Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

If you need another reason to get outside this summer, NYC street fairs take over various blocks in all five boroughs when the weather gets warmer. While frolicking along the city's sidewalks, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC, score stellar throwback wares, and shop local. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at music festivals to admiring some outdoor art. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, including awesome free things to do, while the streets are full of fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

Going out in New York can be as easy as stopping at the nearest corner for happy hour, and staying all night. The city is lush with incredible bars, specializing in everything from award-winning craft cocktails to natural wines to cheap drinks that keep the party going. And while there are tons of critically acclaimed spots to drink across the boroughs, there's nothing quite like a local bar with friendly bartenders, cold drinks, and a convivial ambiance that, well, makes it hard to say no to the next round. There's nothing quite like a New York neighborhood bar, even if you're not in your own neighborhood. Here's where to drink to feel like a local. 

New York is, not arguably, the best place to eat in the world. The five boroughs contain some of the most restaurants per capita of any U.S. city, and the cuisines include tastes from nations, cultures, and traditions worldwide.  Want a family-style Filipino feast on a weeknight? Hard-to-find Czech delicacies for brunch? A Malaysian coffee and breakfast? A never-before-seen mash-up combo of two foods you love but never thought you'd enjoy in the same bite? You've got it. New York's local restaurants range from historic delis, to new, independent projects that creative New Yorkers put their all into to share their passion with diners across the city. Here are some solid spots to dine in New York, whether you're craving pastrami or poke. 

Ready to add some oomph to your love life? Get all the erotic gear you need from these sex shops in NYC. If you’ve been inspired by the sex scenes in your favorite movies or erotic books (we see you, romantasy readers!), you’ll find everything from the innocent-ish Jackrabbit vibrator to a hooded spandex full-body binder sack. Ranging in prices, décor and general ambiance, these saucy spots will suit fetishes both tame and wildly delicious. The happily coupled can pick up a toy or two to try between the sheets, while sexy singles can find something to help them seduce their next partner. Next stop: the city’s best hookup bars and its best gay hookup spots. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC

New York is a city of neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has its specific charms and destination-worthy outings. Whether you're looking for an artistic outlet, an escape into nature, an adreneline-increasing activity, cultural immersion or more, local spaces are waiting for you. And so many of these things to do are only in New York. Wild indoor mini golf for adults? Check. A vegan jazz club? Of course! Custom lingerie, improv while drinking, open podcast studios, ninja training and more are just a Metrocard swipe away.  If New York has one problem, it's too much to do everyday. We've you helped narrow it down.

New York City has a trove of tattoo talent (just, um, look at the skin of someone nearby?), and finding a good place to get a tattoo isn't difficult. Finding a great place takes a little more descretion. And great is, well, subjective. Maybe you want a longtime artist who has seen and tattooed it all, or you're open to an apprentice who's crazy talented, but a little lower in price. One thing's for sure: You want to be clean, comfortable and wholly satisfied with your new body art. We've got you.  Whether you want a custom design or are picking your favorite New York City skyscraper off a flash sheet, here's where to get inked across New York City. 

New York may be the city that never sleeps, but even the busiest New Yorkers need to take a break sometimes. And yes, that means you too. Thankfully, the city is full of spaces dedicated to recharging, relaxing and rejuvenating, so you can take a deep breath, unplug for a few minutes, and be your best self when you return to real life outside of the spa.  Stop putting off your "me time" and book a massage, facial, yoga class or sauna sesh for some much needed time off and a little de-stressing before you get right back to the hustle and bustle. 

Manhattan’s iconic green space (and one of the top New York attractions), Central Park has a lot of entertainment to offer, regardless of which season we’re experiencing. In fact, you may be surprised to know that some of the best things to do in Central Park occur in fall and winter! While tourists and locals love to frequent one of the city’s best parks for its various lawns, fountains, walking paths, trees and picnic spots, Central Park also hosts major events from epic summer concerts and theater performances to the annual Winter Jam festival. There’s always an excuse to visit, but here are a few of our favorite happenings to get you started. We've broken down the list by season, so you won't miss a thing. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Central Park in New York

NYC currently is, and we’re confident always will be, one of the best cities in the world for clubbing and nightlife. While trends and tastes have changed over the decades, the best clubs in NYC are always in-demand. Maybe you’re needing to blow off some serious steam with an all-night party, or wanting to impress someone special with a venue that’s a little more discreet and sophisticated. Either way, if you’re looking to dance the night away, check out one of the lively music venues, dance halls, and raucous haunts that populate this list. Back in the day, the majority of the most popular clubs were concentrated in just a few neighborhoods, but now the best clubs can be found from Ridgewood to the Financial District. For more places to get down in venues other than clubs, check out the best places to dance in NYC. If you’re concerned about cover charges and bottle service, remember to pre-party at one of the best dive bars in NYC. So get out there and bust a move, and if you do it right, you can keep the party going by heading straight to one of the best brunch spots in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best places to dance in NYC

Believe it or not, there’s more to New York than its namesake city. Sure, it’s the most populous part of the state, but New York is full of treasures beyond the five boroughs—even the city’s suburbs are a destination. From Westchester County to the Hudson Valley, Buffalo, Albany, Niagara, and beyond, New York State is lush with bucolic cultural hubs and wine trails, sleepy towns, destination restaurants, and bakeries—an entire universe lies outside New York City's borders. And many of these spots are easy to get to via Metro North, AmTrak, or via a quick drive or even a flight. If you’re seeking fresher air, quieter spaces, fewer people, and a change of scenery, New York State is the place to find a spot for an extended stay, long weekend, or just a quick day trip from NYC. Here’s where to go beyond the city limits. RECOMMENDED: The best upstate New York resorts

You don’t have to bide your time at Zero Bond with Mayor Adams or fight for a seat at SoHo House to be a part of something in New York this year.  Yes, NYC is an expensive and sometimes solitary place, but various memberships can help make the city feel more like a community—and at a discounted rate. Holding a membership is like being a season ticket holder to see your favorite team consistently: The City of New York!   The five boroughs are home to world-renowned museums, zoos, cultural experiences, wellness centers, views, and of course, people, many of whom share common interests. Memberships help bring you closer with these like-minded folks, and maybe save a few bucks on recurrent pedicures or art exhibit openings. Being a regular is so valuable, especially in a city of so many. Here are the memberships you’ll want in 2025.

Looking for a hotel with a hot tub to relax those aching muscles? Sure, New York doesn’t have a reputation as the most relaxing place (how much chilling can you expect to get in the city that never sleeps?), but these opulent NYC hotels with in-room hot tubs aim to counter that. A soak amid the bubbles can go a long way, especially after a manic day of traveling or shopping. These high-end hotels get it: each offers hot tubs either in-room or alongside rooftop pools and some even have incredible views. So whether you’re just looking for somewhere to staycation or you're hitting NYC for the first time, check into one of these properties that rival the best spas in NYC and prepare for a nice plunge. We’re feeling more relaxed already. And if you're more of an Airbnb person, there are Airbnbs with hot tubs, too! RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to the best hotels in NYC🏨 Stay in the most unique Airbnbs in NYC 🤳Or how about the most iconic hotels in NYC This guide was written by New York-based writer Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews 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.

Though it’s likely that the only natural wildlife you’ll see at Coney Island is seagulls eager to scoop up whatever boardwalk snacks you leave behind, those intrigued by the ocean can immerse themselves in aquaculture at the New York Aquarium. A sea lion pool, penguin habitat, recreated reef, shark exploration and more live sea creatures (and occasionally their handlers) offer an up-close-and-personal look at both Atlantic and Pacific Ocean life. Touching pools let you feel the slick surfaces of some animals, and the entrancing tanks are relaxing enough to stare at for hours on end. With a dedicated mission of conserving the oceans and oceanic life, the New York Aquarium—the oldest continually operating aquarium in the country—will leave you with an enhanced and renewed passion for natural preservation.

New to Montauk as of May 2024, Shark Bar has quickly become a staple for locals, summer people, and weekenders alike. Run by the same team as last summer’s new hyper-buzzy steakhouse, Maverick’s, Shark Bar attracts off-duty seasonal workers and industry folks, rowdy partiers, and hungry revelers eager to snack on fried oysters and Cajun fries while sipping frozen tiki drinks. Open only until dinnertime, Shark Bar is more of a spot for a day party, happy hour, or pre-game, but is certainly a fun time.

The music from Bounce’s rooftop lures in visitors from downtown Montauk for clubby parties that appeal to bachelorette and bachelor parties, group trips and curious tourists alike. Nearly every night and most afternoons bring out a DJ, with VIP tables bookable for those eager to go all out just a block from the Atlantic Ocean (in the former Sloppy Tuna spot). Brunch and dinner are also served here, making it an easy one-stop shop for a group who need to fuel up on truffle fries and $43 lobster rolls before dancing the night away.  

Equinox is pretty much ubiquitous with upscale wellness, and the well-known brand’s first foray into the hospitality space aligns. First opened in July 2019, Equinox has seen a post-shutdown resurgence of luxury travelers, for both leisure and business (and also staycationing) in its 14 stories of a 92-story skyscraper.  Along with regular gym members, hotel guests have access to Equinox Hudson Yards’ 60,000 square feet of club space, plus indoor and outdoor pools, plunge pools, group fitness classes, training, locker rooms and more. An on-site spa also offers premium relaxation and rejuvenation through signature inner and outer body treatments.  Following the wellness theme, Equinox’s guest rooms are meticulously designed for a better night’s sleep, which, well, depends on the sleeper. During my stay, soundproof walls and light-blocking curtains created such a dark sleep chamber that I didn’t notice how close I was to the West Side Highway. The all-natural fibers on the bed are designed for the perfect shut-eye once tucked in, but they weren’t my favorite to sleep with. And if you’re more used to a foam mattress, the hard sleep surface might not suffice (though a “PM Rituals” program on the in-room TV may help you settle). The sky lobby is a small living room space on the 25th floor with cozy seating and counters to get some work done or meet with visitors. Below, the 24th floor houses Electric Lemon, a stunning health-focused fine dining restaurant with a gorgeous terrace a

Located on The Hamptons’ largest marina, Montauk Yacht Club is a full-service resort just minutes from downtown Montauk. The most expensive property sale in Hamptons history, the renovated resort opened in 2023 with 107 modern yet nautical guest rooms, plus 22 standalone villas. Showfish, the property’s signature restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Il Forno offers Neapolitan-style pizzas to enjoy by the pool. A second more quiet pool, plus an indoor pool are also onsite, as is a quiet swimming beach on Lake Montauk.  The entire waterfront property is dog- and family-friendly, with attentive service and amenities including paddleboards and kayaks, free cruises on the property’s electric yacht, and more – all with no resort fee. Outdoor sofas, dock chairs and loungers are ample across the hotel, so there are plenty of spaces to lounge, relax with a book (or smartphone, WiFi is strong), order a spritz and unwind. The crowd ranges from city and suburban weekenders to local folks who park their boats (yachts) on-site, with notorious late-night parties raging when Showfish transitions to club mode with a DJ. Don’t worry: the guest rooms are far enough away if you want a quiet, good night’s sleep, or if you just want to conveniently roll into bed at 4am. Neighborhood Located on Star Island on Lake Montauk, Montauk Yacht Club is at the edge of the East End hamlet, and a resort neighborhood within itself. That is, you don’t have to leave once you check in, and if you a

Think your favorite family-run Italian deli—but 100% plant based! This charming deli counter offers a full menu of hot and cold sandwiches, all vegan, with options ranging from the classic smoked deli meats with faux cheese to hot bites like crispy calamari fashioned from hearts of palm. Pasta and deli case salads are offered as well. 

Lodged between Herald Square and Penn Station, a new destination-worthy Thai restaurant can feel, well, random. And that's exactly the point of Random Access, a cozy, bilevel comfort food restaurant at 138 W. 32 St. Run by Hand Hospitality—the restaurant group behind local hits like Her Name is Han, Hakata Tonton, LittleMad and several more Manhattan eateries—Random Access offers a laid-back vibe and extensive menu.  Central to the menu are Thai-American crossover dishes, also known as "Random Classics." Crab curry mac and cheese is baked with crab meat, macaroni, mozzarella and topped with a crisp layer of shallot chips and fresh cilantro. Chicken and waffles are created from fried chicken thighs and coconut milk waffle served with somtum pickle, cilantro, thai chili and a lime wedge. The spicy Thai ragu spaghetti is like a pad kee mao meets marinara, topped with green peppercorns, Thai basil and grated parmesan.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Random Access (@randomaccess.nyc) The fusion menu is enough to fill up on, but Random Access also offers a full noodle bar (think spicy curry chicken ramen, beef noodle soup and more) and a somtum bar to create your own papaya salad. Small bites, raw dishes and stir-fries are also on the menu, as well as larger, shareable dishes to add to the delicious culinary chaos of the extensive menu. Kub Khao, the shareables, are worth bringing a crew for, especially to dig into crispy pork belly and the photogeni

The school cafeteria has nothing on this tapas restaurant.  Oliva, a new Spanish restaurant by chef Franklin Becker, is adjacent to Manhattanville Market, which is within Columbia University’s Jerome L. Greene Science Center, but the offerings are far from university fare.  The lively, fun West Harlem spot serves premium products sourced directly from Spain, showcasing shareable dishes with modern interpretations to whisk you across the Atlantic in just a few small bites.  Oliva’s menu, developed with Chef de Cuisine Chris Strelnick, highlights cured meats, Embutidos, along with a variety of queso, a frio y ambiente section and finishes with a selection of calida y caliente. For non-hispanohablantes, that’s cold and hot dishes. Standout dishes from the Fall 2021 opening menu include a mackerel and blood orange crudo, Serrano ham croquetas, crab fideos and a Soccarat, or seafood rice, for two. For dessert, a crema Catalana presents a creamy Barcelonian twist on more familiar creme brulee.  The beverage menu, designed by mixologist Eamon Rockey, offers beverages from regions around Spain, local New York beers, ciders and spirits, plus cocktails designed to emulate the easygoing European lifestyle. There is, of course, sangria, as well as Spanish-style gin and tonics, with fresh and dried botanicals, and plenty of fortified wines, like sherry and vermouth.   Live music nights help fill the floor-to-ceiling glass space with joy and celebration, and the restaurant serves as a nice

A beachy vacation may not be in reach (or in season), but Jibs’ New England style seafood shack transports you to sandier, breezier vibes where summer is totally a verb.  Situated on the Hudson River at Hudson Yards, with spacious outdoor seating, Jibs is a collaborative, luxe lobster shack created by Cobi Levy and Will Makris (ACT2 Hospitality: Lola Taverna, Baby Luc's), Thatcher Shultz (Kind Regards, Make Believe), Chef David Ladner (Rhode Island's acclaimed Spiced Pear; Rialto in Cambridge), and General Manager Trisha Hitko. The menu melds traditional, nostalgic seafood shack delights with seasonal specials. Think: Lobster makes, Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls and fried seafood basket with cod, calamari or crab cakes. Grilled and steamed seafood is also available, including whole lobster, black sea bass, and more, as well as a raw bar featuring a variety of oysters, clams and shrimp. On the side, opt for crispy crinkle French fries,  corn on the cob or seasonal veggies.  Jibs’ bar features a combination of classic cocktails, cold beer, and wines, all to be paired with the food and the nautical experience.    Designed by Levy and styled by Mate Gallery’s Matt Albiani, Jibs’ 6,500-square-foot space evokes a simpler, more colorful time, particularly on Cape Cod or the coast of Maine.  Blue-and-white striped private cabanas with 180-degree views of the Hudson River, a “Grass Lounge” area featuring nautical-themed covered seating, a hammock, sandpit, and assorted gre

Dinner, drinks and dancing may not be what it was in New York’s pre-digital everything heyday, but Bacall’s Family Steakhouse throws it back. Inspired by New Yorker and Hollywood star Lauren Bacall, and her Jewish-Romanian upbringing in The Bronx, Bacall’s merges 1940s era Hollywood charm (Chandeliers! Vintage decor!) with once again trendy Eastern European dishes.  Appetizer’s riff on a bubbe’s standards: deep-fried beef kreplach, chopped chicken liver with challah, latkes with applesauce and gefilte fish topped caesar salad all kick off the menu. Sweet and sour meatballs and matzo ball soup are also served, before shareable meat-centric feasts like slow-cooked brisket, dill-and-basil salmon and a steak and fries platter that could serve a small family. Quick, pre-theater meals like rotisserie chicken with a side of kugel, pasta and a wagyu burger are also available, but Bacall’s is a place to luxuriate. Along with the updated nostalgic menu, Bacall’s has an in-house musician, Dani Luv, famed troubadour of the Lower East Side’s Famous Sammy’s Roumanian for over 20 years, who performs nightly. Come with cash for tips and ideas for song requests, the cheesier the better.  Dancing the hora around the restaurant (yes, that happens) is of course more fun after indulging at Bacall’s in-house vodka bar. The “Vodcã Blast” program offers top-shelf vodka encased in an ice block, served tableside with a choice of mixers or shot glasses, and upon special request, with cucumber cups or a

Rockefeller Center is looking little more like a charming European piazza, thanks to Lodi, an all-day restaurant, bakery, and bar inspired by Italian caffè culture now open at 1 Rockefeller Plaza.  Chef Ignacio Mattos, of Manhattan favorites estela and Altro Paradiso, is behind the new spot, which is part of a revitalization of Rockefeller Center, breathing some twenty-first century life into the historic, tourist-frequented location. That is, you're likely to see the pastries and stylized pastries on your FYP.  “Lodi is a reminder of how much restaurants, caffès, and bakeries bring to our communities,” says Mattos. “As we enter this new stage in New York City, we’re returning to our roots with an appreciation for the most essential crafts, such as milling, baking, and distilling. Lodi is a celebration of what we love to do.” Head Baker and Pastry Chef Louis Volle, who cut his teeth at Dean & Deluca (RIP), Blue Hill Stone Barns and Tartine, created an bread and pastry program celebrating the craft of milling and baking. A large stone mill, the first of its kind in Manhattan, will freshly grind single variety grains into flours for the specialty baked goods, which will rotate through Lodi's ovens all day long.   Mornings feature a selection of Pasticcini (small pastries) such as cornetto, cioccolato, maritozzo and bombolone. Prima Colazione (breakfast) includes soft eggs with smoked salmon and oats with fruit and honey.  The Pane (bread menu) showcases natural fermentation an

Pass three spiral staircases inside the just-opened Italian restaurant Gran Tivoli to get to this semisecret cocktail lounge. Practically lifted from the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Peppi’s is all retro cool, with deep, intimate booths, antique lights and a tiny stage for lively jazz combos.

L’chaim! A brand new, massive Jewish food festival is coming to New York City this summer, a one-day-only event huge in scale and flavor. The Great Nosh, dubbed as New York’s biggest picnic, will take place on Governors Island on Sunday, June 22, featuring food and beverage from iconic Jewish restaurants across the city, intriguing and unexpected culinary collabs (Thai Diner x Katz’s Deli! Gertrude's x Dhamaka!), plus cultural activities like jewelry-making with Lower East Side beading queen Susan Alexandra.  RECOMMENDED: Looking back at 10 years of Queens Night Market, the no. 1 ranked food festival in the U.S. Presented by the Jewish Food Society and co-sponsored by several Jewish organizations, including UJA Federation New York, Schusterman Family Philanthropies and Pershing Square Philanthropies, the nonprofit’s founder Naama Shefi was inspired by picnics she grew up enjoying on her kibbutz (a communal village in Israel), and New York’s outdoor spaces. “I love our city’s community gardens and parks and wanted to recreate this type of magic on a larger scale,” Shefi says.  “Jewish culture and NYC food are so deeply intertwined. The Great Nosh is a new space that celebrates that history and connection, where we can step out of our daily routine and enjoy good food, wine, music, art and relaxed time with friends.”  Running from 11am to 4pm, The Great Nosh will be a five-hour brunch celebration including pop-ups of iconic New York establishments, interactive culinary demos, l

Summer officially starts on Friday, May 23 (or let’s be real, Thursday, May 22), with Memorial Day Weekend hitting early this year, giving us a whole extra weekend to relish our escape from the city. We’ll need it because there are plenty of new restaurants and hotels to explore out east this summer. As you return to old favorites, you may notice a few tweaks and improvements: Montauk Brewing Company now has two outdoor TVs so you don’t have to miss the big game while sipping a Wavechaser IPA; Amber Waves Farm added long tables and Wi-Fi for WFH vibes with a wake-up wrap and coffee; John Cameron Mitchell is grand marshal at this year’s Pride Parade; and there are plenty of new additions from Southampton to Springs to keep you intrigued.   RECOMMENDED: A guide to The Hamptons From Manhattan-based favorites making their seasonal Long Island extension to renovated and brand-new spaces, here’s everything new in The Hamptons that you’ll want to check out this summer.  Dining Sagaponack General Store Following an untimely closing in 2020 (ugh), this beloved general store and market is finally back in business! The building dating back to 1878 has been renovated and reenvisioned, so you can grab your lattes, specialty groceries, fresh flowers, sandwiches (ham and cheese!) and rotisserie chickens by chef Daniel Eddy (of Winner Cafe in Park Slope) and more all in one historic—and photogenic—spot in Sagaponack.  The Bird Formerly known as Bird on the Roof, this Montauk favorite—owned

A viral gender-bending pop-up from the U.K. is about to serve up a sexy butch breakfast that’ll bring out the mascs. Booters, a butch-focused parody of Hooters, is making its stateside debut in NYC as a kitschy American diner centered on a queer (and significantly less creepy) experience. RECOMMENDED: The best lesbian bars in NYC Booters’ New York tour—led by Cockney Cowgirl, a lesbian artist and Booters regular, and local event producer Vic King Smith—will throw a trio of pop-ups at three sapphic locales: the West Village’s Cubbyhole on May 5, Park Slope’s Ginger’s on May 8 and Bed-Stuy’s Soft Butch on May 9. Cubbyhole will host a pub night with no cover; a dance and karaoke party will happen at Ginger’s; and Soft Butch will throw a Butch Breakfast at 11am, where servers will squirt whipped cream on your dessert (or in your mouth for a nice tip). Anyone wearing a Booters shirt to this event gets 15% off their food and drink. There will also be a server try-out on May 8, which you can watch for $25. The Booters Recruiters will plan to use these auditions to cast Booters servers at future local events.  Booters is expecting more than 400 people at the pop-ups, which goes to show there’s a desire for the butch-ification of NYC (and London, where the concept is originally based).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Booters: Butch Diner LDN (@bootersbutchbar) While hanging out in the smoking section of a lesbian event in London, friends Oran Keaveney and

In a city of well over 1,200 sushi restaurants, only a few have female chefs. Yes, New York City, one of the country’s (OK, the world’s) most progressive, inclusive and esteemed culinary hubs, is home to fewer than five women leading sushi counters. And in many ways, they couldn’t be more different. Nikki Zheng, a high-end sushi alum of Masa and Nakazawa, opened her own omakase restaurant, Sushi Akira, on the Upper East Side in early 2025, serving 18 courses for $175. Morgan Adams runs Hōseki, the jewel box, six-seat omakase counter offering luxury lunches beneath Saks Fifth Avenue. Both feel the extreme gender gap in the sushi world.  RECOMMENDED: The best Women’s History Month events in NYC “I think being a woman in a lot of industries can be difficult,” Adamson tells Time Out New York. “I have found [my job] comes with some instant judgments, but I have decided to lean on the advantages it has given me. I get to change people's minds rather than disappoint. If people's expectations are already low, I have nowhere to go but up. I've had a lot of support from guests—especially other women—who are excited to see someone different behind the counter.” Adamson started making sushi upon learning that her favorite sushi restaurant in her hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was hiring. She wanted to work with her hands in a kitchen setting, and a love for making sushi was born. “I enjoy how tactile making sushi is. I appreciate how close to the product and the guest I get to feel. I

Hanukkah in New York is about to get lit.  As per tradition, the world’s largest Hanukkah menorah (also called a hanukkiah) has taken up residency in Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza, in Central Park at 59th Street (across from the Plaza Hotel) and will be lit up for all eight days of the Festival of Lights. At 36-feet tall, the menorah is certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest. Naturally, lighting each candle takes some assistance. In this case, help will come from a mechanical cherry picker.  The giant menorah will be lit after sunset every night of Hanukkah, starting on Wednesday, December 25, at 5:30pm. Each day, a new candle will sparkle until all eight of them are lit on the last night of the holiday.  Time OutMenorah lighting at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza Those in Brooklyn can also enjoy the borough's largest menorah, which will be set up in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza, right outside Prospect Park. In true Brooklyn style, this menorah lighting opens with an official Hanukkah kickoff concert at 4pm on Wednesday, followed by a lighting ceremony. Free latkes will be on offer, as will gifts for children, every night of the holiday. While you're at it, don't forget to read through our investigation into which one of the two menorahs is actually the largest one in the world. You'll be surprised.

Train travel through the South is looking better than ever, especially thanks to the recent revival of a long-discontinued route. On August 6, Amtrak announced that the route between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, will come back in 2025, following a 20-year hiatus on that line. The passenger route, which hasn't been in effect since Hurricane Katrina damaged the line in 2005, will run twice daily and include stops in four cities in Mississippi: Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis. The reopening of the 130-mile route is only possible due to a $178.4 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, as well as $3 million funded by the Alabama Port Authority, the State of Alabama, and the Mobile City Council, following Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's opposition to funding the Gulf Rail project.  The years-long effort to restore this route is great news for regional commuters, as well as travelers through the south who will now have yet another way to visit major cities and enjoy impressive gulf views along the way.  “This is an incredible outcome and we have worked so very hard with our partners to finally get to this point. With the funding in place, this train can roll soon, and it will have a great return on investment and a tremendous impact in connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, boosting our local economies, and supporting our growing tourism industry in our coastal cities,” said Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross in

Now's the time to book a fall getaway! Or another, if your schedule is filling up. JetBlue just announced the kickoff of the airline's annual Big Fall Sale with a week of major deals dropping from Monday, August 19 through Friday, August 23.  And booking a JetBlue flight for the autumnal months may even be cheaper than getting to the airport with this sale. Deals include one-way fares from $39 and JetBlue Vacations packages, which include flights and two hotel nights, from $152.  All travel included in the sale takes place between September 10 through November 20, 2024 and excludes Thursday, Friday, and Sunday travel. Still, if you're willing to be a bit flexible with your dates (and maybe get creative with your vacation days and JetBlue's high-speed in-flight WiFi), there are some major deals out there.  From New York City, travelers can book travel to Europe for under $300, including one-way fares to Amsterdam (AMS) starting at $249, Paris (CDG) starting at $249, London (LHR, LGW) starting at $249, and Dublin (DUB) starting at $199. Domestically, travelers can depart from New York to Miami (MIA) for $49 or West Palm Beach (PBI) for the same price. Fares to Atlanta (ATL) start at $59 and flights to Saint Vincent (SVD) are $99.   Those booking with TrueBlue points can also find fares as low as 4,400 points, including trips between Boston (BOS) and New York City, or Atlanta (ATL), Nashville (BNA), Portland (PMW), Savannah (SAV), and New York.  Already, JetBlue has poised itsel

Demure is the word of the week across the Internet, and of course, the travel industry is catching on. Inspired by a series of videos by TikTok creator Jools Lebron, demureness is having a moment. It's giving cutesy. It's giving mindful. It's giving getaway with demurity. Here's where to book a delightfully humble but aesthetic getaway.  Countryside Farm Treehouse  Located in Willington, Connecticut, this treehouse in the woods (don't worry, it has Wi-Fi) is truly mindful. Get away from it all in this lofted one-bedroom, where animals, including goats, cats, and dogs, roam in the backyard connected to Bluebird Farm. Rates start at $235 per night before cleaning and fees.   Mid-century A-frame Escape to Hamlin, Pennsylvania, to a chic cabin that sleeps six. The stylish A-frame has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler and GQ, so it may not be the demurest of the demure, but you can still use it for a demure friends or couples getaway.  A-Frame Tiny Cabin  Is there anything more demure than a tiny home? Sneak into Southampton, Massachusetts, for a retreat in the Pioneer Valley with just you and the trees for company. AirbnbTiny A-Frame cabin in Southampton, Massachusetts Romantic Treehouse  An opulent treehouse whisper-screams demure with the best intentions and this listing in Bloomington Springs, Tennessee, is certainly one for the books. This guest favorite also features an outdoor barrel sauna, cold plunge, outdoor kitchen, and more, all an hour from Nashville.  Secluded P

Summer is in full swing, but Labor Day is just around the corner. Labor Day weekend kicks off on Friday, August 30 (so early!) and with it, the last official bout of seasonal travel. Whether you're planning a road trip or just driving to the airport, a little advance scheduling may help you skip traffic on this infamously chaotic long weekend. According to data from AAA, if you're taking an extra long weekend and departing on Thursday, August 29, the worst time to travel by car is between 1pm to 7pm, but leaving before 11am is the best time. Friday travelers will see the worst times on the road at 2pm through 6pm and leaving before noon is the suggested best time. Those procrastinating a bit and leaving on Saturday, August 31 can sleep in, as the worst time is said to be between 8am and 11am, with the best times after 12pm.  Coming back from vacation is never fun, sitting in traffic can make it so much worse.  Those returning on Sunday, September 1, should go before noon, which AAA says is the best time, followed by the worst time between 2pm and 8pm. Those traveling on Monday, September 2, will have to wake up early or stay up late to optimize road travel: the worst time is said to be from 11am to 8pm, with the best time before 10am. Taking an extra vacation day on Tuesday, September 3, may be wisest, with the best travel times suggested after 1pm.  Of course, where you're driving may also affect road conditions. Washington, D.C., is expected to have the worst traffic increa

  The Olympics season has come to a close. We cheered on the USA at the Paris Olympics, saw Simone Biles and the U.S. gymnastics team dominate their routines, witnessed records breaking, and so much more. The USA exceeded its performance in the 2020 Tokyo Games. Here's how the U.S. is performed:  Every U.S. medal winner at the Paris Olympics 2024  The list of U.S. medal winners includes:  Date Athlete/Team Medal Event Sport 27 July Sarah Bacon/Kassidy Cook Silver Women's springboard 3m synchronized Diving 27 July Chloe Dygert Bronze Bronze Women's individual time trial 27 July Katie Ledecky Bronze 400m freestyle Swimming 27 July Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh. Torri Huske, Simone Manuel, Erika Connolly, Abbey Weitzel Silver Women, 4x100m freestyle, Swimming 27 July Jack Alexj, Chris Guiliano, Hunter Armstrong, Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Held, Matt King Gold Men, 4x100m freestyle Swimming 28 July Haley Batten Silver Women, cross country Mountain Bike 28 July Torri Huske Gold Women, 100m butterfly Swimming 28 July Gretchen Walsh Silver Women, 100m butterfly Swimming 28 July Carson Foster Bronze Men, 400m IM Swimming 28 July Lee Kiefer Gold Women, individual foil Fencing 28 July Lauren Scruggs Silver Women, individual foil Fencing 28 July Nic Fink Silver 100m breaststroke Swimming 29 July Jagger Eaton Silver Men's street Skateboarding 29 July Nyjah Huston Bronze Men's street Skateboarding 29 July Luke Hobson Bronze Men, 200m freestyle Swimming 2

There's a lot of fun Olympics trivia out there. And then there's this: The USA women's basketball team hasn't lost an Olympic game since 1992. That is, they're on a winning streak of 57 games and counting. All eyes are on Team USA basketball, with major superstars on the men's and women's team for both the 5x5 games and the 3x3 games. All four basketball teams have advanced to the quarterfinals and are very likely poised to see the medal podium following a series of more wins.  Watch as LeBron James, Steph Curry, Breanna Stewart, Aja Wilson, Britney Griner and so many other hoops stars play on the courts at the Paris Olympics this weekend.  When does Team USA basketball play next? The men's 5x5 team plays against Serbia on Thursday, August 8 at 3pm ET.  The women's 5x5 team plays against Australia on Friday, August 9 at 11:30am ET. Following each of these games, the next competitions and schedules will be announced, depending on the outcome.  Which teams will be competing for gold against USA basketball? The seven teams competing with Team USA for gold in the men's 5x5 quarterfinals are Canada, Germany, France, Serbia, Australia, Greece and Brazil. The semi-finalists are currently USA, Serbia, Germany and France. The women's 5x5 team competes with Serbia, Australia, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, and Nigeria. The women's 3x3 semifinals pit the USA against Spain, Germany and Canada. USA has won bronze in this category.   How to watch Team USA Tuning into the Paris Olympics 2

It may be peak summer, but Christmas is coming.  And the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey, is gifting fans super early this year, thanks to a surprise announcement about her 2024 holiday tour, an epic production slated to travel from coast to coast, with plenty of stops in between.  ”It’s not time yet, but I have exciting news‼️ Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time, my biggest holiday tour to date, is coming to 20 cities starting November 6, 2024!” The singer shared on X and Instagram on August 2, over a million likes. Fans are ready!  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) Tickets for the Mariah Carey Christmas Time Tour will go on sale next Friday, August 9 on Livenation/Ticketmaster at 10am ET. The tour kicks off at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, November 8. From there, Carey will head to Palm Springs, Phoenix, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Nashville. The midwestern leg of the tour includes Chicago and St. Louis before Carey heads back east to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Raleigh, Pittsburgh, and to the Prudential Center in Newark, UBS Arena in Belmont Park on Long Island, before a grand finale at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Those who can't wait to see Carey until the holiday season can also still get tickets for her ongoing residency in Las Vegas at the Dolby Live. Tickets start at just $65 for Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas, which will run until she leaves on tour