Booking.com is offering fans of Martha Stewart a unique opportunity to experience a Thanksgiving-inspired stay at her scenic farmhouse in upstate New York, complete with appearances by the “Queen of Thanksgiving” herself. A pair of lucky fans will stay in the Tenant House on the farm in Bedford, located about 90 minutes from Manhattan, tour the property, receive signed copies of Martha’s cookbooks, and even eat brunch with the lifestyle legend/entrepreneur. Booking for the November 18-19 stay, priced at $11.23 in honor of Thanksgiving, opens on November 16 at noon on a first-come first-served basis.

The farm spans more than 150 acres over carefully maintained grounds in Westchester County. The farm is a perfect fall-time retreat and was meticulously and stylishly restored by Stewart. Throughout their stay, guests will enjoy insights from Stewart about hosting during the holidays and how to set the perfect table.

“Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, which is why I’m excited to be Booking.com’s newest host and welcome guests to my Bedford farm for a Thanksgiving-inspired stay ahead of the big day,” Stewart said. 

Steward continued: “Every year, my Thanksgiving holiday prep begins weeks before hosting my family in Bedford, so I can’t wait to welcome the guests that book this experience to my fall-ready Tenant House on the farm and look forward to sharing my favorite Thanksgiving-inspired traditions during their stay.”

Guests will be taken on a guided tour of the grounds by Martha’s head gardener Ryan McCallister, who will show off her famous chicken coop, gardens, and horse stables. There will also be a table setting and wreath-making demo with Kevin Sharkey, executive director of design for Martha Stewart Living, who will share tips and tricks on making a Thanksgiving dinner go above and beyond.

They will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy brunch with Martha Stewart herself, prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Thomas Joseph.

This rare opportunity with Booking.com is the first time Stewart has opened up her guest house to the public in this kind of way, Stewart told CNN.

The Tenant House sits on the property of Stewart’s primary residence; a 153-acre farm called Cantitoe Corners that she purchased in 2000 for $15.2 million.

Learn more about staying on Martha Stewart’s farm here.

RELATED:

• You can rent Sarah Jessica Parker’s seaside beach cottage in the Hamptons this summer

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The best bar in North America is in New York City. The annual list of the world’s 50 best bars was unveiled this week and the Lower East Side’s Double Chicken Please took second place, making it the best bar on this continent. Two other Manhattan bars made the list: Overstory in the Financial District at 17 and and Katana Kitten in Greenwich Village at 27.

The 2023 World’s Best 50 Bars list was unveiled in Singapore on Tuesday. The list is curated by “680 drinks experts with 50/50 gender parity, including renowned bartenders and consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists from around the world,” according to a press release.

Double Chicken Please returns as North America’s best bar, while rising up from sixth place on last year’s list to second place in 2023. The bar is known for pairing innovative cocktails with delicious chicken sandwiches.

The bar’s drinks are inspired by foods, including the Mango Sticky Rice (mango rum, sticky rice, pu’erh tea wakame, and cold brew coconut) and the Cold Pizza (Parmigiano Reggiano, burnt toast, tomato, basil, honey, and egg white).

Overstory is another familiar face on the list, having earned the number 34 spot in last year’s ranking. Located on the 64th floor of the Financial District skyscraper 70 Pine Street, the swanky bar’s highlights include the Golden Bird (rum, coffee, turmeric, pineapple, ginger, and soda), and In The Clouds (whiskey, earl grey, vanilla, champagne, and clarified milk).

These delectable beverages can be enjoyed while taking in breathtaking views on the bar’s outdoor wraparound deck.

Katana Kitten is another returning finalist; last year, the West Village bar came in ninth place. The Japanese bar serves Asian-inspired beverages like the Slowpitch Paloma (tequila, Pocari Sweat, Thai chili, and lime zest). Their menu also includes izakaya-style bites like crispy chicken sandwiches.

Barcelona’s Sips took the topspot in this year’s list as the world’s best bar, marking the second year in a row that a Barcelona establishment has earned the crown.

“At 50 Best, we take great pride in highlighting the unparalleled diversity of the global bar industry and we extend our sincere congratulations to each bar that has earned a place on this illustrious ranking,” William Drew, director of content, said in a press release.

“We have once again seen the number of cocktail cities represented here increase, and hope this list continues to ignite the spark of wanderlust for cocktail lovers around the world.”

RELATED:

• This Lower East Side bar was ranked best in the U.S.
• The 11 best Irish bars in New York City
• The Dead Rabbit to open contemporary Irish pub in Moynihan Train Hall

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Everyone’s social media feeds have been flooded with startling images and videos of Paris streets filled with discarded mattresses amid a citywide bed bug infestation. New York City is no stranger to bed bugs, which faced a major outbreak a decade ago and currently ranks second on this year’s Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List. And now with reports that the infestation could spread throughout Europe and land in the Big Apple, New York apartment dwellers should know the best way to deal with the blood-sucking insects, from how to prevent an infestation and your rights as a tenant to the legal responsibility of property owners.

What’s happening in Paris?

Paris is in the midst of an unrelenting bed bug infestation brought to the world’s attention by travelers posting photos and videos of the insects in the city’s public transit system, on high-speed trains, and at the Charles de Gaulle airport. The news is especially troubling since Paris is set to host the 2024 Olympics, which will bring thousands of visitors from across the globe to the city.

“No one is safe,” Emmanuel Grégoire, Deputy Mayor of Paris, posted on X. “Faced with a bed bug infestation, coordinated measures are needed that bring together health authorities, communities and all relevant stakeholders to prevent the risk and act effectively.”

The city has until July 26 to get the infestation under control before visitors arrive for the Olympics.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects commonly found in large metropolitan cities. Adult bed bugs have flat, brown oval bodies and are similar to the size of an apple seed. Younger bugs are incredibly small with translucent or whitish-yellow bodies.

They prefer to hide in small crevices found in mattresses, such as under mattress seams, inside mattresses, and in the cracks in box springs. Bed bugs are most active at night and feed on blood to grow and reproduce.

While they can’t spread disease, bed bugs inflict itchy and painful bites on their victims that can sometimes lead to allergic reactions. Bed bug bites are usually clustered and aligned in a linear or circular fashion. The most common locations for bites are on the face, neck, back, chest, arms, legs, and around the crotch, according to Orkin.

There are a few ways to confirm if you have bed bugs. First, bed bugs undergo a molting process in which after feeding on blood, they shed their skin. These sheddings, which are usually the same shape and size as the bugs themselves, are indicators of an infestation. Molted skins can typically be found along mattress seams, behind headboards, along baseboards, and stuck to personal belongings, according to Virginia Tech.

Another way is to look for fecal spots, that is, the excreted waste bed bugs leave after feeding. These spots are black in color and are usually seen in groups of 10 or more. However, if the infestation is small enough, there can be as little as one or two spots.

Spots can be found along mattress seams and on the tag, on the wood frame of box springs, behind the headboard, along the tops of baseboards or the edge of carpeting, on electrical outlets, and in curtain seams close to the rod.

What should tenants do?

Tenants need to alert their landlord or building manager as soon as possible and ask them to seal any cracks and crevices to prevent more pests from entering their homes. For those who think they have bed bugs, immediately wash and dry your clothing on high heat for 30 minutes, or store them in a tightly-sealed plastic bag until you can wash them.

The city’s Department of Health recommends that New Yorkers experiencing a bed bug infestation should take these measures:

• Check used furniture before buying.
• Get rid of clutter to reduce the number of places bed bugs can live.
• Vacuum frequently.
• If you use public or shared laundry areas, carry your laundry in clean bags. Remove your clothes from the dryer and put them directly in the bags. Fold your clothes at home.
• Seal any cracks or crevices around your home.
• Place bed bug traps on the legs of bed frames and furniture.
• Protect mattresses and box springs with bed bug-resistant covers.

You can call 311 or click here to file a bed bug complaint online.

Know your rights as a renter

New York City building owners are required by law to address and solve any bed bug infestations at their properties. In the five boroughs, tenants have the right to a bed bug-free home under the city’s housing maintenance code, found in Subchapter 2, Article 4, which lists bed bugs as a Class B violation and considers them hazardous.

After being notified of an infestation, property owners have 30 days to correct the problem and are mandated to make sure none of the previously affected units get infested again. To eradicate the infestation, owners should hire a professional pest management service and let tenants know about the planned use of pesticides in advance.

If your landlord refuses to address the infestation or is unresponsive following the first filed complaint, tenants may file another one with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development by calling 311.

If a landlord blames their tenant for the infestation or continues to neglect the problem, tenants can escalate the issue by filing a complaint with the state’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (for rent-regulated tenants), or by taking the property owner to housing court in an HP action, according to the Met Council on Housing.

In most cases, landlords are only responsible for covering the costs of property damages and out-of-pocket fees in situations where there is proven negligence to solve the issue on their part. If a tenant proves that the original infestation or an ongoing infestation is the result of a landlord’s lack of care, then tenants can make a claim for compensation to cover the costs.

For disabled or elderly residents who are unable to move furniture or clean clutter, tenants must make a request to their landlord in writing, explaining why they need their landlord to help complete these tasks. Adult Protective Services may also be able to help elderly tenants with cleaning work. More information on that can be found by calling 311.

Property owners are also required to provide their tenants with a written bed bug history notice that discloses any infestations that have occurred in their building within the last year.

What should property owners do?

To be proactive in preventing future infestations, property owners should inspect their units after a vacancy and make sure they are clean and free of pests before a new resident moves in.

Besides taking these immediate courses of action, property owners should provide their tenants with helpful information on how to identify and prevent bed bugs. They should also encourage tenants to file a report as soon as possible, and inspect all of the apartments across, above, and below the affected unit.

Landlords should also assist tenants in moving furniture or getting rid of clutter if they are unable to themselves.

Travel tips to avoid bed bugs

The chances of bed bugs hitching a ride on you while traveling are low, but not impossible. Bed bugs have the potential to latch onto clothing and luggage, especially in places where travelers sleep.

Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent unwanted guests on your next vacation:

• Use hard-cased luggage whenever possible, as it is more difficult for bed bugs to latch onto hard materials than to fabric.
• Pack your clothing in re-sealable plastic bags.
• Pack a small flashlight to inspect your room when you arrive.
• Ask your hotel about bed bug policies when making reservations and checking in.
• Learn to easily identify bed bugs in all of their life stages and by the marks they leave behind.

More recommendations from the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene can be found here.

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It may seem challenging to navigate the winding, narrow streets in one of the few Manhattan neighborhoods not arranged on a sensible grid. Fortunately, it’s also hard to make a wrong turn no matter where you end up in the West Village. And there’s so much to see and do in this iconic and charming neighborhood, that you may find it even harder to leave.

The West Village is the urban paradise at the heart of a downtown Manhattan that represents a dream for many (not least because it’s one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods to live in). To the north, the neighborhood meets the infamous Meatpacking District, transformed in the 21st century into a dazzling destination for nightlife, culture, and innovation, topped by the High Line. To the south are the celebrity-filled lofts of Tribeca. The “Village” in the neighborhood’s name refers to Greenwich Village to the east.

The neighborhood’s (unofficial) boundaries are 6th Avenue to the east, 14th Street to the north, the Hudson River to the west, and pretty Gansevoort, Horatio and Jane Streets to the south. Ironically, the aforementioned orderly Manhattan street grid was born within these irregular and eccentric streets: John Randal Jr., surveyor and chief engineer for New York City’s street commissioners, met with the commissioners to create the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811–more or less the street grid of Manhattan–at his office at the corner of Bleecker and Christopher streets.

A European city vibe defines the neighborhood’s alleys and avenues; beyond chic boutiques and quaint and cozy restaurants, you’ll find landmarks that herald some of the nation’s most important cultural shifts, from LGBTQ+ pride to art, literature, and music that defined genres.

The neighborhood’s literary pedigree includes the White Horse Tavern, host to Dylan Thomas, Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, and others in the early 1950s. Musicians–from Bob Dylan and Woodie Guthrie to John Lennon and John Cage–filled the neighborhood’s nights with conversation and song.

Lining these leafy streets are meticulously preserved Federal, Greek Revival, and Anglo-Italianate townhouses–including too many celebrity homes to count, from Taylor Swift’s carriage house to Sarah Jessica Parker’s townhouse–connected by landscaped pocket parks and public squares. Apartment buildings include coveted Emery Roth & Sons-designed buildings from developers Bing & Bing.

Beyond stylish residents and star-struck tourists, the 21st-century West Village appears both unchanged by time and completely transformed. As the backyard of New York University, students and faculty continue to call its campus home, bringing a steady flow of new faces and young voices.

The most recent additions have been luxurious developments like The Greenwich Lane, attracting a new wave of residents that value high-end amenities and river views from on high as well as the timeless charms of cobblestone streets and lively parks. Despite constant change, the neighborhood still draws crowds to international cultural celebrations like the annual Pride March and Halloween Parades, which continue to grow and evolve to meet the changing times.

Things to see and do in the West Village

Where to eat and drink

Pastis
Keith McNally’s legendary Pastis has been a fixture on the New York City dining scene since it opened in 1999, replicating the vibe of an early 20-century French brasserie in the middle of the Meatpacking District and known for serving steak frites to an A-list celebrity crowd and making regular appearances on “Sex and the City.” After the original shut its doors in 2014, the much-anticipated Pastis 2.0 was hailed as a suitably stellar comeback when it reopened just around the corner at 52 Gansevoort Street in 2019.

Via Carota
As one of the many homespun Italian trattorias that line the streets of the West Village, Via Carota, helmed by beloved downtown chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, is also one of the city’s top dining destinations of its kind. Inspired by a 17th-century villa in the hills near Florence, Via Carota is true to its old-world Italian roots, lifestyle, food, and décor, from the reclaimed wooden floors to the crisp white shirts and long linen aprons worn by servers as they bring baskets of fresh, crusty bread to the room’s communal tables. In fair weather, eight outdoor tables provide a perfect Village viewing spot on the tree-lined sidewalk.

Semma
“Semma” in Tamil means “fantastic;” and by all accounts and reviews, this downtown Manhattan restaurant is a suitably fantastic reflection of the soul of southern India courtesy of chef Vijay Kumar. Serving cuisine that is rarely encountered outside local homes and neighborhoods, the Tamil Nadu native brings authentic moments of the country’s rural life to the plate with unforgettable flavors and regional ingredients.

The Little Owl
Known as much for perfectly succulent pork chops as for impossibly romantic ambiance, this cozy corner destination has been a West Village favorite for over two decades. Serving distinctive Mediterranean cuisine, the menu features seasonal and daily specials that include seafood from chef Joey Campanaro’s fishing trips. An equally lovable wine list features full and half bottles to match the cuisine as well as the diner’s budget.

I Sodi
Along with nearby Via Carota, this trattoria from James Beard Award finalists Jody Williams and Rita Sodi is considered one of the city’s very best Italian dining destinations. A recent move to a larger space on Bleecker Street means it may be slightly easier to snag a table–but don’t count on it. Stunningly simple Tuscan food like artichoke salad, lasagne, and tagliatelle al limone in a rustic farmhouse space with a charming backyard are just as much of a treat as ever.

Libertine
Indulge your Francophilia at this classic bistro, where you’ll find the day’s menu on chalkboards around the room. Equally classic menu items are perfectly paired with wine, and big corner windows look out on the lively Christopher Street scene.

The Noortwyck
Noortwyck is the Dutch word for North District; this recently-opened restaurant from Eleven Madison Park alums Andy Quinn and Cedric Nicaise occupies what was once the nothern tract of New Amsterdam. A New American menu highlights local New York producers and vendors and adds a robust wine list.

Kosaka
This Michelin-starred West Village omakase sushi spot features celebrated chef Yoshihiko, recognized as one of the city’s top sushi chefs. The atmosphere here is tranquil and restrained, the fish is flawless and the service is perfectly attentive.

Sushi Nakazawa
Since opening in 2013, this upscale West Village sushi destination has featured a 21-course omakase meal with fine-dining-style service. The sushi, of course, is sublime; the sophisticated space has two chef’s counters and a small dining room. If you’re craving sushi perfection or marking a special occasion, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Don Angie
Rave-worthy home-style Italian cuisine in the West Village isn’t exactly a rarity, but it’s still tough to get a table at places like Don Angie, where the food is both exciting and accessible: big plates of cheese-stuffed garlic flatbread join a panoply of pasta, grilled and cured meats and much, much more.

Sushi Katsuei
Known for its foodie-favorite affordable omakase in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where $65 gets you nine sublime pieces of fish and a handroll. The newer West Village outpost means sushi lovers don’t have to cross the East River for some of the city’s best sushi–and best value.

Buvette
Buvette is part bar, part bistro, and part cafe, open, as the restaurant promises, “from sunlight to candlelight.” The enthusiasm here embodies that of the neighborhood surrounding it, with a French accent and plenty of personality. It’s a popular brunch spot, so prepare to wait with a crowd who knows the wait is worth it.

Faicco’s Italian Specialties
Open since 1900 and run by the Faicco family’s fourth generation, this Italian deli is known more to locals than tourists. You’ll find top-quality meats that make their way into top-notch sandwiches, and we’re told that the chicken cutlet sandwich tops them all.

Nat’s on Bank
Nat’s is a different kind of neighborhood spot: In the establishment’s own words, “a fun, artful environment” where New York classics are expertly prepared, but not taken too seriously. Whimsical tableware, a bright yellow menu, and a party vibe provide an electric alternative on cozy, sleepy Bank Street.

Tea & Sympathy
This West Village treasure has been serving British comfort food and properly done tea since 1990. Check out their next-door shop for popular British groceries, sweets, loose tea, teapots, cups and saucers, and more.

Mary’s Fish Camp
This beach-shack-style seafood mecca on Manhattan’s west side has been filling its tightly packed space with happy, raucous diners since 2000. The lobster roll is famous, the mussels are reliably fresh, and the chalkboard special is always worth trying.

Katana Kitten
Katana Kitten, considered one of the world’s best, is a trendy-right-now cocktail bar on two floors; the clean, minimal space with walls lined with Japanese movie posters and an upstairs room hung with string lights is the rare chill spot that isn’t a dive bar and isn’t a fancy, fluffed-up watering hole. In addition to stellar signature cocktails, the bar menu is well beyond the average burgers and fries.

Angel’s Share
Perched above an evolving East Village street scene for nearly three decades, Angel’s Share ushered in cocktail bar culture in downtown New York City. The “secret” bar behind a Korean eatery was a favorite of everyone, from journalists and newly-minted media moguls to students looking for a grown-up spot to bring the folks. After shutting its well-hidden doors in 2020, the beloved bar re-opened recently in the basement of a Grove Street townhouse, where it continues the tradition of being a no-fuss establishment with killer cocktails, often packed to capacity, with a four-person maximum for party size.

Little Branch
This pioneer of the modern speakeasy scene is located in an actual underground space hidden down a rickety staircase. Live jazz is an occasional treat, and it’s first-come, first-served, so have a backup plan if you arrive at peak bar time.

Julius’
At first home to a grocery store, the landmarked Greenwich Village building that houses New York City’s oldest gay bar was built in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the city, Julius’ is also known for its historic “Sip-In” on April 26, 1966, when members of the Mattachine Society–one of the country’s earliest LGBT rights organizations–protested the state law that prohibited bars from serving “suspected gay men or lesbians.” Recognized as one of the most significant instances of gay rights activism before the Stonewall Riots in 1969, the demonstration led to the 1967 ruling that gay people had the legal right to assemble and be served alcohol. The iconic bar became a New York City landmark in December.

Blind Tiger Ale House
Sometimes it’s all about the beer. While New York City bars excel at fancy cocktails and organic wines, there are fewer choices for brew connoisseurs. Blind Tiger offers an extensive microbrew selection, excellent food, and, because these things are no secret, plenty of company.

Cubbyhole
New York City’s best-known lesbian bar is as much a stop on many a gay travel itinerary as it is a local West Village go-to. A daily happy hour with free pizza is just an added perk. Weekdays are best for avoiding lines outside and crowds within this good-natured dive-ish bar.

Marie’s Crisis Cafe
Who doesn’t dream of a small, elegantly seedy piano bar in a West Village basement where you can sing along to a night’s worth of show tunes with the regulars?

Where to shop

Maison Margiela
Martin Margiela’s first U.S. boutique occupies a sprawling, minimalist loft-like space, where the Belgian designer’s irreverently stylish creations for men and women are artfully displayed.

Atelier
This high-end cutting-edge fashion boutique can provide some solace–along with the latest from designers like Rick Owens, Acne Studios, Alexander Wang, and dozens more–for those of us who miss the pedigreed avant-garde paradise that was Barney’s.

Hudson Grace
Though it’s now owned by Crate and Barrel, chic home goods chain Hudson Grace fits right in on Bleecker Street. Filled with a carefully curated assortment of scented candles, tableware and home accents, the San Francisco-based brand offers just the sort of unobtrusively stylish items that residents of today’s Village seek for their townhouses, lofts and condos.

The End of History
Purveyors of 20th-century decorative arts since 1997, this gem of a vintage shop is just the place to go for an unusual gift or the perfect coffee table topper. The store features one-of-a-kind vintage art glass and many other rare and beautiful pieces.

Bookmarc/Marc Jacobs
In 2010, as bookstores were becoming a thing of the past, Marc Jacobs opened the first Bookmarc store on Bleecker Street in the West Village, stocking photography, fine art, fiction, music, pop culture, and rare titles. Locations have since opened around the globe, all of which serve as top venues for book launches and other events as well as celebrity go-tos for buzzy books.

Big Night
This growing empire features all of the ingredients required to throw a fabulous dinner party of any size as well as gifts for anyone who loves to eat, cook, or host. The West Village location takes the form of a cool and cozy apartment; wander from dining room to pantry to kitchen, bar, and bath, finding goodies that would be perfect for your own home.

Casa Magazines
Old-fashioned glossy magazines might be a niche item today, but every so often we crave the colorful, fabulous magazine experience. Fortunately, there are equally old-school stores like this one, featuring a veritable candy store of print titles from the worlds of fashion, design, art, and more.

Three Lives and Company
More than a mere bookstore, Three Lives is a place to discuss books, culture, and events of the moment. The Greenwich Village Historical Society called the shop a “pocket of civility” in a sea of big chains and online instant gratification.

Nordstrom Local West Village
One of only a few such locations, this retail department store outpost is a veritable Swiss army knife for Nordstrom customers, including a convenient service hub for online order pickups and returns, express alterations, and gift wrapping; you can even return items purchased at other online stores, making a trip to the post office unnecessary.

Left Bank Books
Tucked away on a historic tree-lined block of Perry Street, Left Bank Books buys and sells used, vintage, and rare books in literature, culture, and the arts in an intimate, friendly space.

Screaming Mimi’s
Anyone excited by the prospect of finding the perfectly cool vintage outfit or club costume will be over the moon to discover this trove of designer–and otherwise distinctive–vintage apparel. The 14th Street store on the parlor level of a townhouse is the second chapter for Mimi’s, whose Lafayette Street emporium was a fashion mecca since it opened in 1978.

Events and culture

New York City Pride March
A year after Stonewall, the first Gay Pride March was held by the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee to commemorate the riots. The New York Times reported that the marchers took up the entire street for about 15 city blocks. The celebrated NYC Pride March has been a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ presence in the community for more than a half-century.

The Village Halloween Parade
As the brainchild of Greenwich Village mask maker and puppeteer Ralph Lee in 1973, the first Halloween parade began as a walk through his West Village neighborhood with his children and their friends. In its subsequent years, the event attracted creative backers from the theater world. Today, the annual parade is the world’s largest celebration of its kind. Fifty years on, the event now attracts 70,000 costumed participants and an estimated two million spectators. More than just an art parade, the celebration of creativity is broadcast live via every kind of media, local, national, and worldwide.

The Whitney Museum of American Art
It’s entirely fitting that the first museum dedicated to contemporary American art, which began its life in the West Village, has returned to its original home for the 21st century. The internationally celebrated museum opened in 1931 at 8 West Eighth Street. After stints in Midtown and the Upper East Side, the Whitney returned to Greenwich Village in 2015 to a new home in a $422 million Gansevoort Street building designed by Renzo Piano.

The Kitchen
Founded in 1971 as an artist-driven collective, The Kitchen continues to be a dynamic cultural institution featuring programming in a kunsthalle model that combines live performances, exhibition-making, and public programming under one roof. The celebrated New York City arts venue encourages artists and cultural workers alike to defy boundaries and catalyze creative change.

Westbeth Artists Housing
Westbeth Artists Housing at 55 Bethune Street in the West Village opened in 1970 to provide affordable live/work spaces for artists. Then-unknown young architect Richard Meier took the project on as one of his first commissions, transforming the former home of Bell Laboratories into 384 units open to artists of all disciplines. Today, Westbeth remains home to many original residents, as well as others who arrived between 1970 and 2007 when the community closed its waitlist.

Because of the building’s prime Hudson River-front location, storied creative past, and collection of 384 units–most of which feature open, loft layouts and high ceilings perfect for a working artist–Westbeth Artists Housing has become one of the most coveted addresses in NYC. In 2019, the community reopened its waitlist for working artists and their families for the first time in over a decade. The space is also home to a gallery and hosts frequent performances and arts events.

Minetta Lane Theater
This 391-seat off-Broadway theatre on Minetta Lane opened in 1984. Since then, the intimate venue has offered critically appraised and successful productions including Carey Mulligan in “Girls and Boys,” Billy Crudup in “Harry Clarke, The Last Five Years,” and many more.

IFC Center
The current IFC Center was previously the Waverly Theater–original home of the midnight audience-participation film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”–in its former life. Since 2005, the movie theater, owned by AMC Networks, has positioned itself as an extension of the cable network Independent Film Channel. In addition to regularly scheduled independent and art-house films, the center hosts special screenings, premieres and festivals such as the DOC NYC festival and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival.

Film Forum
This nonprofit movie theater opened in 1970 with 50 folding chairs, one projector and a $19,000 annual budget as an alternative screening space for independent films. Today the four-screen cinema is open 365 days a year, with 280,000 annual admissions, nearly 500 seats, and an operating budget of $5 million. As the only autonomous nonprofit cinema in New York City (and one of the few in the US), Film Forum features premieres of American independents and foreign art films as well as repertory programming, including foreign and American classics, genre works, festivals, and directors’ retrospectives.

Village Vanguard
When Max Gordon opened the Village Vanguard on Seventh Avenue South in 1935, the new club presented folk music and beat poetry; it became a jazz music venue in 1957 (during some of the first recording sessions at the club, tenor sax player Sonny Rollins, recorded three LPs). In the years since, the legendary club has hosted scores of famous jazz musicians, earning its current position as the oldest operating jazz club in New York City.

The Blue Note
In addition to being one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world, Blue Note has been a cultural touchstone of downtown New York City life since it opened in 1981. Founder/owner Danny Bensusan created an enviroment in which the world’s most celebrated jazz musicians could perform in an intimate, casual setting. Artists like Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente, who hadn’t played in jazz clubs in decades, soon called Blue Note home.

Parks and public places to gather

Washington Square Park
With 12 million visits a year from tourists and residents alike, Washington Square Park is known as the heart of Greenwich Village, instantly recognizable by its iconic arch. It’s a perpetual gathering spot, where students mingle and chat around the fountain and on benches while street performers entertain and local children splash about in the water. The park was once a burial site for the indigent, and a roadbed carried vehicles through the Park for nearly 100 years (and it was almost turned into a parking lot).

The Stanford White-designed marble arch that anchors Fifth Avenue’s southern terminus commemorates the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration; it has become a symbol of the many protests that have been held in its shadow. The arch also holds an annual tree-lighting that has been a holiday tradition for almost a century.

Jefferson Market Garden
In 1973, the Women’s House of Detention, long a controversial institution and neighborhood menace, was demolished to make way for the tranquil Jefferson Market Garden, a verdant oasis just steps from the grit and bustle of Sixth Avenue. Its colorful plantings are maintained by a volunteer community group; the grounds are surrounded by a wrought iron fence, but regularly open to the public.

Pier 45 at Hudson River Park
Amenities on this 900-foot-long pier include a promenade, artful shade structures, spray showers, seating areas, wood decking, and an expansive grass lawn. Known as the green beach by day during the summer, Pier 45 hosts free Sunset on the Hudson concerts during the Park’s programming season.

James J. Walker Park
This two-acre park bound by Varick Street, Leroy Street, Hudson Street, and Clarkson Street has a baseball field, bocce courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and Wi-Fi hotspots–and a bathroom.

Notable neighborhood highlights

West 4th Street Basketball Courts
Also known as “the cage,” the West 4th Street public basketball courts are a well-known venue for amateur basketball in the Village. The courts form an iconic image of urban life, and the way in which sports competition can be an inclusive and shared cultural language. The non-regulation-sized courts regularly host lively pickup games and are an important tournament site for citywide “streetball” competitions. Given the court’s small size and the high number of players usually participating, competition for playing time is intense.

Among the notable figures who have spent time in the cage are Dr. J, Walter Berry, and Jayson Williams–and NBA players sometimes spar with locals. West 4th Street League games attract more than 100,000 spectators each summer; a number of national commercials feature the cage as a location, and the court is depicted in “NBA Street V3” as a playable court.

Stonewall Monument/Stonewall Inn
The resistance to the police raid on the Stonewall Inn at 53-55 Christopher Street and the ensuing nights of riots in late June 1969 heralded the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Police raids on gay bars were nothing new in 1969, but rather than just let themselves be arrested, Stonewall Inn patrons fought back; they gathered for two more nights with their supporters outside Stonewall, demanding an end to persecution and discrimination.

Starting in New York, a march each year marked the anniversary of what is now often referred to as an uprising. Today, cities throughout the world celebrate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots every year.

Where to live

The construction of The Greenwich Lane condominium complex marked the dawn of a new era for the historic West Village neighborhood, bringing in new residents that value high-end amenities and river views from on high as well as the timeless charms of cobblestone streets and verdant community parks. New buildings designed by some of the world’s most celebrated architects have arrived in the years since; the neighborhood has maintained its unique–if expensive–charms, with the addition of choices beyond historic brick. The next wave of projects brought West Village luxe to a new level, with massive penthouses and private five-story townhomes among the big-ticket offerings.

150 Charles Street
The residential mega-development known as Greenwich Lane, which rose on the former site of St. Vincent’s Hospital in 2016, is known for changing the face of the historic West Village and ushering in a new era of luxury living to a storied and sought-after neighborhood. A well-known celebrity magnet, the development has attracted A-listers and boldfaced names from Jon Bon Jovi and Ben Stiller to top model Irina Shayk.

The 15-story, 91-unit condominium at 150 Charles Street overlooks the Hudson River and features interiors by Alan Wanzenberg. Homes have hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, loft-style windows, abundant closet space, and top-of-the-line kitchens.

Amenities include an attended lobby, hotel concierge service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, spa, an event room with a catering kitchen, a drive-in entry, a courtyard, and a Zen garden.

Sales prices average $3,727 per square foot; available units include a two-bedroom home for $6.35 million and a three-bedroom unit for $11.9 million.

The Keller, 150 Barrow Street
The 125-year-old building at 150 Barrow Street on the West Village waterfront appears to embody the timeline of New York City in one site: It was built as a maritime hotel catering to seamen and cruise ship travelers from the nearby docks; the building was converted to a single room occupancy hotel in the 1980s and transformed into its current life as a luxury condominium in 2023 by BKSK Architects.

The seven-floor condominium residence may be a New York City Landmark on the outside, but the interiors are all-modern spacious apartments with top-of-the-line finishes and appliances, and sweeping Hudson River views from oversized windows. Bespoke kitchens feature custom cabinetry with a quarter-cut walnut finish and honed White Macaubas slab countertops; apartments have private laundry facilities, and private storage units are available.

Amenities at the full-service building include an attended lobby, concierge, full-time doorman, residents’ lounge, a rooftop terrace, a 1,108-square-foot fitness center, a landscaped courtyard terrace with BBQ and kitchenette, a children’s playroom, a laundry room, bicycle storage, and a package room with cold storage.

Sales prices in the 24-unit condominium average $3,045 per square foot and range from a $2.3 million one-bedroom to a four-bedroom unit for $9.75M.

111 Leroy Street
Designed by Workshop/APD, this all-new luxury mid- and low-rise development was completed in 2019. The condominium complex situated on a cobblestoned West Village street contains 14 units divided between a pale-brick-faced 10-story building and five townhouses with inset, multi-paned windows.

Each townhouse unit features a private landscaped terrace with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen and a hot tub; one townhouse boasts five floors with a 42-foot-long game room on the garden level. Residences in the taller building have open, light-filled and loft-like full-floor units with high ceilings; at the building’s apex is a duplex penthouse with wraparound city and Hudson River views. Amenities at the pet-friendly building include a 24-hour doorman and a concierge, a fitness center, a bicycle room, parking, a residential lounge and storage.

Recent sales average $2,208 per square foot, and range from $1.15 million for a studio to the aforementioned two-bedroom penthouse, which sold for just over $8 million in 2022.

601 Washington Street
601 Washington is a 10-unit condominium residence designed by BKSK Architects and completed in 2020. Atop a Mankato Kasota limestone façade, faceted glass wraps the building’s upper floors. The building’s 10 townhouse and penthouse residences represent the absolute pinnacle of luxury urban living, each with its own private gym and internal elevator; townhouse homes feature private garden entrances and wine cellars; penthouses have rooftop soaking tubs.

The full-service building offers a 24-hour attended lobby, a fitness center, rooftop meditation space, and bicycle storage.

Recently-sold units average $2,833 per square foot, with sale prices that range from $6.7 million for a three-bedroom home to a 6+ bedroom penthouse for $30.7 million.

175 West 10th Street
Designed and built by BKSK Architects and completed in 2017, this newly-constructed condominium building on a triangular lot in the heart of the West Village weaves brick, brownstone, glass and steel together in its facade, reflecting the architecture of the surrounding historic district. With only five full-floor units within, residences have open triangular layouts. Kitchens are fitted with oak cabinetry, Calacatta gold marble slab countertops and Gaggenau appliances. Amenities include private elevator access, storage space, and the services of a part-time doorman.

Sales prices average $2,624 per square foot, and available units include two three-bedroom homes for $6.2 million and nearly $9 million.

90 Morton Street
The condominium conversion at 90 Morton Street began life in 1912 as a printing factory; it was converted to 35 condominium residences in 2019, with several floors added to the original 12-story building. Above a limestone block-clad two-story base, layers of light brick and dark metal are punctuated by large, multi-paned windows that reference the building’s industrial past.

The residences and townhomes within feature interiors by Leroy Street Studio and feature the sort of high, beamed ceilings you’d expect to find in a printing factory framing top-of-the-line finishes. All units on the eighth floor and above have private terraces.

Amenities include a landscaped roof terrace with an outdoor kitchen, a 24-hour attended lobby, cold storage, a library, a fitness center with a 64-foot-long pool, a children’s playroom and a private car drop-off.

Sale prices average $4,427 per square foot. Available units range from a three-bedroom unit for $7.75 million to a sprawling four-bedroom penthouse asking nearly $20 million.

160 Leroy Street
Located on a cobblestoned street in the heart of the West Village, this full-service condominium was developed by star hotelier Ian Schrager (of 40 Bond fame) and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning starchitect firm Herzog & de Meuron. The statement-making, all-glass, gracefully curving waterfront building contains 49 residences that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring ceilings, open floor plans, chef’s kitchens, smart home technology–and sunset views over the Hudson

Completed in 2017, the 12-story building is staffed by a concierge, 24-hour doorman, on-site resident manager, and porter. Though the neighborhood may be known for its bohemian charm, amenities at this contemporary residence embody pure luxury, including a private cobblestone driveway, landscaped park by Madison Cox, professional spa with 70- foot pool with floor-to-ceiling glass, whirlpool, state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga/pilates studio, clubhouse with catering kitchen, and children’s playroom.

Sale prices average $3,445 per square foot. Currently available units include a two-bedroom unit for just under $5 million and a three-bedroom unit for nearly $8M.

100 Barrow Street
Completed in 2017, the luxury residential building, developed by Toll Brothers City Living and designed by Barry Rice Architects, has 26 units total and sits at the corner of Barrow and Greenwich Streets in one of Manhattan’s oldest landmark districts, with some units overlooking the Barrow Street Garden.

Spacious interiors were designed by Bernheimer Architecture, framed by large floor-to-ceiling windows and wide-plank oak floors, and featuring, custom kitchen and bathroom fixtures, oil-rubbed bronze doors and window surrounds. Amenities include bike storage, a children’s playroom, a gym, pet wash, sauna and wine room.

Sale prices average $2,758 per square foot with recent sales ranging from a two-bedroom unit for $3.46 million to a tenth-floor three-bedroom unit for $7.5 million. The building has the rare distinction–especially among condominiums–of having offered affordable units for sale, ranging from a $90,000 studio to $170,000 two-bedrooms–via lottery for qualifying New Yorkers.

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In a city where you’re surrounded by art — from the classics at the Met to Chelsea’s contemporary art gallery scene to performers on the subway — day-to-day life is an immersive art experience. “The art community is extremely dynamic and diversified (in New York City),” said Ashkan Baghestani, Head of Contemporary Day Sale at Sotheby’s. “People are interested in art and … sophisticated New Yorkers are people who spend time appreciating art. That does not mean they always buy it.” So when it comes to bringing that art into your home, where do you start? And is it even possible on a budget?

From September 20 through September 24, the Affordable Art Fair is in New York City. The fair started in London in 1999 and began its NYC iteration in 2002.

“We are a fair that is extremely approachable and a friendly environment whether (attendees) have collected before or never interacted with the fine art world,” said Affordable Art Fair NYC Director Erin Schuppert. “The idea was this mission to make art accessible and remove that barrier that it’s scary, and that mystique.”

The international event is just one opportunity for beginners and non-collectors to access art. Baghestani said those looking to purchase art for the first time should be on the lookout for opportunities like this all the time. The biggest misconception around art, he says, is that it’s “expensive and elitist, and it’s not. It’s for everyone.”

Tips for buying art on a budget: Where to look

Art fairs and events

The Affordable Art Fair is a gallery fair, meaning all the exhibitors are galleries or artist collectives that come from all around the world, but with an emphasis on art local to the fair’s city. The New York fair will show artwork from the city and the tri-state area. And, all the creators are living so as to support working artists. “Each fair has its own local fair team that curates, selects galleries, and talks to the galleries about the artist selection,” said Schuppert. “We have recorded data on what we are seeing that our audience is responding well to, and prices can change to reflect the buying market.”

Speaking of prices, everything at the fair is clearly priced between $100 and $12,000 and is available to wrap up and take home that day. Most of the items are 2D, meaning paintings, photographs, collages, and fiber art.

It’s also a good place to start because it’s a sort of safe space for beginners. “I’ve been working in this industry for a decade now and even I can feel intimidated walking into a large art fair,” said Schuppert. “I think it’s important to have a friendly environment so people can have confidence in their own taste. Art can be enjoyed and collected by everyone.”

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Arts Center at Governors Island is open in the summer months and showcases emerging local artists. “We work hard to ensure all our visitors feel welcome, and no prior knowledge of art is necessary to enjoy what’s on view,” said Jess Van Nostrand, director of exhibitions and public programs for LMCC. Open Studio events, like an upcoming one on Sept. 30, allow the public to interact with an artist in residence.

LMCC is dedicated not only to supporting up-and-coming art collectors but to the artists as well, by helping them with affordable studio space, access to exhibitions, and networking to sell their art.

“Add in the element of trying to sustain a living in New York City, and it’s not easy! But if you think about what makes New York special, arts and culture are usually near the top of the list, so it’s incredibly vital to the health of the city that artists are able to live and work here,” said Van Nostrand.

Art Fair 14C, Spring/Break, Art on Paper, and the NY Art Book Fair are other great options in New York.

Auctions

Baghestani says auctions are a great place to find affordable art. Auction house websites will post new sales every few weeks with prices starting “super low” – sometimes at just $1. But Baghestani warns people not to get too excited about that price point as the bidding escalates pretty quickly, but he does think it’s reasonable to get a piece of fine art for somewhere between $3,000-$5,000. “In a time of high inflation, I did see a shift in the last few years; you could get something for $1,000 and now it’s more $3,000-$5,000.”

Galleries

When it comes to buying from galleries, especially in New York City where there is a high caliber, Baghestani says to focus on “young” galleries. “They will have things under $10,000 price point,” he said. Go diligently every three months to keep up with inventory and new artists.

Also, be aware that galleries often have wait times, especially for “hot” artists — Baghestani said he’s waited over a year for a piece. If you have your eye on a piece from a new young artist that either has a long wait time or is starting at a fairly high price point, it’s a fair bet that the artist’s work will only get more expensive, so it could be time to set your sights on something else, he says.

Train your eye and do your homework

So, how do you know if the art you are buying is “good”? Well, as the old adage goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

“I don’t like the term ‘investment,’” says Baghestani. “Trends change a lot. Just like trends in fashion, they come and go. If you buy purely as an investment and you don’t enjoy living with it, then God forbid if it’s worth nothing, you are stuck with it. Buy what you like and if it’s a good investment, then great.”

Luckily for New Yorkers, if it’s hanging in a gallery in the epicenter of the art world, someone who knows what they are talking about thinks it’s good. Baghestani advises to take note of which galleries represent the artist and if those galleries have a good reputation or are tied to any museums. Read articles and reviews on Artnet, Artforum, and the New York Times. Ask yourself: Does the artist have a novel style or is their work a derivative of something other artists did 10 or 20 years ago? These are all ways you can start to navigate the art world and learn to “train your eye” to spot quality work.

But really, experts say it is as simple as just figuring out your taste and what you love.

“Sometimes when we say ‘train your eye,’ it sounds formal, but fairs like this are the perfect environment to get a sense of what you respond to,” Schuppert said. “There is such a variety and so many different styles and media all in one place. Take note as you walk around on what draws you in and catches your eye.”

“Spend a lot of time on a Saturday and do the galleries downtown in Chelsea and Tribeca,” said Baghestani. “Go to museum exhibitions, small and large. The MoMA, The Whitney, The New Museum because, don’t forget, even though they have permanent collections and a lot of inaccessible artists, it’s still a good way to educate yourself.”

Try and hone in on what you want, he says. “It’s a vast art world and there is a lot to consider. Be more focused.” So, if you like photography, focus on photography galleries and auctions. If you like classical art, focus on that. You also will figure out what your buying personality is. Some people, says Baghestani, are just inspired and see something they love and that speaks to them right away and buy it. Others like to take time to do due diligence. “It depends on your character.”

But, whether you spend years or months on it, the exploratory, educational stage should not be skipped, he says.

The NYC art scene

As an art capital of the world, Baghestani calls the scene in NYC a “thriving ecosystem” of diverse styles from the highbrow works on the Upper East Side to emerging artists in Chinatown, Harlem, and Brooklyn.

“The offering is huge,” he said. “There are all these small little museums — beautiful gems that people don’t know as much about — like MoMA PS1 and the Drawing Center.”

“We feel really lucky to be able to have the fair in NYC because there is such a culturally savvy audience from being around culture,” added Schuppert. “And lucky to be able to have so many amazing exhibitors right here around us.”

Galleries and artists to watch

Baghestani of Sotheby’s suggests checking out these NYC galleries and artists:

Galleries:

• 56 Henry
• 15 Orient
• Chapter NY
• Mendes Wood DM
• Gordon Robichaud
• Gratin

Artists:

• Oscar Hiou
• Ding Shilun
• Gabriele Adomaityte
• Agustin Fernandez
• Laurie Simmons
• Milano Chow
• Tourmaline
• Asal Peirovi
• Mehrdad Lorpour

Schuppert offers these exhibitors to check out at the NYC Affordable Art Fair:

• Catalysta (online) presenting artwork by Gabriela Farias
• Arting Gallery (Baltimore) presenting artwork by Linling Lu
• treat gallery (NYC) presenting artworks by Galina Kurlat and Kiki Aranita
• Leonard Tourné Gallery (NYC) presenting works by Cristina Vergano
  Participants in the Artlogic Fellowship Program:
• Established Gallery (Brooklyn, NY) presenting works by Ai Campbell, Rick Secen, and Jo-Ann Acey
• Eleventh Hour (Brooklyn, NY) presenting works by Ginger Snow and Yung-wu

The post How to start an art collection in NYC first appeared on 6sqft.

The buttercup-yellow house at 450 Union Street in quaint and fashionable Hudson may look unassuming, but it conceals a wealth of opportunity. Asking $970,000, the 2,376-square-foot, 13-room home is officially a two-family dwelling–and a fully licensed Airbnb. Within find lots of living space and six bedrooms, unified with a colorful and cozy palette of bohemian charm. In addition, a garage at the rear holds a partially-finished loft. However you choose to arrange it, the upstate property is ready to become an investment with space for extended family or a sprawling single-family home base.

Sunlight enters via two exposures for all-day illumination. Two wood-burning fireplaces and well-preserved rustic hardwood floors add timeless design elements and remind us of the home’s rich history.

Enter the foyer beneath 12-foot ceilings. Move on to discover two floors of living space, each with a spacious gathering room.

Each floor is blessed with a cozy and creative kitchen and a separate intimate dining room. DIY-designer flourishes like creative ceiling treatments, beadboard, and exposed brick provide visual interest in every direction.

Each level offers three bedrooms, each with its own irrepressible personality and color scheme. Bathrooms have vintage-style windows and updated fixtures for modern comfort.

The home’s private outdoor spaces are no less enchanted. A verdant garden and paved patio create a quiet retreat from the world outside.

About that extra bonus space: A rear carriage house has been transformed into a two-car garage and a partially finished loft equipped with water and electric facilities. This space stands ready for transformation into a tiny guesthouse, rental, or artist’s studio.

The home is conveniently located in the heart of Hudson, steps from popular restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques, and near the town’s Amtrak station for convenient coastal commuting.

[Listing details: 450 Union Street by Jean Stoler of Brown Harris Stevens]

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After closing during the pandemic, Manhattan’s famed Gramercy Park Hotel will reopen under new ownership, the Wall Street Journal reported. MCR Hotels, the nation’s third-largest hotel owner and operator, has purchased a 99-year lease to the hotel, located directly across from the exclusive Gramercy Park, for roughly $50 million and expects to reopen the property as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels in 2025 following renovations. Plans include upgrades to the lobby, the 197 guest rooms, the first-floor restaurant (Danny Meyer’s Maialino), and the 7,000-square-foot rooftop bar.

The property was foreclosed on in 2022 by Solil Management, who owns the land beneath the building, according to Tyler Morse, chief executive of MCR/MORSE Development.

Morse intends to transform the hotel into one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Maialino, an esteemed Italian restaurant run by chef Danny Meyer that closed along with the hotel in 2020, will reopen on the first floor. The hotel’s 7,000-square-foot rooftop bar, the only venue with an aerial view of Gramercy Park, will be fully restored.

“We will return this beloved hotel to its original splendor as the jewel of Gramercy Park — one of the most magical and unique neighborhoods in Manhattan,” Morse said.

Constructed in 1924, the 18-story Gramercy Park Hotel is known for its luxurious rooms and reputation as a favorite among celebrities. New York Yankee stars Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle stayed at the hotel, as well as members of the Rolling Stones during their first American tour in 1964. John F. Kennedy and his family also lived in the hotel for a short period of time during the 1930s.

In 2003, the hotel was bought by real-estate developer Aby Rosen and hotelier and co-founder of Studio 54 Ian Schrager, who conducted a $200 million renovation with the help of painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel.

Rosen eventually bought out Schrager’s share of the hotel but ran into financial trouble during the pandemic. After failing to make payments on the lease, Solil took over the property and sold most of what was inside. Only a few original items remain, including a vintage chandelier in the hotel’s lobby and the red and velvet curtains from the Rose and Jade bars, according to Morse.

MCR is also the owner of the New Yorker Hotel, the High Line Hotel, the Royalton New York, and John F. Kennedy International Airport’s TWA Hotel, which opened in 2019. The $265 million project restored the Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Flight Center to its “Jet Age” glory, which when it was completed in 1962, was regarded for its revolutionary architecture.

Arlene Harrison, the president of the Gramercy Park Block Association, commended the reopening plan.

“We have been in ongoing dialogue for months with the Hotel’s new owner, Tyler Morse—the developer behind the iconic TWA and Highline Hotels,” Harrison said in an email to community members.

“His reverence for the history and legacy of the Gramercy Park Hotel is evident, as is his commitment to being a considerate neighbor and integrating the hotel seamlessly into the fabric of our community. This is a good day for Gramercy Park.”

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The U.S. Open is upon us. In New York City, it’s one of the big social events on the calendar with a guest list that includes everyone from A-listers to the average New Yorker. The U.S. Open is part of the Grand Slam of tennis: the Australian, French, and U.S. Opens and Wimbledon Championships.

The Open traces its roots back to the U.S. National Championship, established in 1881, but the first iteration of the modern-day U.S. Open took place in 1968 with Arthur Ashe taking the men’s singles victory (his name now graces a stadium). In 1978, the tournament moved to its current location at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (then called National Tennis Center) in Queens. Past U.S. Open legends include Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Bob Bryan, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova.

Planning on heading to the Open? Here’s what you need to know.

Where does the U.S. Open take place?
Since 1978, the U.S. Open has been held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow Corona Park in Queens. The venue was named for the tennis legend in 2006. 

When is the U.S. Open 2023?
This year, the U.S. Open takes place Aug. 28 – Sept. 10, and multiple matches are held each day. 

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. for day sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 6, and at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 -10. Gates open at 6 p.m. for night sessions Aug. 28 – Sept. 8. “Arthur Ashe Stadium will open at 6:30 p.m. or 40 minutes after the conclusion of the day sessions.”

Who are the players to watch in the U.S. Open?
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic are the names on everyone’s mind when it comes to men, and Poland’s Iga Swiatek is the frontrunner for women. 

How much is a ticket to the U.S. Open?
Ticket prices and packages vary. One-day passes are available for both day and evening times, and range in price from about $100 to upwards of $1,000 depending on seats. There are also weekly and series packages for those who don’t want to miss any of the action, but those packages are all sold out on the U.S. Open site. Luxury suites are also available and range in price to upwards of close to $3,000.

How to get to the U.S. Open
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is reachable by subway, train, or car.

Subway: Take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point Station

Train: Take the LIRR to Mets-Willets Point StationCar: Paid parking is available at Mets Stadium (except on days when a Mets game is happening) or at ​​the Shops at Skyview. Rideshares will drop riders off at the New York State Pavilion, and they should walk or take a complimentary shuttle to the stadium.

Dining at the U.S. Open?
There are tons of food and beverage options at the U.S. Open from NYC eateries, including Eataly, Korilla BBQ, San Matteo NYC and Taqueria Nixtamal, among others. 

Aces is a full-service restaurant serving food from Michelin Star Chef Ed Brown, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Kwame Onwuachi and Champions Bar & Grill serves food from Champions by Benjamin Steakhouse. Both are only available to Courtside Box seat holders and Luxury Suite guests, and reservations are required. Michelin-starred and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s food is available in the South Plaza. Other sit-down options include Bar Tartine, Emirates Sports Cafe, Mojito Restaurant and Bar, U.S. Open Club, and Fly Fish @ Oyster Bar 7.

For libations, there is a Grey Goose bar, a Heineken bar, and sit-down bars Kimpton Lemon Bar and The Open Bar. Coffee is available at the Lavazza Cafe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is on hand for dessert. 

Click here to see a complete list of food and drink options.

Shopping at the U.S. Open
Aside from typical event memorabilia, the U.S. Open has Ralph Lauren, Fila, Wilson, and Tennis-Point stores.

What to wear to the U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is a casual but somewhat posh event, and some people use it as an opportunity to show off their style. There is no official dress code, but in 2022, Vogue recommended women wear all-white, tennis-inspired outfits or preppy summer dresses. In 2023, Town and Country posted inspo with a similar vibe. For footwear, comfortable shoes are a smart choice as you may need to walk around the stadium and to your transportation. 

Celebrity sightings at the U.S. Open
Why does it matter what you wear? Well, it doesn’t really, but the U.S. Open is famously crawling with celebrities, so you may want to look your best in case you rub shoulders with one! 

Among A-listers spotted last year were: Anne Hathaway, Kendall Jenner, Zach Braff, Anna Wintour, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Bon Jovi, Jason Biggs and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karlie Kloss, Joe Jonas, and Emily Ratajkowski, just to name a few.

But 2022 was a big year as it was potentially Serena Williams’ last Open. The tennis megastar wrote in a Vogue essay that she was “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” However, a few months later, she said she was actually not retiring and that she would likely return to the sport. Williams is not playing in this year’s U.S. Open, but her sister, Venus was awarded a wild card into the women’s singles main draw. This will be her 24th main draw, according to the U.S. Open. 

U.S. Open watch parties
Can’t make it in person? Find a watch party in your neighborhood. Here are a few to check out:

Hudson Yards
20 Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Watch the Open on a huge outdoor screen at the Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards. The 30-foot screen will be airing ESPN coverage of the matches starting Aug. 31. All screenings are free on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

BK Backyard
86 North 11th Street, Brooklyn
In Williamsburg, outdoor sports bar BK Backyard is featuring watch parties from Aug. 28 – Sept. 10 featuring Grey Goose Honey Deuce, the official drink of the U.S. Open. 

PENN 1
1 Pennsylvania Plaza, Manhattan
The Landing at PENN 1 is screening the U.S. Open on their big screens with cocktails and food being served at the bar/restaurant. 

Rocco’s Sports & Recreation
1 West 3rd Street, Manhattan
Located in Greenwich Village, Rocco’s Sports & Recreation will be streaming all of the tournament’s major matches over the next few weeks. Rocco’s has launched a tennis-themed menu just in time for the U.S. Open, with highlights including the Big Chilliams, a new version of the bar’s best-selling Serena Chilliams, which is made of apple gin, acidified plum liqueur, and served with a bottle of prosecco and honeydew balls.

Haven Rooftop
132 West 47th Street, Manhattan
Situated on top of Time Square’s Sanctuary Hotel, Haven Rooftop is inviting guests to enjoy the excitement of the U.S. Open on its high-definition screens. Haven is offering its signature U.S. Open cocktail, the Honey Deuce, as well as a delicious menu of American cuisine.

Pando 39
54 West 39th Street, Manhattan
In celebration of the U.S. Open, Pando 39 and Pando Park, located at 450 Park Avenue South, will be broadcasting the tournament across 16 TVs and offering a delicious selection of food and drink, including a specialty cocktail called the Minted Spritz, which is made with St. Germain, Prosecco, soda, and mint.

Clinton Hall
Clinton Hill will be showcasing the tournament at their FiDi (90 Washington Street, 36th Street (16 West 36th Street), East 51st Street (230 East 51st Street), Bronx (601 East 189th Street), and Williamsburg (247 Metropolitan Avenue) locations. Guests are invited to enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including hard seltzers, wine, and a full bar menu of mouthwatering bites, including burgers, giant pretzels, chicken wings, and more.

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The lobby of The Rockaway Hotel and Spa has a distinct scent – fresh and perfumy. It’s reminiscent of walking into a posh hotel on Miami Beach. But Rockaway Beach is not Miami. It’s a true Queens neighborhood with bungalows lining the streets leading over to the boardwalk and expansive Atlantic Ocean-facing beach. Locals lugging sandy beach chairs or grocery bags to and from their houses greet each other by name. Directly across the street from The Rockaway is Happy Jack’s Burger Bar, serving pub food and named for a former NYPD police officer and Korean War veteran. Attached to the hotel is the Greenhouse Cafe selling matcha lattes and “rocket fuel” coffee. The hotel, by architect Morris Adjmi, is tall and modern but fits into the neighborhood well from the outside. The interior is much trendier than anything else on its block — or any of the nearby blocks for that matter.

Stairs lead up to a sleek space with minimalist decor and a table featuring pottery and dried florals. The cool, dimly lit open space is a reprieve from the hot city streets. To the left, a soft electronic beat comes from an outdoor restaurant/bar area leading out to a pool flanked by loungers and cabanas. The contemporary design by Curious Yellow Design has a mid-century flair, combining organic elements like cane and concrete in neutral tones with fresh greenery and colorful tile.

The hotel, opened in 2020, is a welcome addition to her hometown for the college-aged barista at Greenhouse Cafe who, as she serves two young beachgoers in soaking wet cutoff shorts, says going away for school has made her appreciate Rockaway more. 

Curious Yellow Design describes the look of the interior: “Our Rockaway Hotel design rewinds to the 1960s: a seductive beach where urban grit meets surfable waves.” At Margie’s, the hotel’s upscale dining option, a gallery wall features images of beachgoers in the early to mid-1900s. A vintage photo of a couple posing in swimsuits is actually Margie herself, the grandmother of two of the owners — Rockaway natives.

In fact, more than one photo of Margie is sprinkled throughout the carefully curated art that adorns the hotel. Other pieces are beach scenes from Rockaway artists and photographers, such as Susanah Ray.

That initial scent, by the way, is a signature one created by Rockaway Candle Co., especially for the hotel. It will be turned into a candle to be sold at the gift shop. Here, neon bathing suits, surfwear, art, and coffee table books attract hotel guests and passers-by alike. The ferry from Manhattan drops beachgoers off right down the street — strategic placement for the hotel. 

“Images of America: Rockaway Beach” with a sepia-toned vintage photo of men in old-timey bathing suits sits on a shelf hovering above a magenta floor. The scene is a perfect representation of what The Rockaway aims to do: honor history and community while giving trendy New Yorkers millennial-era luxury.

Accessible by public transit, the Rockaways have always been a beach destination for New Yorkers. Beachside bars (like Rippers and Caracas), taco joints, and surf shops cater to a hip summer crowd, but the owners saw an opening in their neighborhood for a high-end boutique hotel complete with a spa, rooftop lounge, event spaces, and a pool. 

“A couple of the owners were born and raised here and had restaurants here. They’d see a lot of bachelorette parties, and think, ‘Where are they staying?’ That sparked the idea,” shared Margo Comis, Director of Guest Experience at the Rockaway. “A lot of people were like, ‘No way, this is not going to make it.’” Again, Rockaway is not Miami. 

And she admits she was one of those naysayers at first. When she was laid off from her Manhattan-based hospitality job during COVID, her husband’s family, who is from Rockaway, suggested she check out a new hotel they knew was opening in their neighborhood. “I was like, ‘What do you mean a hotel in Rockaway?’ But I came here and I was blown away. I was in a hard hat, and I met in a two-queen bedroom because there was no office space yet, and I was like, ‘This place is going to be sick. I’m going to work here,’” she said.

The hotel opened in September 2020 and the following summer was when business really picked up, says Comis. With travel restrictions still in place, New Yorkers looking for a staycation flocked away from the city’s sizzling concrete to The Rockaway to sip cocktails by the pool — the most “exclusive” part of the hotel, as it’s not accessible without a hotel stay or a day pass — or to sit on the shore (the hotel offers complimentary beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and bicycles to bring to the beach). 

“Rockaway is such a melting pot of so many people just like the city is. When you’re here on the weekends you see the blend of people this place welcomes. It’s so diverse and so beautiful to see,” says Comis about summertime in Rockaway. “It’s a lot of fun…you can party all day or bring the kids and just relax.” 

On many weekend days, there’s a DJ or even live music playing poolside at the hotel. On a recent August afternoon, the pool area is bustling with kids splashing around, meeting new friends, and adults enjoying cocktails and bites from the poolside menu. And speaking of cocktails — and bites — the signature one is ironically called the Shark Bite. Just this month, Rockaway Beach made headlines for a shark attack, and there’s been another shark sighting since.

But there’s “always been sharks at Rockaway,” says Comis. “It’s terrible what happened,” but local businesses are not concerned, she says. “There were surfers out there the next day. You can watch them from the roof.”

As the only legal surf beaches in New York City, the Rockaways attract surfers all year round. “In the middle of winter, you’ll get (guests) saying ‘there’s a crazy swell coming,’” said Comis. In turn, there’s a laid-back casual surf vibe to, not just the hotel, but the whole area. 

One family at the pool is here from Europe, soaking in those last precious post-checkout moments in the sun. Comis said, aside from locals, the hotel sees a lot of international travelers who spend a night or two at the hotel, just 10 miles from JFK, before embarking on a long journey home. But an important factor in creating this hotel was keeping in mind those who are already home. The residents of Rockaway. 

Like the barista, there are a slew of local students who work at the hotel and come back each summer. The bartender lives in Puerto Rico but likes spending his summers in Rockaway. It also created permanent jobs for residents who were having to schlep hours into the city each day. When it first opened, The Rockaway worked with a program called The Hospitality Way to train people for jobs in the industry; many from the program still work at the hotel. “It’s special,” said Comis. A few days a week, the pool is used to teach children from the community how to swim.

The hotel participates in a beach cleanup with the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. On Thursdays, the rooftop lounge hosts Dinner and a Band, inviting local restaurants to take over the kitchen and serve their food to guests to the tunes of local music.

Recently, Red Hook Lobster Pound took over the space, and then the owner’s niece got married at the hotel. There have been roller skating nights; in the winter the pool area is enclosed and given an apres ski vibe; there are art, food, and music events. It’s as much a community gathering place as it is a hotel.

Comis shares this as she gives a tour of the space. There are three floors of guest rooms, each with its own color scheme. All the rooms have a water view, either ocean or bayside, the latter of which boasts the NYC skyline, and some have balconies. Prices range from just over $200 for standard rooms to close to $900 for bungalows (full apartments).

“It’s still very much summer in Rockaway in September,” said Comis, noting that there’s still time to book a getaway. “Each room blends beachy pops with Scandinavian modernism, all topped off with rattan furniture, teak finishes, and vintage Indonesian tiles,” describes Curious Yellow Designs. 

The rooftop is where the best views can naturally be found. The ocean-front deck is often used for workout classes during which some of Manhattan’s trendiest fitness classes are brought out to Rockaway for guests and locals to take advantage.

Set back a couple of blocks from the beach, the hotel gazes out over rows of identical roofs neatly leading to the impressive shoreline and vast ocean. On the other side, the city skyline hovers over Jamaica Bay, and that patio is where Sunday reggae nights happen. 

“Sunday sunsets — I’m up here vibing out,” said Comis.

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Nothing says summer in the Northeast like sitting by the water with fresh seafood and a cold drink. Lobster rolls, oysters, and steamers on the coast probably conjure up images of weekends in the Hamptons, Cape Cod, or Maine, but there are some hidden gems right here in New York City that will make you feel like you’re on a summer getaway — and you don’t even have to battle that weekend traffic. Here are four spots to check out while summer is still in full swing.

Brooklyn Crab
Red Hook, Brooklyn

Opened in 2012, Brooklyn Crab feels like a true beachside escape. In fact, it bills itself as “one of the best places to feel like you’re out of the city without actually leaving.” A wooden building with a surf vibe houses three floors of dining, bars, lawn games like corn hole, and a beer garden.

“The layout, aesthetic, and general vibe of Brooklyn Crab are all very distinct. I’d say that 90% of our visitors feel completely transported to a waterfront restaurant outside of New York City,” said Victor Castillo, the restaurant’s director of operations. “Our bottom level welcomes you with four large palm trees and a 9-hole mini-golf course, followed by our second-floor patio overlooking the harbor or our third-floor dining room with a view of Lady Liberty.”

Brooklyn Crab is the brainchild of Red Hook natives with backgrounds in carpentry and fishing — so they combined forces and built a seafood restaurant from the ground up on an empty lot, Castillo said. Menu items include clam chowder, Maine Blue Crabs and fish and chips. The seafood is sourced from various vendors – including Blue Crabs from “a guy who drives down to Maine” — and comes from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts as well as the Gulf of Mexico.

Since COVID, Castillo said many patrons are New Yorkers looking for a unique local summer experience. The season starts with an oyster festival in May and continues on through Oktoberfest in the fall. Brooklyn Crab stays open through the winter. 

North River Lobster Company
Pier 81, Midtown West, Manhattan

Get out on the water with an open-air lobster cruise that departs from West 41st Street and 12th Avenue, right near Hudson Yards. Cruises depart six days a week at multiple times a day and include seafood along with a leisurely cruise along the Hudson River — a great escape from the summertime heat in the concrete jungle. Season passes are also available. 

“Summer in NYC is unlike any other time, and at North River Lobster Company, it’s our busiest season. When the city gets warm and lively, our floating lobster shack becomes a top spot. People enjoy our delicious menu items while cruising by famous sights along the water – a real taste of summer in the city,” a spokesperson said. 

Described as a “floating lobster shack,” North River Lobster Company was started “to blend the timeless appeal of a classic Maine seafood shack with the vibrant energy of New York City,” according to the spokesperson.

“We wanted to create a space where locals and visitors could come together to enjoy fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere. By setting our restaurant on a boat, we added an exciting and unexpected element to the dining experience.”

Menu items include five different lobster rolls, including the Lower East Side Roll with cream cheese, shrimp dishes, raw oysters, and other seafood bites. The oysters and clams come from Blue Island Oyster Co. in Long Island.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
Red Hook, Brooklyn

Heading back over to Red Hook, this seafood spot aims to bring the coast of Maine to the shores of the East River. Red Hook Lobster Pound (which hosts a weekly summer Lobster boil at Rockaway Beach) was inspired by coastal New England.

“Red Hook Lobster Pound was born at a kitchen table in Red Hook, Brooklyn, in the midst of the recession” by husband and wife team Ralph Gorham and Susan Povich in 2008. “The two were devouring the fresh lobsters they’d just brought back from a friend in Portland, Maine. As they basked in the lobsterphoria, Ralph proposed a crazy idea … ‘Let’s open up a Lobster Pound!’” Povich said. 

Povich describes Red Hook as “a waterside community reminiscent of New England, with open sky and numerous waterfront parks,” and says it’s the perfect summer “getaway” for New Yorkers as it’s only a couple blocks from the ferry. Staying true to its inspiration, Red Hook Lobster Pound sells Maine lobster, mussels, haddock, and beer. The founders also felt the vibe of Red Hook fit the bill for what they wanted to build. 

“This section of Brooklyn is reminiscent of the lobstering communities of Maine for a variety of reasons. Aside from being on the waterfront, it’s inhabited by fiercely independent do-it-yourselfers who’ve developed a supportive community being cut off from the rest of Brooklyn by the BQE,” said Povich.

The restaurant serves lobster rolls, full boils, fish and chips, calamari from Rhode Island, and clams from Long Island. Aside from the Red Hook brick-and-mortar location, there’s also a food truck and a Smorgasburg stand.

Similar to what other restaurants are seeing, Povich said her customer base has included more New Yorkers since COVID, and she embraces that summer camaraderie in the city. 

“Summer in NYC is a multi-cultural explosion of sound, colors, smells and delicious food,” she said. “The streetlife is exceptional and everyone lives outside. The sunsets in Red Hook are exceptional along with the outdoor music and revelry.”

Nick’s Lobster House
Mill Basin, Brooklyn

Out near Sheepshead Bay on the posh Mill Basin waterfront, is a neighborhood staple that’s been around since 1955 — a true local haunt. 

“Our customers are mostly New Yorkers. Our venue is not accessible by train nor is it in a very popular tourist location. Mill Basin is local, and many locals have been coming here for decades,” a spokesperson said.

But don’t let “local” conjure too quaint an image. The “outdoor deck on the water in south Brooklyn (faces) the mansions of millionaire row in Mill Basin. Nothing hits better than eating lobster and seafood on the water, facing the local yachts of this area,” said a spokesperson.

Inside, the dining room features wall-to-wall glass windows overlooking the water. Along with the glamor of the neighborhood, comes the local charm of decades-old family-owned business. 

Founded by “Big Nick,” a fisherman in the ‘50s, the restaurant started out as a simple lobster shack out of Nick’s boat, according to the website. “In the mid-70s, his children decided it would be a good idea to add a full-fledged fish market to service the surrounding neighborhoods’ growing need for quality seafood. They also opened up a small side kitchen and fish market where they could fry sole and shrimp for hungry customers who weren’t in the mood for steamed lobsters.”

Today, it’s a full-scale restaurant with a menu of both casual classic seafood fare and upscale entrees as well as a raw bar and sushi. And the seafood is sourced from some of the best areas in the world to get it. The shellfish is locally sourced from Long Island and lobster comes from Nova Scotia; salmon is from the Faroe Islands; branzino comes from Greece; crab is from Alaska, and octopus comes from Portugal.

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