Summer in the city. It’s my favorite time of the year, but for us New Yorkers, summertime can also conjure up memories of summertime escapes: the Rockaways, the Hamptons, even early mornings in Central Park. The Knickerbocker hotel is offering that escape right in the heart of Times Square!

As a New Yorker, I’ll be honest, I avoid Times Square. The bright lights and easy access that makes it magical to visitors is a slalom of cars and bodies on a New Yorker’s daily commute. But, look around… Those buildings aren’t filled with visitors, making The Knickerbocker’s rooftop bar, St. Cloud Social the perfect place to go for afterwork drinks (or after a long day exploring NYC). Even the most jaded New Yorker has to take a moment to appreciate the awe-worthy views of Time Square from above at St. Cloud.

très chic, non? Sophie captured me with the basket. It was quite heavy!

Here’s the kicker that got me call up two of my favorite #girlboss(es), photographer, Sophie Elgort & founder of Boy Meets Girl, Stacy Igel for happy hour: the PicKNICK, St. Cloud’s modern twist on the traditional picnic, atop Times Square.

We opted for the French basket and noshed on yummy bites of caviar, foie gras pate, camembert and champagne grapes. But the pièce de résistance? Well, see for yourself…

The hotel’s signature summer drink, Wrong Way Rosé, which bubbles over with Lejay, drunken berries, fresh citrus, and a bottle of rosé tipped atop.

This special is from now until Labor Day week and I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening in NYC. St. Cloud Social opens at 4:00 p.m. daily and at noon on Fridays through Labor Day. For more information, visit http://theknickerbocker.com/ or email StCloud@theknickerbocker.com.