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Eataly Is Opening A Hudson Yards Location Next Spring
Just eight months after opening their SoHo location, global Italian marketplace and retail concept Eataly has announced plans to open their fourth NYC location in Hudson Yards next spring! There are currently nine Eataly locations across the United States–and eight more in other parts of the world–and the Hudson Yards store will bring that number to ten locations nationwide and four locations in NYC alone: one in SoHo, one at the World Trade Center, and NYC’s first location in Flatiron which opened in 2010. All three locations go beyond a typical restaurant experience and host parties and events such as hands-on pasta classes, market tours, and wine tastings. We love it so much we literally spent 12 hours there… A post shared by Secret NYC (@secret_nyc)
10 Tasty Smash Burgers In NYC You Need To Devour Right Now
While we wrap up the unofficial “summer of the hot dog” we’re still simultaneously celebrating smash burgers, a movement which has gathered some traction in NYC in recent years. The delectable burgers, which get pressed down and mixed with caramelized fix-ins are as crisp and flavor-packed as you can imagine. Drawing inspiration from Los Angeles’ thriving smash burger scene, it’s only right we uncover some of the best that have creeped their way into NYC’s food scene…one patty at a time. This insanely viral smash burger spot has been blowing up ever since finding a permanent home in the LES earlier this year, and it’s deserving. Gotham Burger Social Club started as a pop-up during the pandemic by restaurant owner Mike Puma as a hobby, and now it’s maybe the buzziest spot to grab beef in Lower Manhattan. Their signature Gotham Smash just oozes flavor, a nostalgic smash burger smothered with grilled onions, housemade pickles, jalapenos, club sauce, ketchup, mustard, and melted cheese on top. Plus, they toast both sides of the bun for that extra buttery crisp. It’s running the show right now. Where: 131 Essex St
Qualified NYC Homeowners To Receive $400K To Build Basement Apartments & Backyard Cottages
As a New York homeowner you’ll soon be able to add some upgrades to your dwelling as the Eric Adams Administration is making moves on their plan to allow qualified NYC homeowners to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties. The announcement is part of the Adams Administration’s aim to address NYC’s housing crisis. According to a press release, ADUs are defined as “any secondary independent unit on the same property as a primary home, including backyard cottages and basement apartments with separate entrances.” The ADUs will not only help homeowners afford to remain in their homes, but will also help to build generational wealth for families. Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer stated how the ADUs “can be life changing” for seniors struggling to age in place and young families stretching to pay the mortgage.
NYC’s Rapidly Spreading Invasive Ant, The ‘ManhattAnt,’ Finally Identified
The discovery of an unidentified ant species around NYC back in 2011 resulted in a clever nickname for the invasive insect, known as ManhattAnt. Yet even 13 years later, the ManhattAnt has yet to be formally identified until now, thanks to a recent article within the peer-reviewed journal Biological Invasions. So why did it take so many years to identify the ant? Well insect identification can be tricky due to the sheer diversity that exists. Yet, as the ManhattAnt continued to stump experts, it continued to spread. And just five years following its discovery, the ManhattAnt became the most common ant found in NYC parks and highly urban habitats. Today, the ManhattAnt is known as Lasius emarginatus. Through genetic and morphological analysis, experts were able to trace the ManhattAnt’s native roots back to central and southern Europe. The aforementioned article found that the ManhattAnt has expanded a rate of 2 km (1.2 miles)/year between 2011 and 2023. Residents of New Jersey and Long Island can now expect to see the Lasius emarginatus in their region. If the species continues to expand across the northeast at its current rate it could eventually spread from Massachusetts to Georgia.
Solve A Murder Mystery At This Incredible Dining Experience In NYC
Get ready for a dining experience like no other. Enter into Truffles Mystery where the murder case to solve is just as enthralling as the food and drinks you’ll consume! Enjoy this fascinating show and be a main or supporting character as you watch it unfold throughout the night! You’ll work up an appetite so there is also a delectable spread being served. It all goes down at The Liberty’s Speakeasy Room – with truffles will be provided by Urbani Truffles, one of the most prestigious truffle companies in the world. Book a late night dinner mystery on Fridays or enjoy a bottomless mimosas at the Brunch on the weekends! You have lots of options to book on the weekend whether you’re a night owl or early riser. End the week off right by booking a late night dinner mystery on Fridays at 9:00 pm. Or enjoy bottomless mimosas at the Brunch Mystery on Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Dinner Mystery spots are also available on Saturdays at 5:30 pm. No matter what character you pick this show will be one to remember as you are immersed in the turbulent world of Donati Truffles!
‘Rapid-Fire Storms’ Of Rain & Snow Are Predicted For Winter In NYC
After a scorching hot summer, New York City seems to be in for as chaotic of a winter too as The Farmer’s Almanac just released their 2024-25 Winter Outlook. The periodical warns the country of a “wet winter whirlwind” that will consist of little respite from falling rain and snow. And for the first time in years, The Farmer’s Almanac and the NOAA have mostly agreed on what the winter will bring. For the Northeast, The Farmer’s Almanac foresees stormy conditions with above average precipitation. As for temperatures, it predicts near-to-above normal temperatures. The NOAA doesn’t disagree, with graphics indicating precipitation primarily above or leaning above and temperatures leaning above average for the Northeast.
The Cozy Inn That Inspired ‘Gilmore Girls’ Is Only 2 Hours From NYC
If you’re a fan of “Gilmore Girls” and you’ve already got cozy fall travel on your mind, this place will certainly tick both of those boxes! Just about two hours from NYC in Washington, Connecticut you’ll find the Mayflower Inn & Spa where Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of “Gilmore Girls,” got the idea for the show! In their words the Inn is an “exquisite country retreat that defines New England elegance,” and we honestly couldn’t agree more. The property is nestled in 58 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and countryside woodland in the idyllic town of Washington, Connecticut. It’s renowned as one of northeast America’s most distinguished luxury hideaways.
New Jersey, Florida, & Wisconsin Beat Out New York For Best U.S. States To Live In
Maybe if just Florida beat us, we’d be less offended, but Wisconsin, freaking New Jersey (and sadly even more states) beat us out for the best state to live in?! Now, that’s just not right. A new study from WalletHub compared each of the 50 states and analyzed their livability by 51 key factors such education rate, income growth, quality hospitals and more under five dimensions: affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety. We’re just going to break it to you quickly, New York didn’t even make the top five. In fact, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Utah and New Hampshire did. To be honest, we barely made the top 10, landing right at the ninth spot. Each of the five key dimensions held a point value of 20 to reach a perfect score (meaning perfect living conditions) of 100. New York State had a total score of 58.17. For comparison, Massachusetts, the best state to live in, had the highest total score of 60.52.
Your $2 Bill May Be Worth Thousands
Though it’s still in circulation today, it’s quite rare you’ll see someone pull out a $2 bill to pay for something. However, if you’re one of the people still carrying around a $2 bill, you might want to hang on to it! Certain uncirculated $2 are selling for upwards of $4,000 at U.S. Currency Auctions, as reported by USA Today. Someone in possession of an uncirculated $2 from 1890 could earn up to $4,500 for it and those who have uncirculated $2 bills from 1862-1917 could make at least $1,000 for theirs. Even $2 bills from 2003 have sold for $2,400 in recent years. After a failed attempt by the U.S. Treasury to publicize the $2 in the early 20th century, the printing of the bill was temporarily halted for some time. Eventually, by 1976 they were reintroduced into circulation. However, they’re still not a common bill you see amongst transactions. So just how rare are $2 bills? Well, as of 2022, there were 54.1 billion notes of currency in circulation. But of that, only 1.5 billion were $2. To further clarify, there were 18.5 billion $100 bills in circulation that same year.
7 Terrific Things To Do In Little Tokyo, Manhattan
We’re not denying you can find delicious Japanese fare all over NYC, but what you may not know is that Manhattan’s East Village is home to probably the closest NYC comes to having its own Little Tokyo neighborhood. Little Tokyo is roughly enclosed by East 10th and St. Marks Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and contains many gems filled with Japanese groceries, snacks, prepared food, teahouses, gift shops, and more. Plus, there’s even karaoke! Here are some of the best things to do in Little Tokyo, Manhattan: Serving Japanese teas and desserts since 2004, Cha-An BONBON is a tucked haven and perfect for lovers of tea and Japanese treats. Resembling a little piece of Japan with its wooden tables, tatami benches, and washi-paper lamps, Cha-An features not only matcha and senchas from Japan, but an extensive list of teas from all over the world as well.
This 100-Foot Underground Waterfall Is Just 3 Hours From NYC
We love a good waterfall, and in New York there are plenty to visit. We’ve got everything from Eternal Flame Falls with an actual burning flame to a 70-foot waterfall you can swim in. But what you probably don’t know is that New York State even has a super rare underground waterfall! Better known as Secret Caverns, this hidden gem actually has quite the interesting, and a bit morbid, history. In 1928, two cows fell down an 85-foot hole that led to the caverns discovery (sadly, the cows did not survive). The farmer of the land wanted to know more...
NYC’s Largest Chinese Food Festival Is Hosting A ‘Pool Party’ This August
Each year over a six-month span, Dragon Fest, NYC’s first and largest outdoor Chinese food and culture festival, brings 100+ varieties of traditional, popular, and rare Chinese food to NYC streets, though this August they’re expanding their offerings and hosting a unique summer “pool party” on the street! They’re not doing it alone though–they’ll actually be teaming up with sparkling water brand Chi Forest who will be keeping partygoers hydrated all day long with tasty mocktails slung by some of the most renowned bartenders. The bartender lineup is as follows: Beyond the drinks the pool party promises a unique day filled with playful wave and pool inflatables and exclusive food offerings such as lobster dumplings by Dumpling n’ Dips.
7 Stunning Flower Farms Near NYC To Pick-Your-Own Blooms
With only a few weeks of summer left and fall quickly on the horizon, there’s still time to add a little splash of color to your life! Just a quick day trip outside NYC, there’s plenty of picturesque flower farms that are still blooming and ready to be picked! Whether you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, your latest hand-picked collection of sunflowers, or maybe a refreshing whiff of lavender, there’s so much beauty to be discovered just a short ways from the Big Apple. For all you flower lovers out there, bookmark these incredible farms and their u-pick...
NYC Is Getting A Real-Life Squid Game Experience Where You Can Compete
If you’ve been going through Squid Game withdrawal like us, we have good news for you! Due to a frenzy of demand and an incredibly successful pop-up in L.A., Squid Game: The Experience is finally making its way to NYC! The waitlist for tickets is available so be sure to secure your spot. Tickets officially go on sale to the public on Aug. 21st. This unforgettable experience is located in the Manhattan Mall, steps away from NYC’s Koreatown (lovingly known as K-town). Get your best track suit ready and compete with others in exciting games such as “Red Light, Green...
Neon Brush Is A Creative Sip And Paint Experience Coming To NYC
It’s hard not to feel inspired in the city thanks to its distinctive architecture, fresh art scene, and rich culture. Even a walk along the Hudson River Greenway has enough beauty to get your creative juices flowing. Neon Brush in NYC is a unique opportunity to uncover your hidden talents and experiment with paint that glows in the dark. All the materials and ambiance you’ll need are provided, all you have to do is think of what you’d like to bring to life next on the canvas. Taking place at Cat Sports Pub over the coming months, places are limited for...
Remembering Manhattan’s Long Lost Beach At Battery Park
The tale of Manhattan’s lost beach all begins with an over ambitious plan from former Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. With high hopes to revitalize southern Manhattan, Governor Rockefeller’s ideas for a new “coordinated community” flopped. As a result, the area was left with a “sandy no man’s land west of the World Trade Center,” according to The New York Times. This eventually became known at ersatz beach. Though it was technically a landfill and the sand wasn’t meant for public use, artists and other rule-breaking New Yorkers took their opportunity to sun bathe steps away from the shoreline. The most iconic photo from this era is the first one in this article, featuring graphic designers David Vanden-Eynden and Chris Calori, who frequented the beach. “There was nothing there yet and there were spectacular views of the towers and across the river,” says Vanden-Eynden, in a story from The New York Times. Another artist, Nancy Rubins, used the accumulated waste to create a 15-foot sculpture. Additional historical photos that now make you hold your breath knowing the tragedy to come, share images of beach volley ball, leisure reading and even more art installations on ersatz beach.
Float Under The Adirondack Mountains Along This Lazy River
Everyone loves a lazy river at the waterpark, but what about one in actual nature? Think: floating through breathtaking rock formations in ‘the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks’ (different than the Grand Canyon of the East). Well, you can do it all at Ausable Chasm in Upstate New York. Located just under a five hour drive from New York City, visitors can kick back and experience the beauty of this natural wonder by tube or on a guided raft tour. For the guided raft tour, the adventure kicks off at the Grand Flume’s towering cliffs before floating through Ausable Chasm’s narrowest and deepest area. We must warn that this isn’t the laziest of rivers. In fact, for one portion of the journey you’ll pass through exhilarating rapids and the Whirlpool Basin—but it adds to the fun! Moreover, rafters will be privy to unforgettable sights including two stunning rock formations: Sentry Box and Broken Needle. Not only will you take in the astonishing views, but you’ll get to learn all about the Chasm’s unique history.
This Beloved NYC Park Is The Most Instagrammable Landmark In The U.S.
If you’re looking to spice up your Instagram feed you need only take a stroll around NYC! That’s according to Student travel company Rustic Pathways who set out to find the most Instagrammable landmarks in the U.S., and New York City is home to five of the top ten! Rustic Pathways found the top 100 U.S. landmarks according to TripAdvisor and searched them on Instagram to find the number of posts using each landmark’s most popular hangtag. The number of posts were then ranked from highest to lowest to determine which are the most Instagrammable. And the number one most Instagrammable spot won’t surprise you: it’s the city’s beloved Central Park. According to their data, Central Park has 8,329,774 Instagram posts with the hashtag #centralpark. And who knows how many people have Instagrammed photos of the park without the hashtag! The site writes:
Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Miss Balloon Story In NYC
The end of summer will be here before you know it and the final days of August marks the end of one of our favorite pop-ups this summer: Balloon Story! There are so many reasons to visit before it closes on Aug. 24th. Here are just a few reasons you have to snag tickets to Balloon story before it’s gone for good! Make the rest of the summer a memorable one at this inflatable wonderland! Go from the Tropics to the arctic – the cheapest summer trip you’ll find is at Balloon Story! There are colossal versions of international landmarks such as Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower. Or pose in an inflatable cab you can actually sit in. (It was the easiest time we ever had hailing a yellow taxi!).
These Are The Most Expensive Neighborhoods In NYC To Buy A Home
If you’re looking to buy a home in NYC without clearing out your entire savings we know where not to look. That’s thanks to a recent report from PropertyShark who found the top 50 most expensive NYC neighborhoods to buy a home. Let’s just get right into it. Though NYC’s real estate market seems to have stayed relatively unchanged compared to conditions a year prior–the city’s median sale price only increased 2% year-over-year and sales shifted down 1%–a closer neighborhood-level look is where we see the shifts happening. The Bronx, for example, made its second appearance on NYC’s 50 most expensive neighborhoods list while Chinatown re-entered the chat after a two-year absence.
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