're chillin' at the studio uptown or heading out to a show, a hit of that chronic will get your mind—and your soul—right.
Guggenheim
Enjoyment level while sober: At the end of the day, it's a museum
Enjoyment level while stoned: You're in for the trip of your life
Now that the MOMA Rain Room has dried out, the Guggenheim is once again the go-to place for city stoners looking to trip balls in an educated environment. It's never a bad day to smoke that chiba chiba y'all and head over to the East Side to catch a trippy ass exhibit. Currently on display is American artist James Turrell and his work concering space and light, an exciting exhibit that is sure to have you zooted.
Top Of The Rock
Enjoyment level while sober: You're at the top of a building. Whoo?
Enjoyment level while stoned: The sheer size of the city is blowing your mind
The Top of the Rock observation deck at 30 Rock has stoner central written all over it. So smoke one, hop in that elevator, and make your way up to the 70th floor for an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the city you hold it down for. You're going to run into plenty of tourists—there are no two ways about it. The good news is, you'll be so baked, you'll be out there making peace, not war.
Syfy Movies With a View
Enjoyment level while sober: Good movie—now let's get the hell out of Brooklyn
Enjoyment level while stoned: That was the best movie of all time, man!
SyFy movies with a view—need we say more? The annual outdoor film series is back at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 2013 lineup is as stoner-friendly as they come. With flicks like Rocky, Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, and potentially Lost in Translation (pending popular vote) still to come this summer, this is definitely one of those activities you participate in while stoned, and enjoy it all the more. Don't forget to invite the crew.
Eat Your Way Through Smorgasburg
Enjoyment level while sober: Good food, good view
Enjoyment level while stoned: Better food, better view!
The New York Times called Smorgasburg the "The Woodstock of Eating." And everyone knows you couldn't attend Woodstock if you were not stoned (or planning to get stoned). So therefore, you can't go to Smorgasburg without being stoned. See? It all adds up. Run by the same folks who do Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg is the ultimate food fair, and the perfect cure for the munchies. The waterfront food market not only offers dope views of Manhattan, it lets you get your après-stoned fix from over 100 amazing vendors.