Laura Ratliff

Cue the windmills and Danish pastries. Solvang, a tiny SoCal town with major storybook vibes, just snagged the title “Best in the West” in a new USA Today ranking focusing on small towns in the region. Set in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County (about a two-hour drive from L.A., give or take some traffic on the 101), Solvang topped the ranking given its quaint charm, Scandinavian-inspired flair and small-town magic. The newspaper’s 10Best list was compiled with input from an expert panel and reader votes, spotlighting towns with fewer than 25,000 residents that pack a big punch when it comes to food, culture and vibe. The day trip destination’s main claim to fame is its heavy dose of Danish heritage—picture half-timbered buildings, old-world bakeries serving aebleskiver and actual windmills dotting the town square. Highlights include the kitschy yet charming Red Viking Restaurant and the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, a tribute to the town’s Nordic heritage. Solvang is also home to its own outpost of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. While the famous author’s home is in Denmark, Solvang is the site of a whole museum dedicated to the mind behind The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Ugly Duckling. Located inside a charming bookshop, this cozy spot pays homage to Denmark’s literary legend and his fairy tale legacy. If the town name rings a bell, that’s because Solvang also earned national love last year as the second-best Christmas town in the U.S. (and number

Middle Child, the Philly sandwich shop known for pushing the boundaries of deli classics, is taking over New York—at least for a few days.  In just a couple of weeks—from Wednesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 4—Edith’s Sandwich Counter in Williamsburg and the West Village will serve up the "Cuban Wollensky," an unconventional mashup of three iconic sandwiches: Cuban, Texas Tommy and Wollensky, a Middle Child creation. Inside the pressed kaiser roll, you'll find Taylor ham, bacon, Cooper sharp cheese, mustard-mayo and pickles, bringing together bold flavors in one over-the-top bite. An Edith’s spokesperson told Eater that it’s “a zany hybrid of three iconic sandwiches,” capturing the playful, creative spirit of both Edith’s and Middle Child. But that’s just the start. Alongside the Cuban Wollensky, Edith’s also told Eater that it will offer a “Carrot Dreamsicle Slushie,” which will add a refreshing twist to the pop-up experience. For Middle Child founder Matt Cahn, this pop-up is another opportunity to merge nostalgic flavors with bold, unexpected twists, a signature of his Philadelphia shop. Diners at the OG spot rave about sandwiches like the Surfer (house turkey, Swiss cheese, blueberry chutney, arugula and Duke's mayo on ciabatta) and the CSG Reuben (house corned beef, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on rye bread). This NYC collaboration also marks the launch of a seasonal series of sandwich partnerships at Edith’s, with upcoming offerings planned for the

From green spaces to iconic bridges, NYC is a goldmine for photo ops that will rack up those likes. According to a new study by Betway Casino, which analyzed Instagram data from over 50 major U.S. tourist attractions, five New York City landmarks are considered among the top ten most Instagrammable spots in the country. We, of course, could not agree more. Here’s the lowdown: Central Park, 8.3 million posts Our green space ranked number one overall on the list. No surprise here. Central Park reigns supreme with a whopping 8.3 million posts on Instagram and more than 250,000 TikToks. Whether you're capturing a lazy summer afternoon or a snowy winter wonderland, the iconic park is a magnet for photos among locals and tourists alike. Plus, the blend of nature and city views (we’re partial to Rat Rock) makes for endless creative shots. Times Square, 5.2 million posts Bright lights and big screens: Times Square holds strong in second place. With more than 5 million posts, this neon-filled hotspot serves “I’m here” energy. The crowded streets, flashing billboards and bustling vibe make for dynamic selfies and cityscapes. Brooklyn Bridge, 3.9 million posts Arguably the most photographed bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is more than just a way to get between two boroughs. Its stunning views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan, especially at sunset, have earned it nearly 4 million Instagram posts. Empire State Building, 3.3 million posts No New York City list is complete without th

Get ready, New York! After what feels like an endless stretch of chilly, damp days, the weekend forecast is offering the kind of warmth we've all been waiting for.  Temperatures are finally set to soar above 70 degrees, with Saturday expected to reach a toasty high of 81 degrees. While the forecast does mention some clouds, we'll still be in for the kind of weather that makes most New Yorkers want to drop everything and head outdoors.  Saturday’s warmth might also come with a light afternoon shower, but it shouldn’t be enough to dampen anyone’s spirits—there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Head to Central Park along with the masses for a picnic, watch the Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field or take a self-guided public art tour. The high temps will be a great excuse to explore the city’s colorful murals and sculptures.  Easter Sunday, however, will bring slightly cooler temps, but more sun, with a high of 68 degrees, ideal for a breezy, sun-filled day of outdoor activities. Whether you're spending the day with family or taking a solo stroll, the city’s parks will be bustling with springtime energy and there are still plenty of spring blooms to take in. Go on a hunt for a rainbow of tulips in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden or witness the last gasps of the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you want to get in some physical activity, why not try a scenic bike ride along the waterfront? And, of course, with the warm weather comes the re

Miami’s cocktail scene is officially flexing its muscles on the global stage.  The first installment of North America’s 50 Best Bars list just dropped, and it's shining a spotlight on some of the Magic City's most exceptional spots. From sultry hotel bars to quirky, offbeat haunts, Miami is proving it has more than beautiful beaches, as four top bars have made the cut. Ranked No. 56 on the continent, ViceVersa, the city’s highest-ranked bar on the list, offers a sultry escape just off the lobby of the Elser Hotel, where the cocktail menu is a tribute to classic Italian drinks with a modern Miami twist. Think Negronis, Milano-Torinos and Americanos, but reimagined with local ingredients. Signature cocktails include the Italian-VICE, a refreshing nod to Amalfi’s lemon granitas, made with bergamot liqueur, lemon sorbet and vodka. For those who enjoy a kick, the spicy margherita (aka Brucio in Bocca, or "burning mouth") blends vermouth, tequila and Barolo marmalade with pineapple for an unforgettable bite. Meanwhile, Veloce, a Venetian-inspired spritz, fuses force-carbonated orange wine, mezcal and Select Aperitivo for a truly unique flavor profile. Photograph: R.C. VisualsViceVersa At Champagne Bar at The Surf Club (number 61 on the list), the glamour of yesteryear meets modern flair. Set in the historic Four Seasons Surf Club, this bar offers Miami's largest selection of Champagne, catering to the city's elite while maintaining a welcoming vibe for all. The bar’s mix of imagi

You might want to double-check the price tag on that dream apartment: Los Angeles has officially landed on the list of the most expensive cities in the world. According to a new report from wealth migration firm Henley & Partners, L.A. now ranks tenth globally for sky-high living costs. And, let’s just say, the city’s price tag isn’t dropping anytime soon. The report analyzed the average square meter price of a “prime” 100- to 200-square-meter apartment (that’s roughly between 1,100 and 2,200 square feet) and revealed some eyebrow-raising numbers. In L.A., the price for this coveted piece of real estate averages a whopping $17,500 per square meter. (For reference, that translates to an eye-popping $2.625 million for a 1,600-square-foot apartment.) It’s a tough pill to swallow, even when you compare it to the number one spot on the list—Monaco—where you’ll pay a staggering $38,800 per square meter. In the company of Monaco, New York and Hong Kong, L.A. continues to cement its status as a hot spot for the ultra-wealthy. With a growing number of millionaires (220,600, to be exact) flocking to the city, the costs show no signs of slowing down. So, why has L.A. become so expensive in recent years? A limited housing supply, a growing influx of out-of-state buyers and soaring demand from the tech elite have pushed the city’s real estate market to new heights. Plus, the combination of sunny weather, proximity to Hollywood and prime beachfront properties have always made L.A. a top ch

Clear your calendar: Summer for the City is back, with Lincoln Center once again turning its Manhattan campus into the ultimate cultural playground.  The fourth annual festival runs from June 11 through August 9 this year, bringing more than 200 events to the city, nearly all of them free or pay-what-you-wish. Expect global dance parties, experimental opera, kids’ storytimes, jazz nights, pop-ups and tons more. This year’s programming also takes a deeper dive into international artistry than ever before. One major highlight: Brazil Week (July 16–30), a vibrant, two-week celebration of Brazilian culture.  Our can’t-miss pick? "Sixth Sense," a two-venue exhibition of literary, musical and visual works from the Instituto Museu Itamar Assumpção (MU.ITA), the first virtual museum of a Black Brazilian artist. Hosted by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the exhibit honors Assumpção’s legacy in the Vanguarda Paulistana movement with rare archival works. A companion video installation by artist biarritzzz will run in the David Rubenstein Atrium. Photograph: Lawrence Sumulong Opera gets a shake-up thanks to the American Modern Opera Company’s biggest Run AMOC Festival yet. Among the lineup is "the echoing of tenses," a moving new song cycle by Anthony Cheung, featuring seven Asian-American poets performing their work live, blending text, music, memory and migration into one ambitious finale. The month-long AMOC residency includes 12 performances, and ten of them ar

It’s been a long time coming, but the Field House at Tompkins Square Park is back—and the bathrooms are finally something to talk about. No more dodging the restroom situation or mentally preparing for a scene from Trainspotting. After a $5.6 million renovation, the beloved East Village park is sporting an upgraded facility ready to handle everything from summer picnics to after-work strolls with a level of cleanliness and accessibility that we can all appreciate. "By modernizing the public restrooms, ensuring accessibility, upgrading the building's infrastructure and creating a more functional space for park operations, we are making crucial improvements to this beloved local landmark,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue in an official statement. Photograph: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila The upgrades go beyond just the bathrooms, of course. The building also now boasts ADA-compliant ramps, new entryways and modernized facilities like first aid rooms and lifeguard locker rooms. But let’s be real: it’s all about the restrooms. The revamped facilities are part of a city-wide "Better Bathrooms" initiative, designed to improve more than 70 public bathrooms across New York. In other words, officials want to set the gold standard for public park restrooms. Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, a longtime fan of the park, echoed the sentiments of many East Village parents. Photograph: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila “My kids used this park year after year for parties and the sprinklers during t

Clear your calendars and dust off your dance shoes: Hudson River Park just unveiled its spring and summer event lineup, and it’s packed tighter than the West Side Highway at rush hour. Photograph: Courtesy of Hudson River Park Starting this month and running through September, the four-mile-long waterfront park will host hundreds of free events ranging from Broadway By The Boardwalk to sunset salsa, science parties and one of NYC’s longest-running barbecue blowouts. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, jazz junkie, science nerd or just someone who enjoys a good sunset and a picnic blanket, there’s something here for you, day or night, weekday or weekend. Things officially kick off May 17 with the SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival on Pier 84, a full day of river-themed fun, live experiments and real-life critter encounters. For grown-ups who never got over their eighth-grade science fair glory, the Science After Dark series (think: oysters, microscopes, cocktails) will make your summer weeknights smarter and buzzier. Photograph: Courtesy of Hudson River Park Meanwhile, dancers of all ages can get their groove on at Dance Is Life! and Sunset Salsa (Pier 76 is your new dance floor), and Broadway buffs can catch big talent for free every Monday night at Clinton Cove. Want to work up a sweat? The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series returns with yoga, HIIT and dance cardio classes from some of the city’s top instructors, alongside bike skills classes for kids ready to ditch the tr