Now that the remnants of tropical storm Cindy seem to have sailed out to sea, the remainder of the weekend looks ripe for spending some quality time outdoors. And, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather spend a summer afternoon than Governor's Island, the former military installation a 10 minute ferry ride away from the Battery, where you can stroll and bike along tree-lined paths with stunning vistas of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. 

For the past seven years, the Rite of Summer music festival has offered a gentle soundtrack for these daytrippers with free outdoor performances of contemporary/new music.  Concerts take place in Nolan Park – a shaded grassy field near Officer's Row where listeners can sprawl out with some some food and BYOB.