Will Gleason

Regardless of the season, New York City’s parks are a refuge from the stresses of everyday life in the city as well as prime spots for outdoor gatherings are now a fixture of life these days. The best NYC parks offer plenty of space and fresh air, perfect for soaking up the sun in summer or taking some time for quiet contemplation in the winter. Whether you’re looking for a bit of nature, a path for jogging or biking, a spot for a picnic or a place to walk your dog, these parks offer all that and much more. Did you know that there are around 1,700 parks within the five boroughs? From pocket parks to dog parks to massive beauties like Central Park and Prospect Park, NYC’s parks have their own unique characteristics, and all are cherished as jewels among the concrete landscape of the city. While the winter months may not be the best for boating or picnicking, NYC’s parks are still one of the top things to do outside year-round. Central Park is the most popular park in New York for sure, but there may be another you find is the most beautiful park—it's all in the eye of the beholder. These parks are a must for locals and visitors alike. They offer picturesque views, fresh air, and seasonal programming and activities. Be on the lookout for movie screenings, outdoor concerts, holiday markets, hiking, and ice skating. While some are more peaceful and some are buzzy hotspots, they all offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy being outside. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to

While we can never quit NYC, with its amazing restaurants, internationally-recognized bars and world-class museums, the crowds, the hustle and the pace, however, can lead to some serious stress and, well, sometimes we need a weekend trip. Fortunately, the location of our fine city affords easy access to many other exciting, yet more relaxed destinations. These weekend getaways from NYC offer fun, relaxation and a little something different not too far from home. Whether you’re taking a car or public transportation, these destinations are easily accessible in five hours or less. Enjoy nature, chill by a lake, take in some art or do a little shopping. From quaint towns to beachy locales, a weekend away will be just the thing to recharge. If you don’t have a whole weekend to spare, consider one of these day trips from NYC. Looking for a longer getaway? A road trip from NYC might be for you. But these weekend getaways are just right, opening up a whole new world in upstate New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and more. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in upstate New York, Best beach hotels near NYC, The best Airbnbs near breweries outside of NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

From one-of-a-kind historic lodgings (The Jefferson) to elevated luxury hotels (Dupont Circle Hotel), there are a variety of stylish accommodations to choose from. And many Washington, DC hotels offer more than a place to crash, including some of the city’s best bars and lounges. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.

Sure, you can shop til you drop at New York’s iconic department stores and trendy boutiques, but for most of us, shopping at these types of stores is not the most wallet-friendly option. Where to shop then? Like the city’s flea markets, vintage stores and consignment shops, the best thrift stores in New York offer great deals and the potential for amazing, unexpected discoveries. Plus, shopping at a thrift store avoids the fast fashion pipeline, and many of these thrift stores support charitable causes. You never know what you’ll find when you browse the aisles at these NYC thrift stores. You might score some gently-used Manolo Blahniks for a tenner, stumble on the perfect mid-mod coffee table or find the old band T-shirt you didn’t know you needed. Some thrift stores focus on a limited range of items, while anything goes at others. Many also offer buy-sell-trade options. Whatever you find, you know you’ll be giving new life to someone else’s castoffs, and contributing to a good cause. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC

When it comes to Southeast Asian cuisine, there’s so much more than the cartons of pad Thai you might order from your go-to delivery restaurants. While Queens still reigns supreme when it comes to local favorite Thai fare, other neighborhoods including Hell’s Kitchen and the East Village are home to some standout spots showcasing regional dishes. Dig into piquant bowls of khao soi, spicy papaya salads and some of the best dumplings in town at these Thai restaurants in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best restaurants in NYC

If you've been hunting through the city’s best bakeries and coffee shops for the best donuts in NYC, look no further. We've compiled a handy list of where to find the most exemplary fried rings, from a spot in a Staten Island strip mall to brioche-based treats from the brick-and-mortar offshoot of a beloved online bakery. Whether for breakfast, lunch (no judgment), or dessert, these are NYC’s best outposts for doughnuts (btw here are some of the best desserts in NYC). RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best restaurants in NYC

If you’ve spent the bulk of the past two years shying away from eating out due to COVID and are ready to emerge from your pandemic-imposed cocoons, these Indian outposts give you an opportunity to explore the country’s many regional specialties without having to hop on a flight. From fine dining to street snacks, these are the best Indian restaurants NYC has to offer. (Also, many of these places deliver if you’re still staying indoors but eager for a culinary adventure.) RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best restaurants in NYC

The sound of swaying trees, the chirps of birds in the morning, and the sun peeking through the tree branches into your window. Doesn't that sound like heaven? Luckily, it's an experience you can totally live, by reliving your youth in a treehouse Airbnb. From low-fi elevated cabins to more luxurious options with hot tubs and extensive vinyl selections to play at your leisure, there's a treehouse for everyone. These treehouse Airbnbs help you recharge and rewind, whether you're looking for a complete off-grid, digital-detox trip or something between urban and rural living. De-stress and banish all your woes. Even though these Airbnbs are a step up from camping near NYC, be sure to pack your hiking boots and essentials because some of these are quite off-the-grid. Hotels, frankly, could never.  🏙 Check out these cozy cabins near NYC on Airbnb🗽Discover NYC's must see and do tourist spots 🏞 Heading Upsate? Here's where you should go  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Happy Pride Month, one and all! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and to celebrate, we asked Time Out’s LGBTQ+-identifying writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite city on the planet. The resulting list covers all four corners of the globe, from the beaches of Brazil to the creative hub of Glasgow’s Southside. These are cities with a vibrant queer community, cities that support and protect LGBTQ+ citizens and visitors, and cities that are notable hubs for LGBTQ+ life in their respective countries and regions. So, what are the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities? While we couldn’t possibly name them all, these are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED:🗻 The world’s best places to travel alone🗺 The world’s most underrated travel destinations😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world  

NYC is world-renowned for its restaurants, obviously. Contrary to what you might think, some of these top restaurants welcome kids. While there are plenty of entertainment-heavy restaurants geared towards keeping the kids occupied while serving so-so food, many kid-friendly restaurants in NYC are both fun and delicious. These spots are great for the whole family. The kids will be excited to go, and you won’t have to choke down a sad slice of pizza and pretend to enjoy it. You can expect a quality meal, options for the pickiest of eaters and welcoming vibes that lets kids be kids. From pizza and tacos to theme restaurants and outdoor restaurants, there’s no shortage of destinations that offer great food and a kid-friendly environment.

Unlike paintings, sculptures are three-dimensional art, allowing you to view them from all angles. Like street art, some works of sculpture are big, bold and unmissable. Other examples of sculpture may be delicate, requiring close study. Right here in NYC, you can view important pieces in Central Park, housed in museums like The Met, MoMA or the Guggenheim, or as public works of outdoor art. Most of these famous sculptures can be identified by even the most casual viewer. From Michaelangelo’s David to Warhol’s Brillo Box, these iconic sculptures are defining works of both their eras and their creators. Photos won’t do these sculptures justice, so any fan of these works should aim to see them in person for full effect.

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something exciting and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city.You can check out the best drag shows or cabaret performances, but these queer spaces all offer something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the same place on different days! Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge! There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

The bright and fun Darcy Hotel offers a winking take on the district’s sometimes staid and colonial vibe. Guests will encounter classic framed silhouettes in bright colors, wingback chairs with modern flair and soaring American Colonial ceilings paired with eclectic artwork. It's the closest a space could come to being accurately described as embodying "D.C. Whimsy." That upbeat spirit is also carried through into the hotel’s food and beverage options and event activations. From free afternoon cocktail tastings to an on-site Bluestone Lane Café with a welcoming terrace, the common areas feel pleasantly lively and energetic. When it comes to on-site dining, Gerrard Street Kitchen serves globally-inspired cuisine from Chef Bader Ali including a sushi bar. The sleek and elegant space features inviting dark blue banquettes perfect for sliding into as an escape from hectic D.C. for a relaxing dinner. The Chicken Tagine is excellent with craveable, perfectly seasoned chicken and the Tiger Roll is a delicious, well-proportioned option from the sushi bar.  The 226 guest rooms and suites at the Darcy have stylish and elevated decor with luxurious linens, views of the DC skyline and sofas. Those traveling with pets will be able to take advantage of pet-friendly options and an on-site fitness center is equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills and free weights. Guests looking to stay active while also exploring the surrounding area can check out any of the hotel's complimentary bikes, kid

The Morrow is an airy and upscale hotel that provides a great homebase for exploring one of D.C.’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods: NoMa. Built on the site of the former Central Armature Works, a 100-year-old electrical manufacturing business, the space pairs modern, forward-looking design with touches that reference the vibrant creativity and artistic history of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect blend of exciting and chill. From the moment you step into the soaring lobby, you can feel the calmness of the surroundings with muted palettes and soft furniture. The 203 rooms and suites feel luxurious with Italian linens, Le Labo bath products, comfy robes and some truly stunning tubs. Some rooms also offer expansive views of the surrounding area, and a few extra special ones even look out on the iconic dome of the U.S. Capital. (Now that’s a killer view.) Speaking of noteworthy amenities, the on-site fitness center is shared with an adjoining residential building resulting in a space that’s miles above your average hotel gym. Think: ice-cold towels, a yoga studio and an actually usable amount of machines to start. There are plenty of small, thoughtful touches that elevate a stay here to be more than you might expect including free fruit and towels put out for morning joggers, a curated pillow menu and activities like sunrise yoga or paint and sip.  The hotel’s on-site dining is spearheaded by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli with international in

The bright and fun Darcy Hotel offers a winking take on the district’s sometimes staid and colonial vibe. Guests will encounter classic framed silhouettes in bright colors, wingback chairs with modern flair and soaring American Colonial ceilings paired with eclectic artwork. It's the closest a space could come to being accurately described as embodying "D.C. Whimsy." That upbeat spirit is also carried through into the hotel’s food and beverage options and event activations. From free afternoon cocktail tastings to an on-site Bluestone Lane Café with a welcoming terrace, the common areas feel pleasantly lively and energetic. When it comes to on-site dining, Gerrard Street Kitchen serves globally-inspired cuisine from Chef Bader Ali including a sushi bar. The sleek and elegant space features inviting dark blue banquettes perfect for sliding into as an escape from hectic D.C. for a relaxing dinner. The Chicken Tagine is excellent with craveable, perfectly seasoned chicken and the Tiger Roll is a delicious, well-proportioned option from the sushi bar.  The 226 guest rooms and suites at the Darcy have stylish and elevated decor with luxurious linens, views of the DC skyline and sofas. Those traveling with pets will be able to take advantage of pet-friendly options and an on-site fitness center is equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills and free weights. Guests looking to stay active while also exploring the surrounding area can check out any of the hotel's complimentary bikes, kid

The Morrow is an airy and upscale hotel that provides a great homebase for exploring one of D.C.’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods: NoMa. Built on the site of the former Central Armature Works, a 100-year-old electrical manufacturing business, the space pairs modern, forward-looking design with touches that reference the vibrant creativity and artistic history of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect blend of exciting and chill. From the moment you step into the soaring lobby, you can feel the calmness of the surroundings with muted palettes and soft furniture. The 203 rooms and suites feel luxurious with Italian linens, Le Labo bath products, comfy robes and some truly stunning tubs. Some rooms also offer expansive views of the surrounding area, and a few extra special ones even look out on the iconic dome of the U.S. Capital. (Now that’s a killer view.) Speaking of noteworthy amenities, the on-site fitness center is shared with an adjoining residential building resulting in a space that’s miles above your average hotel gym. Think: ice-cold towels, a yoga studio and an actually usable amount of machines to start. There are plenty of small, thoughtful touches that elevate a stay here to be more than you might expect including free fruit and towels put out for morning joggers, a curated pillow menu and activities like sunrise yoga or paint and sip.  The hotel’s on-site dining is spearheaded by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli with international in

D.C. is all about proximity, and The Dupont Circle Hotel’s location hits a sweet spot. Within walking distance of the capital’s biggest sights, it’s also far enough removed that guests can feel like a local—looking out on leafy Dupont Circle and the surrounding coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The service inside is fantastic and the vibe is mid-century chic with sleek metal accents and polished wood throughout.   The hotel’s simple exterior doesn’t fully telegraph the level of luxury that visitors will find throughout the 327 rooms. Expect to find marble baths and heated floors, along with 300 thread-count imported linens, turn-down service and an overall understated glamor with neutral tones and pops of colorful artwork. The penthouse level suites also feature giant terraces that look out on the surrounding city with views as far as the National Cathedral.  The on-site restaurant, The Pembroke, is currently one of the best dining destinations in D.C. The contemporary modern dining room offers large windows looking out on the street and is a great option for brunch. (Try the perfectly executed omelet with spinach, ham, tomato and gruyére alongside some fresh-squeezed orange juice.) Meanwhile, the adjoining Doyle bar offers mid-century style and a large outdoor patio decorated with Instagram-ready greenery while serving creative cocktails like the umami-forward take on a martini, Northern Lights, or a punch served in giant bronze flamingo. Expect a slightly longer wait for

The great trade-off when it comes to a much-needed escape from the city to immerse yourself in nature is that sometimes nature is, to put it delicately, a little boring. There is nothing boring about Club Getaway. This 300-acre camp located in Kent, Connecticut offers the best of both worlds. It has a beautiful natural setting, nestled between picturesque forested hills with ample hiking trails and the cool waters of Leonard Pond, and so many fun activities that it may be impossible to try them all in one weekend.  Open from May through October, the camp hosts kids during the weeks and adults on weekends. If you’re looking to give an adult summer camp a go, this is not an option where you will feel like you have missed out on anything. Across the camp’s main campus, you’ll be able to try your hand at a rock climbing wall, a huge aerial park ropes course, a multi-part zip line through the forest and a “sky-cycle” where you pilot a bicycle along a thin wire high in the air. Tennis lessons, softball, volleyball and basketball are also options for those not looking to throw a wrench in their fitness routines.  When it comes to the water, there are plenty of ways to spend your leisure time as well. Campers can swim, experience a water obstacle course, take out kayaks and canoes and even go water skiing behind a speedboat. If you’re in the mood for an outing, there are boozy hikes and bicycle rides. Traditional activities like arts and crafts and “crazy olympics” can also be a part

This historic property provides a great home base for those looking to explore the Great Northern Catskills in any season. Built circa 1890, the renovated Victorian estate exudes an elegant, lived-in charm paired with modern conveniences and amenities. The 18 guest rooms in the hotel include a wide-range of layouts from full beds to suites, providing options for many different types of traveling groups. Four of the rooms are also pet-friendly and welcome dogs for a $50 per night fee. Continental Breakfast is included in a stay and an on-site library, with original 1890s wood paneling, invites guests to while away a leisurely afternoon.  Inside, the rooms have a rustic aesthetic paired with a more modern elevated design sense. Designed by San Francisco-based firm Field Theory, the spaces highlight the original architecture of the Victorian mansion with original wood paneling, stained glass windows and vintage brass throughout. The hotel is located just a short drive from both Hunter Mountain and downtown Tannersville which both offer lots of great food and drink options as well as activities like skiing, zip lining, hiking and more. (Speaking of hiking: a great hike out to the majestic Kaaterskill Falls is just a short drive away.) The on-site food and beverage options are fantastic. Guests can take a seat in either the old-school wooden bar or the light, modern lounge to sample one of the tasty signature cocktails like the refreshing Mountain Thyme cocktail (42 Below Vodka, w

They say if you can’t handle the heat, you should get out of the kitchen, but this is one hot chef that will make you want to stay. Professional model, influencer and Baby Brasa chef Franco Noriega is coming to Time Out Market Miami for a one-night-only, no-cook cooking demo and a chance to meet the chef. On Friday, April 14, starting at 7:30pm, guests will be able to stop by for the fun-filled evening and pick up all the ingredients they need to make an appetizer-sized ceviche. (Hence the “no-cook” part.) You’ll get a chance to meet the viral chef after the demo and enjoy a post-dinner party. (Be sure to grab one of the “Loud and Proud” cocktails while you’re there.)

The Ritz-Carlton, New York Nomad is a towering, 50-story beacon of luxury in the rapidly changing neighborhood just north of Madison Square Park. It offers gorgeously appointed rooms with stunning views, excellent dining options and the above-and-beyond hospitality that’s associated with the brand. It’s also, it should be noted, an entirely different vibe than NYC’s other Ritz-Carlton located on Central Park. While that hotel conveys a sense of Old New York tradition, this newer offering strikes a lighter note with a heavy dose of contemporary glamor. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, it also has another big thing going for it: an unbeatable location not far from many downtown and midtown hot spots. It’s a great home base for travelers who want to experience the exciting cultural vibrancy of New York City. The 219 guestrooms and 31 suites at The Ritz-Carlton, New York Nomad are spacious and filled with light thanks to oversized windows with jaw-dropping views from the Empire State Building down to the Statue of Liberty. (Seriously—you could probably spend an afternoon just laying in bed and looking out the windows.) Bespoke furnishings in a neutral color palette add to the sense of a calming oasis located far above the bustling streets below. All rooms include bathroom amenities by Diptyque and some include deep soaking tubs you’ll have a difficult time parting with. (There are also separate rain showers if you’re in a hurry.) The hotel’s culinary offerings by Michelin-star

Denver’s rapidly changing RiNo neighborhood is the beating heart of the mile-high city’s creative spirit. The Ramble Hotel, the industrial area’s first hotel, is both the perfect homebase to explore this vibrant part of the city as well as an excellent distillation of its unique personality. (Speaking of distillation, it’s also notable for being the first outpost of the world-famous NYC bar Death & Co—so you won’t have to travel far for an excellent drink.) It’s a place that authentically incorporates its surroundings to provide a new and exciting take on the Colorado capital. The 50-room boutique hotel, which opened in May 2018, takes its “rambling” inspiration seriously with luxe interior design by LA-based firm Avenue ID. The aesthetic—featuring industrial elements combined with soft, tactile fabrics and “found” elements—invites guests to savor eclectic details of the property while walking through hallways and guestrooms. The art program in the hotel was curated by the Denver-based group NINE dot ARTS and features a majority of work by local artists, a good portion of which have studios in the neighborhood. You’ll see everything from animal paintings to striking portraits, in a wide-range of mediums. Alongside captivating art and large industrial windows, antique Persian rugs and hickory flooring can be found in every room. Custom furniture from Denver-based designers exist alongside curated bars from Death & Co, custom throws from Paris-based Khadi & Co. and even some ve

The revitalization of Union Station is a remarkable success story for Denver. The historic train terminal went from a largely ignored building to what feels like the living room of the city in a few short years. A key part of that renovation was the debut of the Crawford Hotel, a 112-room hotel that fills the upper floors of the north and south wings of the landmark. Named for the urban preservationist that helped spearhead the project, Dana Crawford, the hotel is now one of the best places to stay in the mile-high city. The hotel’s location is one of its greatest assets. Not only is it located in Denver’s bustling transit hub (a train runs directly from the hotel’s front door to Denver International Airport), the surrounding area is where many of the city’s most exciting restaurants, bars and event spaces are now located. Pullman-style rooms on the hotel’s second floor reference the heyday of train travel in America while “classic” guest rooms nod to the building’s Victorian origins. Some of the hotel’s most unique, and worthwhile, offerings are the loft-style rooms that can be found in the former attic space of the train station with exposed wood, vaulted ceilings and skylights. In addition to expected perks like televisions, WiFi and valet parking, guests can also order room service from Snooze and Next Door, two food-and-beverage concepts located in the station. In many ways, the hotel is inseparable from the train station in which it is located. In this case, that’s a hu

Staying at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver feels like traveling back in time. The first thing you’ll notice is the building’s unique triangular shape, caused by the intersection of two differently aligned street grids of early Denver. Opened in 1892, the historic hotel has long been the grand dame of Denver lodging options and the first time you step into its massive atrium lobby you’ll quickly discover why. Rising eight floors up from the ground, the cavernous space is designed in an Italian Renaissance style that remains breathtaking to this day. (Don’t miss the numerous griffins hidden in the design, the mythological guardians of mountain treasure and a nod to Denver’s early mining-based economy.) Not only is the atrium lobby gorgeous, but it also provides some excellent acoustics that are put to welcome use thanks to the copious amount of live music you’ll encounter during a stay here. The performances are fantastic, especially in such a throwback space, and include a variation of piano cabaret, harp, and jazz quartets, from the afternoon into the evening hours seven days a week, including Sunday brunch. You’ll hear the tinkling piano and syncopated percussion drifting down the hallways at various times throughout your stay when there’s live music in the atrium, and it dreamily adds to the overall retro ambiance.  That overall vibe and the unique live music are the biggest draws for this iconic property, but a stay here is compellingly unique in plenty of other way

In NYC, we're spoiled with blockbuster art exhibitions, a vast gallery scene and prodigious public art. When looking back over 2022, considering the hundreds of visual art shows to grace the city this year, there are five that we'll be talking about long after December 31.  It was tough to narrow down the list to just a few of the best, and there are many honorable mentions we must shout out first, including The Whitney’s “no existe un mundo poshuracán“ exploring Puerto Rican Art after Hurricane Maria, the staggeringly hyperrealistic NOTaMUSEUM pop-up and the takeover by jaguar sculptures around town, to name a few. Now, without further ado, here are Time Out New York's top five art exhibits of the year.  RECOMMENDED: Here's what coming to The Met in 2023, including a major Van Gogh exhibit Photograph: Artothek / Bridgeman Images| Gustav Klimt, Water Serpents II, 1904-07, private collection 5. “Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion” "Goblin mode" may be the Oxford dictionary's word of the year, but in NYC, the word of the year was "immersive." It seemed like everything was immersive this year, from art to theater to holiday experiences. One immersive art exhibit stood out from the rest, though. Gustav Klimt's floral paintings practically drip down the walls at the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank, the city's oldest savings bank, which has been transformed into a center for immersive art experiences called Hall des Lumières.  The architecture of the space—massive columns and soaring

    The Radio City Rockettes are one of the city’s most iconic symbols of the holiday season, a mind-blowingly talented group of dancers and bona fide athletes who rehearse six days a week for hours at a time. Erik Alden, managing director of Time Out Live, is neither of those things. But one thing he is? He’s game. So we sent him to the Rockettes’ rehearsal studio on the top floor of Radio City to warm up with dancers from the show and learn part of a number from this year’s Christmas Spectacular (running through January 1). Here are his big takeaways:  Bendy is beautiful “Before we started dancing, we had what they called a light stretch warm-up but what I would probably call a full workout. Their big thing is stretching their legs because so much of the movement is centered there, but there was also a big focus on the core. I’m definitely not as bendy as them. I was feeling some deep pain in areas I wasn’t even familiar with, and once we started doing planks, things got really dicey.” RECOMMENDED: Christmas in New York   Photograph: Teddy Wolff   Getting high is hard “I had no idea that the kicks were actually that high. When I heard ‘high kicks,’ I was thinking waist-high, but their feet go so high in the air they call them ‘eye-high kicks.’ I did not make it that high. I also didn’t realize that when they locked arms while kicking, they’re not actually touching each other. I couldn’t do that. I still needed to balance on them. It was actually easier to do the kicks the

One of the city’s most sky-high attractions is once again welcoming visitors. The (quite literal) crown jewel of the Empire State Building, the Top Deck, is now open to the public. The newly renovated 102nd floor observatory is reached via a glass elevator from the 86th floor observatory. (No, you will not be leaving with ownership of a whimsical chocolate factory.) Once you arrive at the tip-top of the iconic skyscraper, you'll be greeted with a spectacular view of the city and beyond. Like, way beyond. In fact, on a clear day, the observatory says you can see up to 80 miles into the distance. (That’s far enough to see six different states!) The panoramic view can be seen out of 24 windows spread all the way around the architecturally significant space. If it's been a while since you've been to the Empire State Building, it may be time for a return visit. After a huge renovation, the building is now home to three different floors of observatories, as well as a new museum, with everything from facts on the famous building to a giant King Kong you can pose with. (There seems to be a trend of that lately.) You can find more information on the experience here. Tickets start at $72 for adults to enter the one-of-a-kind space and $66 for children. That may seem a bit steep but if you’ve spent the last five months staring out or your apartment window at a parking lot, a change in perspective may be sorely in order. Most popular on Time Out - The Metropolitan Opera streams full Verd

There isn’t exactly a shortage of reasons to head to Governors Island for a weekend "escape" from the city, but here’s one more: It has the city’s only lavender field. That’s right, in addition to more high profile attractions like new luxury spa QC NY, novel beach club Gitano, glamping and bike rentals, you can also spend a relaxing day on the island picking your own bouquet from a waterfront field of gently swaying lavender. It’s exactly the sort of relaxing, soul-calming activity that this crazy year calls for. (In fact, once you get there, you may not want to leave.) The field is overseen by Earth Matter NY, a city organization dedicated to promoting composting in the city. Launched in 2017, The Lavender Field doesn’t just provide a peaceful oasis for New Yorkers, it also acts as a pollinator attractor. The blooms provide much needed sustenance for the island’s population of honey bees. The best way to explore the destination is by participating in the NYC Lavender Festival, which this year takes place June 18 and 19 from 11am to 5pm. You'll get to tour the field, participate in workshops and harvesting opportunities in addition to fun family activities. Basically, it's the ideal destination for a summer weekend in New York. You can register for the various offerings right here. Heading to the island soon and looking to locate the field? You’ll find it a short walk from the Brooklyn ferry terminal on the Southeast side of the island, just across from St. Cornelius Chapel

As life-affirming as outdoor movie screenings and al fresco meals truly are, let’s not forget that—like a delicious summer brunch served on a vintage boat that makes you hopelessly seasick—the summer-in-NYC good is almost always accompanied by the summer-in-NYC bad. These are the gross, stomach-churning things coming our way whether we like it or not, summer after summer. 1. Sweaty, overcrowded subway platforms Think train delays and full platforms in the winter are bad? Try getting packed into a space hotter than one of those sweat lodges Oprah used to be obsessed with. At least the sweat covering everyone’s skin provides a natural lubricant for squeezing into the last spot available on the train. 2. The garbage smell As the weather heats up, the thin layer of urine, garbage juice and pigeon poop that lightly coats our city’s streets begins to be gently cooked by the sun like a delicious skillet of huevos en purgatorio. As a result, the semen trees of spring soon curdle into a pervading scent more akin to a suburban waste treatment plant. Thank goodness, we spend most of our summers on roofs. 3. Beach surprises It may seem like you’re a world away when you hit up of one of New York’s best beaches for the first time, but, unfortunately, Coney Island and The Rockaways are firmly within the five boroughs. That means the water there is not exactly as clear as one would encounter in the Bahamas. You’re always just one backstroke away from a candy wrapper, plastic bag or worse. 4.

New York is an especially odoriferous place in August with the sun beating down on pretty much every odd thing that makes its way onto the city streets. As we enter the hottest stretch of the year, you’ll most likely encounter a majority of these smells while going about your day. Think of them as accents scents of Eau de NYC. 1. Garbage The signature scent of many New York intersections. Also found wafting through the air like a light breeze when garbage trucks drive past. 2. Horse Poop Found in many Central Park thoroughfares. 3. Burnt Street Meat A combination of soft pretzels, dark meat and a number of unidentifiable sauces burnt to a crisp on a food cart and carried across the sidewalk in an enticing yet somewhat disconcerting cloud. 4. Stinky Subway Car Could be a dead animal, vomit, a guy sitting in one of the corner seats or BO from the person holding the pole next to you. 5. Laundry Fabric softener aroma gently emerging up from the basement of an apartment building as you pass. The comfort-smell jackpot, especially in the winter, when it is often accompanied by a warm breeze. 6. Damp Subway Platform That lovely wet concrete and stagnant water scent that can be found after a rain. 7. Nuts 4 Nuts Carts The sweet smell of caramelized, sugar-coated peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc. Hard to resist, even if they’re all stuck in together in one big mound. 8. Exhaust The smell of hot automotive exhaust while cars are backed up at a light or waiting to get into the tunnel. 9. V

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is back with part two of this year’s flagship exhibition “In America” with “An Anthology of Fashion,” and the new iteration of the show is an even more expansive look at what has defined American fashion over the years. It is a visually splendid tour through hundreds of years of this country’s history told through clothes designed and worn by its citizens. Building on last year’s spartan, intellectually rigorous presentation of garments categorized by the expression of various themes, this year’s show explodes across most of the American Wing of the museum. To help guide your visit to the blockbuster exhibition here are five things you’ll want to look out for. 1. Don’t miss the powerful garments at the start of the show When visitors enter the exhibition, they’ll immediately encounter three especially significant garments: a coat worn by George Washington (possibly to his inauguration), the Brooks Brothers jacket that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in and a coat (also designed by Brooks Brothers) that was once part of a uniform worn by an enslaved man. (Lincoln’s coat is missing some pieces that were given away to mourners at the time.) 2. The exhibition has a much more cinematic quality—thanks to famous directors Part one of the “In America” exhibition, which debuted last year, had a far more linguistic focus thanks to its framework: “A Lexicon of Fashion.” For this anthological expression of the exhibition, the garments a

New Yorkers will be able to ride the rails straight to the Berkshires this summer! For many years, the best option for New Yorkers wanting to travel to Western Massachusetts by train was to travel to a nearby station—such as the one in Hudson—and have a very sympathetic friend or family member drive the final leg of the journey. Now, it will be possible to take a train right into the heart of the Berkshires. Beginning service on July 8 and running though the end of the summer (and again in 2023!), the Berkshire Flyer is a new seasonal passenger rail service announced by Amtrak on Monday. It will operate on weekends during the summer months, including a Friday afternoon departure from Penn Station to Pittsfield, MA. Return trips to the city will be available on Sunday afternoons. The new service was made possible thanks to access granted to tracks owned by CSX Transportation. “We’re appreciative of the support and cooperation of CSX for the Berkshire Flyer service, which will offer a more comfortable and convenient transportation option, that’s also more environmentally friendly, for people traveling between New York City and Berkshire County, along with easy access to musical performances at Tanglewood,” Amtrak President and Chief Executive Stephen Gardner said in the statement. Currently, the new direct service is considered a pilot program and will be evaluated to see if it will continue past 2023. Can’t wait to book your summer trip? Tickets for the line will be available

Angelika Film Center which owns multiple NYC theaters including their flagship destination at 18 W. Houston St., is set to launch a new free membership program this Friday. To celebrate, they’re running a concurrent program this week and next offering free companion tickets to screenings of The Duke starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren! That latter offering is called the “Bring A Friend Back To The Movies” initiative and is a partnership with Sony Pictures Classics. It will be providing one complimentary ticket to anyone who purchases a ticket directly from the Angelika site, app or in theater to The Duke now through next week. Bring a friend! Better yet, bring your grandma! “We are thrilled that the Angelika has joined forces with us for The Duke to ‘Bring A Friend Back To The Movies,’” said Sony Pictures Classics’ co-president Tom Bernard. “The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on theaters and the moviegoing experience, but with people being able to get vaccinated and boosted, as well as increased health and safety protocols at theaters like the Angelika, going to the movies is as safe or safer than going to a bar or a crowded restaurant.” Meanwhile, the brand-new Angelika Membership program launches this Friday, April 29, and it definitely sounds like something worth taking advantage of. Free to join, it will offer exclusive rewards and benefits, free surprise screenings every month, free popcorn on your birthday, select free streaming on the Angelika’s streami

One of the coolest recent examples of outdoor dining in the city is coming back this summer to the Bronx’s Little Italy.  Piazza di Belmont is set to return to Arthur Avenue for the third year starting next month from East 186th St. to Crescent Ave. The popular thoroughfare will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 3pm to 9pm on Sundays. (The street will still be open to cars during the daytime on weekends to accommodate shoppers visiting the retail stores on the street, but outdoor dining will still be available.) In 2022, the street will be completely closed to traffic for weekend al fresco dining from Friday, May 6 until Sunday, September 25. Restaurants with outdoor dining available on the piazza include Zero Otto Nove, Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, Emilia’s Restaurant, Mario’s Restaurant, San Gennaro Ristorante, Estrellita Poblana III and Gurra Café. The bar Azgardz of New York will also have outdoor dining available, as well as the Arthur Avenue Retail Market.   Photograph: Courtesy The Belmont 4 One new addition to the weekly event will be regular performances from The Belmont 4, a local acapella group that will perform outside restaurants during the opening weekend in May as well as on the last weekend of every month. Diners can expect to hear doo-wop, Italian classics and popular songs from the ‘50s to the present from the performers. (They’ll also take requests!) The singing group will perform Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm

There’s a brand-new way to get your green fix in The Bronx! A new combination vegan restaurant and plant store opened on Wednesday in the Bruckner Building at 2417 Third Avenue. Mae Mae Café is now offering plant-forward dishes on a Latin-inspired menu, including Mushroom Mole Tacos (White onion, cilantro, sesame seeds, corn tortilla), Huitlacoche Quesadilla (Corn, lime, onion, radish, vegan queso blanco, coconut crema) and a Crispy Tortilla Salad (Romaine lettuce, black beans, watermelon radish, lime, onion, cilantro vinaigrette.) Who said eating your greens had to be boring? The café is operated by the catering and hospitality company Great Performances and ingredients in the dishes are sourced directly from their organic Katchkie Farm in upstate New York. You can check out the full menu here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mae Mae Cafe (@maemaeplantcafe) “Opening this neighborhood café was always part of our plan when we moved Great Performances to The Bronx in 2019,” said Liz Neumark, founder of Great Performances in a statement. “As we settled in and got to know our new community, we decided it should be plant-based to symbolize our long-standing advocacy of delicious, affordable and healthy eating in an area with few choices. Adding the plant store and Katchkie Farm CSA is our way of bringing more green to Mott Haven.” After you empty your plate of plants, you can fill your shopping cart with them. An array of plants are available for sal

Even if you've lived in New York your entire life, there are a few things that somehow manage to slip through the cracks. And just like that co-worker whose name you totally don't know, it's way too late to ask now. Here are some answers to a few of those most pressing questions from public transportation to famous museums. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously, you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff. 1. What’s with the different color street signs? Back in ancient days (the 1970s) signage was pretty lackadaisical—Queens signs had blue letters on white, white on green for Brooklyn, while Staten Island and Manhattan chose green on yellow. Then the 80’s came, and conformity took hold: white lettering on green—the highway standard—became the decree, with white on brown reserved only for designated historic streets. Keep an eye out though, every once in a while you might still spot an old sign, or a green sign with the Statue of Liberty which dates from Lady Liberty turning 100 years old in 1986. 2. What’s the deal with that giant countdown clock in Union Square? Ah yes, the “Metronome.” That giant board of digital numbers on Union Square South has confused tourists and locals alike since it was installed in 1999. The first seven digits explain what time it by counting from midnight (military style), while the last eight digits explain how long until it is midnight again, while the mi