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Here’s the funny thing about tourist attractions: when you live next to them, you often take them for granted—which is why a new survey by Jackpot City Casino fills us with renewed excitement.

According to the survey, both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park are among the most underrated tourist attractions in the U.S.

To come up with its ranking, the outlet analyzed over 50 popular destinations all over the nation “using online review scores and the percentage of reviews including negative words,” according to an official press release.

The list was topped by the Stetson Mansion in DeLand, Florida, a historic home built for hat manufacturer John B. Stetson by Philly architect George T. Pearson in 1886. 

When looking at New York specifically, the Met lands at position number three. Obviously one of the most popular destinations in the city, the massive museum receives more than four million visitors annually—but clearly doesn’t get as much attention and praise as it deserves.

“For art and history fans, the museum is well worth the trip, showcasing ancient art, architecture and stunning gardens,” reads the official study. “Just 0.38% of all reviews include negative language and the attraction receives a perfect review score from visitors.”

The Met takes up a massive 11.5 acres within Central Park, which happens to be the second NYC destination to make this specific ranking. 

The iconic green space is the number nine destination on the list, with a visitor rating of 4.5 and a 0.19% of reviews featuring negative words. Perhaps, the park is underrated because the majority of people don’t know about all the awesome things and experiences to be enjoyed on site—from the Central Park Zoo to the Ramble and a climb up Belvedere Castle, among plenty more.

This is all to say: New York City is home to some amazing attractions that are worth visiting all year around, whether you are a local or a tourist… so go on and explore!

Here are the ten most underrated attractions across the U.S. according to the study:

1. Stetson Mansion – DeLand, FL

2. USS Midway Museum – San Diego, CA

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York, NY

4. Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, CO

5. The Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, IL

6. Getty Centre – Los Angeles, CA

7. The National WWII Museum – New Orleans, LA

8. Lincoln Memorial – Washington D.C.

9. Central Park – New York, NY

10. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, CA

* This article was originally published here

Once upon a time, 24/7 diners were a fixture of New York City culture and an essential source of subsistence for late-night ravers and the crack-of-dawn working class. But, since the pandemic, dozens of iconic diners have shuttered across the city, and even so, few closures have felt like a bigger blow than the historic Neptune Diner shutting its doors this past weekend. 

The building that houses the iconic diner was built in the 1960s and was converted to the most recent iteration of Neptune Diner in the ’80s. For more than 40 years, the family-run business has been an unofficial landmark of Astoria, complete with booths, bar stools and nostalgic granite ceilings. 

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Neptune Diner was the type of place where you could go in craving anything and find exactly that. From a hefty selection of salads and a robust roster of appetizers that included mozzarella sticks and fried calamari, to a flame-grilled burger menu portion with a pizza-flavored option and, yes, even a seafood section, the humble diner on 31st Street in Astoria punched far above its weight for some time.

This past Sunday, Neptune Diner closed its doors for good after it struggled for years to stay open. Some folks online claimed that the owner refused to re-sign the lease to make way for a developmental project. Even if that’s true, there were signs that Neptune was not doing great for quite some time: prior to COVID, the diner was open 24/7 but changed its operating hours from 7am until midnight post-pandemic. That being said, although we expected news about a closure, we couldn’t have imagined it to come so soon.

Sure, there are two other Neptune Diner locations, one in Crown Heights and another in Bayside, but the Astoria destination was the original and best known of them all, making the news that much sadder.

Whenever New Yorkers lose a cultural institution, they have little recourse other than to take to the Internet to make their grievances known. At the end of the day, we’re not just losing a diner—we’re witnessing the end of an era.

Here’s a collection of some of the most gut-wrenching and memorable reactions to the closure from across the Internet: 

* This article was originally published here

The idea of finding an affordable apartment in New York City that is pet-friendly and has in-unit laundry is unheard of and often impossible. Now, however, in a new housing lottery from NYC Housing Connect, you can have this, and more. With additional amenities including a gym, rooftop terrace, playground, dog park, covered parking, bike storage, green space, recreation room, electric vehicle charging stations outdoor areas, the lottery for Water’s Edge—the name of the apartment building—is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. 

Here are the important details about the new lottery for those interested in purchasing an apartment.

Recommended: An affordable housing lottery just opened on the Upper West Side near Central Park

Where is it?

Water’s Edge is located at 5 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island. It’s a seven-minute walk to the St. George Ferry stop, and only a 20-minute ferry ride to Battery Park City. Talk about a stunning morning commute.

How many units are available?

The seven-story residential building has 23 units available.

What units are available and how much do they cost?

Three studios, 17 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedrooms are available. The studio’s monthly rent falls at $2,395, for those with an annual household income from $82,115 to $161,590. The one-bedroom apartments have a monthly rent of $2,655, for those with an income ranging from $91,029 to $181, 740. The two-bedrooms go for $3,835 a month, for those with incomes between $131,486 to $218,010. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning (heating and cooling), hardwood floors, washers and dryers, and access to amenities previously mentioned. 

The housing lottery includes additional incentives, such as one free month of early occupancy (applicable for one or two-year leases) and free gym and rooftop amenities. 

How do I qualify?

To be considered, you must meet the income and household size requirements stated by the housing lottery. Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional criteria. Those who live in New York City receive a general preference for apartment units. 

What’s nearby?

As mentioned above, the St. George Ferry stop is a seven-minute walk away and connects you to Battery Park City and Midtown West. Water’s Edge is also minutes away from the St. George Railroad Station, Richmond Terrace/Stuyvesant Place Bus Stop (S40, S44), St. Marks Place/Hamilton Avenue Bus Stop (S42, S52) and the NYC Fast Ferry stop.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops in the area, including Gap Factory, Key Foods Supermarkets, Steiny’s Pub, and Ruddy & Dean American Steakhouse. Throw in a view of the New York skyline and views of the Hudson Bay, and you may be calling this neighborhood home in no time. 

How do I apply and by what date?

You have until September 23, 2024 to apply on HousingConnect.nyc.gov.

* This article was originally published here

Earlier this year, the production company We Belong Here announced that it was planning to throw a brand-new music festival in Central Park’s historic Wollman Rink and promised that its lineup would feature world-class electronic music DJs.

Today, the festival announced the list of headlining acts at the Central Park festival, which is happening starting Friday, October 4 until Sunday, October 6, and it’s definitely one that was worthy of the hype.

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This year’s headliners will be Fisher, Kaskade and Monolink, all superstars who have never before performed sets at Central Park. 

Kaskade headlined the We Belong Here festival in Miami in 2023 and was also the first ever in-game Superbowl DJ who set the record for the largest dance music headline show in the U.S. Even with all those accolades, the DJ seems eager to show out in Manhattan.

“I cannot overstate how excited I am to play We Belong Here in Central Park,” Kaskade said in an official statement. “New York City has always set the bar for the most iconic locations possible. The idea of me playing in Central Park in the shadow of the city I love so much is definitely a high, and I’m looking forward to that beautiful park and energy that only lives in NYC.”

Even though we’re all excited about Kaskade, don’t sleep on the other headliners: Monolink is a Berlin-based DJ whose melodic techno and captivating live performances have earned him a cult following with underground music enthusiasts. Fisher, the Australian house DJ, has an upbeat sound characterized by powerful bass lines and vocal samples that have earned him multiple Grammy nominations. 

The site of the October festival, Wollman Rink, was opened in the 1950s has served as the primary ice skating destination in Central Park during the winter. In the warmer months, the ice rink turns into a roller skating rink and the site of pickleball courts, activities that don’t have much to do with music festivals.

If the We Belong Here festival sounds familiar, that’s because the company has held a series of pop-up events in New York this summer on Governors Island and Pier 16. The festival has become known for hosting electronic music artists at unconventional venues, like Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Park, the New York Stock Exchange and the Bowery Savings Bank. The planned Central Park festival at Wollman Rink, though, is going to be the festival’s crown jewel and for the first time, We Belong Here will be bringing its signature 360-degree stage to New York City. 

“Our intention is to create truly one-of-a-kind experiences by bringing world-class artists to beautiful and historic locations. To see Fisher, Monolink, and Kaskade perform in Central Park is something we dreamed of as dance music fans. Now, with an amazing team, we are able to bring it to life for the people of New York and the greater community of music lovers to enjoy together,” Justin Dauman, Co-Founder of We Belong Here, said.

You can register your email and get first access to festival tickets once they drop here. 

* This article was originally published here

Foodies gather ‘round, the U.S. Open’s signature food event is back on August 22 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—and there is a star-studded cast of renowned chefs waiting at your beck and call. 

RECOMMENDED: The U.S. Open in New York 2024 guide. 

This scrumptious event will take place during Fan Week, which occurs just before the main draw of the U.S. Open, offering a range of events and activities that you can learn more about here.

But this favored function, Flavors of the Open presented by Dobel Tequila, will happen on Thursday, August 22. Tennis pros and fans can sample premium dishes, meet chefs, watch food demonstrations, listen to live music, as well as watch witness pro tennis in action and maybe even have a go at the sport themselves. 

Some of the Chefs at Flavors of the Open include Alex Guarnaschelli (Fare), David Burke (Mojito by David Burke), Josh Capon (Fly Fish) and Pat LaFrieda (Pat LaFrieda Meat Co.). The dynamic trio Ed Brown, Masaharu Morimoto and Kwame Onwuachi will also return this year to produce their local and seasonal seafood creations. The restaurateur Simon Kim will be making his much-anticipated U.S. Open debut with COQADAQ, offering a range of signature dishes from this Korean-inspired Better Fried Chicken restaurant.

Tickets can be purchased here for $184 and a portion of ticket profits will go towards the USTA Foundation, which offers tennis and academic programs to youths in under-resourced communities nationwide. This event is housed in the Louis Armstrong Stadium. 

So prepare your stomachs and get ready to indulge in a smorgasbord of food and drink that mirrors NYC’s diverse culinary scene. Happy eating!

* This article was originally published here

New York City is full of so many fun things to do, and for any teenagers looking for some worth-while activities, we’ve got them covered! Whether your teens are sports enthusiasts, history buffs, or thrill-seekers, there’s plenty of opportunities for adventure and discovery. Perfect for teenagers ages 13 – 19, we’ve got a summary of the best attractions to give a try. Check them out below:

1. Luna Park & Coney Island

Let your teenager live their wildest adventures at Luna Park and Coney Island, where there’s plenty of amusements parks, beachfront attractions, and a vibrant boardwalk to be explored! Start at Luna Park, and let them ride all of the thrilling rides like the world-famous wooden Cyclone and iconic Thunderbolt coaster.

Then, stroll through Coney Island in style, taste testing hot dogs at Nathan’s Famous, taking in marine life at New York Aquarium, and even catching a minor league Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game! Don’t forget about the Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk too, complete with food vendors, shops, games, and more.

2. Harry Potter on Broadway

What teenager doesn’t love Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and the rest of the gang? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of our favorite plays on Broadway right now, and it’s perfect for the teen age group. You can truly feel the magic of the performance, and it’ll bring your teen into the magical world of wizardry like never before! Learn more about the show and how to purchase your tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child here!

3. American Museum of Natural History

For the science-loving teen, take them to the American Museum of National History, where there’s hours of exhibits and activities that make for an exciting visit. Teens can explore enthralling attractions dedicated to science and culture…including the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs where the captivating Tyrannosaurus rex and Apatosaurus models reside, as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space (which includes the immersive Hayden Planetarium), the Hall of Ocean Life (which includes the life-sized Giant Blue Whale model), and so much more.

Plus, AMNH often hosts teen programming, which includes hands-on science courses, research opportunities, and even paid teen internships! It’s an incredible way for your kids to have an educational day out.

4. Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds’ New York edition of the wax museum franchise is a selfie-filled utopia for teenagers, who can snap photos with icons like Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, and so many more. The tourist attraction includes all kinds of wax figures and immersive experiences that teens will truly love.

Their newly launched Music area features all of music biggest names (Beyoncé, Elvis, Anitta, Dua Lipa, J Balvin, Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles, Drake), and their experiences like a Marvel Universe in 4D movie and the Behind the Scenes Tour of how the figures are made will keep them entertained for hours. Learn more about Madame Tussauds New York and plan your visit here!

5. Yankee Stadium

For the teen who loves sports, grab a couple tickets to a Yankees game, and let them run amok in one of the world’s most famous ballparks! We highly recommend snagging tickets to a Stadium Tour before the game, which grants behind-the-scenes access to the home of the 27-time World Series Champions. Teens can explore the iconic Monument Park, hold historic baseball artifacts in their hands, and learn about the team’s history from a specialized tour guide.

Stadium tours run for 60 minutes and the Yankees play their regular season through September! Learn more about the tours and see the Yankees’ home schedule here!

6. SPYSCAPE

Does your teenager have what it takes to become the ultimate spy? SPYSCAPE is a thrilling world of immersive espionage where young ones can try their luck at laser maze challenges, code breaking tests, surveillance scouting, and so many more experiences. The thrilling 60,000 square foot museum brings teens right into the world of spies, hackers, and intelligence agents…helping develop their skills and personality traits into solving missions.

Learn more about SPYSCAPE and plan your visit here!

7. Ellen’s Stardust Diner & Broadway Show

Step into the world of music and dance with a doubleheader of Ellen’s Stardust Diner into a Broadway show! Teens will surely love a pre-theater meal at Ellen’s…which is the home of the original world-famous singing waitstaff. The 1950s retro themed restaurant has tons of history…seeing tons of Broadway, Off-Broadway, movies, and TV stars launch their careers a singer in the restaurant.

Their menu features all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner specials that are ideal for a pre-Broadway play. Since it’s only a stone’s throw away from the Theater District, parlay this meal into a teen-friendly Broadway show (we recommend The Lion King, Aladdin, or Wicked). See the full list of what’s on Broadway right now here.

8. New York Transit Museum

Your teen can explore the history of NYC’s transportation at the New York Transit Museum, literally located in a subway station in Brooklyn! This engaging and education museum is one of the most underrated in our opinion, and it’s a place where little ones can hop aboard vintage subway cars, get behind the driver’s seat of vintage bus, and check out historical exhibits and maps about the construction and engineering about the ever-important history of New York on the go.

9. Circle Line Cruise

Take a guided boat tour around NYC waters and get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Circle Line Cruises has plenty of teen-friendly boating options that include incredible water routes around the city, and even age-appropriate food and drink options aboard.

For some real fun, try out their speedboat ride called The Beast, which is a thrilling adventure through the Hudson River full of twists, turns, and lots of splashes! Learn more about The Beast here and all of Circle Line Cruises’ options here.

10. The Intrepid Museum

Housed aboard the historic air craft carrier USS Intrepid, this museum is dedicated to military aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime exhibits…making it one of the best for the most curious teens. They can spend hours here examining aircrafts, hands-on space explorations, and guided missile submarines. Chalk full of history, aviation, and space exploration themes, it’s perfect for young visitors eager to learn more about that sector of science! Learn more about The Intrepid Museum and plan your visit here.

The post 10 Best Things To Do With Teenagers In NYC Right Now appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here