City Living

This year’s ‘Summer Streets’ will extend car-free blocks to East Harlem for the first time

Summer Streets 2019. Photo credit: New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

July 26, 2022

This year’s ‘Summer Streets’ will extend car-free blocks to East Harlem for the first time

By Devin Gannon

New York City's annual "Summer Streets" program, which closes several miles of streets in Manhattan to cars, will expand to East Harlem this year for the first time ever. Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced last week plans to extend the initiative by nearly two miles to East 109th Street. On three Saturdays in August, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy outdoor recreation, performances, fitness classes, and arts and crafts on more than eight miles of open streets spanning from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park.
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Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse to close permanently

Image courtesy of ajay_suresh on Flickr

July 21, 2022

Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse to close permanently

By Aaron Ginsburg

Loeb Boathouse, Central Park's iconic lakeside restaurant which has operated for nearly 70 years, will be closing permanently on October 16. According to a notice filed with the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) by the venue's owner, the establishment will be closing its doors and laying off all of its 163 employees due to what owner Dean Poll calls, "rising labor and costs of goods."
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NYC approves renaming Lower East Side intersection ‘Beastie Boys Square’

The intersection of Ludlow and Rivington Streets on the LEs; Photo courtesy of Simon O’Brien on Flickr

July 20, 2022

NYC approves renaming Lower East Side intersection ‘Beastie Boys Square’

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Council last week voted to rename the intersection of Ludlow and Rivington Streets on the Lower East Side to "Beastie Boys Square," an ode to the NYC hip-hop trio who immortalized the corner of the two streets on the cover of their 1989 album, Paul's Boutique. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Mayor Eric Adams.
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Rockaway Beach reopens after shark sightings prompted temporary closure

Image courtesy of Lars Plougmann on Flickr

July 20, 2022

Rockaway Beach reopens after shark sightings prompted temporary closure

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers trying to escape the heat on Tuesday were disappointed when the city closed all of Rockaway's beaches to swimming due to a number of shark sightings. A city lifeguard told Gothamist there were at least two reports of shark sightings: a surfer who reported that a shark had collided with his surfboard at Beach 67th Street and a lifeguard who reported seeing a shark off of 102nd Street. By Tuesday evening, city officials reopened the beaches.
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City Living

During NYC’s heat wave, find a cooling center near you

Screenshot was taken on 7/19/22 of NYC Cooling Center Finder

July 19, 2022

During NYC’s heat wave, find a cooling center near you

With the heat index possibly hitting 100 degrees several days this week, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for New York City through Sunday. An advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more days in a row or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time. To keep New Yorkers safe from excessive heat, the city opened hundreds of cooling centers across the five boroughs on Tuesday. With this interactive map, you can find all of the air-conditioned public facilities in your neighborhood (and which ones accept your furry friends).
Here's how to beat the heat

City Living

Where to see the final Manhattanhenge of 2022

Photo by Dan Nguyen on Flickr

July 8, 2022

Where to see the final Manhattanhenge of 2022

By Aaron Ginsburg

Twice every year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid, making for a picturesque moment that brings New Yorkers a much-needed moment of calm. This effect, dubbed Manhattanhenge by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, first blanketed the city streets with the sun's glow on May 29 before making its final appearance on July 12.
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This new tropical ‘beach club’ brings Tulum to NYC’s Governors Island

All images courtesy of Gitano Island

July 6, 2022

This new tropical ‘beach club’ brings Tulum to NYC’s Governors Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new tropical restaurant has opened on Governors Island, promising to transport New Yorkers to Tulum, a town on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Grupo Gitano announced last week the opening of Gitano Island, a tranquil 27,000-square-foot sandy getaway with Mexican cuisine, live music, and lush plants and palm trees, all just a boat ride away from Manhattan.
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City Living

Macy’s fireworks by the numbers: The tricks and stats behind the nation’s largest 4th of July show

Image via Flickr cc

June 30, 2022

Macy’s fireworks by the numbers: The tricks and stats behind the nation’s largest 4th of July show

By Michelle Cohen

America's largest 4th of July fireworks show is getting ready to light up the New York sky; Macy’s 46th annual Fourth of July live fireworks extravaganza happens Monday, July 4th at 8 P.M., Plans are being hatched to snag a spot at one of the city's better viewing locations (or in front of a bigger screen; the show is being broadcast live) to watch the amazing choreography of pyrotechnics throughout the two-hour display. The fireworks are set to sail skyward from five barges stationed on the East River centered around Midtown Manhattan starting at about 9:25 P.M.–and the numbers behind the show are even more impressive this year.
Check the figures behind the fireworks

NYC is putting the last ‘Redbird’ subway car up for auction

R33 #9075 on display at Queens Borough Hall; Photo via Wikimedia

June 23, 2022

NYC is putting the last ‘Redbird’ subway car up for auction

By Devin Gannon

Here's a chance to own a piece of New York City history. The city's Department of Citywide Administrative Services is selling the last remaining "Redbird" subway car, which was in use from the 1960s until it was retired in 2003. The historic subway car is now up for auction online, with a starting bid of $6,500.
You can own an NYC icon

Broadway will drop mask mandate for month of July

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

June 22, 2022

Broadway will drop mask mandate for month of July

By Aaron Ginsburg

Masks will no longer be required at all of Broadway's 41 theaters next month, the Broadway League announced Tuesday. Starting July 1, masks will be optional for audiences at shows. The League said masking protocols for August and beyond will be reviewed on a monthly basis, with an updated decision made in mid-July. While masks will not be required, audience members are still encouraged to wear them.
Learn more

Popular Articles

NYC’s iconic High Bridge will stay open later this summer

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

June 20, 2022

NYC’s iconic High Bridge will stay open later this summer

By Devin Gannon

New York City's oldest surviving bridge will be open for two additional hours this summer. A new pilot program will extend the hours of the High Bridge, which provides a pedestrian link between Manhattan and the Bronx, to 10 p.m. daily through the end of September. Announced by Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue last week, the new pilot moves the bridge's closing time from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the scenic walkway over the Harlem River for longer during the hot summer months.
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City Living

12 things you need for the perfect picnic in NYC

Photo by Ben Duchac on Unsplash

June 16, 2022

12 things you need for the perfect picnic in NYC

By Lizzy Briskin

Warm weather has arrived in New York City, which means it’s time to dust off your picnic blanket and fill your basket with local goodies for a meal al fresco. To help you throw the best picnic, whether you’re impressing a first date or just taking some solo time to recenter in Central Park, we’ve rounded up all of the essentials for a fantastic meal outdoors in the Big Apple.
See our picnic picks

NYC’s outdoor swim programs won’t return this summer due to ‘lifeguard shortage’

Photo by Danny Avila for NYC Parks

June 15, 2022

NYC’s outdoor swim programs won’t return this summer due to ‘lifeguard shortage’

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Parks Department on Tuesday announced that a number of the city's outdoor swim programs would not be returning for the summer season due to a "national shortage of lifeguards." Lap swim, senior swim, water aerobics, swim team and day camp, and Learn to Swim are among the programs that will not be returning for a third consecutive year.
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You can buy the Pride rainbow heart decals that adorn NYC subway cars

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

June 14, 2022

You can buy the Pride rainbow heart decals that adorn NYC subway cars

By Michelle Cohen

Happy Pride Month, New York City. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been showing off its Pride logo decal on select subway cars since they rolled out the design in 2019. The heart-shaped decal was created as part of “50 cars for 50 years after Stonewall,” marking the historic event's 50th anniversary.
Find out where to get the merch

NYPL is giving away 500,000 free books to New York kids and teens this summer

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

June 13, 2022

NYPL is giving away 500,000 free books to New York kids and teens this summer

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library will give away half a million brand new books to families, part of a series of programs aimed at keeping kids and teens engaged while school is out for the summer. The free books are available at all branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as during select outdoor programs. In addition to distributing 500,000 free books, NYPL's "Summer at the Library" program includes outdoor pop-up storytime, writing and reading challenges, and hundreds of free programs for readers of all ages.
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25 ideas for your New York City bucket list

May 25, 2022

25 ideas for your New York City bucket list

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. There is no shortage of attention-worthy landmarks, buildings, and activities to spend time exploring. Ahead, find 25 fun ideas deserving a spot on your NYC bucket list, from secret waterfalls and iconic roller coasters to sky-high observation decks and covert speakeasies. This list is by no means comprehensive but should be a good starting point.
See the full list here

Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

All photos courtesy of MSG Sports

May 24, 2022

Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

By Devin Gannon

The New York Rangers are on the hunt for the team's fifth Stanley Cup, facing off this week against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. To keep fans excited about the playoff run, the hockey team is painting New York City blue with viewing parties, prizes, giveaways, appearances by alumni, and photo experiences. Giant letters spelling the Rangers' appropriate motto for the season, "No Quit in New York," have popped up across Manhattan, perfect for a pre-game photo op.
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You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

Photo courtesy of East Midtown Partnership on Flickr

May 24, 2022

You can pick your own tulips on Park Avenue

By Aaron Ginsburg

Get your trowels ready! The Park Avenue Tulip Dig is back, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to dig up and take home tulip bulbs planted along the famed thoroughfare between the north side of East 54th Street and the south side of East 86th Street. Approximately 60,000 tulips are planted every year in a new color by the non-profit Fund for Park Avenue, as reported by Patch. This year's flowers are a pink tulip known as "Darwin Hybrid Apricot Pride."
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NYC public libraries want you to read these 10 commonly banned books

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

May 23, 2022

NYC public libraries want you to read these 10 commonly banned books

By Aaron Ginsburg

Public libraries in New York City are calling on New Yorkers to take a stand against book banning. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library on Monday launched the citywide "Banned Books Challenge," urging New Yorkers to read 10 books that explore issues of race, sexuality, religion, and history, subjects that have been targeted for censorship in recent months. To kick off the challenge, the libraries made Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, available for free with no waits on e-reader apps until June 26.
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City Living

NYC to celebrate Biggie Smalls’ 50th birthday with Empire State Building tribute, special MetroCards

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

May 18, 2022

NYC to celebrate Biggie Smalls’ 50th birthday with Empire State Building tribute, special MetroCards

By Aaron Ginsburg

One of hip-hop's most influential artists will be paid tribute by his hometown this weekend. On May 21, the Empire State Building will turn its lighting to red and white, with a crown spinning atop its mast, in honor of the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., who would have turned 50 on Saturday. In Brooklyn, videos of Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, will be shown at the Barclays Center entrance and special MetroCards featuring the icon will be sold at three nearby subway stations, Variety reports.
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Several blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed this summer due to construction

Photo by Malaya Sadler on Unsplash

May 13, 2022

Several blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed this summer due to construction

By Aaron Ginsburg

With just two weeks until the unofficial start of summer, the city announced it would close several blocks of Rockaway Beach. NYC Parks on Thursday said six blocks will be temporarily closed with no sand, swim, or recreation access from May through September as part of an ongoing resiliency project to protect the coast from severe storms.
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City Living

All the free outdoor concerts happening in NYC this summer

Photo of Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances by Ryan Muir

May 4, 2022

All the free outdoor concerts happening in NYC this summer

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City once again will be full of exciting opportunities to see live music for free. From old standbys like SummerStage in Central Park and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! fest in Prospect Park to the newly announced Summer for the City festival at Lincoln Center, music lovers can enjoy a wide variety of performances spanning all genres, in all five boroughs, all for free.
See the list

NYC lawmakers call for mandatory citywide compost program at residential buildings

Photo courtesy of the Department of Sanitation

April 29, 2022

NYC lawmakers call for mandatory citywide compost program at residential buildings

By Aaron Ginsburg

A bill introduced in the New York City Council on Thursday calls for the creation of a mandatory citywide composting program at residential buildings. Under the legislation, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, New Yorkers would be required to separate organic waste from other waste for curbside collection. Pickup of organic waste from residential buildings would begin by the middle of 2023.
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10 of the best running spots in New York City

Photo via PxHere

April 27, 2022

10 of the best running spots in New York City

By Alexandra Alexa

For avid runners and beginners alike, New York City offers a wide range of places to hit the pavement, from its iconic bridges to green trails nestled in the city's parks. The scenic routes provide unbeatable views of the river and skyline that can keep you motivated to keep going when you're ready to give up. Ahead, we round up the 10 most iconic spots to go for a run in the city, fit for regular marathoners, treadmill-devotees looking for a change of scenery, and total newbies.
Lace up those sneakers...

Adams announces nearly $1B investment for NYC Streets Plan

Image courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 25, 2022

Adams announces nearly $1B investment for NYC Streets Plan

By Aaron Ginsburg

City officials are continuing their efforts to ensure the safety of New Yorkers traveling the streets. Mayor Eric Adams on Saturday announced a historic $904 million investment to help fund the NYC Streets Plan and address the city's traffic violence problem by creating a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure. Over the next five years, the investment will be used to expand bike lanes and bus lanes throughout the city and will be put towards the creation of new pedestrian spaces.
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