Astoria Jan 09, 2018 An Astorian’s Guide to Dry January Have you tried Dry January? The idea is simple: following the holidays, many folks (myself included) take a brief one-month break from alcoholic beverages, as one step towards jump-starting a (…) Share this Scoop by Lindsay Goyette total shares! Twitter Facebook Email Print Have you tried Dry January? The idea is simple: following the holidays, many folks (myself included) take a brief one-month break from alcoholic beverages, as one step towards jump-starting a (…) by Lindsay Goyette Share this Scoop total shares! Twitter Facebook Email Print Related scoops UPDATE: Vaccaro’s Bakery & Cafe Closing Have you tried Dry January? The idea is simple: following the holidays, many folks (myself included) take a brief one-month break from alcoholic beverages, as one step towards jump-starting a healthy year. And the results speak for themselves: in previous years, I would notice small but significant improvements in my health. By the end of the month, my workouts were more productive, my skin was clearer, I was sleeping more soundly, and I felt more alert at work. The only downside: FOMO! As someone who really enjoys a local beer or an expertly-crafted cocktail, it can be difficult to make plans with friends that don’t involve drinking, especially in a neighborhood like ours where there’s an abundance of wonderful bars. The GOOD news: there is no shortage of awesome things to do in Astoria that don’t involve getting tipsy. Here are a few ideas! Take Advantage of Dry January Specials at Your Favorite Bars Photo Courtesy of The Bonnie Great news: Taking a drinking break doesn’t mean you have to avoid your favorite hangouts. The awesome folks at Sweet Afton and The Bonnie kept us Dry January participants in mind when crafting their early 2018 drink menu. Both spots are offering up an excellent-sounding selection of cocktails with absolutely no booze, but enough intriguing ingredients that you won’t miss the alcohol. Case in point, The Bonnie’s Top Buck, pictured above–it’s a combination of fresh grapefruit and lemon juices, honey, ginger syrup, spicy ginger beer, and a garnish of candied ginger. You can find The Bonnie’s Dry January menu here and you can check out Sweet Afton’s cocktail menu (with virgin options included) here. Also, Diamond Dogs will be keeping us hydrated (and warm!) with free hot cider for all folks that are avoiding booze. Cheers! Try a New Fitness Class One of my favorite parts of Dry January is the improvement I notice in my workouts. The morning after drinking, I either get cramps when I try running, or just overall feel lethargic and dehydrated. Taking a break makes me feel unstoppable at the gym, and ready to try new things. If you’re also feeling adventurous, we recommend Lagree NY, a new fitness studio on 23rd Ave. The workout is low impact, but high intensity, and a fun, sweaty challenge. The last time I took a class there, I was sore for about four days, no exaggeration! Lagree NY 27-11 23rd Avenue (917) 396-4771 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp Learn Something New at Q.E.D. You can always count on Q.E.D. to supply not only nightly laughs, but also intriguing, unexpected classes. In January, there’s an abundance of things to learn and discover. Whether you’re in the mood to swing dance, brush up on your social media skills, get crafty with embroidery, or learn how to smell better than everyone else with soap-making, there’s something for you. Check out their full class calendar here. Get Your Dance On With Salsa In Queens It may be cold outside, but the temperature is sure to be hot, hot, hot at Salsa In Queens. No matter your skill level, the enthusiastic team will teach you how to get your hips moving. Check out their class schedule here! Attend An Event At Astoria Bookshop When the weather is this chilly, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. We obviously recommend shopping at Astoria Bookshop for your next read, but why not take it up a notch and attend one of their excellent events? I’m especially excited for A Work It Panel With Carrie Kerpen, featuring local female business owners, taking place Wednesday, January 10th at 7pm. There are plenty of other cool events all month, so check out their full calendar here! Plan Your Own Astoria Retail Crawl Photo credit: The Brass Owl One pleasant side effect of Dry January is the extra cash in your pocket that you AREN’T spending on pricey cocktails. Why not put that money to good use supporting local businesses? The aforementioned Astoria Bookshop is a great choice, but if you’re in the mood for clothes, check out The Brass Owl, Lockwood Style, Loveday 31, and Buffalo Exchange. They’re sure to have you shopping until you drop! Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Photo Courtesy of Chip NYC’s Instagram page After sticking to your Dry January goals, you deserve a sweet treat. There are obviously plenty of wonderful bakeries in Astoria, but you can’t go wrong with Martha’s, Chip NYC, Vaccaro’s, or stopping by Sorriso’s Pork Store to grab some Single Girl Cookies. How are YOU spending Dry January? Tell us on Facebook and in the comments! *It’s important to note: While I’ve always enjoyed participating in the tradition, it’s certainly not for everyone. If you are suffering from a severe addiction to alcohol, consult a physician before making any major changes. Twitter Facebook Email Print Chip NYCDIamond DogsDry JanuaryLagree NYmartha's country bakeryQEDSingle Girl CookiesSweet AftonThe BonnieVaccaro's About Lindsay Goyette Lindsay has been eating and drinking her way through Queens since 2011. A casting director by day and Astoria explorer by night, you can usually find her checking out live music, theatre, or the newest neighborhood spot to enjoy a craft beer. Related scoops UPDATE: Vaccaro’s Bakery & Cafe Closing One Comment Sarah K. January 10th, 2018 Nice article! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.