#LoveLocal: Support the independent businesses at the heart of NYC

Every day, thousands of New Yorkers and tourists alike climb aboard the bright red car of the Roosevelt Island tram for an aerial journey through the skyscrapers, past the Queensboro Bridge and above the East River. Though New Yorkers have a vast array of public transit options available to them—subways, commuter trains, buses, taxis, ferries, pedicabs and more—there's something magical about floating from place to place on a tram.  This year, the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway is poised to see nearly three million riders—the most it's ever seen and a figure that makes it the busiest aerial tramway on the planet. So I asked for a behind-the-scenes tour to dig into the hype, learn how the tram works and meet the people who keep the tram running day after day. I discovered a fascinating system that dutifully shuttles passengers between Manhattan's Upper East Side (2nd Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets) and Roosevelt Island from dawn til late night every day of the week.  RECOMMENDED: The full guide to Roosevelt Island in NYC Darren McCarthy is the guy who keeps the trains running—or trams running, in this case—on time. As a supervisor with Leitner Poma (that's the company Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation hired to run the tram), McCarthy tells me how his team draws from a wide array of professional backgrounds. Staff bring together their skills in electrical work, mechanics, plumbing, information technology and automation to keep the tram running in tip-top shape.  Ph

November 2024: We added Ariana Afghan Kebob, Sesamo and Yingtao. We removed Bird and Branch, Totto Ramen, Taboon, PRINT. and Gotham West Market. Situated between the chaos of Times Square and the rolling waters of the Hudson River is Hell’s Kitchen. Once a tough part of town, the neighborhood is now packed with restaurants and bars, both fine and hole-in the wall and a stretch of LGBTQ+ bars. Stroll up and down Manhattan’s westernmost avenues and you’ll have your pick of eating and drinking destinations, some of the best in NYC scattered among them. Hit these spots for a little slice of heaven in the ominously monikered neighborhood.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Anybody else wake up with an overwhelming sense of panic and dread today? Hooray, it’s another Election Day in America! As someone who woke up with jaw pain from apparently clenching my teeth so hard (apologies in advance to my dentist), I feel well-suited to offer some much-needed tips for decompressing this week as the results are tallied. If you're reading this, you likely already know the stakes have never been higher. The most important thing to do, obviously, is VOTE (and maybe even phone bank or at least ask your relatives about their voting plan). But after you’ve done your civic duty, there’s only so much that doom scrolling or staring at the television will do in the days ahead. That’s why I’m dedicating my column today to sharing some ways to destress. Give yourself some time to breathe. Inhale. Exhale. In honor of the 19th amendment, here are nine ways to destress right now. RECOMMENDED: Election Day 2024 in NYC: Where to vote and what you're voting for Photograph: Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York | A walk along the trail with this view always boosts my mood. 1. Get outside This is my tried-and-true, go-to method for stress relief. One of my favorite places to visit is Hudson River Park where I watch the geese glide along, gaze at the sunset as it dips across the water, and admire the beauty of the flowers. Whatever green space is near you (if you need a suggestion, here’s our list of best parks), go there. Sit and listen to the quiet. Be still. Or,

Things are so overrated. Give them a gift they’ll remember for years to come! Experience gifts are way more personalized ways to show them that you care and know them well. For example, you can book a tour that offers behind-the-scenes access to the top New York attractions for your history-buff dad or snag tickets to the Inter_ museum for your art-loving bestie. Better yet: join them and share the experience together! And if you really can’t resist wrapping something up, you can always pick up a few stocking stuffers. RECOMMENDED: Best Christmas things to do in NYC

On a crisp fall day yesterday, 55,646 people thundered across the finish line of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Simply crossing the finish line—no matter how long is takes—is a feat. The grit, endurance and stamina (both physical and mental) required to run 26.2 miles across the five boroughs cannot be underestimated. Among those raising money for charities, chasing personal goals and having a ton of fun in this citywide party were a few familiar faces from stage and screen. So now that the gel packs have been swept from the streets, the sneakers have been unlaced and the signs put away for another year, we're taking a moment to reflect on the race times for the celebrities who ran the marathon. Below is the full list of celebrities who participated in the marathon with their run times; it's all organized by speed. Our kudos to all who ran!  How fast did celebrities run the NYC Marathon 2024?  Oz Pearlman: 2 hours, 41 minutes The mentalist and mindreader can also run the wind. Oz Pearlman, star of NBC show Oz Knows and an America’s Got Talent finalist finished the race at just 2 hours, 41 minutes. Casey Neistat: 2 hours, 57 minutes Famed YouTube blogger Casey Neistat hit his goal of running the NYC Marathon in under three hours! He had a strict "no waving" policy as a way to conserve his energy, and apparently it worked. His race wasn't without surprising challenges, though, as his running coach Roberto Mandje tripped over a cart someone was pushing across the street,

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon is nearly upon us. The barricades are going up around Central Park. The gel packs are being readied in apartments across the city. The carb-loading has begun in the city's best restaurants. More than 50,000 runners from New York City and across the globe will hit the streets on Sunday, November 3, to raise money for charities, chase personal goals, and have a ton of fun as the city turns into a party. Among the crowd, expect to see a few familiar faces. These stars, from TV, film, sports, and entertainment will test their personal mettle to the test as they try to earn a medal for running 26.2 miles across all five boroughs. If you want to cheer them on, here’s our guide to the best places to watch. You can also follow along with their times on the NYC Marathon app.  RECOMMENDED: The NYC Marathon 2024 guide Which celebrities are running the NYC Marathon 2024?  Jack Coyne The brain behind Public Opinion, the delightful street-side trivia gameshow, is running the marathon this weekend. Coyne, who is our cover star this month, described his preparation to Time Out New York as "a very life affirming thing."   Jaeki Cho Content creator Jaeki Cho of Righteous Eats is running the marathon, and obviously he complied a great video of his favorite places to carb load. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Righteous Eats (@righteouseats) Amy Robach She's used to running interviews on 20/20 and Good Morning America,

When this year’s Village Halloween Parade theme was announced, it caused quite a stir—or a purr, as it were. The theme, “Meow,” encourages cat ladies to unite for an evening prowl along the streets of the West Village on Halloween night. Though long-associated with the holiday, cats are being cast into the spotlight even more this year. With J.D. Vance's sexist comments about "childless cat ladies" as the backdrop, cats are having a moment in New York City as a symbol of snark and even resistance (and cuteness, of course). In celebration of National Cat Day (on October 29), we decided to chronicle these feline festivities in this burgeoning meow-vment. RECOMMENDED: A Gofundme has launched to help the brewery cat at Grimm Artisanal Ales As for the parade, one event director told NBC 4 that, "We're not being political." Instead, she said the theme is presented as a sign of the times. Nevertheless, parade organizers encourage all cat ladies to don their tails and whiskers and join the ball—and thousands of them likely will on Halloween night. "We would gladly have remained aloof – poised and peaceful among the houseplants on the windowsill or stretched out among the books scattered on the daybed," per the parade's website. "But we have heard the call, and the time has come to mark our territory. We didn’t ask for this fight, but when feline honor is at stake, Cats and Ladies will rise (…after a languorous stretch) to meet the moment." View this post on Instagr

Cue the Mariah: Christmastime is finally here in NYC! You’ve got your mug of hot chocolate (or your fireplace cocktail) in hand, you’re taking in the stunning holiday windows and sparkling holiday lights and you’re feeling the holiday cheer…now you just need to figure out where to eat! While a lot of spots might be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in NYC, we’ve found the best restaurants that are keeping their doors open on Tuesday and Wednesday for you to celebrate in style. Make your reservation to enjoy a Chinese feast, a prix fixe menu with multiple courses or a festive meal in a holiday-themed heated garden. These are the very best restaurants in NYC open on December 24 and December 25, 2024.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Groups! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t try almost everything on the menu in one sitting without 'em! Ok, maybe some can, but many will, at one point, still need to find restaurants perfect for large parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, big promotions, belated or pre-lated holidays and general getting the band back together events.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each have options for your next fête, and these are our favorites for those expanded occasions. Most allow you to book space for up to six via conventional platforms, save for noted exceptions that go up to about ten, and all have room for more when you connect via email or phone. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best restaurants in NYC

Some might assume that sky-high imbibing is relegated to the spring and summer only, but it’s always rooftop season in NYC. Even during rain, wind and lower temperatures, we simply swap the sunshine and frozen drinks for fireplaces and hot cocktails while still soaking up those stunning skyline views. So grab a sweater and set your sights on the stars at the best cooler weather rooftops in NYC this winter.   RECOMMENDED: Find more things to do on NYC rooftops

Brownstone Brooklyn's newest attraction is a win-win for kids and parents.  While you're sipping a hot chocolate (perhaps with a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream), your kiddos can whip around Court Street Tavern's debut ice skating rink. The newly opened Carroll Gardens restaurant has taken outdoor accommodations and upped the ante; while most eateries have opted for heated tents, this South Brooklyn spot has created its own destination for winter fun.  Meet the Court Street Ice Rink. Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Courtesy Emily Bartlett Perfect for ages 13 and under, the super-cute "glice" rink from Matt Shendell of Paige Concepts is open daily from 12:15–7:15pm for $25 per child (including skate rentals). Parents can make reservations on Resy for 45-minute sessions and walk-ins are welcome. For an additional $10, moms and dads can rent a skate aid seal—an adorable buddy looking to help your little skaters keep their balance. Note that lockers are not available, so be prepared to hang onto those winter boots.  Plus, there's more good news. TVs are stationed right above the rink, so you can have your eyes on the game, your lil' winter Olympian and that tasty Hot Toddy. We told you this would be a win-win for everyone! Court Street Tavern is located at 449 Court St in Carroll Gardens.  Most popular on Time Out - Awesome things NYC families can’t miss in 2021- New kids’ movies coming out in 2021 that you can’t miss

Are your little ones missing their favorite reading circle? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad: We have the perfect solution! Time Out is partnering with the New York Public Library to present digital storytimes for pint-sized bookworms. Beginning August 10, families can tune in Monday through Thursday at 10am—right here—for a remote read-aloud. Curious about the lineup? The Time Out New York Kids newsletter will reveal forthcoming story time schedules on Fridays, so sign up today! Monday, January 4 Susan Burkhardt from Van Cortlandt Library in The Bronx The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock by Jim Aylesworth and I Just Ate My Friend by Heidi McKinnon Tuesday, January 5 Dana Keddy from Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library in Staten Island I Went Walking by Sue Williams and Boo! by Ben Newman Wednesday, January 6 Ruth Guerrier-Pierre from Kips Bay Library in Manhattan Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson Thursday, January 7 Nanette Rivera from Mulberry Street Library in Manhattan Perfect Square by Michael Hall Friday, January 8 Katie Loucks from Mosholu Library in The Bronx Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and Rock-a-bye Baby by Jane Cabrera

Update: The completely redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will now open in spring 2021 as opposed to February 2021. An exact date has not been revealed. We'll be sure to update you as soon as we know more.  Looks like we're going to have to be patient.  The Museum of Natural History's completely redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will now open in 2021 as opposed to this fall. But judging from the details, we have a feeling it'll be well worth the wait. On Feb 17, 2021, the family attraction will welcome visitors to the 11,000 square-foot space that house roughly 5,000 pieces from 95 countries. Guests can catch a glimpse of a 3,000-pound block of iridescent green and blue labradorite, the Singing Stone from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and the new "Beautiful Creatures" exhibit, which will celebrate historic and contemporary jewelry inspired by animals. Patrons will be able to find it in halls’ first temporary exhibition space. Plus, as an added bonus for the little learners in your crew, the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will be the perfect spot for children with an interest in earth science, as it promises to be an invaluable resource for schools and camps.  Courtesy AMNH “Generations of New Yorkers have loved the Museum’s mineral and gem halls, storing up memories of family visits and marveling at the glamorous displays of utterly spectacular minerals and gems,” Ellen V. Futter, Pre

A library card goes a long way in New York City.  Today, the New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library announced that Culture Pass will resume for 25 attractions—with limited capacity—on Nov 1. This program provides New Yorkers with library cards free access to their favorite family attractions.  The 25 institutions participating:  Alice Austen House Museum American Museum of Natural History Asia Society Museum Brooklyn Museum The Drawing Center Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Fraunces Tavern Museum International Studio & Curatorial Program The Jewish Museum King Manor Museum Kingsland Homestead The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) MoMA PS1 Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum of Arts and Design Museum of the City of New York National Lighthouse Museum New Museum New York Botanical Garden The Noble Maritime Collection The Noguchi Museum Poster House The Rubin Museum of Art SculptureCenter How to snag a freebie:  Beginning Nov 1, in-person passes can be reserved up to one month in advance on culturepass.nyc. (Learn more about Culture Pass rules.)  More good news:  Additionally, Culture Pass is rebroadcasting virtual arts and cultural programs for all ages from NYC's favorite institutions through Nov 21.  Besides mapping out your Culture Pass plans, be sure to check out the best new and upcoming exhibits at our go-to kids' museums, sit in for virtual storytimes from the New York Public Library every Monday through Friday and see what el

November 3 is quickly approaching, and the New York Public Library is in a political state of mind.  In honor of the upcoming election, the NYC institution has released a 2020 Election Reading List for three age groups: children, teens and adults. The selections focus on voter issues such as climate change, foreign policy and healthcare, among many others.  If your little bookworms are curious about this historical moment in our nation's history, have a look at some of the inspiring kids' books below that have landed on the ballots!   2020 Election Reading List for Kids Around America to Win the Vote by Mara Rockliff  Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson Out of the Ice: How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Doreen Rappaport Courtesy: NYPL 2020 Election Reading List for Teens Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada Displacement by Kiku Hughes Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life & Work by Victoria Ortiz Election Manipulation: Is America's Voting System Secure? by John Allen It's Getting Hot in Here by Bridget Heos Courtesy: NYPL For the full list for each age group, visit nypl.org/election2020. While you're at it, be sure to check out Time Out's daily virtual storytimes with the NYPL and get homework assistance with the NYPL's free virtual tutoring—a game-changer for parents.   Most popular on Time Out - NYC schools closed: a running list of building shutdowns

Milk & Cream is at it again!  After the success of the limited-edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle treats (ice cream pizza!), the Instagrammable dessert spot is continuing the fun with a second installment of the Nickelodeon flavor takeover (#NICKFLAVORTAKEOVER). This time, the focus is on Blue's Clues.   Show one of your favorite TV shows for kids some love by stopping in for a snack. Now through Oct 25, the shop will offer Blue's Snack Time Treat, an ice cream sammie with cookie dough, chocolate chips and dark chocolate-covered pretzels and Josh's Ultimate Ube Surprise, a purple yam ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate wafers and dusted off with chocolate crunchies.    Courtesy: Milk & Cream Cereal Bar   Of course, the ice cream hotspot will be decked out in all-things Blue's Clues, so make sure there is room in your camera roll. (We did tell you this was an Instagrammable dessert spot, after all.) Plus, temporary tattoos will be given out with your Blue's Clues purchase.    Courtesy: Milk & Cream Cereal Bar   If all of these dreamy desserts have given you a hankering for the Nickelodeon of yesteryear, check out where you can stream the coolest old-school cartoons (Doug, Hey Arnold, Ren and Stimpy, etc.).  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021- A drive-thru fair food festival headed to New York this fall- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year- The

Sleeping is overrated when there is a good book to finish.    Now that the New York Public Library has released its list of "125 Books We Love for Teens," a good night's rest will likely be few and far between. This brand-new collection of YA goodness joins the ranks of the Library's 125 favorite books for adults and children, both of which are in celebration of the attraction's milestone anniversary.  Now readers 12-18 (and the young at heart, of course) can enjoy tales of identity, self-discovery and love. (It's not all about unrequited crushes and the cool clique in homeroom, though there's plenty of that.) Curious what books made the list? Have a look at some of our favorite selections:  Go Ask Alice Anonymous The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier The Giver by Lois Lowry The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes You can take a gander at the full list on the NYPL website and download your favorite selections (aka everything) on the SimplyE app.  Have younger readers in your crew? Check out daily storytimes from Time Out New York Kids and the New York Public Library, where you can sit in on a digital read-aloud of your favorite kids' books.  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School

Museums in New York City were given the green light to reopen at limited capacity on Aug 23. Although family attractions such as The Museum of Natural History and The Met started welcoming back visitors, most of our favorite children's museums only remain active online. However, the Children's Museum of the Arts just announced its plans in a Sept 18 newsletter.  "After evaluating options to reopen safely, we have made the difficult decision to stay closed for the remainder of the year," the note read. "Though our doors remain shut, we are more dedicated than ever to pursuing our mission of providing transformational and accessible arts opportunities through online content and programs." There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the best of the attraction: Art pods, parent workshops and virtual kids' classes are some of the offerings that'll keep the creative juices flowing this fall. No matter your little artist's interest, CMANY has the perfect fit, from its graphic novel club to animation and character design, among other cool after-school programs. Check them out! You can stay up-to-date on kids' museum reopening plans at Time Out New York Kids.  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021- A drive-thru fair food festival headed to New York this fall- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year- The best apple picking NY kids and families love Get us in your inbox! Sign

Summer vacation is practically in the rearview mirror, so now is the time for kids to soak up that last bit of freedom.  Plus, there are a few end-of-season perks to enjoy. Some of NYC's best family attractions are offering free and discounted admission for students before the first day of school on Sept 21. Count us in! “Arts and culture are a critical part of New York City’s social fabric, and we thank these organizations for providing our kids with safe, educational activities before schools open next week,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his Sept 14 press briefing.  Making day trip plans? Here are the participating institutions, according to the city's website:  American Museum of Natural History: The museum welcomes NYC schoolchildren and their caregivers back, with a hall to visit for every grade and every age. Tickets are pay what you wish for NYC residents. Reserve on their website: https://ticketing.amnh.org/#tickets. Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Met is welcoming students and caregivers back to both their main building on Fifth Avenue, and to The Cloisters. For NYC residents, admission is pay what you wish. Closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reserve a timed ticket on their website: https://engage.metmuseum.org/reservation. Morgan Library and Museum: The Morgan Library & Museum is providing free tickets to school-aged kids aged 18 and younger and their caregivers on September 16, 17 and 18. Advance reservation required. Families can email tickets@th

Update: You can snag 50 percent off a child's ticket (with the purchase of one adult ticket) when children where their costumes to Boo at the Zoo. Use "COSTUME" at checkout to claim the offer.  In a spooky state of mind? You're not alone.  Tickets have just gone on sale for the Bronx Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo festival, and this year's celebration is chillingly wicked—in a good way!  Thursday through Sunday from Oct 1 to Nov 1 is your chance to revel in the Halloween fun, from magic shows and pumpkin carving demonstrations to mind reading and trips through the spooky extinct animal graveyard. Each day, animal-themed costumed stilt walkers and Halloween animal puppets will put on a "MASKerade" while the Wildlife Theater will pull out all the stops with performances in Astor Court.    Photograph: Courtesy Julie Larsen Maher   Like other family attractions, the Bronx Zoo had to make some adjustments to this year's festivities, but that certainly doesn't mean Halloween is canceled—far from it. All guests 3 and up are required to wear a mask and social distance when on the grounds. Additionally, advanced tickets are required before attending and reentry is not permitted. A full list of health and safety guidelines is available on the zoo's website.  You can snag tickets online ($39.95 adults, $29.95 children ages 3–12) and map out your other fall activities. We suggest apple picking, checking out Six Flags' new HALLOWFEST and, of course, marveling at the pumpkin artistry on dis