City Living

Foo Fighters, Springsteen return to NYC this month for first full-capacity shows in over a year

Photo by Ralph_PH on Flickr

June 8, 2021

Foo Fighters, Springsteen return to NYC this month for first full-capacity shows in over a year

By Devin Gannon

June is turning out to be a good month in New York City for rock 'n' roll. In the coming days, Bruce Springsteen will return to Broadway, the Foo Fighters will perform at Madison Square Garden, and The Strokes are taking on Irving Plaza. All performances will be at 100 percent capacity and for fully vaccinated fans only.
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New York will lift all remaining Covid restrictions when vaccination rate hits 70%

Photo by Daniel Tong on Unsplash

June 7, 2021

New York will lift all remaining Covid restrictions when vaccination rate hits 70%

New Yorkers can expect almost all Covid restrictions to be lifted very soon. The state's vaccination rate as of today is 68.6 percent; when it hits 70 percent, reopening guidance will be lifted across commercial and social settings. This includes capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screenings, and contact tracing information. Consistent with the CDC, current mask requirements will remain in place.
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First post-pandemic Broadway show will open in NYC this August

Photo by Andrae Ricketts on Unsplash

June 1, 2021

First post-pandemic Broadway show will open in NYC this August

By Devin Gannon

Broadway is back, even earlier than planned. The Lincoln Center Theater on Tuesday announced that Pass Over, a play produced by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu and Danya Taymor, will begin previews on August 4, over a month ahead of the expected reopening date for performances. Pass Over will become the first Broadway show to hold performances since the coronavirus pandemic forced all 41 theaters to close on March 12, 2020.
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This Jake Gyllenhaal-designed LOX hoodie from Russ & Daughters supports The Actors Fund

Photo courtesy of Russ & Daughters

May 28, 2021

This Jake Gyllenhaal-designed LOX hoodie from Russ & Daughters supports The Actors Fund

By Devin Gannon

Jake Gyllenhaal is once again teaming up with New York City icon Russ & Daughters for a good cause. In collaboration with the 100-year-old smoked fish seller, the actor designed a hoodie with the word LOX displayed on the front. Proceeds from the sale of every hoodie, which is going for $150, will go to The Actors Fund, which supports local theater workers.
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City Living

The 7 best beaches in NYC

May 27, 2021

The 7 best beaches in NYC

By Rebecca Fishbein

Want to hit the beach? Most New Yorkers have two options--sit in endless hours of traffic trying to get to the beaches on the Hamptons or down the Jersey Shore, or have a staycation in the city. And while the latter may sound boring (and hot!) there are plenty of beaches to hit up within the boroughs. From the Rockaways to Fort Tilden, we've rounded up the seven best sandy spots in New York City.
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An Italian spa with outdoor thermal pools will open on Governors Island this summer

All renderings courtesy of QC NY

May 27, 2021

An Italian spa with outdoor thermal pools will open on Governors Island this summer

By Devin Gannon

A luxury European day spa will open on Governors Island this summer. From the same group behind Italy's QC Terme Spa & Resorts, QC NY features outdoor thermal pools facing the Manhattan skyline, relaxation rooms, steam rooms and saunas, and a wellness-focused cafe. An official opening date has not been released but is expected to be announced soon.
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City Living

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ returns next month in front of a fully vaccinated audience

Photo by Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons

May 24, 2021

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ returns next month in front of a fully vaccinated audience

When "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" returns to the Ed Sullivan Theater on June 14, it will be filmed in front of a live, full and fully vaccinated audience, CBS announced today, becoming the first network late-night show to make that move. Colbert was the first late-night host to return to the screen after the pandemic hit, broadcasting a total of 205 episodes remotely from his home in South Carolina and more recently from a small room at the Midtown theater.
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City Living

Live performances return to the subway as part of ‘Music Under New York’ program

Photo: Patrick Carey/ MTA on Flickr

May 21, 2021

Live performances return to the subway as part of ‘Music Under New York’ program

By Devin Gannon

It's music to our ears. Live music will return to subway platforms across the city next month as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's "Music Under New York" program. The program, which typically includes thousands of live shows performed each year, will resume June 4, about 14 months after public performances were halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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NYC’s newest park Little Island finally opens on the Hudson River

All photos: Michael Grimm Photography

May 20, 2021

NYC’s newest park Little Island finally opens on the Hudson River

By Devin Gannon

The offshore public park in the Hudson River that almost didn't get built officially opens on Friday. Designed by Heatherwick Studio and MNLA, Little Island at Pier 55 is designed to resemble a leaf floating on water, with an undulating base of tulip-shaped concrete pots ranging in elevation from 15 feet to 62 feet. The two-acre park features a 687-seat amphitheater, a plaza with concessions, a small stage, and incredible views, all surrounded by an abundance of greenery.
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Google is opening its first-ever retail store in Chelsea this summer

Rendering courtesy of Google

May 20, 2021

Google is opening its first-ever retail store in Chelsea this summer

This summer, New Yorkers will be able to head over to a storefront in Chelsea to buy Fitbits, Pixel phones, and Nest products. Google announced that it will be opening its first-ever physical retail store at the former Port Authority building at 15th Street and 9th Avenue. The company bought the building in 2010 for $1.9 billion, later expanding its Chelsea "campus" with the $2.4 billion purchase of Chelsea Market and a deal to lease space at the new Pier 57. "Google has been in New York for the last 20 years, and we view the store as a natural extension of our longtime commitment to the city," the company said in a blog post.
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City Living

42nd-floor members-only rooftop pool reopens at the American Copper Buildings

All photos by Max Touhey, courtesy of JDS Development Group

May 20, 2021

42nd-floor members-only rooftop pool reopens at the American Copper Buildings

By Devin Gannon

A 42nd-story rooftop pool overlooking the East River is coming back to New York City for the summer. Located atop the American Copper Buildings in Murray Hill, The Sentry is currently accepting membership applications for its 2021 season, which kicks off ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. Sky-high swimming does not come cheap, however. Memberships start at $2,600 for a single member, $4,300 for couples, and $3,000 for non-residents.
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City Living

You can have a sleepover at Monica and Rachel’s ‘Friends’ apartment

Photo courtesy of Booking.com

May 14, 2021

You can have a sleepover at Monica and Rachel’s ‘Friends’ apartment

By Devin Gannon

Here's a chance to fulfill your Friends fantasy. The Friends Experience, the interactive exhibit featuring those too-good-to-be-true apartments and iconic scenes from the television series, has teamed up with travel company Booking.com to provide the "ultimate sleepover." Fans have the chance to book two overnight stays at a set re-creation of Monica and Rachel's apartment this month for just $19.94, a nod to the year the sitcom first premiered.
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You can roller skate outside on the TWA Hotel’s tarmac

All photos courtesy of TWA Hotel unless otherwise noted

May 13, 2021

You can roller skate outside on the TWA Hotel’s tarmac

By Devin Gannon

Roller skating is having a major moment, brought on by the pandemic and possibly quarantine boredom. New Yorkers can now embrace the nostalgia at one of the most fitting places in the city: the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy Airport. The retro 1960s-inspired hotel is opening a roller skating rink this month on the tarmac outside of the 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" airplane-turned cocktail bar. Roll-A-Rama at the Runway Rink launches May 14 and will operate on weekends.
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New ‘Open Boulevards’ will bring dining, performances, art and more to NYC streets

Photo courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

May 12, 2021

New ‘Open Boulevards’ will bring dining, performances, art and more to NYC streets

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced plans to reimagine New York City streets once again with "Open Boulevards," an expansion of the popular Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs that launched at the start of the pandemic. The mayor said the initiative "supercharges" the existing program with "multiple blocks in a row filled with restaurants, performances, and community activities." The Open Boulevards announcement continues City Hall's "Streets Week!," which so far has included new plans to lower speed limits and add protected bike lanes.
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A new digital cookbook is supporting Chinatown businesses impacted by Covid-19

886’s Taiwanese Fried Rice (left); Wing Hin’s Shrimp Fried Rice (right). Courtesy of Send Chinatown Love + Umamicart.

May 3, 2021

A new digital cookbook is supporting Chinatown businesses impacted by Covid-19

Wing Hing Seafood Restaurant, 46 Mott St., Grand Tea & Imports, 886--these are just a few of the restaurants featured in the new digital cookbook Around the Roundtable: Recipes for Chinatown Favorites that was created to support Chinatown businesses. The free, downloadable cookbook comes from Send Chinatown Love, an entirely volunteer-run organization whose goal is to provide relief to small, immigrant-owned Chinatown businesses impacted by the effects of Covid-19.
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NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

Collage of adult reading recommendations; Courtesy of the NYPL

April 30, 2021

NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

By Devin Gannon

To mark Asian American Pacific Islander Month in May, the New York Public Library this week released a recommended reading list featuring books written by AAPI authors. The curated list includes books for adults, young adults, and children that "celebrate and foster a better understanding of the AAPI experience," according to the library.
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City Living

NYC opening guide: Dates and details for events, museums, dining, travel, and more

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

April 30, 2021

NYC opening guide: Dates and details for events, museums, dining, travel, and more

It's been over a year since the city first shut down due to COVID-19. It's been long and painful, but we are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that most state-mandated capacity restrictions would be lifted on May 19, with some exceptions. Nearly all aspects of city living-- including sports stadiums and arenas, restaurants, events, museums, weddings, amusement parks, movie theaters, and travel--are gradually returning to a new normal. Ahead, we've put together a list of all the reopening dates and details in New York City. We'll be updating this list as more information becomes available.
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NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

Photo looking south on open West End Avenue, taken by 6sqft on 5.16.20

April 30, 2021

NYC’s Open Streets program to be made permanent under new legislation

By Devin Gannon

The popular program that closed streets to cars for pedestrian use will be made permanent under legislation passed by the New York City Council on Thursday. The "Open Streets" initiative first launched last spring as a way to make social distancing easier and to reduce crowds at parks during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the city. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would provide some funding and resources to the largely volunteer-led program while ensuring the open streets are fairly allocated among communities.
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New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash

April 29, 2021

New York City will fully reopen on July 1 says Mayor de Blasio

In an appearance on Morning Joe this morning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he plans to lift all Covid-related restrictions in New York City by July 1st, arguably the biggest step towards a return to normalcy. According to his timeline, this summer, restaurants, stadiums, and museums will all start operating at 100 percent capacity, schools will fully reopen in the fall, and Broadway will return in September. "We are ready for stores to open, for businesses to open, offices, theaters, full strength," said the mayor.
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Share historic photos of your mom in New York City as part of a new crowdsourced map

April 28, 2021

Share historic photos of your mom in New York City as part of a new crowdsourced map

By Devin Gannon

A card and flowers are nice, but what about making your mom a documented piece of New York City's history? Tech nonprofit Urban Archive this week launched "NY <3 Moms," a new crowdsourced campaign in celebration of Mother's Day. The group is asking New Yorkers to submit photos of their moms or caregivers taken across the five boroughs that will then be added to their extensive digital map of historic images.
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City Living

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

April 26, 2021

Cuomo expands capacity at museums, movie theaters, and sports arenas

By Devin Gannon

Entertainment and cultural venues in New York will soon welcome more visitors. Starting April 26, capacity limits at museums and zoos will be raised to 50 percent and to 33 percent at movie theaters. Starting May 19, large indoor sports arenas can increase capacity from 10 percent to 25 percent, and outdoor venues from 20 to 33 percent. In addition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that as of May 15, offices can increase capacity from 50 to 75 percent, casinos and gaming facilities from 25 to 50 percent, and gyms outside of NYC from 33 to 50 percent.
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‘Piazza di Belmont’ returns to the Bronx’s Little Italy with outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

Photo courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

April 13, 2021

‘Piazza di Belmont’ returns to the Bronx’s Little Italy with outdoor dining on Arthur Avenue

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's most famous foodie destinations will once again transform into an outdoor dining hot spot this spring. Starting April 30, "Piazza di Belmont" returns to the Bronx's Little Italy neighborhood, with several restaurants setting up al fresco seating along historic Arthur Avenue. Developed by the Belmont Business Improvement District, the European-style experience first debuted last summer as part of the city's "Open Restaurants" program.
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City Living

This new cookbook grew from the grassroots effort to share baked goods with essential workers

Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

This new cookbook grew from the grassroots effort to share baked goods with essential workers

Award-winning pastry chef Tracy Wilk says, "being in the kitchen makes me happy; it emits a sense of calm where love is shown with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies." When the pandemic struck her home of New York City, she found herself with too many treats to eat herself. So, she began sharing them with essential workers. This turned into an international movement called #BakeItForward, which is also the title of Tracy's new cookbook. Not only does the book contain a ton of yummy recipes--from Quarantine Banana Bread to Classic Snickerdoodles--but it also includes inspirational stories from bakers and frontline workers around the world.
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Why now is the right time to move to New York City

Photo by Valentin Wechsler on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

Why now is the right time to move to New York City

By Karen Zabarsky

In November 2020, Heather White decided it was time to move to Brooklyn and open her gym’s second location there. She founded Trillfit, a runaway fitness sensation, in Boston and was ready to expand. People in her life told her New York is not the place to be right now. Her response: New York is always the place. "When everybody goes left, we go right." It’s the best-kept secret among New Yorkers—now is the time to move to New York City.
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COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

Photo by Andrae Ricketts on Unsplash

April 12, 2021

COVID vaccination site opens in Times Square for theater, film, and TV workers

By Devin Gannon

A coronavirus vaccination site with appointments set aside for theater, film, and television workers opened in Times Square on Monday. Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to open a vaccine hub on Broadway for the theater industry ahead of The Great White Way's expected reopening later this year. The newly opened site, located at 20 Times Square, will now have vaccine slots designated for TV and film actors and crew members.
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