Kristen Perrone

The holiday season in New York City encompasses far more than just a day’s festivities and there are plenty of essential experiences that embody a perfect month of merriment. From investigating Christmas tree stalls for a bargain fir to enduring packs of tourists within blocks of Rockefeller Center, these New York City holiday experiences remind you that despite its foibles, the city’s festive follies always lead to a memorable time. 1. A nerve-wracking trip to see the tree at Rockefeller Center Seeing the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree once is enough for some people, but the Christmas spirit may inevitably sneak up on you and convince you that this time will be different. Multiple barricades, human gridlocks, and a blurred glimmer of a tree later, you may shave a few Christmases off your lifetime by attempting a cute photo opp. Seasoned New Yorkers learn that, if the tree is a must, admiring from across the street is just as efficient.  2. Sampling viral treats at a holiday market  The holiday markets at Bryant Park or Union Square are best visited during your mid-week lunch break rather than during the weekend’s peak hours, and you’ll definitely make the most of that time by snagging a treat that first appeared on your Instagram feed (like the Liquid S’more). May you all have mundane Tuesdays livened up by sipping a rich hot chocolate and browsing handcrafted but overpriced ornaments. 3. Bringing home several different hauls of sufganiyot   Whether or not you ce

Sometimes even the looming Thanksgiving holiday isn't enough to tempt you into dusting off your oven and cooking. Luckily, New York City can provide not only the basic turkey dinner and all the fixings but also specialties that will bring a Big Apple flair to your table.  From Zabar’s kugel to Veniero’s cannoli, adding these iconic New York City treats to your Thanksgiving table will make you feel truly grateful. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner 2023 in NYC 1. Soft pretzels Thanksgiving appetizers are only a slight notch above your typical Sunday football fare, but now is the time for comfort food in all shapes and sizes. Soft pretzel bites will satisfy you on a blustery midtown street corner when you’ve promised to take your visiting family to the holiday window displays, and they’ll hit the spot when you’re warming up your appetite on Thanksgiving Day. You can find them at Breads. too.   Photograph: Courtesy of Breads Bakery 2. Cannoli   Bringing dessert to a party will automatically make you everyone’s best friend, so be sure to visit an old-school Italian bakery like Veniero’s or Ferrara for the goods before your holiday dinner. No one will ever complain about rainbow cookies or struffoli, but a box of cannoli is the perfect sweet alternative if you’re already tired of pie.    Photograph: Courtesy Ferrara/Steve Zavitz   3. Kugel Thanksgiving is the prime casserole holiday, and if all you crave from Turkey Day is a dish that tastes like it’s straight out o

Spooky season allows New Yorkers to truly embrace their weird side, but Halloween in the city also brings out the scariness of everyday life. From trying to maneuver the downtown subway stations for the Village Halloween Parade to attempting a weekend trip upstate, the eeriest time of the year only confirms that we don’t need October 31 to give ourselves a good fright. What New York City moment gives you a scare without fail?  RECOMMENDED: Eight ways to tell a real New Yorker from a fake New Yorker 1. A clean, empty seat on a full subway car that everyone is still avoiding Do you hold off on snatching your reprieve from the rush hour standstill if you notice commuters avoiding a perfect-seeming chair? Something happened there a few stops ago, and you clearly don’t need a seat that badly, right? It’s best to find a spare corner against the door and hope that another seat that isn’t under a cloud of shame becomes available soon.  2. A week-long sunny forecast followed by a weekend of torrential downpours The New York rule of thumb is that when a specific weekend requires you to act the most social you’ve been all year, bad weather will definitely come along to complicate the plans. In October, after a perfect week of sunny, gorgeous weather, an autumn storm will inevitably foil your Halloween bar crawl and send you scrambling for a waterproof costume. Don’t forget to account for costume mobility when you have to jump across a deep street puddle past midnight. Luckily, it looks

According to the love letter to the Big Apple that is 1998’s You’ve Got Mail, New York in the fall makes you want to buy school supplies. That crisp air replacing the summer’s thick humidity, readjusting to the balance of sweater weather, and the sudden sight of school buses on your morning commute are just some of the common sensations signaling that another New York City autumn is in full swing. Which of the following is your seasonal kryptonite? RECOMMENDED: The 33 best things to do this fall in NYC 1. Stepping outside on the first morning that there’s a bite to the air Ever since Memorial Day, you’ve only worn cardigans or hoodies when combatting your office’s arctic air conditioning. When you leave the apartment sometime in mid-September and a breeze triggers goosebumps along your arms, it’s either a blessing for fall aficionados or a kiss of death for summer loyalists. 2. Trying every independent coffee shop’s pumpkin spice latte before guiltily sneaking one from Starbucks You might be blissfully detached from pumpkin until Thanksgiving rolls around, but for those on the “pumpkin everything” train, fall is an onslaught of riches. Every small business promoting a pumpkin spice drink is an opportunity to delight your tastebuds, but chances are that you just can’t quit the basic PSL at Starbucks. 3. Wearing an outfit with layers without shedding them throughout the day You can’t beat a summery chic look but sweat often foils it. You can successfully incorporate sweaters an

It's a must for tourists and an avoidance for locals, but if Times Square had its own internal monologue, it would likely embody the brassiest New York broad. From wondering just how many counterfeit Elmos can congregate together to softening when a Broadway cast hits the street for a performance, the mind behind Times Square would be as hectic and quick as a walk through it is.   If you haven’t thought about at least one of the things Times Square would say if it could talk, are you even a New Yorker?  1. “How many off-brand superheroes could possibly exist?” A distorted Mickey Mouse is a special kind of nightmare, but an onslaught of Spider-Men and Captain Americas that just look wrong takes this fear to a whole new level. Don’t make eye contact with any of them, or you might never sleep soundly again.  2. “Can that family of tourists move any slower?” The mind behind Times Square has no patience for dawdlers and slowpokes. On its best days, it’ll grumble and tolerate visitors intently taking in the view, but watch out for when it’s in a bad mood. They won’t be bothered to say something; just expect a loud sigh and exaggerated maneuvering around a slow pack.  3. “If I see one more amateur street performance…” From breakdancing troupes to naked cowboys, Times Square has witnessed every kind of street performer, good or bad. Some may call this a front-row seat to the beauty of humanity, but in Times Square’s opinion, it’s a disturbance of peace.  4. “Huh, I didn’t know a body

In New York City, a beach day isn’t quite as simple as baking in the sun for a few hours. In addition to a lengthy commute, strategic planning, and testy weather conditions, a New York beach day typically becomes more about the full experience than relaxing under an umbrella all day. If your go-to New York City beach is Coney Island, your day revolves around must-haves like a Nathan’s hot dog, an arcade game or two, squeezing in a Cyclones game, and a long, cinematic train ride to the very end of the line.  Which of these essentials do you hit up before the day is over? RECOMMENDED: The best things to do at Coney Island 1. A movie montage moment on the train ride there Similar to an airport, time doesn’t exist when you commit to the long train ride to Coney Island at the end of an MTA line. At the beginning of your journey, settle into a corner seat with appropriate tunes and remember to stare wistfully out the window once you’ve hit the overground tracks. Expect to experience some emotional catharsis about fleeting time, mortality, or what you’re having for lunch as the train fills and then empties several times before you reach the beach. 2. A moment to breathe in salty air upon your arrival Brooklyn beach air isn’t going to be as crisp and soothing as what you’ll find in the traditional beach town. You might have traveled to what feels like the outskirts of the world, but that thick summer air with a tinge of rotting garbage is inescapable. However, emerging from the subwa

If you can make it to a New York City apartment building with rooftop access, it’s safe to say that you can make it anywhere. Scoring a golden ticket to that elusive patch of concrete assures you a few hours of private, quiet outdoor time that a bustling Saturday in the park can’t measure up to. Whether you call a rooftop building home or if you have friends with high connections, there are certain things that every New Yorker has done on a rooftop.  RECOMMENDED: 10 wild animals that call NYC home 1. Attempted growing a garden Being a plant parent can be tricky in an apartment with little to no natural light available, so once you have rooftop access, moving the succulents and herb patches up there could be your next best decision. But then again, a city rooftop isn’t a greenhouse, so uncontrollable weather, wild pigeons, and interfering neighbors may spoil this grand vision. 2. Sunbathed If you want to work on your tan in green space around the city, chances are that as soon you’ve found an ideal spot, it starts raining, a squirrel won’t leave you alone, or you’re craving the exact snack you chose not to bring along. It’s no wonder it feels luxurious to sunbathe on a rooftop just a few floors away from your bathroom, fridge, and AC.  3. Worked from home The eternal struggle when working remotely is realizing that beautiful weather is just waiting outside your window. With a rooftop, you can have the best of both worlds, but when you’re trying to clock in from outside, don’t

Living in New York City isn't the perfect fairy tale, but if Disney characters were magically transported to the Big Apple, they would fit right into certain neighborhoods. Whether a character’s preferred castle would be a brownstone uptown or a duplex downtown, they’re bound to find their storybook ending in the niche of concrete jungle best suited for their personality. Which of these Disney characters would you love to have as a neighbor in your New York City home? Belle – The Upper West Side Bookworm Belle of Beauty & The Beast would move into a picturesque brownstone on the literary-minded Upper West Side faster than she swears off a provincial life. She’d stroll along Amsterdam in a wide-brimmed hat and a turtleneck that would put a Nora Ephron heroine to shame and start an impressive collection of tote bags featuring New Yorker covers. Catch her looking for Prince Charming in subscription seats at Lincoln Center or in a cozy corner at The Dead Poet.   Photograph: Shutterstock     Tiana – Astoria Fresh off creating a culinary empire in New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog’s Tiana would rent the second floor of a two-family home off Ditmars to plan out her newest restaurant. In between testing menu items for a Cajun-Greek fusion joint, she bikes along the East River and networks for vendor connections at Queens Night Market. She could probably whip up an elite brunch at home, but she has a soft spot for Saturdays at The Thirsty Koala and The Highwater.   Photograph:

From a slice of dollar pizza drunkenly eaten at 1am to a Michelin-starred meal miraculously scored on Resy, the most memorable New York dining experiences stem from an elixir of setting, mood, and what’s on the table. It doesn’t matter if you’re eating on the street corner in sweatpants or with white tablecloths in an outfit worth an entire paycheck, because every type of New York dining experience, good or bad, has the potential to contribute to a legendary day.  Which of these typical New York dining experiences have you had? RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in NYC right now 1. Getting your favorite frozen treat on the first warm day of the year Nothing beats the first spring day when the sun is shining, you barely need a jacket, and everyone craves to be outside as long as possible. Whether your preferred treat is a Mister Softee soft serve, an artisanal gelato, or a frozen margarita, the perfect way to end this kind of day is by picking up something sweet and finding a spot with a view to enjoy it.   Photograph: Courtesy of Marvel Frozen Dairy     2. Meticulously selecting a Restaurant Week deal Occurring every winter and summer, Restaurant Week offers everyone from devout foodies to casual samplers prix fixe meals that typically cost less than a place’s usual menu. Making killer Restaurant Week plans requires diligent research on its website and countless comparisons between the deals and dishes’ regular prices. If you search enough, you’ll land a delicious meal at

Although there may be no other city that’s more ideal for solo adventures than New York, living here can be lonely if you don’t have people who will both tag along with your grand escapades and encourage you to leave your comfort zone. Making friends as an adult is tough, but luckily, New York’s everyday scenarios can help you form connections a little easier. Here are the types of friends you make in New York City with a little luck and happenstance. 1. The fitness friend Settling into a regular fitness routine at the same gym or studio will guarantee that you see the same faces several times a week. Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to exercise, but knowing the guy who’s always on the treadmill or the Pilates instructor whose classes you’re addicted is the ideal motivation to do it. A healthy dose of dopamine is a key ingredient in helping sweaty strangers bond. 2. The local bar friend If you’re more extroverted, chatting up the regulars at your go-to neighborhood bar or pub is second nature to you. Once you’ve become friendly with the bartenders, get comfortable in a prime seat and keep an eye out for the customers who are pals with the people behind the bar. Unlike other New York tropes perpetuated by TV shows, forming your own little gang at the local bar is totally possible. 3. The “mutual friend” friend This is the person that your mom or your college roommate connects you with when you first move to New York. They’re someone’s cousin or childhood neighbor with a c

New York City as seen on TV is a perpetually spotless, sunny paradise filled with 20-somethings in spacious apartments and romantic prospects on every other street corner. Sometimes this escapist fare isn’t quite what IRL New Yorkers want to see onscreen. Situations facing dysfunctional bodega staff, morning commuters at their usual subway platform, fervent apartment hunters, and more carry the true comedic moments that locals experience every day. The sitcom genre’s New York darlings, like Friends and Seinfeld, only skim the surface of the real city’s comedic potential. Although the classic sitcom format might be rare nowadays, there’s no doubt that any New Yorker can value the comedy of this lifestyle. RECOMMENDED: The 9 types of subway riders you see during rush hour in NYC Below are eight sitcoms that would be realistic to New Yorkers. 1. An aspiring musician playing at a different bar every week This series would introduce a down-on-their-luck performer forced to play wherever they’re allowed, ranging from the local dive bar to a Times Square pub to a secret speakeasy found in a subway tunnel. Their eclectic friend group would obviously have to tag along for each gig, dissecting their own artistic qualms in between sets and wishing for a big break to come along at the next bar. 2. A family running their own building management company The stressful process of finding a new apartment is usually only funny in hindsight for the clients, but what about the people causing all

As the melting pot of the city, the NYC subway promises unique people-watching every time you swipe through the turnstile. If you hop on during the morning or afternoon rush hours, the typical sights and sounds escalate to countless “you had to be there” moments. The next time you’re straphanging on a packed subway car, look out for these standout riders like tourists with poor timing, post-happy hour co-workers, and more who encapsulate New York rush hour. RECOMMENDED: 8 dating issues only New Yorkers understand 1. The students traveling in packs Who even knows what the school day’s typical hours are anymore? If you’re on the train any time throughout the afternoon, chances are that you’ll encounter groups of students ranging in age and causing mayhem with their enthusiasm. Nothing will make you feel more nostalgic for your high school years than forced proximity with teenagers gossiping about people or venting about homework. On the downside, they take up a lot of space, so fingers crossed that you manage to board before they descend upon the car. 2. The outer-borough commuters Rush hour crowds are starting to resemble pre-pandemic levels again, so long-haul commuters are popping up on the subway more regularly. You can catch these folks hunched over with multiple totes, a change of shoes, and a water bottle the size of their arm. They park themselves in a corner seat (or settle into an admirable stance against the doors), stick in their AirPods, and tune out the rest of th