Annalise Mantz

Modern apartments aren't for everyone. Gray rugs, silver furnishings, matching furniture… It's nice, but not as nice as something with charm and character. Think apartments with antique vibes, vintage light fixtures, real fireplaces and maybe, just maybe, original stained-glass windows. Sound like a dream? Then consider one of these historic homes near Chicago for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a smaller property on a budget or you want to go all out and splurge, this is the list for you. We can't forget that mainline Chicago is stunning and well worth a visit. But sometimes, it's good to have a change—a bit of peace and quiet. So read on for our top recommendations of historic Airbnbs near Chicago. Updated December 2024: We've mixed it up a little with this stunning renovated Victorian property in Wicker Park. It's high-style and cozy all at once.  RECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in ChicagoThe best weekend getaways from ChicagoThe best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

We know, we know. NYC is already an incredibly romantic city. With all those legendary sights, how could it not be? But don’t underestimate the power of a hotel to make the city even more amorous. Just think about it: NYC’s classically romantic backdrop plays host to fancy restaurants, hot tubs and massages. It’s enough to seduce even the sternest of New Yorkers. Of course, you can’t put a price on love – but if you could, these hotels are great places to start. Updated December 2024: When we updated a list, you know it’s worth getting excited about – especially when we’ve added two hotels to really get you in the mood: an Art Deco stunner and a Soho institution with a very special bar. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYCThe most romantic hotels in the U.S. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

It’s true what they say... There’s nothing quite like a freshly cut bouquet when you want to show someone you care. Flowers are classic. They set the scene for every occasion. They’re that pat on the back for landing that new promotion, the floral mood boosters for those just-because moments, the token of love spelt out in a dozen roses (seriously, is it even dropdown#toggle" data-dropdown-menu-id-param="menu_term_334076514" data-dropdown-placement-param="top" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param="true" data-term-id="334076514" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #fff2cc;">Valentine’s Day without a giant bouquet of dropdown#toggle" data-dropdown-menu-id-param="menu_term_334076522" data-dropdown-placement-param="top" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param="true" data-term-id="334076522" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #fff2cc;">red roses?), and that wow factor at the bridal shower. They’re everything we can’t seem to say all in one beautiful hand-tied arrangement. Clever. Especially if, unlike us, you don’t have a way with words - it’s okay buddy, we’ve got you. While you can find flowers almost anywhere in LA, the kind of flowers that excite you are done by those who know flowers inside out, so we’ve scoured the streets for you and rounded up the best online dropdown#toggle" data-dropdown-menu-id-param="menu_term_334076474" data-dropdown-placement-param="top" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param="true" data-term-id="334076474" style="box-s

Winter might not be the most romantic time of the year in New York, but many singles find their match during this time when snuggling and staying warm is a priority. From a date at a restaurant or bar with a fireplace to staying warm inside a top museum to sharing spills and giggles while ice skating, these winter date ideas are bound to take your romance well into the spring if not further. NYC has a knack for adapting, so you’ll find that rooftop bars haul out the heaters or even install igloos. Outdoor venues get creative with yurts, hot tubs and more. While you can invite your date to stay inside, order delivery and binge watch the latest must-see shows, step it up and choose one of these date ideas that are well suited for winter. If you play your cards right, you and your sweetie can eventually plan a winter getaway to stoke the flames of romance and keep the chill away. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in the winter in NYC

Looking for a hotel with a hot tub to relax those aching muscles? Sure, New York doesn’t have a reputation as the most relaxing place (how much chilling can you expect to get in the city that never sleeps?), but these opulent NYC hotels with in-room hot tubs aim to counter that. A soak amid the bubbles can go a long way, especially after a manic day of traveling or shopping. These high-end hotels get it: each offers hot tubs either in-room or alongside rooftop pools and some even have incredible views. So whether you’re just looking for somewhere to staycation or you're hitting NYC for the first time, check into one of these properties that rival the best spas in NYC and prepare for a nice plunge. We’re feeling more relaxed already. And if you're more of an Airbnb person, there are Airbnbs with hot tubs, too! RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to the best hotels in NYC🏨 Stay in the most unique Airbnbs in NYC 🤳Or how about the most iconic hotels in NYC This guide was written by New York-based writer Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

New Jersey has some of the best beaches, so when the waves start calling your name, you'll need to listen and take a trip to the Jersey Shore. For the best experience, consider booking an Airbnb and hightail it out of town for the weekend. Soak up the sun while staying in one of these gorgeous beach houses, from beautifully restored historic homes to adorably kitschy cottages. Whether you want to vacation in Cape May, Asbury Park, or Seaside Heights, you’re sure to find accommodations that fit your budget and style on this list.  Updated November 2024: We've snuck a few more gems on here for the perfect family vacation - a spacious apartment in Brigantine and a beach house in Somers Point RECOMMENDED:🏨See our full guide to the best hotels in New Jersey🌊Check out the best things to do in New Jersey Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

With Christmas around the corner and the festive season in full swing, it's time to start thinking gifts and well wishes. And sometimes the best gift of all is flowers. Whether you're staying with the fam, visiting old school friends or celebrating with your other half, a beautiful bouquet sometimes just says 'I appreciate you' so much better. From glorious poinsettias to a curated bunch of delights, we've got you covered with the best flower delivery services in the Big Apple.  Luckily, we live in NYC in the 21st century where you can get flowers delivered straight to your door for the very next day – or in some cases, that exact same day. And it’s not just bouquets you can send to your loved one. You can get potted plants (perfect for plant fanatics), good quality chocolates, candles, and even more brought straight to their door. We’ve saved your bacon by rounding up all of the very best flower delivery services in NYC, ready for you to choose your fave. And if you're not afraid of a little long-term commitment, many of the shops included in our round-up offer a subscription model so you can keep 'em coming all year round... RECOMMENDED: 🍫 Check out the best chocolate deliveries in the USA How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in NYC. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information,

Joy of joy, wonder of wonders: The object of your affection agreed to go out with you, but now you need first-date ideas. NYC has plenty of options for that all-important first rendezvous. We've put together a list of your best options. From romantic things to do in the city to artistic movie screenings and honest-to-goodness cool stuff to do at museums, your perfect date is here. (Some of them are even super-cheap date ideas!) RECOMMENDED: Full guide to date ideas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best matchmakers in NYC

Just across the river from Tribeca, New York, these Jersey City Airbnb rentals make a surprisingly convenient (and affordable) choice for a trip to New York City. These apartments can be much cheaper than luxury hotels in NYC, and they’re still not far from the top New York attractions. And contrary to what some New Yorkers would have you believe, Jersey City has plenty of nice places to offer, including excellent Jersey City restaurants and bars, and a plethora of fun things to do. So next time you plan a trip to NYC, forget the best hotels in Manhattan and save some cash by staying just across the Hudson River in one of these Jersey City Airbnb rentals. Need something a little more long-term? No fret, we've thrown in a couple of monthly rentals too.  RECOMMENDED: 🏨Read our full guide on the best Jersey City hotels🎸Here are the best things to do in Jersey City Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The Emerald City may not be known for fantastic weather year-round, but that’s part of the charm! There’s nothing like strolling Pike Place on a drizzly day with a cup of coffee in hand (some of the best in the world). Or enjoy a day of museum-hopping followed by a wine tasting on the Eastside and an amazing seafood dinner. And honestly, don’t let the wet weather deter you. Bring your rain gear (but leave the umbrella at home; we don’t use those out here), get out and explore like the locals do! If you do happen to visit during the spectacular summers or again, don’t mind a bit of rain, there are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. Take in city views at Gas Works, sunbathe at Alki Beach or escape the hustle and bustle with a day trip to Bainbridge Island. Seattle will surely delight, no matter what kind of trip you’re looking for. From parks to attractions and landmarks, these are the best things to do in Seattle. This guide was updated by Seattle-based writer Sydney Baker. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Seattle🍷 The best bars in Seattle☕ The best coffee in Seattle🍻 The best breweries in Seattle 🥑 Where to eat the best brunch in Seattle

With so many must-see attractions in NYC, a visit to the city can be overwhelming. The best NYC tours — whether by land, sea or air — can help you make the most of your visit. Even locals will enjoy these tours and maybe learn something new (or discover a few secret NYC destinations) by taking an off-the-beaten-path tour. Choose your own adventure: walking tours, boat tours, bike tours and helicopter tours are all great ways to see the city, and the expert guides will leave you with a satisfying taste of the city. Looking for something more specific? There are food tours, movie tours, art tours, architecture tours and more. Whatever part of NYC you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you’ll have fun while learning everything you need to know about the Big Apple. Want to traverse a little more in 2024?  Get curious with the best non-touristy things to do in NYC  Frolic through NYC's most beautiful parks Discover the city's best lesser-known attractions Eat through the best food tours in NYC  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Fancy getting away from it all? Us too. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of city life can get too much and you need a few days to chill out and drink some seriously good wine. Yep, we’re talking about Napa, the wine capital of California, full of gorgeous vineyards—boasting fabulous wine tastings—as well as great restaurants, too. But that’s not all there is to do in the region—there’s loads to discover. So why not head down and see it for yourself? And when you do, be sure to choose a luxurious place to rest your head in the evenings. Luckily for you, we've got the hottest picks of the best Airbnbs in Napa, so have a read-through and thank us later. Updated October 2024: We like to keep our lists relevant and up-to-date with the most talked about Airbnbs along with the rarest finds in Napa. Our newest additions include an out-of-town Scandi farmhouse and a cool condo with resort treats. RECOMMENDED: 🏨 Best Napa hotels to book right now Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Like most of the airport-adjacent hotels in Queens, the Courtyard New York JFK Airport offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the terminals. Once you arrive at the hotel, you’ll find sleek, modern decor in both the lobby and rooms. Soundproof windows block out the sound of passing jets so you can get some much-needed shuteye after your flight. (The cushy pillow-top mattresses don’t hurt, either.) The hotel also boasts a 24-hour fitness center, convenient snack market, business center, bar and restaurant. No watered-down hotel coffee here: Nosh, the lobby restaurant, exclusively serves Starbucks coffee. Though breakfast does cost extra, it’s still incredibly affordable at just $9.95 a person. Neighborhood: The hotel’s location in the southern part of Queens means you’re not far from several of the borough’s biggest attractions, including Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Rockaway Beach, Queens County Farm Museum and more. Nearby: Little Guyana Bake Shop: For Guyanese baked goods like pineapple tarts and coconut-topped biscuits Forest Park: For beautiful hiking trails, softball fields and an 18-hole golf course Low Tide Bar: For beachside libations and dive bar charm Time Out tip: During baseball season, buy cheap tickets to a New York Mets game to root, root, root for the home team at Citi Field. The food is certainly better than at that other stadium in the Bronx, even if the team’s performance is worse. If the Mets aren’t playing, don’t despair: Fans can also book hour

Renovated in 2015, this conveniently located hotel features all new furniture, bathrooms, flooring, window coverings and decor. Travelers arriving in New York City late at night will be pleased by the regular shuttle service. Just call the front desk to schedule a complimentary airport pick-up at your arrival time; free shuttles depart from the hotel to JFK every 30 minutes. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, business center and offers free wifi. The daily free hot breakfast is an added bonus. And if you’re running out the door to catch a sightseeing tour or flight home, just ask the front desk for an on-the-go breakfast bag to take for the road. Neighborhood: John F. Kennedy International Airport might be the closest landmark to this hotel, but that’s just one part of the neighborhood. Venture a few blocks north and you’re in the vibrant Caribbean and Southeast Asian community of Jamaica; go around the airport toward Far Rockaway and you’ll find pristine beaches and natural wetlands. Nearby: Little Guyana Bake Shop: For Guyanese baked goods like pineapple tarts and coconut-topped biscuits Forest Park: For beautiful hiking trails, softball fields and an 18-hole golf course Rockaway Brewing Company: For local suds within walking distance of the beach Time Out tip: One of New York City’s most impressive exhibits isn’t in the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA, but in the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The Panorama of the City of New York shrinks t

This 385-room hotel just across the street from John F. Kennedy International Airport has everything a stressed-out traveler needs: a free airport shuttle, complimentary wifi, on-site rental car service and soundproofed rooms with LCD TVs. A fitness center and sauna will also help you get back on track after a long flight. Convenience is the name of the game here—it’s no luxurious bed and breakfast, but it works nicely for travelers flying into JFK on a redeye. Got some time to kill before your flight out? Grab a drink in the lobby bar complete with pool tables. Neighborhood: The airport’s surrounding area might not be the trendiest, but it is supremely convenient. Guests could rent a car to explore Queens and Brooklyn at their own pace, or hop on the subway to come into Penn Station in under an hour. Nearby: Forest Park: For beautiful hiking trails, softball fields and an 18-hole golf course Anil’s Roti Shop: For Trinidadian curry and flaky, split-pea-stuffed bread Connoly’s: For pina coladas to-go that patrons have been known to smuggle onto the beach Time Out tip: Believe it or not, you can find laid-back beach town vibes inside the five boroughs: Just take the subway to Rockaway Beach. With several sandy beaches to visit and miles of boardwalk to stroll, there’s plenty to keep you occupied all day long. If you’re hungry for lunch, stop by Tacoway Beach for delightfully crispy beer-battered fish tacos and fresh watermelon juice.

The food industry hasn’t always been receptive to female achievement; fine-dining establishments in particular have the reputation of an old boys’ club. Stop by Eataly on International Women’s Day, or Festa Della Donna in Italian, for a culinary celebration of some often-overlooked female chefs. Every aspect of this meal honors the achievements of women

Like so many prominent art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has shockingly few pieces by female artists on display. Still, there are plenty of strong ladies to celebrate in the art itself. This tour highlights the modern and historical nasty women responsible for some of the museum’s world-renowned pieces, whether they were the creators, muses or subjects. Smashing the patriarchy never felt so cultured.

You don't need a car to see peak fall foliage in New York—you can take a boat! A number of NYC leaf-peeping boat cruises leave right from Manhattan and sail up the Hudson River, delivering your autumn dreams of gorgeous changing leaves.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC This October, we took the Circle Line: Bear Mountain Full-Day Cruise, which as the name suggests, took us 50 miles north from Pier 83 to Bear Mountain and gave us three hours to hike trails and visit museums and its animal refuge before setting back down the river. It was a wonderful opportunity to escape the city sans car and train for the day and get some fresh air. Better yet, the cruise celebrates Oktoberfest with bratwurst, pork schnitzel, German potato salad, Prop & Peller Bavarian pretzels, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer and Warsteiner lager and a live Oompa band. It was a blast to get in party mode while anticipating our hike, seeing the beauty of the Palisades and Hudson Valley, listening to the captain point out landmarks and then relaxing on the way back home to NYC. The cruise goes on Saturdays and Sundays through October 31 and begins at $69 per person, which is really worth it.     Photograph: courtesy Circle Line Here are some other fall foliage cruises you should consider this autumn:     Seastreak: NYC Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise Leaving from West 39th Street at 11:30am, this three-and-a-half-hour cruise takes you through Sandy Hook Bay, under the Verrazano Bridge, and along New

If all you know about Staten Island is that it spawned three Jersey Shore cast members, you’re seriously underestimating the borough. From the East Shore’s beaches to abandoned buildings in the center of the island to Snug Harbor on the North Shore, there’s so much to explore on Staten Island. Don’t believe us? Let these surprising facts about the “forgotten borough” convince you.  1. Staten Island is the second wealthiest borough. The median household income is $82,783, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It came in just under Manhattan, where residents make $86,553. Queens takes third place with $68,666, while Brooklyn and the Bronx came last, with $60,231 and $40,088 respectively. 2. It’s also the least populated borough in NYC, even though it’s the third-largest. Though all the other four boroughs have more than 1 million residents apiece, Staten Island has claims just 476,143 people. 3. Staten Island has a whopping 170 parks. That’s 12,300 acres of protected land. No wonder it’s known as “the greenest borough.” 4. The Staten Island Ferry wasn’t always free. Shocking, we know. Passengers had to shell out 50 cents apiece to ride the ferry until 1997, when it became free. 5. It was once home to the world’s largest landfill, which is now well on its way to becoming a park. Over 53 years, New Yorkers sent approximately 150 million tons of trash to Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island. After it closed in 2001, the city began the gargantuan task of converting the 2,200-acre s

Missing the good ol' days of camping out on the living room floor with all your friends and more junk food than you could ever finish? You’re in luck. Kids at heart will get the chance to live out the slumber party of their dreams at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on September 22. Just leave the pizza and popcorn at home: This adults-only event isn’t your average sleepover. Operation Slumber: Adults Take Over the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum starts at sunset, when you arrive at the ship for dinner. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the museum, taste wine and beer from the ship’s ports of call, watch movies in the on-board theater or go on an Instagram scavenger hunt before it’s time for lights out. If you shell out a little extra cash for a VIP ticket, you’ll even get a behind-the-scenes tour and a bunk inside the Space Shuttle Pavilion. The next morning, you can cap off the once-in-a-lifetime experience with an early yoga class on the flight deck. General admission tickets cost $359, while the VIP option goes for $499. Reserve your spot before they sell out—and don’t forget your sleeping bag!

Between open signs, advertisements for beer brands and theatre marquees, neon literally lights up our lives. You can find neon signs almost everywhere you look in NYC—even in your own apartment, if you take this class at Brooklyn Glass. Kody Shafer, studio manager at Brooklyn Glass, teaches the hands-on One Day of Neon class ($250 per person). And we mean really hands-on: After a brief introduction, students get right to work melting and bending glass tubes over an open flame. By the end of class, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of neon artwork to take home. “It’s all made by hand,” Shafer says. “There’s no machines that can do this work. The methods really haven’t changed in the past 100 years.” Yep—that means everything from the sign in the pawn shop down the street to the Instagrammable neon in trendy bars was handcrafted by a neon expert. It’s even more impressive after you try bending melted glass into a right angle. In the one-day workshop, students will practice making an abstract piece of neon art to learn the basics of working with glass, electricity and neon and other gases. The two-day Intro to Neon: Weekend Intensive ($500 per person) is a little more in-depth, giving students more hands-on experience splicing, bending, attaching electrodes and working with fire. While you probably won’t be able to write your name in neon after just one class, you can always rent studio time at Brooklyn Glass to practice your technique. Reserve your spot in the next One Day of N

Opera gets a bad rap. Even the most serious culture vultures—people who read Tolstoy and visit obscure art galleries on the regular—somehow still see the opera house as a place for old fuddy-duddies. Believe it or not, it’s not as stuffy as it seems. The Metropolitan Opera—the crème de la crème of all venues—is glitzy, glamorous and totally accessible to the average viewer. Plus, you get the chance to hear some truly incredible music. Not convinced yet? Here’s 11 more reasons why you should buy tickets to the Metropolitan Opera. 1. It’s widely regarded as one of the best venues in the worldThe Metropolitan Opera is the largest—and most important—classical music organization in North America. That’s nothing to sniff at. Almost all the greats (including Placido Domingo, Renée Fleming and Anna Netrebko) have performed at the Met. Since the program also attracts some of the world’s top directing and conducting talent, every production is pretty special. 2. It’s a 133-year-old institutionThe building itself is fairly young—it just celebrated its fiftieth birthday in 2016—but the actual opera has been around for much longer. Believe it or not, when it was founded in 1883, it was a less stuffy alternative to the Academy of Music opera house, which the high society crowd claimed as their own. Lesser known patrons started going to the Met, and it quickly became the star of the scene. 3. You can check out the building’s stunning architecture up closeThe glass and bronze facade you see

Bust out the No. 2 pencils and spiral-bound notebooks: It’s time to go back to school. No, we’re not talking about Algebra I or AP U.S. History, but all the fantastic classes for adults in Los Angeles this fall. Just because you’re not lining up for homeroom anymore doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Picking up a new skill is easy with one of these affordable, introductory classes covering everything from floral design to foreign languages. Turns out learning really can be fun—who knew! Acting for Adults at The Actors Circle This Culver City-based acting academy counts the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Willa Holland among its alumni, so you know the curriculum works. Aspiring thespians should start with one of the regular three-hour cold reading classes. Instructors pull the monologues and scenes you’ll work on from a library of film and television scripts, so you won’t get bored even if you come back for several classes. Pasta in Casa at Hipcooks No formal kitchens or stuffy chefs here: Hipcooks prides itself on making cooking fun and approachable. You won’t even use a recipe, but instead focus on the techniques and skills you need to know. The menu for the handmade pasta class sounds particularly mouthwatering: butternut squash ravioli, fettucine with salmon and vodka sauce, caramelle with mint and ricotta and portobello mushroom and spinach rotollo. Pottery Making at Toro’s Pottery Get your hands dirty in this five-session clay pottery class helmed by Los Angeles

New Yorkers may not have backyards, but we do have Central Park: 843 acres of natural beauty tucked between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. There’s just so much to do in Manhattan’s biggest green space—from scavenger hunts to picnics in Sheep Meadow to horseback riding around the reservoir to going on a photo safari. But if you’re only hitting the most popular parts of the park, you’re missing out. Once you stray off the main drag, you’ll find countless serene meadows, secret paths and long-forgotten landmarks just waiting to be discovered. So rent a bike—you’re going to need to cover a lot of ground—and get ready to explore these 11 hidden parts of Central Park. It’s what designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux would have wanted, after all. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Central Park The Whispering Bench in Shakespeare Garden Upper West Siders and fans of the Bard have probably heard of the Shakespeare Garden, the four-acre expanse planted with flowers and plants mentioned in the playwright’s works. Each bed of columbine, quince, rue, lark’s heel, wormwood or cowslip is labeled with a small plaque featuring the relevant quote. Even if you’ve visited the garden before, you might have missed the one-of-a-kind curved granite bench. If you sit at one end and whisper, a friend sitting at the other end will be able to hear you, loud and clear.  The Loch Though it’s now known as the Loch, the stream running through the North Woods of Central Park used to be called Montayne

You’re invited to a birthday party this weekend—and this time, you don’t have to drop a bunch of cash on an expensive group dinner. Citi Bike is celebrating its fifth birthday this Sunday with a completely free cycling-themed extravaganza in Prospect Park. The fun begins at 10am, when you can meet at Grand Army Plaza for a group ride to the entrance of Smorgasburg. That’s where the festivities really go down. You can check out a pop-up museum dedicated to Citi Bike’s five-year evolution, snap a few pictures in the photo booth and spin a prize wheel to win helmets, T-shirts and Smorgasburg coupons. Like any good party, there will be cake—a custom creation from Milk Bar, no less. The celebration also includes both an awards ceremony for all-star Citi Bike riders and something for newbies: First-time Citi Bike members can take their first ride for free on Sunday. There will also be a temporary mobile station and bike valet on hand, so commuting to the event by Citi Bike should be a snap. Now that’s a birthday party we can get behind. Sign up to receive great Time Out deals in your inbox each day.​

Talk about the city that never sleeps: New Yorkers will need to wake up long before daylight to take advantage of this tour. For the first time this season, visitors can ascend the Empire State Building to watch the sunrise on Friday. The Empire State Building Sunrise Experience allows sightseers up to the 86th floor before dawn, giving them the opportunity to take in the 360-degree views as the sun appears on the horizon. The $100 tickets are only offered on select dates and in limited quantities, so it’s best to book in advance. Just think of the Instagram opportunities!  This time of year, you’ll have to arrive at 5am so you can be in position to catch the sunrise at precisely 5:32am. If you can’t bring yourself to wake up that early, just wait a few months: In October, visitors don’t have to show up until 6:45am to watch the sky light up at 7:11am. Trust us: The views are worth the early wake-up call. But if you can’t face the thought of an early morning without caffeine, fork over an extra $25 for a prix-fixe breakfast and coffee at STATE Grill and Bar. Sign up to receive great Time Out deals in your inbox each day.

Even in a city blessed with sunshine and mild temperatures year round, the unofficial start of summer is still worth celebrating. Sure, you could spend Memorial Day on one of the best beaches in L.A., but why not take advantage of an extra day off work to plan a last-minute trip? Believe it or not, it’s not too late to book a weekend getaway from L.A. for this weekend. You can still find a surprising number of beach cottages, rustic cabins and modern condos available on Airbnb. To help make your vacation dreams a reality, we rounded up the most appealing Airbnbs still available in destinations near Los Angeles. You’re welcome. Ojai East End Tranquil Retreat in Ojai, CA This recently renovated cabin in the woods provides a dreamy backdrop for a weekend away from the city. The interiors feel rustic but chic, thanks to a stone fireplace, whitewashed walls and bohemian decor. Mature oak trees line the backyard, where guests can nap in the hammock, roast mallows by the fire pit or have an alfresco meal at the picnic table. BeachLife Camper in SoCal in Malibu, CA Who needs cushy accomodations when you have the sun, sea and stars? Rent this camper for a super affordable weekend of surfing, swimming and hiking in Malibu. Bohemian-Modern Tree House in Santa Barbara, CA Fitness-focused travelers might want to spend the weekend in this stunning Santa Barbara treehouse. In addition to the home’s 420-square-foot gym and outdoor yoga deck, the owners will even let you borrow their longboar

With so many concerts, events and activities in NYC, deciding how to spend your free time can seem like a Herculean task. No one knows that better than Time Out New York editors—who do you think rounds up all the best things to do in NYC, anyway? During our research, we occasionally come across deals that are just too good to pass up. Here are the five best we found this week, including a critically acclaimed Broadway show and behind-the-scenes tour of a chocolate factory. Time Out Night with the Chamber Music Society; Alice Tully Hall (at Lincoln Center); Apr 27 at 7:30pm; $40. Tickets must be picked up at the box office. Soak up three masterpieces as part of the organization’s Classical Evolution series, followed by an exclusive craft-cocktail reception with the musicians. Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes; Neil Simon Theatre; various dates and times; tickets start at $99 for the full two-part play. Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane star in this masterful production of Tony Kushner’s two-part epic about death, love and justice. Raaka Chocolate Factory Tour; 64 Seabring St, Brooklyn; Sat 14, Sun 15 at 2pm; $15 The intoxicating scent of freshly milled cacao beans is reason enough to take a tour of the Raaka Chocolate Factory. Watch the master chocolatiers craft chocolate from bean to bar, then taste the results for yourself. Ty Segall; Brooklyn Steel; Fri 13 at 9pm; tickets start at $36. Segall brings his glammy, genre-bending sound to Brooklyn this week. E

With so many shows, events and concerts happening every week in NYC, deciding how to spend your free time is no small feat. No one knows that better than Time Out New York editors—who do you think rounds up all the best things to do in NYC? During our research, we occasionally come across deals that are just too good to pass up. Here are five of the best we found this week, including surprisingly cheap tickets to see a hilarious comedic duo and an early access tour of one of the city’s most renowned museums. Desus & Mero; Apr 13 at 7pm; Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Bronx • Apr 15 at 7pm; Kings Theatre, Brooklyn; tickets start at $39. The Bronx-born comedic duo and late-night Viceland show hosts bring their rapid-fire, off-the-cuff humor to venues around NYC this week. Mornings at MoMA; 11 W 53rd St; Sat 7, Sun 8 at 9:30am; $79 See The Starry Night in the early morning light with this VIP tour that grants you access to the museum before it opens. There’s nothing quite like strolling through the galleries in silence. Pink; Madison Square Garden; Wed 4, Thu 5 at 7:30pm; tickets start at $204. Pink takes her album Beautiful Trauma to new heights (literally) on her acrobatic arena tour. Check out the singer-aerialist’s moves this week. Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour; departs from Union Square; Wed 4, Fri 6, Sat 7, Sun 8, Mon 9 at 11am; $82 Better wear your stretchiest pants to this food tour: You’ll taste ’za all afternoon from legendary spots like Grimaldi’s. Feminists in