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Shaye Weaver

Shaye Weaver

Editor, Time Out New York

Shaye is enthusiastic about finding and sharing off-the-beaten-path fun in NYC and sees the Big Apple as a constantly changing landscape to explore. When she’s not in the city, she’s exploring new cities, towns and villages across the U.S. and elsewhere.

She was previously the Things to Do editor at Time Out New York and in the same role at amNewYork before that. She also covered the Upper East Side for DNAinfo for two years. She got her start covering news and lifestyle at the Southampton and East Hampton Press on Long Island.

Now she leads the Time Out New York team as its editor, covering the best city in the world. She lives in Astoria with her husband Paul and cats, Zuko and Sylvie, and loves traveling, exploring the city’s neighborhoods, roller skating, fabric crafting, digging into 19th-century NYC history, and LARPing in her spare time.

Articles (231)

The 24 best things to do in the world in 2024

The 24 best things to do in the world in 2024

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;) ), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

The best outdoor yoga in NYC

The best outdoor yoga in NYC

New Yorkers love yoga. The inner peace, the moment of controlled movement and self-care makes hustling and living in this bustling city doable. Plus, there are so many indoor spots to practice, so it’s easy to find a spot to get your relaxation on. But one of our favorite things is when instructors take their classes to the great outdoors, even here in NYC.  We’ve seen classes sprout up in leafy spots like Prospect Park, Central Park and Astoria Park, on streets, on rooftops and even on aircraft carriers (on board the Intrepid). Neighborhood landmarks, including the Meatpacking District, Union Square and Riverside Park have held their own outdoor yoga classes as well. For those looking to work up a serious sweat, head to our roundup of best gyms and fitness centers, but if you're more into breathing deeply in a beautiful space and finding some inner peace, check out our picks of the best fresh air yoga sessions below. Pack a mat, grab the sunscreen, and we'll see you on the grass! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

You can swim with pigs and stingrays on this private island in the Bahamas

You can swim with pigs and stingrays on this private island in the Bahamas

In recent years, swimming with feral pigs has become the go-to excursion in the Bahamas. Countless TikToks and Instagram Reels have captured this adorable encounter on the pristine beach of Big Major Cay. Pink and black piggies swimming around with excited tourists in the crystal-clear water seems like a scene out of heaven for animal lovers. These pigs—which primarily live in a pack of about 20, over 30 nautical miles from Nassau on Big Major Cay in Exuma—see tourists on a near-daily basis. That’s why when I booked my trip to the Bahamas this month, seeing the swimming pigs was number one on my to-do list. So when I was one of about 30 people waiting, carrots in hand, for pigs to stampede toward us, I knew I had realized a dream. But the Bahamas are so incredible that I soon realized they weren’t the best part of this excursion. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York Instead of traveling to Big Major Cay for the official Exuma swimming pigs experience, my tour was to Ship Channel Cay, a private Bahamian island owned by Powerboat Adventures.  I booked my trip to Nassau through JetBlue Vacations, so I was set up with a local travel company for any bookings on and off the island. Majestic Tours and JetBlue booked me with Powerboat Adventures, which picks clients up from their respective resorts on Paradise Island and takes them directly to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. Here, along with about 50 other brave adventure seekers, I boarded a 60-foot jet boat that wou

The 30 coolest streets in the world

The 30 coolest streets in the world

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

The 50 best cities in the world in 2024

The 50 best cities in the world in 2024

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

The best record stores in NYC

The best record stores in NYC

Since New York is the greatest city in the world for music, we, of course, have the best record store. Think about it—there is simply nowhere else that has our storied history and incredible live music scene. And despite the loss of some beloved spots like Rebel Rebel and Other Music, there are still plenty of spots for both the serious vinyl junkie or casual collector perusing LPs on Record Store Day. Discovering that rare LP in a brick-and-mortar music store is a thrill you just can’t replicate online (we know—we’ve tried). These are the genre-spanning NYC record stores we swear by. RECOMMENDED: Best places for shopping in NYC

Eight must-see works at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Eight must-see works at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

In 2011, we spoke with then-associate curator Karole Vail at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum about works in the collection that are a must-see. The following pieces were her suggestions. For an updated glimpse of what art is on at NYC’s museums, check out our guide to the best museum exhibitions right now. 8 must-see works at the Guggenheim Museum Edgar Degas, “Spanish Dance”Degas loved dancers, and they became one of his favorite motifs. This tiny sculpture of a graceful nude figure mid-move, which appears alongside two other Degas sculptures, was actually cast from the artist’s model posthumously under the supervision of one of his friends, Albert Bartholom. Unlike most 19th-century sculptures, which, according to Vail, were academic and monumental, Spanish Dance represents something more expressive, vivid and lively.Where to find it: Thannhauser Gallery, level two Edouard Manet, “Before the Mirror”Fascinated by societal shifts in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Manet often painted the working class and the underclass—especially prostitutes. Using large, loose brushstrokes (his signature style), he portrays a courtesan from the back while she looks at herself in the mirror, perhaps just a moment before she turns around and catches you peeking at her. "You have the impression of openness and great freedom of paint," says Vail. "At the same time the psychological mood is more restrained. The picture is actually very private." Where to find it: Thannhauser G

The top spots to see graffiti and street art in NYC

The top spots to see graffiti and street art in NYC

Street art and graffiti in NYC were a product of the 1970s, when the city was bankrupt and  crime was rampant. Growing up in that environment, kids from the Bronx and Brooklyn tagged subway cars and buildings even though it was illegal and dangerous. Eventually, their new art form spread around the world and found its way into NYC galleries and museums in NYC. Street art thrives, ironically as a sanctioned activity sponsored by business owners, community groups and even developers. Now there are even famous street artists! But don’t worry: It’s still imbued with the same panache and attitude that made it so compelling back in the day—as you’ll see by checking out our list of the top spots to see graffiti in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer

The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC

The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC

Cherry blossoms in NYC offer New Yorkers a brief but gorgeous pop of beauty, which is why we flock in droves to see them when they bloom each spring. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to Central Park and even some hidden spots around town, we've rounded up the best places where you can gaze at the delicate pink flowers, take the perfect warm-weather-ready photo for your Instagram feed, and check off your bucket list with these best things to do in spring. RECOMMENDED: NYC events in March 2024 When do cherry blossoms bloom in NYC? Cherry blossoms bloom in NYC based on each year's weather, but they usually begin in earnest by late March. CentralPark.com says the park's trees bloom from April to May. Speaking of Central Park, the cherry blossom trees here can be found between 72nd Street and 96th Street around the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Great Lawn, Cedar Hill, and the area just south of Cedar Hill between 74th and 77th Streets. But Central Park isn't the only place to admire these pretty petals; keep scrolling for the full list. 

Cheap things to do in NYC: Your guide to bargains

Cheap things to do in NYC: Your guide to bargains

Let’s face it: NYC is expensive, both for visitors and locals. For those of us living here in the city, we’re constantly choosing between going out and, say, paying rent. While it’s certainly nice to splurge on one of the best restaurants in NYC, the reality is that we mostly have to focus on cheap eats and happy hour deals. We’re here to help: when it comes to going out in the city, you can still have fun without facing a hefty price tag. There are plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. Simply walking the streets of New York can make for an entertaining day out, but if you look closely you can find fabulous things to without paying a fortune. Did you know that some of NYC’s top attractions are also affordable? Or how about comedy — a good laugh doesn’t have to cost much. Manhattan and Brooklyn have beautiful parks to stroll, and for a small fee you can get around on a bike or a boat. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Entertainment in NYC can be cheap, or even free, so get out there and have some fun! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

Listings and reviews (231)

sundays SOHO

sundays SOHO

Non-toxic nail polish purveyor and cozy nail salon sundays just opened its fifth location in New York City and it’s the biggest and most welcoming salon yet. I was invited to try out the new spot/its new flagship on Spring Street—a hideaway among all the fashion retailers—inside a converted loft apartment with a terrace. Once the elevator doors opened, I walked into the Danish hygge-themed salon and was warmly greeted by friendly staff in the kitchen-turned-lounge/intake space/hang-out area.  The loft’s layout is still evident in the space: the pedicure stations are in the old living room overlooking the street; the nail polish selection and intake are in the kitchen in the middle; and eight manicure stations (across two long tables) span the former two bedrooms, abutted by the back door to the terrace. (The terrace will be used as a quiet space with seating, lounge chairs and tables for customers to use and relax in as their nails dry.) The longer I stayed in the space, the more I felt like I was in a friend’s super nice but cozy Soho apartment. It helped that the service I was comped, the Rose Extract Anti-Aging Manicure, nearly lulled me to sleep. The 50-minute manicure used an anti-aging soak of rose petals and hydrating coconut milk and a gentle orange-peel scrub. I got a 10-minute rose essential oil aromatherapy massage and a cooling spritz of rose water mist before any nail polish was applied. This service was $58. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York | Sha

Time Out Spring Beverage Festival

Time Out Spring Beverage Festival

Come chill with us at this new outdoor festival featuring beer, wine, great food, live music, and more! On Saturday, April 20, head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park under the Bridge by St. Ann’s Warehouse from 2 to 6pm, to enjoy bites from the Market’s vendors (Pastrami Queen, Jacob’s Pickles, The Rogue Boba, Settepani Bakery, The Maiz Project and Sugar Hill Creamery) and wash it all down with drinks from Sixpoint Brewery, Truly, Sam Adams, Coney Island Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery and Estrella Galicia. Enjoy it all to live music from Silver Arrow Band and later, come by for our popular Latin Mix Saturday inside the Market. See you down there!

Brooklyn Game Knight

Brooklyn Game Knight

Industry City has an assortment of fun things to do, from archery and petanque to distilleries and an entire Japan Village. And now, it has a board game shop and tabletop lounge, where you can play with your friends. For the uninitiated, Eurogames (your Settlers of Catan and Wingspan) have been having a moment in the past decade or so, but only now are we seeing permanent, dedicated spaces pop up to host gamers. Brooklyn couple Frank Szelwach and Sara Bender opened Brooklyn Game Knight in the fall of 2023 inside Industry City with more than 300 games, ranging from card games to dice-rolling games and more (role-playing games, too). A giant shelf of games spans the far wall and minis you can paint take up space near the front. You can also shop from indy game creators, pick out new dice sets and grab a game gift for a friend. “We are a bit ‘punk rock’ in that we are incredibly devoted to independent creators, designers and publishers,” Szelwach says. “It is important for us to support the incredible indie and DIY gaming community. We have shelves dedicated to this and run playtesting events. We believe that the smallest voices tend to have the biggest ideas!” That’s one of the defining points of Brooklyn Game Knight that sets it apart from other board game spaces … also because it plays host to special event nights such as tutorial nights, Magic the Gathering events, miniature painting, wargaming, TTRPG nights and more. It is welcoming to all folks who just want to play some

Drag Me To Joanne’s

Drag Me To Joanne’s

Lady Gaga’s family restaurant, Joanne Trattoria (a name made famous by the artist’s eponymous album), is bringing in sensational drag queens for free, “speakeasy” drag shows every Wednesday, starting on Valentine’s Day. “Drag Me To Joanne’s,” which is hosted by Jupiter Genesis, features special guests. Coming up, you’ll see Mariyea and Angel Au on February 14; Vidana and Lana Ja’Rae on February 21; and Paloma and Blair Bitch on February 28. Of course, because it’s all set at Joanne’s, there will “be ample Lady Gaga action,” organizers say. “‘Drag Me To Joanne’s’ has been a staple here at Joanne Trattoria over the last few months and we’re beyond thrilled to not only make it a weekly show, but a free show,” said Joe Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s (Stephanie Germanotta’)s father. “Where else in this city can you enjoy a terrific free drag show and authentic Italian food?” Produced exclusively by Jessee O of G L I T A NYC and co-produced by Jupiter Genesis, the show starts at 7pm. Joanne Trattoria’s full Italian menu will be available during performances. Additional tickets for the show aren’t needed, you just need or order a meal.

“CHAOS THEORY: the spectrum of black abstraction”

“CHAOS THEORY: the spectrum of black abstraction”

This group exhibition from Black artists interprets the theme of “black abstraction” through sculpture, assemblage, photography, printmaking, and painting. Drawing inspiration from Black Studies and Humanities scholar Christina Sharpe’s likening the Black experience to the weather, the exhibition features depictions of voids, deconstructed bodies, and synesthetic emotional states, using intricate and ephemeral materials to underscore its fragility.  Works will be shown by artists Austin Sley Julian, Christl Stringer, C. J. Jackson, Faith McCorkle, Freddie L. Rankin II, Garry Grant and Shangari Mwashighadi. The exhibition is curated by Ciaran Short and Jabari Butler through the entire month of February. The opening reception will be held on February 2, from 6 to 9pm at the East Village location (77 E 3rd St).

The Rhythms & Movements of African American Culture Festival

The Rhythms & Movements of African American Culture Festival

Don’t miss 16 performances showcasing a fusion of African music genres and dance forms during The Rhythms & Movements of African American Culture Festival. Watch Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Asase Yaa Theater Company, Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, Ife Youth Dance Theater and Arkestra Africa highlight dances from Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, and Cuba, as well as more contemporary forms such as Afro-Cuban, House, Rock, Hi-Life, Hip Hop, Jazz, and modern dance. A highlight worth seeing is the world premiere of the revival ballet, Ghana: The Place Where the Chief Sleeps,” performed by the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater The festival concerts and performances are for all ages.  

NYFW: The Menu

NYFW: The Menu

It’ll be a week of design and dinner this NYFW. Twenty-five restaurants—Caviar Kaspia at The Mark, Jean’s, Bangkok Supper Club, Hav & Mar, Temple Bar, Bluestone Lane, Temple Court and The Bar Room at The Beekman, Librae Bakery, Ray’s, American Bar and more—will offer exclusive menu items during NYFW (February 9-14). When you dine at these spots, you could win a VIP shopping experience and two front-row seats to an NYFW runway show during the September 2024 season. QR codes will be available at each restaurant to enter for a chance to win. Sign up at NYFW.com/themenu.

Black History Month with the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center

Black History Month with the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center

Join the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center and Central Baptist Church for their second Black History Month program on Saturday, February 24 at 4pm at Central Baptist Church of NYC. The free event will celebrate Black contributions to our society through music, dance, and spoken word. Renowned choreographer Walter Rutledge has crafted three Bible-themed works, which will be performed by dancers Amina Konate and Tevin Johnson and the distinctive narration of James Earl Jones.

“An Unsung Symphony”

“An Unsung Symphony”

Join the Unsung Collective, players from the New York Philharmonic and soprano Nia Drummond for a special night celebrating Black History Month. “An Unsung Symphony” will take place at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem on Friday, February 9, at 7pm. THrough their music, they’ll revisit history through William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony and Jessie Montgomery’s Five Freedom Songs. The Unsung Collective is a Harlem-based music collective devoted to celebrating stories of the Black experience and Mother AME Zion Church, which was founded in 1796, is the oldest African American church in the state of New York and is known for being a grand depot for the Underground Railroad.

Live Music Sundays at  Time Out Market

Live Music Sundays at Time Out Market

Chase away the Sunday scaries with us at the Market with live music and good food! Live Music Sundays kicks off at noon with Bottomless Brunch and really gets going at noon with live performances from local acts. Coming up:Mapy The Violin Queen - March 24Melaner - March 31 Spending $55 gets you a $35 TOM Card towards the meal of your choice from our editor-approved vendors and three hours of bottomless beverages, including mimosas, bellinis and Aperol Spritz.  Let us help you forget about Monday!

MOD MEX Cooking Class: Guacamole Workshop

MOD MEX Cooking Class: Guacamole Workshop

Here’s something to guac about at parties! Learn how to make you guacamole from the best. Chef Ivy Stark will teach you how to make the ace avocado dip in this hands-on workshop. You’ll roll up your sleeves and make the good green stuff from scratch, no matter what your skill level. During the class, you can enjoy Ivy’s Margarita and finish with churro bites and Mexican hot chocolate. Finish it off with more margaritas, which you can grab at the bar—February 17 to 24 is Margarita Week at the market!  

Mardi Gras at Time Out Market

Mardi Gras at Time Out Market

It’s time to party and celebrate Mardi Gras, Brooklyn style! Head over to Time Out Market New York for a celebration featuring all-day Hurricanes in souvenir glasses (while supplies last, $18 or $15 without the glass), signature cocktails— a Sazerac ($15) made with Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier and a Between the Sheets ($17) with white rum, cognac and Grand Marnier. and live music from the Liftoff Brass Band keeping the vibes going all day.    

News (1297)

Martinis will be celebrated all year long at this iconic NYC hotel

Martinis will be celebrated all year long at this iconic NYC hotel

The historic hotel where The Great Gatsby author F. Scott Fitzgerald ordered his go-to martini is celebrating the cocktail in a year-long tribute with several really cool experiences tailored toward martini enthusiasts. Guests to the Knickerbocker Hotel, which is rumored to be the birthplace of the dry martini, will introduce a bespoke martini cart, martinis on-demand in-room service, “21+ elevator hours,” and a seasonal Martini Rooftop Garden, says a press release. It’ll also launch a Martini World Tour to unveil its new martini recipe and history book and have guest bartenders host Martini Masterclasses. RECOMMENDED: Part of Grand Central Station will be transformed into a replica of Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City kitchen The martini is a huge part of the hotel’s history. The story goes that bartender Martini de Arma di Taggia concocted the dry martini in the early 1900s in the hotel bar, and from 1907 to 1920, the hotel was the place to go for a solid dry martini, attracting folks like John D. Rockefeller and F. Scott Fitzgerald. “No other cocktail has such a firm grip on society or culture as the martini does, and every generation is flocking to quintessential New York City bars to indulge in the very best this city has to offer,” said Scott Case, Hotel Manager at The Knickerbocker. “The martini, like The Knickerbocker itself, is a classic and iconic piece of history that has reimagined itself as a landmark in today’s society. In dedicating ourselves to the ‘Year of the Martin

Here’s how you can win a free trip to Bermuda next week in the Meatpacking District

Here’s how you can win a free trip to Bermuda next week in the Meatpacking District

A larger-than-life hourglass will take over the Meatpacking District’s Chelsea Triangle next week as part of a day-long event that’ll award New Yorkers with free JetBlue flights to Bermuda. Every 90 minutes, when the last grain of pink sand lands at the bottom, the companies will give away five free trips that include JetBlue roundtrip flights to Bermuda for two and a hotel stay. Those who participate can also get JetBlue TrueBlue points and JetBlue Vacations certificates. All you need to do to try and win is answer one trivia question via a QR code onsite. Every 90 minutes, there will be a new question to answer, so you can come back and rescan. There will also be Bermuda beach lounge chairs and a soundtrack of waves and AR sunshine.  The event takes place from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, April 4.  You can currently book JetBlue to Bermuda New York’s JFK and Boston on jetblue.com. Learn more about travel to Bermuda visit gotobermuda.com and consider staying at the beautiful Cambridge Beaches. Photograph: Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Five of the coolest things to see at this year’s Whitney Biennial

Five of the coolest things to see at this year’s Whitney Biennial

Art nerds can’t wait until the Whitney Biennial, which happens every two years. It’s always a gigantic showcase of some of the coolest, newest and most provocative art at a big New York City museum. It’s the Whitney Museum of American Art’s landmark exhibition series and the longest-running survey of American Art. This year, the Biennial is themed “Even Better Than The Real Thing” and features the work of 71 artists and collectives. It does a lot in this iteration. According to the museum the survey examines rapidly advancing technologies and machine learning tools; the body and subjectivity as it pertains to queer identity, body sovereignty, motherhood, the aging body, and the trans body; material agency and the use of unstable media; the psychological implications of architectural spaces and the systems of power that they represent; larger histories of non-Western communities, and how myth, cosmologies, land, water, Earth, and geological ecosystems relate; the impact of war, dictatorships, colonialism, and the resurfacing of lost cultural histories. Overarching is the focus on “the real,” an extremely present topic these days with the onslaught of incorrect ChatGPT answers, horrifying deep fakes and art made by AI.  “This examination of reality is highlighted through various rough lines and connections between artists, material, and ideas and acknowledges that today, society is at a critical inflection point,” the museum states.  During my sneak peek visit to the museum on

Here’s why we think Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue is NYC’s coolest street right now

Here’s why we think Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue is NYC’s coolest street right now

Every year, Time Out picks the coolest streets in the world, tapping up-and-coming and under-the-radar stretches that deserve a shout-out. While almost every street in New York City can take some credit for making our city the best, some streets rise above the rest for what they currently offer. This year, we’ve picked Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn as the city’s coolest street—the 13th coolest in the world. You might be confused because the neighborhood has a reputation for its mommy mafia (or family-oriented character). This is not a strike against it in our book. If anything, it means the area is walkable, safe and has something for everyone. Fifth Avenue, which is bordered by the Barclays Center to its north and the Prospect Expressway to its south, is where we’re setting our sights this year. Its cool Revolutionary War history, myriad local restaurants, mom-and-pop shops and third spaces, from museums to board game lounges, make it the coolest in 2024. RECOMMENDED: The 30 coolest streets in the world   Photograph: courtesy of Fifth Avenue Park Slope BID Its history can be found at the Old Stone House at Washington Park. It is a reconstruction of the 1699 Vechte-Cortelyou House, an original Dutch farmstead that became a Revolutionary War landmark. Its land was where the first battle of the Battle of Long Island took place just after the Declaration of Independence was issued. In 1897, the house was burned and razed but its remnants were used to reconstruct it in

Cow-petting outside of NYC is the perfect way to boost your spirits

Cow-petting outside of NYC is the perfect way to boost your spirits

“I want to pet a cow,” I told my partner. “You can’t be serious,” he said. I was very serious and very much in need of cow cuddles. I’d hit a new mental health low with it being the middle of February in a cold and dark New York City and a very trying season personally. It felt as if nothing would pick me up except a trip out of the city and the ability hug a giant, warm mammal. I’d seen a video of someone communing with a cow on social media, and it stuck. After living here for nine years, I am of the belief that if you can leave, even for a day, you should—to protect your sanity. A regular break from the constant hustle—to touch some grass—is the key to living here long-term.  So I rounded up my partner and an animal-loving friend and headed down an hour and 45 minutes to Knowhere Farm, the home of Moo the steer. RECOMMENDED: I went to an ASMR spa in NYC and got tingles for the first time Knowhere Farm, located outside Trenton, New Jersey in Chesterfield, is a small, family-operated farm that has one steer (a neutered male cow), three horses (Whistler, Emma, and Pepsi), and goats (Tallahassee, Cincinnati, and Washington D.C).  When I arrived, owner Mary Campbell showed the three of us to her barn—a situation that could at first feel like a horror movie in the making—and introduced us to Moo. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York I didn’t expect to be afraid of a cow, but Moo is massive! Weighing in at 2,000 pounds (200 more than the average male Jersey cow) and m

10 secrets of New York City in the 1920s

10 secrets of New York City in the 1920s

In the spirit of The Great Gatsby heading to Broadway this spring, we’re taking a look back at the era of the flappers, speakeasies and the Jazz Age. The New York City of the 1920s is vividly painted by author F. Scott Fitzgerald when he mentions landmarks across the story: the Queensboro Bridge, the IRT Astoria line, Fifth Avenue, Washington Heights, The Murray Hill Hotel, Forty-Second Street, Hotel Metropole, Central Park, the Plaza Hotel, and the Corona, Queens ash heaps. At the Plaza, for example, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom, narrator Nick Carraway and his friend Jordan Baker take a trip to New York City for an afternoon in a hotel room. But lo and behold, tension is bubbling under the surface as Tom becomes suspicious of Gatsby’s relationship with Daisy. The room becomes a crucible for their relationships and is one of the most dissected scenes in the novel. But what do we actually know about this period in New York City outside of these old landmarks? Below, we divulge 10 secrets of the NYC of the 1920s. 1. The city’s most iconic skyscrapers stem from this era Photograph: courtesy of The New York Public Library Digital Collections The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building—the two gems in our world-famous skyline—started their construction in the 1920s. These Art Deco beauties are a product of the time though they were technically completed in the early 1930s. Their plans and designs were made during the ’20s. At first, they went toe to to

Don’t forget, New Yorkers: Daylight Saving Time is Sunday

Don’t forget, New Yorkers: Daylight Saving Time is Sunday

It’s that time again! The sun will finally set around 7pm on Sunday, giving us more time to enjoy New York City. Daylight Savings Time kicks off this weekend. Here’s what you need to know. When does Daylight Saving Time happen?  Daylight Savings Time will kick in at 2am on Sunday, March 10, and ends on November 3, 2024, at 2am. You can read more about the history behind why this happens at almanac.com.  How should I set my clock on Sunday? We “spring forward” an hour, from 2am to 3am, on Sunday morning. It’s probably best to set the time an hour forward on your clocks before you head to bed. Cellphone clocks should change automatically.  Do we lose an hour of sleep? Yes, unfortunately, we’ll lose an hour of sleep. But this means sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later going forward, so there will be more light in the evening. What can you do with more daylight? So much! With more sunlight this spring, you can have longer to check out the cherry blossoms in NYC, dine inside a great “streetery,” enjoy the scenery at the reopened Central Park Boathouse, enjoy a night market, see the Lil’ Heroes sculptures at Columbus Circle and other outdoor public art and more. The day doesn’t end when you clock out!

Time Out New York introduces the “Out Late” column

Time Out New York introduces the “Out Late” column

Parties and nightclubs are the lifeblood of this crazy city. It’s where fashion is stated, where we meet our friends and lovers and where we become our true selves. For years, Time Out New York has been your go-to source for the best parties, nightclubs and venues, but in 2024, when nightlife is largely surviving off monthly and weekly parties that are curated by specific collectives and promoters on social media, we’re revamping our coverage, starting with a new column named “Out Late,” by DJ, Whorechata founder and Staff Writer Ian Kumamoto. RECOMMENDED: Read more columns from our editors! Going forward, this new column goes live every other Tuesday—bi-monthly—so that you have time to make your weekend plans based on his recommendations.  The column will highlight underground parties and demystify their organizers, from favorites like the Black and brown-centered queer party Deviant at Le Bain to the K-Pop-forward collective Bias. Ian will report from these parties and talk to the people behind them and fill you in on important details from the where to the when and how to get in and more. “I wanted to create a column that gives New York nightlife the respect that it deserves and platforms the people and parties who are pushing the culture forward at a time when our city seems hell-bent on moving towards a more sanitized, more curated, and more surveilled version of itself,” Ian says. “On top of their ethos, the column will also give you practical advice—when to get there,

I went to an ASMR spa in NYC and got tingles for the first time

I went to an ASMR spa in NYC and got tingles for the first time

One of my core memories from elementary school was riding home on the bus, eagerly awaiting my turn to sit with Tiffany, our fifth-grade neighbor who was good with kids. Tiffany would pretend like she was holding office hours to perform surgical procedures in her seat, using her hands to playfully take out vital organs and stitch us back up. My favorite was when she pretended to saw our heads off. She’d drag the side of her hand back and forth across our necks and make silly noises to make it more realistic in our second-grade brains. We giggled with delight and relished the attention she showered us with. I always wondered why I held onto this memory growing up, but now that I’m learning about the importance of having regular personal attention and a caring touch, I see that it was an experience that was both fun and healing for me. Growing up, my family wasn’t very affectionate—not much hugging or up-close playtime—and as I got older, especially when I was single and living in NYC on my own, I found myself longing for a nurturing touch and to be cared for. It was during the pandemic, when seeing friends was nearly impossible, that I started watching ASMR videos on Youtube. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response—a reaction to certain audio-visual triggers (like tapping, whispering, and hypnotic hand movements) that causes a tingling sensation on the scalp and down the neck and upper spine. Ultimately, whether you get the tingles or not, it’s a way to calm down

A first look at the incredibly immersive Harry Potter exhibit in NYC

A first look at the incredibly immersive Harry Potter exhibit in NYC

Muggles, take note: You won’t need to travel through Platform 9¾ to get to Hogwarts. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is right here in New York City for a limited time! The touring show, “Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” is finally now open in Herald Square, and it’s going transport you. Due to popular demand, the show’s run has been extended until August 11, 2024, so you’ve got plenty of time to check it out. NYC has had its share of Harry Potter experiences, from the one in 2011 at Discovery Times Square, to the interactive games at the Harry Potter Store in Flatiron and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. This one, however, is different in that it is more than a display of props and costumes. Through the use of dramatic lighting, set design, interactive technology and even scent, the exhibit will make you feel like you are actually there—in Hagrid’s hut, in potions class, dining in the Great Hall, learning how to fight the dark arts, fighting the Battle of Hogwarts and more. RECOMMENDED: A first look at the world's largest Harry Potter Store Time Out New York was given a sneak peek of the exhibit ahead of the opening. And without giving it all away, we’ll walk you through what to expect when you “enroll” in NYC's version of Hogwarts. 1. Moments come alive  Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out New York Unlike previous exhibits, where visitors walk from room to room looking at displays of props and costumes set in static galleries, this exhibition showcases favor

Artist Danny Cortes is recreating iconic NYC landmarks in miniature form

Artist Danny Cortes is recreating iconic NYC landmarks in miniature form

The graffiti-covered mailboxes, dumpsters and ice boxes that fill New York City’s sidewalks have been a staple of this city’s aesthetic for decades. Now? They’re works of art. Artist Danny Cortes, a born-and-raised New Yorker from Bushwick, makes the most accurate (and cute!) recreations of these and other NYC objects and scenes. The only difference is that they’re mini models that can fit in the palm of your hand, including a bodega, a newspaper vending machine, a payphone, an intersection light pole, a blue mailbox, the Keith Haring “Crack is Wack” mural, the shuttered Willie’s Burgers and even the iconic Apollo Theater. RECOMMENDED: A beautiful art exhibit is opening inside the Tiffany & Co. Landmark flagship store Photograph: courtesy of Landmark and Gotham They’re a sight to behold. How someone could get the gritty details just right and at such a tiny size is impressive and frankly must be seen to be believed. Some of Cortes’ works are now on view at Gotham, the new recreational cannabis dispensary in the East Village, and at the House of Cannabis, NYC’s weed museum, as part of an exhibit that pays homage to New York’s most iconic hip-hop landmarks put on by Landmark, curated by Kate Storch.  When you go, you’ll immediately recognize these icons but getting up close to them is a study in Cortes’ process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicolas Heller (@newyorknico) He often uses found objects in his home or on the street like shoe and ce

A first look at the darling new Beatrix Potter exhibit in NYC

A first look at the darling new Beatrix Potter exhibit in NYC

The author and illustrator who ignited our childhood imaginations with tales of cuddly bunnies, mischievous squirrels and daring ducks is getting a well-deserved spotlight in NYC. The wholesome and beautiful works of beloved children’s author and land conservationist Beatrix Potter are now on view at The Morgan Library & Museum through June 9. RECOMMENDED: The Morgan is celebrating 100 years with a free party and a Beatrix Potter exhibit “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature,” opens Friday, February 23, as one of the museum and library’s centennial year exhibitions, and it is the most darling show in the city right now. For adults who grew up reading her storybooks about cute but mischievous anthropomorphized animals—Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten and Jeremy Fisher—and for children who are currently reading them, the exhibition is both a nostalgic and celebratory look inside her sketchbook so to speak. “I do not remember a time when I did not try to invent pictures and make fairy-tales—amongst the wild flowers, the animals, trees and mosses and fungi—all the thousand common objects of the country side; that pleasant unchanging world of realism and romance,” Potter wrote in a 1940 letter. You can see her devotion to storytelling and nature across 175 objects in two galleries and four sections, one of which includes a delightful recreation of Potter’s home that you can actually sit and read in. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York Town & Cou