NEW YORK CITY
Note: Theater performances and museum schedules have changed since this article was first published; check the venue's website for current listings
Ah, New York—hot, humid, short-tempered New York! Notice that Sinatra didn't sing any songs about Manhattan in August. But come September, the city reawakens, the air gets a bit crisper, the city's tastemakers unleash their latest projects, and New Yorkers gulp down the culture. And remember why they live here: for events like the long-awaited Broadway revival of A Chorus Line, which begins previews on the 18th, or for Eric Bogosian's updated SubUrbia, opening on the 28th. For the Whitney Museum of American Art, which on the 28th opens a landmark show examining Picasso's influence on American art. For the Metropolitan Opera and its new general manager, Peter Gelb, who kick off the season on the 25th with a new Madama Butterfly, directed by Anthony Minghella. It's a good month for seeing stars: The Stones, Clapton, Justin Timberlake, and Shakira all roll into town, and culinary celebs Joël Robuchon, Alan Yau, and Gordon Ramsay are putting the finishing touches on their New York debuts. Ian Schrager and artist Julian Schnabel have finally whisked back the curtains on their redo of the Gramercy Park Hotel, which ditches minimalism in favor of a Renaissance richness and bold modern art (Basquiat, Twombley, Warhol, Schnabel himself). Too much urbanity for you? Head out to Long Island, where the Hamptons have been returned to the grateful locals. Our suggestion: Snag a beachfront campsite at Hither Hills State Park, where campfires are allowed after Labor Day.

A Chorus Line
Tel: 212 239 6200

SubUrbia
Tel: 212 246 4422

Whitney Museum of American Art
Tel: 800 944 8639

Metropolitan Opera
Tel: 212 362 6000

Gramercy Park Hotel
Tel: 212 920 3300
Doubles from $525

Hither Hills State Park
Tel: 631 668 2554
Campsites from $48