Shaye Weaver

Cherry blossoms in NYC offer New Yorkers a brief but gorgeous pop of beauty, which is why we flock in droves to see them when they bloom each spring. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to Central Park and even some hidden spots around town, we've rounded up the best places where you can gaze at the delicate pink flowers, take the perfect warm-weather-ready photo for your Instagram feed, and check off your bucket list with these best things to do in spring. RECOMMENDED: NYC events in March 2025 When do cherry blossoms bloom in NYC? Cherry blossoms bloom in NYC based on each year's weather, but they usually begin in earnest by late March. CentralPark.com says the park's trees bloom from April to May. Speaking of Central Park, the cherry blossom trees here can be found between 72nd Street and 96th Street around the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Great Lawn, Cedar Hill, and the area just south of Cedar Hill between 74th and 77th Streets. But Central Park isn't the only place to admire these pretty petals; keep scrolling for the full list. 

Time Out Market New York is buzzing with activity, from phenomenal food and drinks to fun parties to keep you rolling through the cooler months. The market has an ongoing happy hour from 4 to 7pm during the week (what’s not to love about $6 select draught beers, $9 specialty cocktails and $8 select wines?), but there’s much more going on. The market has a daily Bottomless Brunch! For $65, you’ll receive a $35 TOM Card toward the meal of your choice from the market’s concessions and you can choose from Bottomless mimosas and bellinis from noon to 3pm. Below is the current schedule of events at Time Out Market New York!

Ice skating in NYC is more than just a fun activity—it’s a time-honored tradition that brings out the holiday magic in the city. While a few rinks stay open all year, there’s something extra special about skating in winter, especially during the holiday season. It’ll have you feeling festive in no time, warming your heart as you twirl (or stumble) on the ice. For the ultimate holiday vibes, you can’t beat the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center or the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. These spots are packed with holiday spirit, along with great food and drinks to keep you fueled up. But if you’re after a more laid-back vibe, some of NYC's parks have quieter, less crowded rinks for a more relaxed skate. Turn it into a full-day adventure by pairing your skating session with visits to the city's best holiday markets and holiday light displays. Whether you’re a beginner, a skating enthusiast, or ready to bust out your best triple salchow, NYC has the perfect rink for you. And if you’d rather keep your feet off the ice, roller skating is always an option for some high-speed fun. Before you head out, don’t forget to check each rink’s opening dates and times to make sure they’re ready for you!

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality 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. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel 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.

Everyone knows Queens, NY is a rapidly growing borough with Long Island City leading the way with so much new construction, from new apartment buildings with retail below to new hotels. LIC is not just convenient—one stop on the subway from Manhattan—but it's bustling!  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC Locals and visitors alike are drawn to LIC's trendy bars and restaurants, thriving comedy clubs, waterfront parks and art museums like the Noguchi.  The rewards for overnighting in Long Island City and Astoria include access to eight subway lines (N, W, R, F, M, 7, G, E) for easy trips to other boroughs, a 5- to 20-minute commute to Manhattan, and tremendous value. But the best reasons to choose a hotel here are the neighborhoods themselves. Eat your way through the best Long Island City restaurants and take in cultural institutions like MoMA PS1. And don’t miss nearby Astoria’s bars and beer gardens. February 2025: The Paper Factory & Z NYC Hotel are now closed. We've added new information for all hotels, including an editor's review of Boro Hotel, and new entries for Wingate by Wyndham and the Modernist Hotel. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

With so many things to do in New York, you’d be hard-pressed to come up empty handed when devising date plans. On the other hand, too many choices can be overwhelming. We’re here to help with the best date ideas in NYC, options that are sure to woo your current crush or rekindle the flames with your longtime love. Among the best restaurants in New York, several are exceptionally romantic and always a good choice. Taking a stroll around any of these romantic spots in New York is a great way to get things started. After that, try one of these date-worthy itineraries and watch the sparks fly. If you’re watching your wallet, we can also recommend these cheap date ideas in NYC, and if you’re looking for something really different, these unique date ideas will ensure your next rendezvous is anything but ordinary. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic getaways in New YorkRECOMMENDED: The best matchmakers in NYC

New York City’s cultural amenities are many, but none quite match the number, scale, and variety of its museums. There is literally an institution for every interest, whether it’s in art, history, science, or quirkier subjects. From 5,000 years of art history at The Metropolitan Museum to cutting-edge art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City is an art lovers' paradise. There are dozens of other types of museums, too, like the encyclopedic American Museum Of Natural History, the classical New-York Historical Society, and the sultry Museum of Sex. Photography fans have to check out the International Center of Photography, architecture buffs should head to the Skyscraper Museum, and transit lovers can't miss the New York Transit Museum. And, of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, even if you don’t count all of the other museums in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Is it a lot to take in? Certainly. But if you want to find a museum with your name on it, look no further than our complete guide to the best museums in NYC, complete with highlights at each one.  RECOMMENDED: 🖼Full guide to the best museum exhibitions in NYC

Ready to learn the ropes (or the stones) while rock climbing? NYC has excellent facilities where you can test your strength and crush your fear of heights. When yoga in NYC and scenic running routes aren’t enough, opt for an adventurous way to get toned, which works your muscles without sacrificing the fun. NYC has plenty of outdoor and indoor bouldering spots that will liven up your life. Whether you want a low-stakes, low-cost climb in one of the many NYC parks that offer great things to do outside, or if you want the full-fledged gym experience with classes, ropes and harnesses, here are the best places to go rock climbing in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to fitness classes and gyms in NYC

When you're really feeling "the grind," it's your body and mind's way of telling you to go to the spa. If a weekend getaway isn’t in the cards, hitting one of the best spas in New York City is especially a great alternative. The city's 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), they also 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. What are the best spas in NYC?

New York City is one of the best places to have kids because it’s full of fun and educational opportunities you can’t find anywhere else! From kid-friendly attractions and museums to playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants, the list of classic NYC experiences that also cater to kids is endless: baseball games, Broadway shows, Coney Island and more. For repeat visitors, there are tons of options beyond the city too, like family-friendly hiking trails, and kid-friendy day trips and weekend getaways. Exploring NYC with the kids will be eye-opening and exhausting, but well worth the effort. I’ve updated this list with the best museums, playgrounds and attractions that kids are sure to love, including the New York Aquarium and a ride on the NYC Ferry. See you out there!

What’s the deal with the East Village? The East Village is many things to many people—it's the birthplace of punk, a haven for artists, an oasis for the odd, where to go for a fun night out, and for over 65,000 New Yorkers, it's home. The neighborhood, which is bound by the Bowery and Third Avenue to the west, 14th Street to the north and Houston Street to the south, used to be considered part of the Lower East Side, but it was rebranded in the mid-20th century when beatniks and artists moved in. The downtown nabe has undergone many changes over the years, and while we've seen many quintessential East Village businesses fold (R.I.P. Gem Spa), the area is still loaded with dives, grungy tattoo shops, and old-school record stores. Whether you're in the neighborhood to have a picnic in Tompkins Square Park, slurp drinks at tiki bars, or scoop up sweet throwbacks at vintage clothing stores, the East Village still has so much to offer for people of all walks of life, and that's the beauty of it. Best of all, it has some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, including my favorites, Nowon, Cafe Mogador and Veselka. If you only do one thing Grab a bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels and then walk down St. Marks place from Tompkins Square Park to Astor Place and stop in every small shop, bar, clothing store or bookstore that catches your eye. Go off the beaten track Stuyvesant Cove is lovely waterfront green space on the other side of the FDR just north of 14th St. You can also

This year, it feels especially important to celebrate the massive contributions Black Americans have made historically, but it's equally important to celebrate the contributions they continue to make everyday across culture, cuisine, nightlife, and all areas of life. Luckily, we live in a city that has plenty to offer if you're looking to go all out this Black History Month. Here's where and how to celebrate the month-long event. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in winter

This 4.5-acre city park on a former landfill hosts large-scale sculpture exhibits year-round. Not only does it always have incredible sculptures, its art is set to the backdrop of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. It’s open 365 days a year, offering music and dance performances, movie screenings, yoga and more. 

City Climb—which is the highest external building climb in the world on the Western Hemisphere's tallest observation deck, Edge—tethers brave thrillseekers to a secure trolly along the outside of the building and open, edged platforms and stairways. Two cables will keep you secure on a path that leads up 32 steps to “The Cliff,” an outlook 1,190 feet in the sky and to “The Stair,” which consists of 151 steps on a 45-degree incline. “The Apex” is where they can lean out and hang over the platform at 1,271 feet. Are your knees buckling yet? Here’s what it was like to climb it. It all finishes with a victory lap on Edge's outdoor viewing area on the 100th floor (and a celebratory medal for inaugural guests).

Summit One Vanderbilt sits atop the new 67-floor One Vanderbilt super-tall—a 1,401-foot-high—skyscraper. As the city's fourth-tallest building after One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower and 111 West 57th Street, it is just west of Grand Central Terminal, where you first enter the experience underground. After a trip through a mirrored hallway with its own immersive elements, visitors take an elevator up to the 91st floor, where they're 1,000 feet over the streets and sidewalks of NYC. Kenzo Digital has created a totally mirrored infinity room called "Air" that reflects the sky and city views over and over, making you feel like you're walking in the sky or on another plane of existence. Looking above you and below you in this two-story space, you see your reflection repeating forever. After you ascend to the third level of this experience, guests are introduced to "Levitation," a series of transparent glass sky-boxes that jut out of the building at 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. Here, you can stand over the street with just glass between you and the ground. It's certainly not for the faint of heart. If you want to amp up your visit, opt for a SUMMIT Premium Experience—the ticket package offers guests an elevated journey through Midtown’s tallest skyscraper and includes skip-the-line access, a personalized 90-minute guided tour of SUMMIT’s three dynamic floors, a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at SUMMIT’s Après, and stunning views of NYC and beyond.

Quick: What are you doing on Tuesday? Answer: Trivia at Time Out Market. Put your knowledge to the test with your friends at Time Out Market New York on Tuesday nights! Trivia NYC is hosting exciting trivia nights at Time Out Market's Local Corner at 7:30 each Tuesday, starting on February 25, where you can win a prize for your smarts. Even better, there will be a discount on beer all night! Just bring yourself and your smartphone to participate!

Long Island City's Wingate by Wyndham is a great location—10 minutes fro the subway, five miles from LaGuardia Airport, and 14 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport and mere blocks from the East River and LIC's waterfront. When you're not out and about, you can enjoy your room—a double, a suite or a quad—with included continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. It's also pet-friendly for those with best friends along for the ride. Guests say its a clean, comfortable and convenient stay.

Learn how to make a drink that'll impress your friends and loved ones from one of Time Out Market New York's expert bartenders.  Join us on Mondays at the Market's Local Corner, where mixologist Johnathan Williams will guide you through creating the perfect drink for any event. The evening, from 7 to 8:30pm, includes complimentary charcuterie to enjoy along with your drinks as well as a chance to mix and mingle. Grab your ticket now—space is limited to just 15 spots per session.

The Oculus is one of the world’s most expensive train stations, serving 12 subway lines and the PATH train, with a beautiful mall inside of it. Its wild exterior designed by Santiago Calatrava, which resembles the skeleton of a whale, has white metal-clad steel ribs that reach up and out which actually symbolize a hand releasing a dove. The structure is a lasting reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001 — it is in alignment with the sun’s solar angles on each September 11, from 8:46 am, when the first plane struck, until 10:28 am, when the second tower collapsed. Its central skylight fits this alignment and washes the Oculus floor with a beam of light. The shopping center inside boasts stores like the Apple Store, Aesop, Cole Haan, Golden Bar, Moleskine, John Varvatos and others. Dining includes Eataly, Gansevoort Market, Wasabi Sushi & Bento and more.

Kids will have a blast at this free concert at Time Out Market New York featuring Suzi Shelton and Hopalong Andrew this month. Starting at 10:15am on Friday, February 14, and Sunday, February 23, these concerts will have your little ones dancing, clapping and singing along with a kids entertainment superstar. Hopalong Andrew, who will perform on February 14, is known for his lasso-swinging performances set to music for a fun and informative show. He was recently named "the countrified king of our family entertainment circuit" in New York Magazine. Suzi Shelton, who will perform on February 23, creates music that inspires children to sing, dance, and explore and uses props like books, egg shakers, and her special friends, such as Grey Squirrel and Cinnamon Bear, to engage her audience.  Head out to Time Out Market with your kids and make a day of it!

Kids will have a blast at this free concert at Time Out Market New York featuring Suzi Shelton and Hopalong Andrew this month. Starting at 10:15am on Friday, February 14, and Sunday, February 23, these concerts will have your little ones dancing, clapping and singing along with a kids entertainment superstar. Hopalong Andrew, who will perform on February 14, is known for his lasso-swinging performances set to music for a fun and informative show. He was recently named "the countrified king of our family entertainment circuit" in New York Magazine. Suzi Shelton, who will perform on February 23, creates music that inspires children to sing, dance, and explore and uses props like books, egg shakers, and her special friends, such as Grey Squirrel and Cinnamon Bear, to engage her audience.  Head out to Time Out Market with your kids and make a day of it!

You're invited to the ultimate Super Bowl LIX watch party in NYC! Time Out Market New York will have big screens, good eats, prize giveaways and all-day drink specials for the big day. Starting at 3pm on February 9, enjoy a pre-game party with resident DJ, DJ Stretch, on the fifth-floor rooftop, and when the game kicks off at 6:30pm, you'll have a great view of the plays on its projector and screens throughout the Market (with audio, of course). Of course, you'll have your pick of two dozen food vendors representing the best food of NYC, including Bark Barbecue, Pastrami Factory and Wayla. Sam Adams and Sun Cruiser will offer drink specials and prize giveaways (branded swag, JBL speakers, a Sun Cruiser bike, Beats by Dre earbuds and $50 Amazon gift cards) all day. Plus, there will be beer bucket and pitcher specials for the taking. See you there!

You’ll love what’s going on at Time Out Market this Valentine’s Day! It doesn’t matter if you’re cuffed or not, this celebration of love will get you dancing into the night. From 7 to 11pm on February 14, DJ Stretch will provide tunes for dancing while Dumbo psychic Natasha does tarot readings. You can also take photos at our special Valentine's Day photo booth and throw your ex's belongings to toss in our "Exes Bin." Enjoy it all with a signature cocktail in hand. You’ll also have a chance to win an amazing raffle prize, which includes a box of chocolate, a bottle of Champagne or a one-night stay for two at the 1 Hotel. It'll be a night to remember!  

Passing the front desk and entering into the inner sanctum of Haven Spa completely removes you from the chaos on Mercer Street. The calm and luxurious waiting room/lounge, supplied with drinks and snacks, prepares you for the relaxing services ahead. Once out of your clothes and in a supplied robe and slippers, you are escorted to your service, which will undoubtedly be top-tier. Both times I've been to Haven, which first opened in 1998, I've been impressed by the spa's commitment to providing the most helpful service for each customer. Even if you set up a specific treatment—I recently tried the new "Tock Tick" facial that's meant to strengthen and regenerate the skin—the staff consults with you before beginning to find out what your concerns are and what you'd like to focus on. Then, with your input, they tailor the service to make sure you're getting out of it what you need. In my case, my skin was in extra need of soothing so my esthetician focused more on that than what was initially set out for me. My face appeared more plump than when I arrived, so I was impressed with the outcome. Additionally, I really enjoy Haven's innovative spirit—you can always find a new service to try here. The first I ever tried was the Molten Chocolate Body Scrub for Valentine's Day 2020, where I was completely covered in, yes, chocolate. Currently, new services you can enjoy, including the Tock Tick, are the Younger Longer (Soothe and restore sensitive skin with this specialized collagen rec

The fabulous fighting gals of Sailor Moon, the mega-popular Japanese manga and animated series that captured our hearts and imaginations in the 1990s, are coming to life in a live show right here in Times Square this April. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, which debuted in Tokyo in August 2018, in Paris in November 2018, in Washington, D.C. and in New York in March 2019, is back in town at Palladium Times Square Theater on April 24-26 to conclude its North America tour, “rocking the stage with love, justice and friendship.” RECOMMENDED: Japanese entertainment giant Bandai Namco is opening its first U.S. store at Industry City According to the official theater synopsis, the show follows school girl Usagi Tsukino who is called on to transform into her alter ego, Sailor Moon, to save the galaxy with her powers and fellow all-female team of Sailor Guardians. They protect the world by defeating evil and band together with confidence and self-determination. And yes, you bet there will be an appearance by Tuxedo Mask! The show is a 2.5D musical, which means it’s based on the 2D manga (Japanese comic book) art form, rather than 3D theater. We experienced the 90-minute show (which is in Japanese with English subtitles) in London and it made us feel like kids again. We sang along with the songs we knew by heart and watched iconic scenes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out London (@timeoutlondon) The book, lyrics and direction are by Kao

A new comedy show about the struggle to actually have what it takes to make it in New York City—as an actor, as a woman and as a human—just debuted on YouTube. EAST, by creator and producer Dana Marisa Schoenfeld and producer and actor Jolie Curtsinger, shows just what it takes to pursue a big dream in the entertainment industry despite all the odds, and as you can imagine, it gets wild.  The show, which has won awards at festivals across the country, including “Best Television Plot” at the New York International Film Awards, stars Schoenfeld, Curtsinger, Natalie Roy, Jennifer Rudolph, Guyviaud Joseph, Jeanine Bartel, J.J. Gonzalez and many more who are able to offer viewers both humor and sincerity. Watch the trailer below. The women-driven show—on screen and behind the camera—aired its first episode on YouTube on Valentine’s Day right here. Before the debut, we caught up with Schoenfeld about what we can expect and some of the women’s very favorite NYC spots. RECOMMENDED: Out Late: These Black women DJs are running Brooklyn nightlife Where did the concept of the show come from and what are you hoping viewers get out of it? “I came up with the idea many years ago as I was inspired by the journey (that I was living) of what it really takes to pursue a dream. I was a political science and history major in college, and when I graduated, I surprised everyone when I announced I wanted to be an actor. EAST is based on the promise I made to myself many years ago to

Paul McCartney is treating New Yorkers to a third surprise concert, Friday, February 14—truly proving that he is a gift that keeps on giving. McCartney announced the Valentine's Day performance on his Instagram this afternoon. Tickets are on sale right now. The third performance comes after giving about 600 people a show to remember Tuesday and Wednesday nights.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney) The lucky audience members happened to get over to the Bowery Ballroom box office first on Tuesday and many of those who got tickets for the Wednesday night show were already camping out in hopes another concert would be announced. Apparently, actors Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway and supermodel Karlie Kloss managed to attend on Wednesday night. And likewise, people were already lining up outside the venue on Thursday hours before the third concert announcement went live. Tickets from third party vendors are not being honored to weed out fake tickets, so tickets must be gotten in person. Photograph: Avery Porges for Time Out New York Like the other two performances, the concert will kick off at 6:30pm on Friday. Night two’s set list was following, according to BrooklynVegan.com: “Can’t Buy Me Love” (The Beatles song) “Flaming Pie” (First non soundcheck performance since 2009) “Got to Get You Into My Life” (The Beatles song) “Let Me Roll It” (Wings song) “Getting Better” (The Beatles song) “Let ‘Em In” (Wings song) “My Valen

We’re all excitedly back to the office now that the Apple TV+ hit workplace thriller Severance has returned for its second season, placing its main players—Adam Scott as ‘Mark Scout,’ Patricia Arquette as ‘Harmony Cobel,’ Britt Lower as ‘Helly Riggs,’ John Turturro as ‘Irving Bailiff,’ Zach Cherry as ‘Dylan George,’ Tramell Tillman as ‘Seth Milchick’ and Christopher Walken as ‘Burt Goodman’—back at Lumon Industries, the secretive company that divides employees’ work and personal memories through the surgical severance procedure, separating people into their “innie” and their “outie” personas.  RECOMMENDED: Here's the deal with that 'Severance' pop-up at Grand Central In the first season, Mark S. and his team, the Macrodata Refinement Department (MDR) —Helly R., Irving B., Dylan G.—slowly unravel as they attempt to solve the mystery of what Lumon Industries actually does and end the torture they’re undergoing. In season 2, Mark and his friends learn the dire consequences of trifling with the severance barrier, leading them further down a path of woe, according to the show’s notes. Severance, which airs on Thursday nights through March 21, has been lauded for its strong visual language, from small details that hold meaning to the often stark settings its characters are placed in. I’ll never forget the goat moment in season 1 or the pure corporate hellscape of Lumon’s liminal hallways. And if the show feels familiar at times, don’t just blame your years in corporate America. Bot

Star Wars fans will get to experience a one-of-a-kind concert experience this month for the anniversary of the gorgeous United Palace in Washington Heights. On Saturday, February 22, The United Palace will hold a day-long marathon of the original trilogy set to live organ renditions of the classic Star Wars scores, a fan-led costume parade on stage, a Yoda impression contest, a lightsaber duel of the fates by Project Mayhem Corp. and the appearance of Stormtroopers by Empire City Garrison. RECOMMENDED: I play Dungeons & Dragons in New York City—here’s why you should, too It’s all part of Movies at the Palace's 2025 season kick-off and celebration of the venue’s 95th anniversary. When it opened originally, The United Palace was a vaudeville venue. To highlight that fact, the event will incorporate live elements of its 1930 inaugural programming. The live organ performance of the scores alludes to the “Divertissement Musicale” that was originally performed by the Loew’s Grand Orchestra there. To provide a comedic moment like there was during the 1930 program, there will be a chance for audience members to compete in a Yoda impression contest. There will be specialty cocktails and raffles of movie memorabilia as well. “What better way to celebrate community than with the Star Wars franchise, which has built one of the strongest fan communities not only on Earth but throughout the galaxy,” said United Palace CEO Mike Fitelson in a statement. “There is nothing we need more in 20

You instantly knew her from her striking style. Iris Apfel, one of the fashion world’s most iconic figures—usually dressed in bold colors and intriguing shapes, including her gigantic fashion glasses—passed away last March at age 102, leaving behind a beautifully curated collection of items that’ll be on view for free at Christie’s New York from February 8 to 13. RECOMMENDED: This year's Met Gala dress code focuses on the art of tailoring Apfel, who began as a decorator who eventually consulted at the White House, co-founded Old World Weavers, a textile company with her husband Carl that became renowned. The New Yorker became quite a distinguished collector and expert in antique textiles but also a fashion icon in her 80s. The New York Times described her as “tallish and thin, with a short crop of silver hair and scarlet gashes on lips and fingernails, a little old lady among the models at Fashion Week and an authentic Noo Yawk haggler at a shop in Harlem or a souk in Tunisia. “Many called her gaudy, kooky, bizarre, even vulgar in get-ups like a cape of gold-tipped duck feathers and thigh-high fuchsia satin Yves Saint Laurent boots.” As Christie’s writes in a press release, “her originality was unmatched, with a distinctive style characterized by an eclectic mix of high and low fashion, harmoniously blending couture with flea market discoveries.” That’s why more than 200 pieces of Apfel’s fashion, accessories and design—spanning eras, including ready-to-wear pieces and coutu

The Met Gala is an opulent night out for celebrities, fashion icons and other luminaries to mark the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute spring exhibition, and it’s become a spectacle for the rest of us to gawk at and (recently) criticize. In 2023, there was some hubbub over the theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” since the designer was known for making fatphobic, racist, misogynistic and Islamophobic comments, according to Time. Last year, the event's theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” was a commentary on humanity’s fragility, the passing of time and the ephemerality of wealth, which seemed to be lost on many of the attendees, including a TikToker who went viral (in the bad way) for lip synching to “Let them eat cake” in a Marie Antoinette-inspired getup. This year, the Met seems to be going in another direction entirely, highlighting Black style in menswear over the centuries. The new theme is based on the upcoming 2025 spring exhibition “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”  The production is apparently inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, and it will examine the “Black dandy,” and how this figure developed in Enlightenment Europe during the 18th century as well as a look at 21st-century incarnations in London, New York and Paris. Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour will co-chair The Met Gala, which is set for May 5.

Growing up in the pine-heavy South and living in New York City for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of roaches: the kind that fly … the kind that jump out at you from under the sink … the creepy crawly kind hanging out by the trash … and the water bugs that’ve made a pact with the devil to surprise you as you lift up the toilet seat, but never the hissing kind. New York City has its share of these seemingly immortal insects that show up when you are least expecting it. But the Bronx Zoo actually happily houses roaches—Madagascar hissing cockroaches to be exact—and every year it asks New Yorkers to participate in its “Name-a-Roach” Valentine’s Day program that raises donations for the Wildlife Conservation Society. For as long as I’ve been a journalist in New York, I’ve written about this program annually while grimacing at my screen and every year it’s never less disgusting. But this year, I challenged myself to embrace the roach, name the roach and … love? the roach. RECOMMENDED: I went on a winter wildlife cruise and found NYC’s harbor seal population In past years, it’s been the thing to name it after an ex. After all, roaches are the lowest of the low and the scum of the earth, belonging under our boot. But apparently this has been the wrong way to think about these ecologically important beings. The roaches you can name at the Bronx Zoo are Madagascar hissing roaches—the world’s largest roach species reaching nearly four-inches long, according to the WCS. I hated typin

It’s 2025 but we still look to a rodent to tell us when spring will hit every year. The odd-yet-charming tradition, carried out each February 2, has been around in the U.S. for about as long as the country has existed and even longer across the globe. It apparently stems from the European folk belief in the predictive powers of the late–winter emergence of hibernating creatures, according to NYC Parks. So, here we are, watching closely to see if our own Charles G. Hogg, “Staten Island Chuck,” at the Staten Island Zoo rises to the occasion and predicts an early spring by not seeing his shadow. If he does, it means six more weeks of winter. RECOMMENDED: Drop off a hand-written NYC love letter inside these red mailboxes found around the city So what did the groundhog predict for 2025 in New York? Staten Island Chuck did NOT see his shadow, which means we should have an early spring. Is the ground hog prediction accurate? Chuck’s counterpart in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil, reportedly saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. But luckily for us, Chuck is one of the most accurate groundhogs, with an 85% accuracy rate, according to groundhog-day.com, which is more than we can say for Phil, who has a 35% accuracy rate. Sorry, Phil. You can watch the event below! Chuck is unveiled at 25:21 to the “Hamster Dance” song, but don’t expect him to come out dancing. The shy guy stays in his log house, blinking as if asking “we’re still doing this?” 

Known for having the best hotels in the world, from luxury to budget, New York City has so many options for places to lay your head, whether it’s for a trip here or a staycation. But, sometimes, finding just the right spot is difficult because of all the available options: that's where the new Now Now NoHo comes in. Opening on April 1, 2025, at 338 Bowery, this accommodation will be the first-of-its-kind sleeper cabin hotel, which means that its 180 rooms are small but “thoughtfully designed,” apparently combining the nostalgia of European train cars with the ingenuity of Japanese capsule hotels, a press release says. Essentially, the destination is for solo travelers looking for a boutique hotel experience at a lower price—starting at $125 per night. RECOMMENDED: A first look at the massive new cultural space that just opened in Brooklyn Like a hostel, there are shared bathrooms on each floor, including a dedicated “Women+” floor designated for women and non-binary guests. Each bathroom boasts Grown Alchemist bath products and lockable showers and toilets. They’re also designed with bold colors—purple doors and green sinks—and feature herringbone green tile, asymmetrical mirrors and pendant lighting. Photograph: Matt Kisiday, courtesy Now Now NoHo Photograph: Matt Kisiday, courtesy Now Now NoHo Unlike a hostel, the cabins, which is what the rooms are called, are home to custom Wright mattresses, Garnier-Thiebaut linens, a Brooklinen robe, a sound machine and a Now Now No

Tonight I will attend the largest Dungeons & Dragons actual play show in the U.S. at Madison Square Garden. The “Gauntlet at the Garden,” features the cast of Dimension 20, a popular D&D show with a rabid fanbase that streams on Dropout. They won’t be singing or dancing—they’ll be sitting around a table and playing through an entire adventure from start to finish. Years ago, I’d never imagine this is something I’d actually pay money to see. But now, after having played D&D and other tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for more than a decade, I’ll be there… and even dressing up as a character!  It turns out that playing D&D and similar TTRPGs is worth the time it takes to learn and a great thing to do with friends, and something you need to try. RECOMMENDED: Brennan Lee Mulligan is leading D&D’s NYC rise with a sold-out show at MSG If I have to convince you of this, let me reassure you—I too was dubious about D&D. Growing up in the South, the game was always described as a dangerous and anti-social activity relegated to outcasts and social rejects. If you don’t know about the “Satanic Panic,” Google it and enjoy the wild ride down the rabbit hole. As much of a band geek as I was in high school, I still never found my way into any groups that played.  It’s nerdy, right? When I talk to my co-workers about our bi-weekly game night, they are either completely disinterested or find it funny. But nowadays, even if someone hasn’t played it, they’re aware of D&D and its elements—the 2

With the average price of groceries at reportedly almost $500 a month in New York City, any discount we can get is much appreciated. That’s why we’re excited to announce that another Lidl is opening up shop in Brooklyn. The new German discount grocery store is located at 459 Gateway Drive in East New York, Brooklyn and will officially open next week on Wednesday, January 29 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:40am. If you don’t know, Lidl offers private label items, global imports and everyday name brands as well as imported cheeses, fresh meats and seafood—everything it’s known for in Europe. Lidl’s been continuously expanding in NYC since it opened its first spot in the Bronx back in August 2023. Since then, it’s opened more shops in the Bronx, at the Fulton Street Mall, on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope,  at the Queens Place Mall and in Astoria. This new Brooklyn store will be open from 8am to 10pm daily.