Christina Izzo

In a city where faded Old Style signs swing outside of beloved dive bars and lines snake around the block at trendy cocktail lounges, the best bars in Chicago act as meeting places, date locales and venues for celebrations. With so many great places to grab a beverage, the list of our all-time favorite bars around town is expansive—and inclusive of taprooms at Chicago breweries, sultry wine bars uncorking bottles of reds and whites, and the finest cocktail bars Chicago has to offer. In a metropolis packed with places to sip and swirl, these watering holes shine extra bright and boozy. Take a look at the best bars in Chicago and find the perfect destination for your next night out. RECOMMENDED: The best whiskey bars in Chicago  August 2025: This month, we've refined the list to an exclusive ranking of the top 20 absolute best bars in Chicago. You might notice this list is missing one of the city's most iconic cocktail institutions, The Violet Hour, which unfortunately had its final curtain call this summer after 18 headline-making years. Luckily, there's a bevy of other hotspots to grab a bev. So sip your way through these top spots (not all in one night, please), and discover the libations that have put Chicago on the map as a world-class mixology hub. Curious about how we narrowed down this list to just 20 spots? Check out how we curate and review at Time Out.

Our definitive guide to the best New York attractions is a great place to start whether you're visiting, entertaining out-of-town guests or simply want to channel your inner tourist. How do we know? Because we've been to every single spot on the list, testing it out to see if it truly makes the cut.  The list is a compilation of our favorite sights and spots in the city, including everything from great parks and art museums, to food markets and historical venues. The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are obviously must-see attractions, but we’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite hidden gems, such as one of NYC's greatest flea markets, foodie haven Smorgasburg and some more obscure museums. Thirsty for more? 🗽 Discover the best things to do in NYC🏡 Take your pick of the coolest Airbnbs in NYC🛥 Stay in the best boat rentals in NYC ⛴ Or how about the best boat tours in NYC? At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Does anywhere do luxury quite as well as New York City? Well, according to our round-up of high-end hotels, the answer is probably not. From sleek, glassy, towering stays which overlook Columbus Circle and Central Park to tiny little boutique hotels which feel more like ridiculously fancy private homes, luxury comes in all grandiose shapes and glitzy sizes here.  New inclusions are the Park Terrace Hotel and Loews Regency New York, but they’ve joined regal institutions The Knickerbocker, Mandarin Oriental, Thompson Central Park New York, and, of course, The Plaza. And we aren’t just talking about cloud-like bedding and pretty decor – luxury also means gorging on dishes crafted by world-class chefs, being in prime New York locations, and enjoying polished, attentive service. So, looking to splash out on an ultra-luxe stay in NYC? Here’s where we would recommend. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see

Some cities have more sprawl, sure, but we’re partial to the ones that surge upward. And thankfully for all of us, New York City stretches sky-high, from elevated parks like the High Line, to rooftop bars that pair tasty drinks with dizzying views, to beautiful buildings that skim the clouds. But instead of just serving up some of the best views in NYC, the city’s best rooftop restaurants do all that as well as offering some of the finest food and drink options at any elevation. So ready your Instagram filters and get ready for your most scenic foodie snap yet—these spots are your ticket to the top.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in NYC right now July 2025: It's still rooftop weather and there's more to do than drink in the views. For this update, we removed Electric Lemon, The Rooftop Restaurant RH New York, Serra by Birreria at Eataly Flatiron and Sushi Lab. In their place, we've added Saishin, a glam omakase den atop the Gansevoort Rooftop. 

In New York City, “underground” is good: think speakeasy-themed bars, hidden streets, secret gardens, you know, the actual underground. But sometimes you want to soar above it all, sipping effervescent libations among the clouds like some kind of fancy bird with an expense account. You want to be uplifted.  In the city that never stops sprawling, upward expansion has also reached great heights. Many incredible eating and drinking destinations are poised in the sky like treehouses with cover charges. Among these rooftop bars are old New York throwbacks, party destinations and seaside terraces practically fashioned for Instagram. They each offer booze, some kind of view and an invitation for you to get high.  August 2025: Just because August is here doesn't mean that rooftop season is anywhere near over. We've added another locale to our list: the enchanting terrace atop the Conrad New York Downtown, known as Leonessa, which transports guests to an Italian getaway. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in NYC

Two-hundred years ago, the Erie Canal opened its waterways and changed the course of American history as we know it. Along with solidifying New York City as the commercial and cultural capital of the country, the canal—which stretches 350-plus miles to connect New York’s Hudson River and the Great Lakes—ushered in a wave of industry, technology, transportation and settlement deeper into the United States, more than earning the moniker “The Nation’s First Superhighway.” That storied history, as well as its continued engineering and economic impact, is being celebrated this year for the canal’s big bicentennial anniversary. And to join in the historical fun, we’re highlighting some fascinating secrets and lesser-known factoids about the canal. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Erie Canal, you can thank us later! 1. It’s considered America’s first practical school of civil engineering That’s because it was largely built by amateur engineers and inexperienced builders. Canals were commonplace across the pond in England and Europe at the time, but the artificial waterway was the largest infrastructure project of its kind stateside.  Across the eight years that it took to complete the canal (from 1817 to 1825), the canal’s workforce received hands-on training in civil engineering and technology as they were forced to develop innovative solutions to the project’s numerous challenges, from high costs to geographical barriers.  One such innovation was the canal’s lock sy

Two hundred years ago, a group of New Yorkers had a truly wild idea: To build a waterway linking the Hudson River to the Great Lakes in an effort to avoid those pesky Appalachian Mountains, which stretched 1,500 miles from Maine to Alabama and made the transportation of goods and settlement of people costly, arduous and time-intensive.  After a near-century of colonists mulling over how to use New York’s natural waterways effectively, New York legislators and businessmen began taking the idea seriously in the early-19th century. Construction on the canal then officially kicked off in 1817—led by New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. Eight years later, in October 1825, the Erie Canal was completed and a new era for New York State began: a golden age of commerce, culture and transportation. The massive project opened up larger swaths of the country to migration and helped solidify our national identity. If all that isn’t enough to get you to care about the big bicentennial of New York’s most impactful waterway, here are five more reasons why you should be celebrating the Erie Canal’s birthday this year. 1. Without the Erie Canal, New York wouldn’t be the global powerhouse it is today  There’s a reason New York is called the Empire State and that nickname is largely tied to the Erie Canal. Thanks to the canal acting as a gateway to the country’s Midwest regions, as well as a facilitator for foreign trade from Britain and Canada and the primary port of entry for European immigrants i

Feeling a little peckish at 3am? Whether you’re coming home from a karaoke sesh that stretched into the morning, getting hungry after a night of cocktails at one of NYC’s best bars or fighting off some jet lag, there are plenty of 24-hour spots to grab a bite in New York City. While you’ll find classic greasy-spoon fare at some of the best diners in NYC, you’ll also find spicy, soothing Korean hangover soup (in case that’s something you might need…) and the best pastrami in NYC piled high and waiting for you any time of the day or night. While the 24/7 spots in NYC may be dwindling, there are still plenty to be found for all the night owls and early risers in the city that never sleeps.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC July 2025: We added a few new 24 hour restaurants to the list, including Kellogg's Diner. We also added LIC's longstanding favorite, Court Square Diner. We also removed Veselka and Tosokchon as they are no longer open 24 hours. We also removed Coppelia. 

The hot dog is right up there with a slice of pizza as one of NYC’s most iconic street foods. Traditionally served along the beach in Coney Island and from late-night street vendors to seekers of cheap eats, the humble frankfurter has increasingly been found on high-end menus across the city. It’s also been reimagined by chefs at Mexican restaurants and cocktail bars, where they add exciting ingredients to the traditional snack. Here in New York, you can find chili cheese dogs, Chicago dogs with spicy sport peppers and, of course, the classic New York dog you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to try the newest fad or want a taste of tradition, we’ve rounded up the 15 very best hot dogs in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC July 2025: We removed Feltman's and Huerta's as they have closed. We also removed Dickson's Farmstand Meats, Frankel's, Kings of Kobe Jongro Rice Hot Dog, Mile End Deli, Lilistar and Portrait Bar. We added Mortiz. 

It’s America’s big day and we're here for it. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red-white-and-blue treats and drinks, head out for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. June 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, The Rockaway Hotel + Spa. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the bes

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s queer community is ready to party and—more than ever this year—stand up for their rights. At a time when the trans community is under attack across the country and even in our forward-looking city, displays of joy, resistance and community are more essential than ever. Whether you're looking to show your support by joining the NYC Pride March or looking for a place to dance your worries away, Pride celebrations continue all month long. We’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate all year long! RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC

Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, with programming that changes seasonally. ART on THE MART's array of 34 digital projectors show the creations after dusk every evening. Running Thursdays through Saturdays beginning at 8:30pm, it’s best viewed from the section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells Street and Franklin Street.

This legendary house of worship counts Presidents, movie stars and business moguls among past and present attendees. While its intricate marble towers are a marvel of Gothic Revival architecture, St. Pat’s interior—including the Louis Tiffany–designed altar and spectacular rose window—is tremendous as both a feat of master craftsmanship and a source of spiritual inspiration. RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions

This park is named after neither the Union of the Civil War nor the labor rallies that once took place here, but simply for the union of Broadway and Bowery Lane (now Fourth Avenue). Even so, it does have its radical roots: From the 1920s until the early ’60s, it was a favorite spot for tub-thumping political oratory. Following 9/11, the park became a focal point for the city’s outpouring of grief. These days you'll find the lively Greenmarket in warmer months, holiday shops in the winter and a summer concert series for kids. RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions  

The Bombers’ current field opened in 2009 to much fanfare and stands opposite the now-flattened original. It may not be the House That Ruth Built, but many elements of the newer arena—the limestone exterior, the gatelike frieze around the top—mimic the old, while cup holders at every seat and a high-def scoreboard are noticeable improvements. A museum behind right field aims to hold signed baseballs from every living Yankees player, but the most potent relic wasn’t allowed to stay on site—in 2008 the construction staff jackhammered out a Red Sox jersey a rival fan tried to install in the structure’s foundation. RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions

Set in a lovely park overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters houses the Met’s medieval art and architecture collections. A path winds through the peaceful grounds to a castle that seems to have survived from the Middle Ages. (It was built less than 100 years ago, using material from five medieval French cloisters.) Be sure to check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries, the 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel and the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin. RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions  

This 21-story Beaux Arts edifice once dominated midtown. Although it’s now dwarfed by other structures, when it debuted in 1902, the triangle-shaped monolith represented the threat and the thrill of modernity: Naysayers claimed it would never withstand the high winds plaguing 23rd Street, while revered photographer Alfred Stieglitz—who captured it in an iconic shot in 1903—wrote that it was “a picture of a new America still in the making.” Today, it’s possibly the least tourist-friendly New York landmark, but it sure is pretty from the outside (when it's not under scaffolding, that is). RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions

Visitors may think they know this venerable theater from TV’s Showtime at the Apollo. But you've got to see it to truly experience The Apollo. Known for launching the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo, among others at its legendary Amateur Night competition, the Apollo continues to mix veteran talents like Dianne Reeves with more contemporary acts like the Roots and Lykke Li. 

It’s the Sunshine State by way of Gowanus at this pastel-streaked Floridian playground, where shuffleboard revivalists Jonathan Schnapp and Ashley Albert have retooled lido-deck kitsch for beer-fisted millennials. At the 17,000-square-foot game hall, neck-tattooed skaters and fly girls dressed like Miley Cyrus gather over $40-an-hour rounds of biscuit and tang (shufflespeak for pucks and poles), forming a scene that’s as flamboyantly Boca as it is staunchly Brooklyn. ORDER THIS: Outfitted like Margaritaville-bound Jimmy Buffetts, bartenders serve sunny umbrella drinks inspired by alligator-belt shuffleboard greats, like the rum-and-grapefruit Christine Page Punch ($11). Better, though, is the bar’s beer list, offering a who’s who of craft suds (Smuttynose, Captain Lawrence, Left Hand). Balancing the booze, a rotating roster of food trucks (Morris Grilled Cheese, Phil’s Steaks) hawk utensil-free bites from a corner docking bay. GOOD FOR: Both veteran shufflers and court virgins. The ten swimming-pool-blue lanes are regulation-size, and there’s league play for those who actually know their cherries (scoring in the ten-point box on the last shot) from their pepperonis (all four biscuits in scoring position). If you’re less skilled with a tang, the white-clad waitstaff is quick with tips (stay out of the “kitchen,” the negative-ten-point section), demonstrations (tang claws to the ceiling, stoppers down toward the floor) and ref calls when discs veer too close to the lines. THE C

Been looking for a reason to head over to Staten Island this summer? Kills Boro Brewing Co’s 5th Annual Pizza Party is just the thing! On Saturday, July 26, from noon to 4pm, the 'za-loving festivities will again take over the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, right across the street from their newest taproom. Alongside family- and pet-friendly games and music, guests can nosh on all-you-can-eat pizza and unlimited beer samples (for 21-and-over attendees, obviously). Home to some of the best pizza in all of NYC, Staten Island will be well-represented by local pizza purveyors, including Alternate Ending, Brooklyn Firefly, Knead, Goodfella’s, Jimmy Max, Lee's Tavern, Seppe Pizza Bar, and Vodega, among others. Wash it all down with sudsy pours from the likes of Endless Life Brewing, Finback Brewery, Niteglow Beer Company, Other Half Brewing, Rockaway Brewing Company and Kills Boro itself. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

The crown jewel of Time Out Market Chicago is the Time Out Market Rooftop Bar, a cozy all-season respite that will transport you from the middle of Chicagoland to the Mediterranean with its fresh white walls, lush greenery on the ceiling, and romantic twinkling lights throughout. When the sun is shining, wander outside to take in skyline views and enjoy a meal on the breathtaking terrace, which offers sprawling views of downtown Chicago as one of the only rooftops in the West Loop. While enjoying those views, kick back with one of exclusive rooftop-only cocktails, including the "P.M.P" (made with Bacardi Silver, Malört, pineapple, lime and mint); the "Primavera Negroni" (Bombay Gin, Campari, strawberry syrup, orange bitters and lemon) and the frozen "Tequil-icee" (Cazadores Blanco, St. Germain, lavender syrup and lemon.

Step aside, neurotypicals! Join host Virginia Dickens and a squad of fellow funny and proudly neurodivergent folks as they hilariously deep-dive into their super-nice hyperfixations—we're talking everything from the JFK assassination to the wives of Henry VIII, from Southwest Airlines' open seating policy to the inherently evil quality about pickleball. Shows are coming up on September 3, October 21 and November 16.

NYC’s only bingo-themed comedy show is back. Head to the backroom of Ernie O'Malley's (140 E 27th Steet) every first Thursday of every month for good old-fashioned bingo pepped up with some of the city's funniest folks. Featuring a handpicked lineup of rising comedy stars, the shows will feature a fun interactive element: audience members get to play bingo based on the jokes told during the night for the chance to win a free drink and other prizes. Grab a drink, kick back, and let the good times (or at least the bingo balls) roll.

Felt like your summer calendar was missing a little something? That's because you might've noticed that Sundays on State—the annual street festival that transforms Chicago's most famous thoroughfare (State Street, duh) into free, interactive block party—has moved from its usual summertime schedule to two fall weekends this year. (Don't worry, the sunny weather should still be intact.)  Hosted by the Chicago Loop Alliance in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the al fresco event will be held on Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, October 5 from 11am to 6pm. This pedestrian-friendly affair will see the titular street closed to traffic (State Street from Randolph Street to Jackson Boulevard, to be exact), making it easy and safe to walk around the daytime festival. RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s 2025 festival season dates: Everything you need to know Throughout the day, you can expect to see lively performances from the Chicago Movement Collective, Windy City Ramblers and Rhythm Revolution; nosh on local food and beverages (Bad Johnny's Wood-Fired Pizza, Moor's Brewing Company, Taqueria La Ciudad and more are on the lineup); shop cool stuff like leather goods, hand-made jewelry, luxury bath products and retro video games; and take part in local attractions and special happenings. Nearly 400 vendors and artists are slated to appear—yeah, this is huge. (Speaking of huge, more than one million attendees have frequented Sundays on State since 2021, s

You wouldn't initially think it, but New York wildlife is far more exotic than just humdrum pigeons and park squirrels. We've seen superstar owl kings get their own exhibits at The New-York Historical Society, flashy Mandarin ducks inspire Bette Midler-penned kids' books and actual seahorses bobbing around the Hudson River. And now we can add two more unexpected creatures that have captured local hearts: the Central Park coyotes. RECOMMENDED: Your dog is now legally a member of the family, says a New York judge Yes, coyotes do exist in New York City—the howlers "have been present in New York since the 1930s, and have been firmly established throughout the state since the 1970s," popping up in urban areas including parks and residential neighborhoods, per the City of New York. The site details that "Eastern coyotes, like many New York City residents, are naturally curious and adaptable" and can "explore as much as 10 miles of open space in a single day—that’s roughly the distance from Wall Street to the top of Central Park." And two members of the proverbial pack have been doing exactly that: A coyote couple affectionately known as Romeo and Juliet—BRB, swooning—has been gaining attention throughout NYC thanks to their romantic nighttime visits to the Delacorte Theater (somebody get them Shakespeare in the Park tickets, STAT) and woodsy cuddles in the Bramble. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JacquelineUWS (@jacquelineuws) Local wildli

Listen, we adore New York. We've pledged our undying love to it. But even we can admit sometimes the old girl gets nasty—we're talking mysterious fluids on subway seats, environmental pollution and traffic smog affecting our air quality, rodents that are far too comfortable stealing our pizza, etc. But despite those gritty, grody qualities that make New York, well, New York, it's actually not the dirtiest city in the U.S., at least according to a new study from LawnStarter. In fact, the not-so-rotten Big Apple didn't even clear the top 10—so which filthy bastard did? RECOMMENDED: This garbage and rats walking tour explores the gross—and engrossing—history of NYC To find out, LawnStarter examined 20 metrics to rank 2025’s Dirtiest Cities in America, grouping those criteria into four categories: Pollution, Inadequate Living Conditions, Inadequate Waste Infrastructure and Resident Dissatisfaction. For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, they then gathered data on each factor from sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Environmental Protection Agency. After eliminating 197 cities due to lack of sufficient data in a single category, they were left with a final sample size of 303 cities, scoring each out of 100 points to determine its rank overall. And claiming the title of the dirtiest city in America is San Bernardino, with an overall score of 55.34, marking the second year in a row that the Ca

Earlier this summer, Miami drivers got the much-welcome news that the City of Miami Beach was graciously reducing parking rates to a single buck through the end of August. And that good news is getting even greater, as $1 parking has officially been extended through Tuesday, September 30. RECOMMENDED: Miami Beach parking tips and what to know for a stress-free trip As announced by the City of Miami Beach on its social media accounts, the dollar parking program will apply to all municipal parking zones citywide, including lots, garages and metered street parking, as long as they’re operated by the City of Miami Beach. (That means no private lots.)   The $1 Summer Parking Program has been extended through September 30, 2025! During this time period, the City of Miami Beach is offering a flat $1-per-hour parking rate at municipal parking lots, garages and on-street parking throughout the city.The parking discount is… pic.twitter.com/6pzumPA7mL — City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) July 25, 2025 Available exclusively through the ParkMobile app, the offer allows drivers to park for up to three hours at the discounted rate per session. When a user enters the zone number in the ParkMobile app, a pop-up promo code will appear to receive the discount. (And, helpfully, the program auto-locks the discount by zone so once the promo code is entered, it will remain active for repeat parkers, and you won’t need to re-enter it for the remainder of the promotion.) A maximum

Bostonians already know (all too well) that living in the Commonwealth requires just that—wealth. It's plenty pricy to live in Beantown, with Boston regularly listed among the world's most expensive cities to live in and the city's average monthly renting clearing New York City and San Francisco as the highest average rent in the country. And that expense extends outside of the city proper into the Greater Boston area. It's not surprising to hear, then, that Massachusetts residents are cashed up, at least according to a new study by personal finance site GoBankingRates.com, which ranked the top 50 wealthiest suburbs in America, based on average household income data from 2023. Though New York's Scarsdale took the top spot as America's wealthiest suburb for the second year in a row, five Boston suburbs made the moneyed list, and one even made the top ten.  RECOMMENDED: These are the best places to live in Greater Boston, says new study Located about 15 miles outside of Boston, the town of Wellesley, MA came in at No. 10, with a casual average household income of $368,179. (For reference, in number one finisher Scarsdale, the average household income came out to a whopping $601,193.) Wellesley was joined in the top 10 by Rye, New York (in second place); Texan spots like West University Place (at No. 3), University Park (at No. 6) and Southlake (at No. 7); Californian havens like Los Altos (at No. 4), Alamo (No. 5) and Orinda (at No. 9); and Hinsdale, IL at number eight.  Elsewh

Music fans of a certain age (ahem) remember the days when Eminem swaggered through the streets of New York City with legions of bleached-blonde, baggy-jeaned lookalikes in tow during an iconic performance of the rap star's hit "The Real Slim Shady" at the 2000 Video Music Awards. Now, 25 years later, you can prove your own Marshall Mathers doppelganger bonafides during a "Stan" lookalike contest tomorrow. For you youngins, the now-commonplace term "stan" (which has warped from its original meaning of "an obsessive, unstable fan" to anyone with a personal passion for a particular star) is pulled directly from Eminem's rap oeuvre, originating from the 2000 song of the same name. (The word was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017.) In the track's memorable, eight-minute music video, actor Devon Sawa portrays the titular Stan, an obsessive Eminem fan who models his looks after the rapper and turns violent when the musician doesn't respond to his letters.  On Tuesday, August 6 at 3pm, as part of a larger "STANS" immersive pop-up held in collaboration by Eminem and Complex, participants can pull up to 620 Broadway in Soho in their best Stan ensembles (think white tees and bleached hair) for a chance to win a special prize. It's the latest in a wave of lookalike contests that have crashed onto NYC streets, centered on Timothée Chalamet, Pedro Pascal, Adam Sandler and more.  Held for one day only, from 11am to 7pm on August 6, the curated pop-up experience is in

Pop star-slash-psychedelic prince Harry Styles has been a sex symbol for the past decade, both as a member of boy-band juggernaut One Direction and as a "Watermelon Sugar"-loving solo act. And now he's helping New Yorkers tap into their naughty side with a sex toy pop-up store, coming to Elizabeth Street this weekend. An offshoot of Styles's lifestyle and wellness brand Pleasing—which sells nail polishes, face creams and comfy unisex crewnecks, among other things, and has itself popped up with temporary New York storefronts over the years—the pop-up will be dedicated to "Pleasing Yourself," the singer-actor's new line of sexual gadgets and goodies. Per the Pleasing website, that seemingly includes The Pleasing Double-Sided Vibrator, which can be used for both internal and external play (the more, the merrier, eh?), as well as The Pleasing Lube, a high-performance, FDA-approved silicone lubricant that can be used with the vibrating device. RECOMMENDED: The best sex shops and erotica purveyors in NYC As announced on Instagram, the Pleasing Yourself pop-up will be coming to New York City on Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, beginning at 11am ET each day at 251 Elizabeth Street in Soho. (Given how popular seemingly everything related to the performer is, you can very much expect folks to be lining up much earlier than that.) "Come explore our three-day pop-up in New York City at 251 Elizabeth Street, where your journey begins with a moment to yourself before discovering th

Some of the season's outdoor concerts, we've had marked on our calendar for months: Annual favorites like SummerStage, Governors Ball and Global Citizen Festival. Others, however, are deliciously last-minute affairs, a burst of sunny summertime spontaneity. Case in point: tonight's impromptu concert hosted by none other than Tyler, the Creator. In support of the rap star's brand-new studio album Don't Tap the Glass—which dropped on Monday, July 21—the "Big Poe" performer is popping up for a surprise outdoor gig today, July 23, set beneath Brooklyn's Under the K Bridge Park at 8pm. That's especially good news for fans who might have missed the rapper's four sold-out shows from his Chromakopia Tour here in New York last week: July 14 and 15 at Madison Square Garden and July 17 and 18 at Barclays Center. (He will next take the stage at Newark's Prudential Center on July 27 and 28.) RECOMMENDED: Here are all the free concerts you can catch at Bryant Park this summer View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyler, The Creator (@feliciathegoat) So, how do you snag tickets for what's sure to be a truly epic live show from one of rap's biggest names? Tickets are available as of noon today and are set at only ten bucks, which means they're going to go fast. Run (or, you know, just type really fast) to the album's website Donttaptheglass.com to secure yours and make everyone who follows you on social media very jealous. We'll (hopefully) see you there!

Even if you can't get away for an entire weekend-long wellness retreat, that doesn't mean you can't fit some much-needed R&R into your weekly schedule. That's where the day spa comes in and, luckily for all of us in dire need of a massage and some jacuzzi time (guilty!), Chicago is home to one of the best day spas in the country, according to USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards 2025 rankings.  RECOMMENDED: The 21 best spas in Chicago for some much-needed rest and relaxation Coming in at number 10 on the spa list is the Windy City's own AIRE Ancient Baths, a temple of relaxation located in the River West neighborhood at 800 W Superior Street. "Set inside a restored 1902 factory, AIRE Ancient Baths offers a peaceful, low-lit atmosphere inspired by classical Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathhouse traditions," reads the outlet's write-up, highlighting the center's series of thermal baths (including a saltwater pool, ice plunge, and steam room) and special treatments like a Wine Bath or Himalayan Salt Ritual. "The exposed brick and candlelight make it a unique and deeply calming experience in the heart of Chicago’s River West neighborhood."   You can explore the baths themselves for $178 for a 90-minute experience, or enhance your experience by tacking on "rituals," whether you want to dip a literal toe into cold plunging, enhance your skincare regimen or engage in more intentional relaxation. (The "Summer Essential" offering is a two-hour wellness experience with a 30-minute orange-

Between the rapidly increasing rent prices, the city's relentless pace and the general, you know, garbage-fire state of the world, many New Yorkers can feel stuck in a perpetual state of anxiety. (Guilty!) That's where wellness retreats are a godsend, offering some much-welcome rest, relaxation and recentering in our never-endingly busy schedules. And according to a new ranking, New York State is, graciously, home to the best wellness retreat in the entire country.  Yes, USA Today has recently come out with its Readers' Choice Awards 2025 ranking of the 10 best wellness retreat centers in the United States, places "where tranquility meets transformation, where the serene beauty of nature blends with the nurturing care of wellness experts." And topping the peaceful list this year is New York's own Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing at number one. Located up in Cragsmoor, NY, Dharmakaya Center was praised by the outlet (each venue was nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers) for its "range of Buddhish programs," its "residence halls surrounded by 90 acres of forest" and rates that include "three organic vegetarian meals daily." Wellness programming ranges from artistic activities (painting, dancing) to physical pursuits (wood walks, gentle yoga), all set against the stunning and serene surroundings of upstate New York. RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—I visited a fireplace yoga studio and it was one of the coziest experiences in NYC And Dharmakaya Center isn't the only E

From urban walks to all-natural strolls, Massachusetts is home to trails of all types, a varied quality that was recently celebrated by outdoor discovery platform AllTrails, which included a Boston-based byway on its list of 25 trails to explore in 2025. RECOMMENDED: 12 best hiking spots near Boston for enjoying the great outdoors Yes, along with Italy's Il Sentiero della Pace (The Path of Peace), Mexico's Cerro Pelón, New Zealand's Hump Ridge Track and Japan's Nachi Falls, the global list included Beantown's own world-famous Freedom Trail at No. 3 on its 2025 rankings. Easily spotted by the signature brick red “line” marked along the sidewalk, the 2.5-mile trail through the heart of Boston passes by some of the city’s most historic sites, made even more informative and intriguing by the 18th-century costumed guides. "Over the years, this urban trail has become a must-do in the city of Boston. While it may not offer the abundance of trees and wildlife that most nature trails provide, it offers a wealth of historical monuments to explore, including Paul Revere’s house and the Old South Meeting House. Did someone say, the British are coming?" reads AllTrail's write-up of the Boston attraction, also citing the trail's free audio tour on the National Park Service website conveniently offering "a stop-by-stop overview of key historical sites." Along with the Massachusetts trail, our buddies over in New Hampshire also got some love thanks to the stunning Appalachian Trail, which th

Looking for your next weekend getaway from Boston? Add a stay at Edgartown's Winnetu Oceanside Resort to your summer bucket list, as the Martha's Vineyard property was recently ranked as one of the 15 best resorts in the continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, as part of the publication's annual World's Best Awards. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best hotels in Boston, including top picks for vacations and staycations Located on South Beach in Edgartown's Katama neighborhood, the luxury seaside resort came in at No. 15 on the list, with T+L readers praising the destination's "family-friendly fun with spacious accommodations that can fit everyone." The write-up continued: "Its kids’ programming and quick distance to the island’s beaches and bike trails make it an ideal fit for a multi-generational trip." The Winnetu Oceanside Resort was opened by the Snider family in the summer of 2000, bringing together traditional Martha's Vineyard coastal vibes with small-town charm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗨 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗧 (@thewinnetu) The property was joined in the rankings by another New England stunner, the Quisisana Resort up in Lovell, Maine (which was also named the No. 1 resort in New England); as well as fellow Northeasterner, Wildflower Farms in Gardiner, New York. Coming out on top this year Primland Resort, another Auberge Resorts Collection hotel, located in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Check out the full T+L ranking