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Let me tell you—NYC has some cool secrets, so I wrote a book all about them
“Let Me Tell You” is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored the surprisingly delightful Times Square of Canada.
Can you keep a secret? I’ve been keeping a big one for the past year, and I’m finally really to share: I wrote a book about New York City’s secrets! It’s called Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, and pre-orders are now available. But before the book finds a home on your bookshelf (I hope!), I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how I found these secrets, which ones surprised me the most, and how you can start some secret exploration.
RECOMMENDED: Secrets NYC: hidden spots that only locals know
People actually love to share secrets
While I was working on the book this past year, I made a habit of asking people if they knew any New York City secrets. From new friends at dinner parties to NYC natives at the office, I constantly asked for suggestions. As a proud NYC transplant, I brought a humble approach and fresh eyes to the project.
Now as a seasoned researcher, it’s a crowning achievement for me to be able to stump NYC natives and show them cool new places around town. As one lifelong Manhattanite told me, it’s easy to forget how special (and how wonderfully weird) a place is when you’ve lived there forever. I hope to bring that sense of wonder to locals and visitors. I’ll be hosting events all around town this fall (and you’re invited!), and I’m happy to help you plan a “secret” itinerary.
Secrets exist even in the unlikeliest places
One of my favorite moments in researching this book came about by chance. I was working on a story for Time Out about an ASMR art pop-up in Times Square. After the interview, I started chatting with one of the artists about the feeling of Times Square in general, how it’s like an enchanted panopticon. She asked if I’d seen the secret artwork there, and I was completely blown away when she showed it to me. So dazzled, I immediately wrote about the piece for Time Out and decided it was getting a spotlight in the book, too.
It’s not just Times Square, though. Secrets also exist at Grand Central Station (and no, not the one you’re thinking of!), the Empire State Building and in Central Park. But you’ll have to order a copy of the book to hear about those ones.
New York City has an incredible Revolutionary history
When I think of the American Revolution, I tend to think of Philadelphia and Boston. But New York City is actually packed with Revolutionary history.
The historic Fraunces Tavern, of course, makes an appearance in the book, and if you haven’t checked out their Birch Trials exhibit, it’s a must-see for history buffs. But just a few steps from Fraunces Tavern, there’s a much more obscure, easily overlooked and incredible badass piece of American history. I’ll spill the full story on Time Out soon, so keep following along. As a teaser, let’s just say it involves a toppled horseman, a fence, and the Declaration of Independence.
Secrets exist in all five boroughs
Despite the fact that we can hop on a train and get just about anywhere in this city, it’s often a lot easier to just stick to our own neighborhood. I myself am certainly guilty of going to the same places, eating at the same restaurants, and getting into a weekend routine just steps from my apartment.
One of the things I loved about this book was the push to get outside of my typical route and explore across the city. On weekends, I’d sketch out detailed itineraries for places I wanted to check out for the book. I’d find myself spending hours on subways and buses, and I loved seeing new neighborhoods, grabbing lunch at different places, and making my way across as map.
From a nerdy tribute in Queens to a serene escape in Staten Island to a site that looks like NYC’s Stonehenge in the Bronx, every borough holds fascinating and obscure spots if you know where to look. And if you don’t, I’m here to help.
It’s impossible to capture them all
Despite sharing nearly 100 secrets in the book, that’s far from an exhaustive list. I focused on secrets that are publicly accessible and put a special focus on free places. That means my list of secrets that didn’t make the cut is quite long—10 pages long, to be exact. Some of these places were too hard to find (one even required a drone to see it), and others just weren’t as exciting as the others in my opinion. So for now, I won’t be spilling those secrets.
But the thing about secrets is that they’re a renewable resource. Places close, old history is unearthed, and new secrets spring into existence. So if you know of a stellar New York City secret, I want to hear about. I won’t tell anybody (that’s why my hair is so big) unless you let me—and then I might just add it to the book.
Airlines Face Potential New Mandate To Seat Kids With Adults At No Extra Cost
If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s important to be aware of all the upcoming travel requirements, updates and rulings that could affect your future trips, from special travel authorizations and IDs, to passport stipulations you might not be aware of and automatic refunds.
Most recently, the Department of Transportation has proposed a new family rule that would help seat children under the age of 13 with an accompanying adult for no extra cost beyond the general airfare. Accompanying adults are considered to be a member of the family 14 and above.
The reason for such a rule comes from the Department of Transportation’s explanation that family seating is considered a “basic service” and “essential” for “adequate air transportation.” Many complaints to the DOT expressed parents incorrectly assuming they’d automatically be seated next to their child upon purchase without an additional cost “because a parent would need to supervise and tend to their child during a flight.”
Moreover, “a carrier’s failure to provide family seating harms not only passengers traveling with young children, but also other passengers on the aircraft who may be asked or directed to give up their seats to accommodate families on the day of travel or who may be required to sit next to an unsupervised child.”
Though a 2020 review by the Department of Transportation showed that 10 of the largest U.S. airlines often made great effort to accommodate family seating, it was commonly met with an extra fee for guaranteed seating.
If this ruling were to be instated, any carrier that does not allow for family seating will be subject to civil penalties on a per child passenger basis. Carriers who fail to comply and charge families a fee to ensure adjacent seating on a flight will be subject to civil penalties based off of each fee issued.
The public has until October 8, 2024 to comment on the proposal via online submission, mail, fax or hand delivery.
To learn more details about the Department of Transportation’s proposal, see here.
In other travel news: The 6-Month Passport Rule Every Traveler Should Know About
The post Airlines Face Potential New Mandate To Seat Kids With Adults At No Extra Cost appeared first on Secret NYC.
Visit EastVille Comedy Club for Laughs and Lively Times in Brooklyn
The oldest of its kind in Brooklyn, EastVille Comedy Club is a great place to lighten up and laugh out loud. A gem in the nightlife district of downtown Brooklyn, the club boasts a colorful neighborhood and proximity to historically famous bars and cultural hotspots. It has been the stage for famous comedians like Jim Gaffigan, Adam Conover, Michael Blaustein, Carmen Lynch, and Corinne Fisher and continues to support both budding and seasoned talents.
Eastville is not only among the fun No Drink Minimum comedy clubs but has also witnessed the shooting of many films and television shows over the years. Celebrity comedians also drop by now and then for unexpected performances. Find out more about the scheduled performances online before attending a show.
Background on EastVille Comedy Club
Set up in 2008, EastVille Comedy Club was the brainchild of locals with extensive experience in the bar and comedy business. Apart from offering an authentic Brooklyn environment, the club seats 120 at a time. Ten years after its opening, the place underwent a contemporary upgrade without losing its original flavor. EastVille also organizes talent shows to attract upcoming comedians and open mics for newbies to sharpen their standup skills.
Where is EastVille Comedy Club And How Do You Get There?
Located at 487 Atlantic Avenue, the club is easy to reach if you are in the neighborhood. You can walk for 5 minutes from Nevins Street or Atlantic Avenue—Barclays Center. To get there:
- You can hop on the M1, M8, M15, M103, or M14A-SBS bus to get off near the club.
- You can take the train B, F, D, W, R, M, N, FX, Q, 4, 6, or 6X by subway. The nearest subway stations are Broadway-Lafayette St and Bleecker St, about a 6-minute walk away.
- If you are driving, Stewart House Garage, Nagle Parking, and MPG Parking are the closest parking spots.
What Can You Expect When You Visit EastVille Comedy Club?
Since seating at the club is on a first-come-first-served basis, get there 30 minutes before the show’s start time. If you miss reservations, you can use the same tickets again without penalty. The club welcomes patrons of all ages, though certain shows might include adult content. Hence, it is advisable to use your discretion.
If you have Gold Front Row VIP or Front Row tickets, you can expect fast check-in and stage-side seats even if a show is sold out or there’s a long queue. You might also get seats in the front with a General Admission ticket, but that entirely depends on luck.
What Else Can You Do When You Visit?
While laughing your heart out at a show, sip on refreshing, specially crafted cocktails from the bar. There’s much to try, from Moscow Mule and Long Island Iced Tea to Blueberry Gimlet, Rum Raisin, and Paloma. You can also go for a chilled beer or an elegant wine. Hot teas and coffees are also available to warm up a bit.
EastVille Comedy Club stocks many yummy snacks, from seasonal soups, sandwiches, and ramen to popcorn, milk duds, Pringles, Sour Patch Kids, and cookie dough bites.
You can also host a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or promotion party at the club. The neighborhood is also a hotbed for various festivals and concerts. So, after enjoying a comedy show, head out to soak in lively vibes.
That’s not all, though. You can explore and relish the unique nightlife of downtown Brooklyn, catch a concert or exhibition, and walk down lively streets.
Feel free to admire the street art in the area or join walking tours. There are many funky or upscale places to satisfy your gourmet cravings, too, whether you are in the mood for sushi, pizza, burgers, steaks, or noodles.
You can also catch a theater show at Irondale or admire the historic beauty and gothic architecture of St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church.
FAQs
What is the minimum drink to order at EastVille Comedy Club?
The club has a no-drinks minimum policy. At open mics, though, the rule is one beverage minimum.
What to wear to EastVille Comedy Club?
Go for casual and comfortable clothes as the club’s atmosphere is relaxed.
Is there an age restriction at EastVille Comedy Club?
While there is no age restriction on admission, you must be over 21 and have a valid ID to buy alcoholic beverages.
Catching a standup show at EastVille Comedy Club is guaranteed to turn your frown upside down. You might even run into famous comedians you usually see on TV or follow on Instagram. Plus, refreshing cocktails and tasty nibbles make your evening all the more special. If you have a funny bone, you can even choose to perform at an open mic.
Does life feel too serious or mundane? A visit to EastVille Comedy Club can solve your problem in a jiffy. Watch amateurs and established comedians dole out funny observations and act to raise your spirits. Just get your tickets in advance and arrive at the venue at least half an hour before the show starts to get good seats.
Comedy Show in Brooklyn @ Eastville Comedy Club
The post Visit EastVille Comedy Club for Laughs and Lively Times in Brooklyn appeared first on Secret NYC.
These NYC streets are some of the most famous across the U.S.
Although New York City as a whole is undeniably greater than the sum of its parts, there’s something uniquely captivating about the city’s streets that warrants attention in their own right, which is probably why five of them appear on a top 10 ranking about the most famous streets in America.
A new survey by Action Network, a website that focuses on sports betting news, analyzed Google search and social media data from the past 12 months to identify the most instantly recognized stretches of land across the nation.
To come up with its ranking, the outlet pinpointed some of the most photogenic areas in the U.S. They then sourced the Google search volume, number of Instagram hashtag posts and TikTok searched for each and assigned values to each category.
The result is a top 10 list that captures the fame of New York when it comes to its roads. Broadway topped the ranking, followed by Main Street in Massachusetts, then NYC’s Wall Street. Other New York entries included Fifth Avenue, the High Line and Park Avenue.
Given how often New York is the setting of TV shows, movies, books and more, we’re not surprised about our various appearances on the list, but it’s always nice to be reminded of the fact that we live in one of the coolest, most important cities in the nation.
The 10 most famous streets in the U.S.
1. Broadway in New York
2. Main Street in Massachusetts
3. Wall Street in New York
4. Rodeo Drive in California
5. Fifth Avenue in New York
6. Sunset Boulevard in California
7. The High Line in New York
8. Pacific Coast Highway in California
9. Strip in Nevada
10. Park Avenue in New York
Catch Ariana Madix As Roxie In ‘Chicago’ Before She Exits The Stage In September
From reality TV on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules to ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and even being the host of season six of Love Island USA, Ariana Madix wears many hats–and she’s also been wearing stunning costumes as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago!
But if you’re looking to catch Madix on the stage you’re going to have to do so soon, as she officially exits stage left this September.
Chicago first hit the stage in 1996 and is the second-longest running show in Broadway history (after The Phantom of the Opera). Since its debut it’s been seen by more than 34 million people and performed over 33,500 shows worldwide in 38 countries and over 525 cities, according to Playbill.
Madix first took to the stage on January 29, 2024, and was originally scheduled to play Roxie Hart through March 24th, though she’s now set to perform through Sunday, September 1st. She co-stars opposite Amra-Faye Wright who plays Velma Kelly.
And considering Chicago has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations, we have a feeling you won’t want to miss it.
You can snag your tickets here.
Ambassador Theatre – 219 W 49th St.
The post Catch Ariana Madix As Roxie In ‘Chicago’ Before She Exits The Stage In September appeared first on Secret NYC.
A new affordable luxury rental housing lottery in the Bronx is now open
Another day, another housing lottery.
This week, we’d like to spotlight the Arabella, a new luxury apartment building featuring mixed-income apartments that are now available as part of a newly opened housing lottery. As usual, we expect the units will be rented out fairly quickly so you might want to apply for any you are interested in ASAP.
Here are all the details:
Where is it?
The building 4720 Third Avenue in Belmont, by Fordham University in the Bronx.
How many units are available?
50 units have been made affordable.
What units are available?
Twenty-five one-bedroom apartments; 22 two-bedroom apartments; and three three-bedroom apartments are available.
How much do they cost?
It depends on income and household size, but the one-bedrooms will are listed between $2,206 to $2,350 per month; the two-bedrooms are listed at $2,629 to $2,995 per month; the three-bedrooms are listed at $3,022 to $3,950 per month.
How do I qualify?
Your household must make between $64,012 and $218,010 in order to qualify.
Consult the graphic below to figure out if you qualify for any of the available units and then scroll below to learn how to apply for one:
What else do we know about this building?
The nine-story building boasting large windows and a beautiful, triangle-shaped facade: there’s a 2,400-square-foot fitness center on the third floor filled with excellent equipment, found right next to a residents lounge with TVs and loads lots of seating.
An outdoor terrace is also home to a fitness playground, lounge areas and a yoga space (it’s 3,500 square feet, after all).
As for more “traditional” amenities, expect a shared laundry room, charging stations for electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances inside all apartments, bike lockers and covered parking. And in case you have a furry friend living with you, you’re in luck: the building abides by a pet-friendly policy.
But let’s look outside of the building as well, because what’s around you is just as important as the sorts of amenities you’ll get to enjoy.
What’s nearby?
Home to the Little Italy of the Bronx, Belmont is full of classic pizzerie, lively cafés, delicious bakeries and more. You’ll also enjoy spending late afternoons at the Bronx Beer Hall and strolling the one and only Bronx Zoo.
How do I apply and by what date?
If you’re interested, you can apply online through the portal or you can request an application by mail in a self-addressed envelope to The Dupont Apartments C/O Reside Affordable, 349 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
Online, you must create an account on NYC Housing Connect, the main portal for the city’s affordable housing lotteries.
The lottery closes on October 11, 2024.
Get Ready For Over A Mile-Long Trek To Your Gate At This NYC Airport
The airport itself can be a stressful ordeal, but when you’re tight on time and you’ve got a far gate, it’s even worse. Unfortunately, JFK has one of the longest walks out of all airports in the country.
According to a study from Kuru Footwear that surveyed 800 travelers and their walking distances from check in to their gates at various U.S. airports, NYC’s JFK Airport has the fifth longest walking distance in the states.
Apparently, passengers can walk up to 1.38 miles at JFK to reach its furthest gate from check in. If it takes an average of 15-22 minutes to walk one mile, it could take travelers at JFK up to 30 minutes just to arrive at their gate.
Coming in at first place, Dallas Fortworth Airport has the longest walk to its furthest gate out of any U.S. airport. Passengers flying via Dallas Fortworth could walk up to 2.16 miles just to get to their gate! Washington-Dulles International Airport came in second with a distance of 1.62 miles and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (1.52 miles) and Denver International Airport (1.45 miles) came in third and fourth. So for the 20% of Americans that arrive at the airport only one hour before their flight, they might be cutting it close at these five U.S. airports.
Interesting fun fact, 33% of Americans spend an hour walking around the airport before their flight. So, if you’re one to grab a snack at a Hudson News or a glass of wine at the bar before you board, you’ll want to account for that extra leisure time along with the time it takes to walk to your gate.
The study also took a look at U.S. airports with the shortest walks, which are as follows:
- Blue Grass Airport, Kentucky
• Walking distance: 0.11 miles - Westchester County Airport, New York
• Walking distance: 0.12 miles - Harrisburg International Airport, Pennsylvania
• Walking distance: 0.13 miles - Lihue Airport, Hawaii
• Walking distance: 0.18 miles - Burbank Airport, California
• Walking distance: 0.20
Find the full details of the study here.
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