By Michelle Cohen, Wed, October 23, 2019 The Halloween scarescape on West 69th Street in Manhattan. Photo © 6sqft
October 31st brings New Yorkers of all sizes out of their crypts and crannies in search of treats and fun. This year, long-running favorite neighborhoods rise to the occasion once again, with a few recent additions. Trick-or-treating in the big city has its advantages: Apartment buildings can be like hitting the jackpot and friendly neighbors, stores, businesses and neighborhood events keep the little tricksters busy. Technology helps keep things safe and fun: Local-social site Nextdoor‘s annual trick-or-treat map is back; neighbors can add themselves to if they’re handing out candy. Like so many other topics, New Yorkers love to argue over which neighborhoods offer the best bounty. Below are a few picks for the best treats.
Score more treats this Halloween
By Devin Gannon, Fri, October 18, 2019 Citi Bike cyclists in Prospect Park; photo courtesy of CitiBike
Does your child want to ditch the training wheels? Need a new helmet? Head to Prospect Park this weekend for the park’s first annual “Bike Day.” Hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance with Citi Bike and Bike New York, the free event on Sunday, Oct. 20 hopes to encourage a more diverse group of New Yorkers to take up biking by offering demonstrations, classes, prizes, and a one-month free trial of Citi Bike.
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By Dana Schulz, Wed, October 16, 2019 Photo of 25 Kent by Ty Cole
Earlier this month, we got a look at the completed 25 Kent, Williamsburg’s first ground-up commercial project in 50+ years. The eight-story building is notable for its bi-partite, ziggurat-like design, as well as its prime waterfront location and open space–all of which make it the perfect spot for an outpost of Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea. The markets announced today that beginning November 2nd and lasting through March 2020, they’ll be operating out of a 25,000-square-foot, top-floor space at the building.
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By Devin Gannon, Fri, October 11, 2019 Photo by Jazz Guy on Flickr
A three-day weekend is upon us as New Yorkers get ready to celebrate Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 14. Major events include the 75th annual Columbus Day parade on Fifth Avenue and the two-day Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration of New York City on Randall’s Island. Ahead, get the low-down on both holidays, including additional planned activities, how to get around, and street closure information.
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By Michelle Cohen, Wed, October 9, 2019 Image courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy.
Some say Halloween is New York City’s favorite holiday. And while those who indulge in its fright-fraught fun may celebrate in different ways, there’s a scare out there for everyone. We’re all under the spell of the fabulous Village Halloween Parade, from its history to its most avid participants; if that doesn’t satisfy your craving for fright-week fun, peruse our list of Halloween happenings from family-friendly to extra freaky.
Find something to BOO
By Devin Gannon, Tue, October 8, 2019 J.D. Salinger on the deck of the M.S. Kungsholm, 1941; Courtesy of the New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations and the J.D. Salinger Literary Trust
The life of famously private author J.D. Salinger will be the focus of a new New York Public Library exhibit. To mark the centennial of The Catcher in the Rye writer’s birth, the library will display more than 200 items from Salinger’s life, most of which have never before been seen by the public. The exhibition, “J.D. Salinger,” includes family photographs from his time growing up in Manhattan, his own typewriter, and original typescript and proofs.
More this way
By Rebecca Fishbein, Mon, October 7, 2019 Photo via Pixabay
Autumn is wonderful in New York City because you can finally take the subway without getting smushed up against someone’s back sweat. It’s wonderful outside New York City because you can take in the changing leaves and crisp air, and there are few places better to do that than a local farm. Some of the best spots near town offer apple and pumpkin picking, in addition to a slew of other fall-ready activities, making it easy to bring some of autumn home with you (as well as to enjoy the great outdoors a short distance from the city smog). Ahead, we’ve rounded up our 10 favorite spots.
Check ’em out!
By Devin Gannon, Fri, October 4, 2019 Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr
Before it’s even truly felt like fall, winter is coming to New York City. Ice skating rinks and holiday markets will open this month, giving an early taste of cold-weather activities. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, which includes holiday vendors and 17,000-square-foot ice rink, officially opens on Oct. 31, letting you trade trick-or-treating for shopping and skating. The iconic skating rink at Rockefeller Center will open on Oct. 12 for the fall and winter season and Lasker Rink in Central Park will open sometime later this month.
Who’s ready?
By Dana Schulz, Wed, October 2, 2019 Photo and map courtesy of Central Park Conservancy
Some of the most breathtaking fall foliage can definitely be found outside NYC, but when it comes to autumnal bliss within the boroughs, not many places can compare to Central Park. To make the most of this beautiful season, the Central Park Conservancy has released its annual fall guide, complete with ideas for exploring the park, a list of upcoming programs and events, and their super handy fall foliage map, which lets you know the best spots to see the park’s 18,000 trees in all their yellow, orange, and red glory.
Get the guide to the best foliage spots
By Michelle Cohen, Wed, October 2, 2019 Photo courtesy of Open House New York
The annual Open House New York Weekend is around the corner, and the calendar and guide to tours, events, and access to typically off-limits sites have been released. OHNY Weekend is Friday, October 18, Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. Highlights include new sites like Pier 35 eco-park , the TWA Hotel, The Spur High Line (the last section of the original High Line rail structure to be converted into public space) and 277 Mott, a new core and shell project by Toshiko Mori Architect with a twisting facade that appears to shift as pedestrians approach. There are also featured sites like the Brooklyn Navy Yard and special curated series like Factory Fridays and Open Studios. Tools to help you plan your weekend include an event guide, an interactive map showing where “open access” sites and events are located throughout the five boroughs, and an itinerary planner.
Some highlights to look for during OHNY 2019 this way
