Will Gleason

The Mile High City has more than a mile's worth of charm to spare. However, the outdoorsy metropolis also rises to the occasion when it comes to world-class accommodation. Visitors hitting the town for a dose of mountain culture, to linger over an espresso in our trendy coffee shops, or dive into the booming food scene (which includes some of the best ramen in America), have plenty of places to lay their heads. These hotels – all in proximity to the best things to do in Denver – go to show that, when it comes to hospitality, the Mile High City is ready for its close-up. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs near DenverRECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in DenverRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb cabins in Denver, Colorado This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Hospitality is something that New York prides itself on and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: Cozy cabins near NYCRECOMMENDED: The best cheap hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best spa hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The most romantic hotels in NYC RECOMMENDED: The best hotels with hot tubs in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best waterfront Airbnbs near NYC RECOMMENDED: The best family hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

We know how it goes: one day you’re loving life in this fine city of ours, the next day you’ve had it with the hustle and need to get away from it all. If a weekend getaway isn’t in the cards, perhaps you can spare a few precious hours for a visit to one of the best spas in NYC. These spas dish out serious serenity in the form of massages, facials and other relaxing treatments so you can be refreshed and on the way to stress-free bliss. Spas are not just for melting away stress (though that’s certainly a welcome side effect) — these spas offer services that can soothe sore muscles, refresh tired skin or get you ready for a beach weekend or big night out. Others offer facilities where you can spend a full day unwinding (girls’ day, anyone?). Some offer or even specialize in couples massages for a romantic date option. NYC spas range from affordable to all-out luxurious. Treat yourself to a pampering at one of these spas — you deserve it.

Time Out Market New York is sandwiched (mmm, sandwiches) between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges with the best waterfront restaurants—and views—this side of the East River. Just as impressive are the eateries that fill the expansive 21,000-square-foot space in the historic Dumbo warehouse Empire Stores (55 Water St, Brooklyn). (We've also launched the option to have our food delivered or picked up for takeout with our very own app for ordering.) Our editors ate countless meals and drank more than a few cocktails to find the best the city has to offer under one roof. Now, your challenge: deciding what to order. Time Out Market New York offers a diverse roster of restaurants and bars, complemented by cultural experiences, so that you can taste classic New York dishes—think hot pastrami sandwiches and incredible pizza—as well as new fixations, including the best Thai seafood dishes in the city. Click on the eateries to learn more about the restaurants and for a preview of the menus. We promise you won’t leave hungry.

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

Boredom in the bedroom? Want to spice things up but have no idea where to begin? This list of the best sex classes in NYC has something for singles, couples, throuples, and everyone in between. Learn the (bondage) ropes of tantric sex or dirty talk, then stop by one of the best sex shops in the city to get all the accessories you’ll need. You're in for a real treat.  If you’re on the prowl, hit up one of the city’s hookup bars or swingers clubs. You’ll probably want to keep this playlist of the best sex songs handy, too. And of course, most importantly, stay safe and enjoy yourself. Having fun should be your number one priority.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

From the best days to hit up museums in NYC to making reservations at the best restaurants in NYC or scoring last-minute Broadway tickets, these only-in-New York hacks will help you up your Gotham game in all kinds of ways. We combined our own hacks and consulted other New Yorkers on Reddit about theirs and added them to our master hacks list below: 1. Stake out the dirtier spots on the subway platform’s yellow warning strips. That guy who always knows where the subway doors will open? He’s not psychic—just smart. The filthy areas on the yellow warning strips mark the locations where the doors most often open. 2. Switch over to OMNY to get through public transportation seamlessly  The MetroCard's days are limited and for good reason! NYC is moving over to the OMNY card—a tap-and-go credit card-like pass that can be reloaded, meaning it's faster and easier to get through turnstiles. You can also use Apple Pay, Apple Cash or other digital wallets to pay for subway fare simply by tapping your phone. It makes moving through the system a breeze! (And now those who take more than 12 single-fare trips in a seven-day period will automatically get an unlimited weekly pass.) 3. Don’t be scared of the front row at Film Forum. Since the screens are smaller at this cinema lover’s mecca, the first row inside any of its theaters actually boasts the best seats in the house. 4. Download these apps immediately. A number of smartphone apps, including Curb and Arro, make it easier to hail a cab,

The sound of swaying trees, the chirps of birds in the morning, and the sun peeking through the tree branches into your window. Doesn't that sound like heaven? Luckily, it's an experience you can totally live, by reliving your youth in a treehouse Airbnb. From low-fi elevated cabins to more luxurious options with hot tubs and extensive vinyl selections to play at your leisure, there's a treehouse for everyone. These treehouse Airbnbs help you recharge and rewind, whether you're looking for a complete off-grid, digital-detox trip or something between urban and rural living. De-stress and banish all your woes. Even though these Airbnbs are a step up from camping near NYC, be sure to pack your hiking boots and essentials because some of these are quite off-the-grid. Hotels, frankly, could never.  RECOMMENDED: Cozy cabins near NYC on Airbnb This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Chef Alejandro Munoz has always been drawn to bringing people together with food. It’s what led him on his current career path after studying a very different field, mechanical engineering, in college. “I started to throw dinner parties for my roommates [while at school], and it brought back this whole idea of family gatherings and really sparked my pursuit of cooking after that.” After leaving college—and engineering—behind to enroll in culinary school, Munoz went on to work in a number of top-tier Texas restaurants including as Sous Chef at Counter 357 and Apis Restaurant and Apiary as Chef de Cuisine. In April, 2018, he came to Kristen Kish’s Arlo Grey as her first hire, assisting in all aspects of operating the lakeside restaurant.  In his current role as Executive Chef at Arlo Grey, Munoz applies his unique cooking techniques and generous point of view to tell stories through food and build a sense of community. Working with Kish, he has developed the restaurant’s menu with a unique focus on local ingredients and creativity. Expertly crafted large plates and dishes draw from international influences ranging from France and Italy to the American Midwest.  We caught up with Munoz to talk about his guiding principles, the best ways to source local ingredients and the one pantry staple he can't live without. You've spoken a lot about growing up and cooking tamales with your family. How do those early moments still influence you as a chef today?Those moments have influenced a

Sandwiches are among the world’s most inspirational foods. It would be a Sisyphean task to even begin to enumerate all possible combinations here. They are there at some of life’s happiest moments. Picnics in the park. Half-imaginary tea parties. The big game. When people talk about “sad desk lunches,” they are usually talking about salads. If you’re ever feeling like blasé, find motivation in the myriad possibilities of the sandwich. If you can dream it, a sandwich can be it. Unless it’s a hotdog.   RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

Need a new first date destination, an after-work decompression spot or a local dive where everybody knows your name? Our list of the city’s best happy hours is here to help you find a new favorite way to fill those awkward hours between work and dinnertime. With deals at local dives and scene-y cocktail lounges alike, our favorite bars in NYC offer all different ways to get drunk on a dime.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

Looking for a new spot to watch the big game? Our list of NYC’s best sports bars includes rowdy beer halls, low-key hangs with craft brews, some of NYC’s best dive bars and even a bar dedicated to all things Canadian. Whether you need a weekly place to root for your footie team or just want to drink a few great brews with friends, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to shout at a really big TV. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best bars in NYC

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

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

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

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

Some hotels are defined by their architecture, others by the type of scene they attract. Sofitel New York is a vision in limestone and glass, and has a lovely on-site restaurant, Gaby Brasserie Française. But the main thing that defines a stay here, and will probably convince you to return for a second or third time, is the excellent service. The experience manages to achieve a sense of luxury without a hint of snobbishness or pretension.  A sense of ease comes naturally here, and that’s helped along by the tasteful décor. The bold colors and polished marble in the Neo Art Deco lobby are eye-catching without being too loud or aggressive. The warm and inviting rooms are full of muted browns and tasteful grays, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sleek design. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the city, and some include terraces. If you can swing it, it’s worth splurging on the suite themed for the Tony Awards. As the official hotel of the iconic theatrical awards show, the property has created a one-of-a-kind suite with multiple rooms, two bathrooms and the largest private hotel room terrace we’ve ever seen in midtown. There are also rooms themed for specific Broadway shows that are available to book, perfect for any theater lover coming to visit the nearby Great White Way. Room service is offered 24 hours a day, but a night spent at Gaby Brasserie Française on the first floor makes for a lovely evening. After indulging in the decadent French cuisine—the O

There are some places you go where history seems tactile, and Mohonk Mountain House is one of those places. Even without the framed black-and-white photos lining the hallways and paintings of the property dating back to the 19th century, you can sense the many stories that have happened there as soon as you approach the sprawling Hudson Valley resort. You’ll find yourself driving up a curving mountain road after passing through a manned checkpoint, before emerging from the forested land and catching sight of a grand, castle-like resort astride a picturesque glacial lake. After dropping off your car and walking into a deceptively simple lobby, you’ll travel through to the other side of the hotel, out onto a wooden patio dotted with rocking chairs and, seemingly, back in time. Being a part of the shared history of Mohonk Mountain House is a huge draw of visiting this destination. The resort dates back to 1869 when a local entrepreneur Albert Smiley purchased a modest, lakeside inn, Stokes Tavern, along with the surrounding 280 acres. Since then, Mohonk has grown enormously, evident in varying styles of the main building as well as through the scattered “summer houses” that dot the landscape. Over the years, the resort has garnered a number of accolades—including “Best Historic Resort” by Historic Hotels of America and as a National Historic Landmark site by the federal government—that attest to its longstanding presence.  That’s all very interesting, but you may be asking yours

Windham is one of the best easy-to-reach destinations for New Yorkers looking for a weekend escape from the city. From enjoying some of the region’s best ski destinations in the winter to experiencing gorgeous hikes out to nearby spots like Kaaterskill Falls in the summer, the striking, mountainous region is a nature-lover’s dream. The recently opened Wylder Windham is an excellent home-base for just such an outdoorsy getaway. Wylder Windham is a 20-acre compound consisting of seven different buildings—all built at different times over the last 140 years. Because of the large scale of the resort, one of its best attributes is the wide range of accommodations available to guests.  There are seven different lodging experiences to choose from. The Main Lodge is located next to the Batavia Kill and houses the resort’s front desk and on-side restaurant Babblers. Across the street, the Pines Inn, built in 1854, provides sweeping views of trees and mountains with a spacious lobby. Next door to that, Evergreen Lodge provides motel-like accommodations with gigantic rooms and private balconies overlooking Windham Mountain.  On the other side of the street, Spruce Cottage, Tamarack Lodge and Manor Inn provide a mixture of rooms and suites with varying layouts. Meanwhile, the Farm House can be rented out through the resort, or via Airbnb, and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open kitchen and dining room. The latter is a great option for large family gatherings. Across all o

The first thing you should know about Mr C. Beverly Hills is that it’s not technically in Beverly Hills: Its modern, ‘60s-era tower is located just slightly south of the storied nabe. The second thing you should know is that from a large number of the comfortable rooms and suites, you can see Beverly Hills. In fact, you can see all of it. The panoramic vistas of Los Angeles from the hotel are by far the most exciting thing about the property. Many of the rooms boast private balconies with jaw-dropping views of the Hollywood Hills, Downtown L.A., Century City and Santa Monica. In industry parlance, you might say it’s a wide shot.  The views can be more or less broken down into two categories: ones that look out on the city and ones that look out on the hills. The rooms on the north side, which face the Hollywood Hills, are the more popular option and for good reason—they offer a more varied landscape than the sight of the seemingly endless sprawl to the south. However, if you end up in a city-view room, don’t fret: The visuals are still pretty spectacular, especially at night. Those that really want to have it all can also often head up to the Starlight Ballroom on the hotel’s top floor. The private event space has a 360-degree vista of the iconic cityscape surrounding the building, so you can take in the side you’re missing out on. Those views, coupled with the relatively affordable price point for the location, make this a local spot worth considering for a stay. The overall

Most New Yorkers that leave the city for a trip upstate are looking for an escape. The Hudson Valley, with its tree-covered mountains, dramatic river views and exceptional local businesses, provides that in spades and Wm. Farmer and Sons is a perfect match for travelers looking to leave the city behind. Its romantic mix of local antiques, high-end amenities and friendly service is a combination that lets you live your relaxing getaway fantasy without sacrificing comfort. It’s also very pretty. Located within the walkable core of the small riverside city of Hudson, the hotel splits the difference nicely between a full-service lodge and a home rental. Rooms are spread out across three neighboring buildings and a passcode lets you enter and leave similar to a private rental. Like most of this remarkably well-preserved city, the buildings that make up Wm. Farmer and Sons are historically significant stunners. The main building, which also houses the restaurant and barroom, dates back to the 1830s. Above the common areas, it features seven rooms and suites of varying sizes and layouts.  Next door to the main building, the Merchant House is a beautiful property marked by an antique whale sign hanging outside the front door. (Fun Fact: Hudson used to be a major center of the whaling industry, an interesting reminder that even though it feels like you’re worlds away, you’re still not that far from the Atlantic Ocean.) Inside the front door of the house, you’ll find an elegant dining

After a long day (and most likely night) spent taking in all that New Orleans has to offer, there’s a good chance you’ll want to retire to a hotel that’s luxurious and comfortable. Those two words are perfect ways to describe the 316-room Windsor Court hotel, a destination that combines modern sophistication and old-world elegance, with a uniquely British bent. The sense that this property provides a relaxing oasis in the heart of the lively Crescent City hits you immediately upon entering the property. Guests pass through a walled-in courtyard surrounding a sprinkling fountain upon first arrival that serves as a space separating the hustle and bustle of the streets from the calm, refined lobby. The hotel’s lobby also includes the polished, ground-floor venue Le Salon, an elevated space that hosts a traditional English afternoon tea every Saturday and Sunday with loose-leaf brews and live music. (Speaking of English influence, don’t miss the original model of Windsor Castle on display by check-in.) One huge attribute that greatly adds to the overall ambiance of a stay here is the art. The collection at the hotel is breathtaking and valued at over $10 million. In fact, guests can even take a walking tour of the collection to learn more about the paintings, sculptures and tapestries that focus on depictions of Windsor Castle and British royalty. (The collection includes pieces by William Powell Frith, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and Jacob Huysman.) Not to mention,

New Orleans is not a city that you visit to feel separated from the local culture—it’s a destination you want to be immersed in. The Chloe is an amazing choice for a local hotel that undeniably feels like you’re staying in New Orleans. Located right on St. Charles Avenue, some of the hotel’s rooms even feature views of the city’s iconic streetcars rumbling up and down the street. The atmosphere starts early. When you first arrive at the property, you pass through wrought iron gates and walk across a large patio to enter the Victorian-era building. Encompassing 14 gorgeous rooms, the structure was originally designed by local architect Thomas Scully before being recently renovated by restaurateur Robert LeBlanc. The space has charm to spare with a unique mix of antique objects and arresting modern art. Upon checking in, guests are immediately given welcome cocktails before being directed to their room. If possible, it’s worth splurging for the Avenue King which has its own entrance off the porch, a picturesque seating area with views of the avenue and a truly breathtaking bathroom with a soaking tub surrounding on three walls with windows. All of the guest rooms are a charming mix of history and modern touches with elements including four-poster beds, vintage furniture and contemporary photography.  Adding to the sense of regional authenticity, local suppliers can be found throughout the hotel including robes from New Orleans-based Trish Bhansali’s brand Lehka, bath salts and

It’s hard to talk about the TWA Hotel without talking about its location—not only in regards to place but also in regards to time. Stepping into this unique hotel that’s connected to JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at JFK Airport is like stepping into the swinging ‘60s. (In case there was any confusion, the elevator that connects the hotel to the airport only has two buttons: one says “Present Day JetBlue” and the other reads “1960s TWA Hotel.”) Why, you ask? That’s because the hotel is taking its cue from the building it’s located in: Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center. Like the building itself, a stay here is one-of-a-kind. Entering the hotel from the street feels like arriving at a bustling terminal during the bygone age of glamorous air travel. (If you’re coming from the airport, you traverse an equally memorable sloping tunnel with blazing red carpet.) Not surprisingly, check-in is located at what used to be the check-in area for flights—adding to the feeling that you’re about to take-off on a jet as opposed to landing in a comfortable bed. From there, you’ll head to one of two mid-century modern wings that flank the historic building and contain 512 guestrooms.  If you can, it’s worth booking a room with a view of JFK’s runways. It’s hard to beat the experience of laying in a bed, staring out a window and watching planes take off and land. If you want to get even closer to that aerial action, head to the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and observation deck (reservations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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