Anna Furman

New York is a shopper’s dream because it has a treasure trove of trendy boutiques, iconic department stores, must-shop vintage haunts and quirky thrift shops. People come from all over the world to browse the aisles and showrooms of NYC’s very best. But for locals, shopping can be a pain, not to mention expensive. As an alternative, look to the best outlets near New York. From New Jersey to Connecticut, these outlets have everything you need—clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods and more. You’ll find great deals, all kinds of shops in one mega location, decent food options and even entertainment like comedy shows or ice skating. Since you’re heading outside the city (or state, depending), why not plan an entire weekend getaway around your shopping excursion? Shopping, entertainment and more await at these NYC-area outlets. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in New York

For all your listening desires, here are the best free music apps you should download, whether you want to listen to a playlist of the best songs about New York City, discover the next rising star or listen to music based on recommendations from real people (not algorithms!).

Check out the top shoe stores in New York for everything from sneaker stores to trendy shoes for women to classic shoes for men. Clear out some space in your closet, then hit up these awesome stores for heels, flats, men's dress shoes, sandals, sneakers and even boot shops.RECOMMENDED: Best places for shopping in NYC

Essentially a simple process, ear-candling is both a way to relax and beautify. It involves placing a cone-shaped device in the ear canal and lighting the opposite end, which supposedly creates a low-level vacuum that draws earwax and other impurities into the hollow candle (it’s not as terrifying as it sounds, we promise). It’s one of the best affordable spa treatments and clients claim to feel better and hear better afterward, and it’s possible to do it yourself at home, too. But if you’re nervous about potentially coating your bathroom in melted wax, just head to the best day spas for ear candling by a pro. RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to spas in NYC

It’s not hard to find a head shop in lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, but these are the six best options, offering everything from rare, cutting-edge bongs to glass pipes. You’ll find vapes and other various paraphernalia, along with the usual cigar-and-cigarette inventory offered at smoke shops. Venture to one of these six destinations to stock up before chilling out at a hookah bar.

Want to try your hand at stand-up? That's great! Write some jokes about the city or something else you have opinions about and get up on stage. We can't teach you how to write a joke, but we can tell you about comedy clubs that will let you take charge of the mic for free (or cheap) to hone your craft. Before you head to one of these spots, remember to show up early and definitely have some material before you go and sign up for an open mic. NYC, it may not seem like it, but everyone from Louis C.K. to anti-humor comedians like Neil Hamburger work hard at making material. No one wants to wing it in front of a tough audience.