Dig Into Sand and Career This Summer in Hoboken, NJ

The outdoor beer garden – complete with lawn, food trucks, and views of the Manhattan skyline – is open at Pier 13. At Pier C – the Hoboken answer to Paradise Island – the lush green landscaping, boardwalk and soaring playgrounds have been repaired after suffering severe damage during Hurricane Sandy. Free kayaking is in full swing at the Hoboken Boathouse. Beaches are open to the public at uptown Maxwell Place and steps from downtown Hoboken at Newport Green.

Summer has arrived in Hoboken, NJ.

Summers tend to be quiet in the NYC area. Starting around 4pm on Fridays, the exodus begins as people leave the office early to head to the Hamptons or Jersey Shore. With the exception of Carlo's Bakery, there is a noticeable slowdown for Hoboken businesses from now until Labor Day. Staffing hours are adjusted to reflect lower traffic volume. With more downtime, now is the perfect time to network to meet new people and explore opportunities.

In between outdoor stroller workouts, take the time to get to know people in your community. Meetup is the perfect place to source local experts – this week, the Hoboken Business Networking Meetup chaired by Stevens business instructor Ethan Chazin is holding its monthly meeting. Attendees include marketing executives, bookkeepers, labor attorneys and technology experts. If you have questions about starting or growing a business, clear your schedule this Friday evening and head to Room 84 in downtown Hoboken. Group membership and networking meetings are free, but you need to RSVP in advance to ensure you get a spot.

Want to use social media to develop your career? Social media legends and authors of Social Media Engagement for Dummies, Aliza Sherman and Danielle Smith are hosting a free social media meetup in midtown Manhattan this Wednesday evening. If you want to connect with influential NYC area bloggers, the Savvy Social Engage event is the place to be, you can RSVP at Eventbrite. The PATH train stops a few blocks away at 33rd street, grab dinner on your way back through Koreatown.

Kathy Zucker, CEO of Metro Moms Network, mother of three young children and winner of the New York Life Keep Good Going Shorty Award, writes about juggling career and family in an urban setting. Read her MomCondoLiving blog, follow her on Twitter (@KathyZucker), or friend her on Facebook.