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NYC is home to so many options of entertainment, it’s kind of overwhelming! From live entertainment like Broadway to individualized experiences like escape rooms and virtual reality adventures, there’s so much fun to be had. We’re talking thrilling and immersive games and simulations that can take you out of the Big Apple for a little while and into a brand new world.

Perfect for date night, a work outing, or even just a fun activity with some friends, the city’s VR studios are such a mesmerizing way to transport to a different environment without ever leaving NYC. Here’s our favorite places to book a VR experience right now.

1. Escape Virtuality

Get ready to break into the unknown as you take on cutting edge VR experiences with Escape Virtuality. They offer 1 hour, 2 hour, and all-day passes where you can choose your adventure…including “thrilling first-person shooters, cosmic space travel, adrenaline-pumping extreme sports, heart-pounding racing simulators, and spine-tingling horror experiences.”

They have both stationary and free-roam VR experiences which make for some of the most memorable and mesmerizing challenges, walk-throughs, and games in the city. Play Fruit Ninja, walk an 80 story high plank over skyscrapers, or even try to stay sane in the free-roam Insantitarium…there’s so much to pick from.

Check out Escape Virtuality’s full list of experiences and book your visit here!

Where: 130 W 29th St

2. Tidal Force VR

Tidal Force VR is right in the heart of Manhattan, and their multiplayer VR experiences make for lots of fun with groups of up to 6. For $50/hour you can chose 1, 2, or 3 hour long sessions where you can compete (or work together) with your group to take on challenging worlds.

Their VR games are all made in-house with a motto of “multiplayer, walk-the-room, immersive” in the forefront. Some of their most popular worlds include the namesake “Tidal Force” world which is an escape room-style adventure with timed challenges, as well as “Defense” a co-op style world where you and your crew aim to defend oppressors from taking over a space station.

Learn more about Tidal Force VR and see all of their awesome experiences here.

Where: 166 5th Ave, 2nd Floor

3. Bubble Planet

As you can imagine, Bubble Planet is a step right into a world of magic and fun. It’s happening at the American Dream mall in New Jersey right now, and alongside their playful bubble installations like a “Bubble Ocean,” LED room, and massive “Bubble Bath” ball pit (plus more), they have a rad VR experience which lets you virtually hop into the Bubble Planet head first.

In the 10 minute experience, you yourself become a bubble as you navigate a world full of exuberant colors and elements. Float through celestial spheres, underwater utopias, and outer-planet worlds like never before. Learn more about Bubble Planet and how to book your visit here!

Buy your tickets to Bubble Planet here!

Where: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ

4. Immersive Gamebox

This spot in the Lower East Side has locations around the world, and their NYC location is full of 30, 60, and 90 minute virtual reality experiences that are worth your while. Perfect for all ages, you can choose from their catalogue of games which ranges from Black Mirror-branded experiences to virtual renditions of Tetris.

Sessions start at just $42.99 for adults and they even offer a special “Summer Pass” right now which grants kids 6 visits to Immersive Gamebox for only $100! Check out all of their virtual reality experiences and book your time here.

Where: 81 Essex St

5. Sandbox VR

You’ll have to head outside of the city to visit Sandbox VR, but it’s totally worth the under 1 hour drive to Paramus, New Jersey. Their futuristic VR experience is perfect for groups (can support up to 6), where their Hollywood motion capture cameras, 3D precision body trackers, custom hardware, and haptic suits actually make you feel completely full-body immersed.

The VR studio itself is inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck according to their website, and their experiences they provide have been carefully created by the world’s most renowned video game developers like EA, Sony, and Ubisoft. Their most notable adventure right now (which we highly recommend) is an officially Netflix-partnered Squid Games experience, but there’s plenty of others too like a Star Trek journey and kid-friendly pirate hunt. Learn more about Sandbox VR’s experiences and plan your visit here!

Where: 305 Route 17 South, Paramus, NJ

6. RiseNY

RiseNY’s virtual reality experience is a bit more unique in that it’s more than just through a headset…it’s a full blown ride through the history of NYC! Once you take a seat on their immersive VR ride set, you’ll be taken through a 4D experience on their 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome. You’ll go soaring over 1950s New York and see 8K aerial footage of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and more iconic landmarks of NYC.

The immersion here is next level…giving you the sights and smells of the Big Apple like never before. We’re talking virtual views of iconic NYC events like the 4th of July Fireworks and the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, from a bird’s eye view. Learn more about RiseNY (and all their other amazing NYC-themed exhibits) here!

Where: 160 W 45th St

The post 6 Captivating VR Experiences In NYC To Step Into Right Now appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Get a little slice of relaxation in the heart of bustling Downtown. There are many free things to do this summer at the World Trade Center Oculus. From enjoying wellness activities to shopping, film, and food, there’s plenty that will enrich the rest of your summer. The World Trade Center Oculus is located at 50 Church Street.

For the rest of the summer and into the fall, Wellness Wednesdays offers a wide range of fitness and wellness classes. Go here for a full list of programming here! Join in Sputnik Flow yoga, Somatic Movement which combines dance and yoga, and Elevé Sculpt which is a full-body workout.  You can even learn Argentine Tango at an introductory class and Yang Yin which involves breathwork and longer balancing yoga.

On certain Friday Nights and Saturday afternoons during the summer, film fans will get a taste of Oculus Outdoors which will show different films. Bring chairs and blankets and get comfy at this unique movie experience! RSVPing is recommended which you can find out about here as well as the full list of films shown.

Wellness Wednesdays and Oculus Outdoors occur at the North Oculus Plaza. This is located outside the Oculus on Fulton St., between Church and Greenwich Streets.

From fitness and film to food! Under the wings of the Oculus, find the Greenmarket at the Oculus open every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are dairy products from New York family farmers at GrowNYC and a variety of seasonal produce, baked goods, and more!

Also for foodies, Smorgasburg is back on Fridays and select Thursdays over the summer featuring eats from over 30 local vendors. From C Bao, D’Abruzzo, Everything Oxtail to plenty of BBQ options, seafood bites and so much more! A full list of vendors and more info can be found here. Everybody is a summer body so bring on that Lobster Roll!

Get a little slice of community and even tranquility in Downtown Manhattan throughout the week at the World Trade Center, go here for a full calendar list of events and additional info.

Don’t miss out on all of these exciting happenings at the Oculus!

See Also: Free Outdoor Movies Coming To NYC Parks This Summer

The post Here Are The Top Free Things To Do At World Trade Center This Summer appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Life in Midtown Manhattan will get a little sweeter as of August 6 when the first-ever Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in New York makes its decadent debut at the Empire State Building. This beloved brand currently operates 16 sweets shops across the nation, mostly in California, and this store will be its northeast debut.

Expect the Empire State Building shop to become a go-to spot for milkshakes, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, hot fudge sundaes, and, of course, those classic foil-wrapped chocolate squares. Before it opens in a few weeks (at 10am on Tuesday, August 6 with 102 free sundaes, by the way), here’s a sneak peek at the stunningly beautiful shop. 

RECOMMENDED: The 14 best chocolate shops in NYC

Decadent treats

It’s all about the chocolate here—dark chocolate, mint chocolate, milk chocolate caramel, white chocolate, dark chocolate raspberry, the list goes on. Brightly colored chocolate squares in clear bins serve as eye candy upon entering the store. You can grab a bag to fill up with your own pick-and-mix assortment of candies (for $12.95/half-pound) or buy a pre-packed mix to take home.

In addition to chocolates, Ghirardelli is known for its hot fudge sundaes, and you’ll get to pick from a variety of sundae options here. There’s the classic World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, the Chocolate Lover’s Hot Fudge Sundae, the Gold Rush Caramel Almond Sundae, and the Mint Bliss Hot Fudge Sundae, just to name a few. 

Other options include milkshakes and frozen hot cocoa. There’s even a bakery with treats like brownies and cookies. 

A beautiful design

The interior design spotlights chocolate in creative ways. For example, chocolate caramels in gold wrappers fill a replica of the Empire State Building, making the Art Deco design really shine. Decorative wooden panels shaped like square chocolates look practically bite-able. Classic blue-and-gold tiles wrap around the bar, evoking the brand’s colors.

A neon sign reads “Ghirardelli Makes Life a Bite Better in New York,” which feels pretty apt once you’ve bitten into a piece of this chocolate. Another sign explains how to pronounce the brand’s name: “Say Gear-Ar-Delly!” 

With tables and barstools, there’s plenty of room to sit down and enjoy a sweet treat while you’re there. 

An homage to Ghirardelli’s California roots

The company dates back to 1852 when it was founded in San Francisco by Domingo Ghirardelli. A replica of the historic Ghirardelli marquee sign evokes its California heritage. Ghirardelli, an Italian immigrant, decided to bring his love of chocolate to California amid the Gold Rush era, Steve Genzoli, the company’s vice president of quality assurance explained at a preview event. 

The company says it is dedicated to using high-quality and sustainably sourced cocoa beans to ensure a rich and velvety chocolate flavor.

How to find it

Find NYC’s Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop on the ground floor of the Empire State Building (20 West 34th Street). The store will be open from 9am-11pm Sunday-Thursday and 9am-midnight on Friday and Saturday.  

* This article was originally published here

It’s time to Oc-topi Wall Street!

Gillie and Marc, the renowned artistic duo known for a number of larger-than-life wildlife sculptures, are exhibiting an array of animal sculptures outside the World Trade Center, including the world’s largest octopus sculpture!

The exhibition named “Wildlife Wonders” includes three interactive bronze works from other pieces that feature their main two iconic characters, Rabbitwomen and Dogman, as well as sculptures of a range of endangered species. The spotlight, however, is on the giant octopus, which spans a whopping 36 feet and weighs around 7 tons. Woven throughout the animal’s eight tentacles are numerous endangered species, like rhinos and zebras.

It will be on display on the South Oculus Plaza from July 16, 2024, through July 31, 2025.  

RECOMMENDED: An Endangered tree kangaroo has been born at the Bronx Zoo

The creative pair are known for their celebration of wildlife conservation, where they prove that art can inspire positive change. While their sculptures are first and foremost to raise awareness about conservation they also welcome a playful response with their interactive qualities.

“In the last 50 years, wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% globally. We are now facing the world’s sixth mass extinction,” Gillie stated. “This crisis is beyond description, yet we remain hopeful and committed to witnessing change within our lifetimes. We trust that our art and the stories we tell can inspire people to engage in vital conversations and take meaningful action.” Their exhibitions both raise awareness and celebrate the beauty of wildlife. 

Along with the main piece “The Arms of Friendship,” the two others are titled “The Wild Table of Love” and “The Hippo Was Hungry To Try New Things With Rabbitwoman.” The former is a banquet scene with a bronze table set for both humans and animals. Like the tentacles, the sculpture welcomes you to sit and invites the viewer to join in on the festivities. All these whimsical scenes are made to put a playful spin on the discussion of wildlife conservation.  

Go check out these wondrous sculptures and remind yourself of the whimsy and awe of wildlife, maybe even sit on a tentacle or two.

* This article was originally published here

It’ll soon be more expensive to ride the NYC Ferry as they recently announced that a fare hike will go into effect this September, raising single-trip tickets to $4.50 from $4.

Beyond single-trip tickets, a ten-trip ticket bundle will also increase from $27.50 to $29.00, making each ticket $2.90–the same price as subway and bus fares (though it won’t be long until another subway fare hike is expected to take place).

Not everyone will have to shell out $4.50, however.

The NYC Ferry offers a discount program in which seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income travelers can purchase ferry tickets for only $1.45. High school students citywide will also have access to reduced fares during weekday travel to and from school beginning Sunday, September 1st (applications for this program open on Thursday, August 1st on the NYC Student Account portal).

According to NY1, NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball stated that, on the bright side, New Yorkers can expect service and vessel upgrades following the fare increase, one of these upgrades being the return of the Rockaway Rocket with two new stops. Kimball stated:

We will continue to build upon NYC Ferry Forward’s successes with new initiatives that support our mission of increasing access while fostering a fiscally sustainable citywide ferry system. And with the return of the Rockaway Rocket and other improved vessel upgrades, there is no better way to get around New York City this summer than aboard a NYC Ferry.

Other enhanced services include free WiFi on all vessels, expanded language support, and automated audio-visual announcements for upcoming stops.

NY1 writes that “riders will also be able to access real-time schedule updates via text or automated voice services, with future updates allowing real-time availability checks for seats on vessels and bike parking spots through the NYC Ferry app” later this summer.

The NYC Ferry fare hike will go into effect on Monday, September 9th.

The post NYC Ferry Fare Rises To $4.50 This September appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

One thing we all dread in the summertime is the endlessly itchy mosquito bites, and this summer you’re going to want to load up on the bug spray more than ever before as West Nile Virus has been detected in all five NYC boroughs.

From how you can contract it to what symptoms you should keep an eye on, here’s everything you need to know about West Nile virus:

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. and can cause neurological disease and sometimes even death in people. It’s commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.

WNV is maintained in nature in a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes. Humans, horses and other mammals can be infected.

How do you get West Nile virus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans can possibly contract West Nile virus from being bitten by a mosquito who has fed on infected birds. The virus eventually gets into the mosquito’s salivary glands which then may be injected into humans and animals when they bite you.

The virus may also be transmitted through contact with other infected animals, their blood, or other tissues.

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Which mosquito causes West Nile virus?

Though any infected mosquito can transmit WNV, mosquitoes of the genus Culex are generally considered the principal vectors, in particular Cx. Pipiens.

When is the typical West Nile virus season in NYC?

According to the NYC Health Department, West Nile season in NYC occurs between May and October.

What are the odds of getting the West Nile virus?

According to Web MD, the chances of getting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite are slim as even in areas where the virus is circulating very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus.

Even if the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill.

When do the first signs of the West Nile virus appear?

If you get bitten by a mosquito with West Nile, symptoms will usually appear between three and fifteen days after the bite.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

About 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Body aches
• Nausea & vomiting
• Skin rash (on the trunk of the body)
• Swollen lymph glands

1 in 150 persons infected with the West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of disease, also called neuroinvasive disease, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis. These symptoms include:

• Headache
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness and paralysis

However, approximately 80% of infected people don’t show any symptoms.

How do you diagnose West Nile virus?

The WHO writes that West Nile virus can be diagnosed with a number of different tests, including:

• IgG antibody sero-conversion (or significant increase in antibody titers) in two serial specimen collected at a one week interval by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Neutralisation assays
• Vviral detection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay
• Virus isolation by cell culture

How do you treat West Nile virus?

There is typically no treatment for West Nile–most people who become infected will get better on their own.

However, patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus require close monitoring, according to the CDC, and may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.

Can West Nile be transmitted person to person?

A very small proportion of human infections have occurred through organ transplant, blood transfusions, and breast milk, but, to date, no human-to-human transmission of WNV through casual contact has been documented.

Who is most likely to get very sick from the West Nile virus?

The more severe form of the virus can occur in people of any age, however people over the age of 50 and some immunocompromised persons (for example, transplant patients) are at the highest risk for getting severely ill when infected with WNV.

Can my pet be infected?

The NYS Department of Health writes that pets occasionally get WNV from mosquito bites, but they very rarely get sick.

Horses are more susceptible to serious illness from WNV than are dogs and cats, however, a vaccine is available for them.

Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?

Though vaccines are available for use in horses, they’re not yet available for people.

How do you reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus?

To reduce the risk of contracting WNV, people are encouraged to protect themselves against mosquito bites in the first place by doing the following:

• Using mosquito nets
• Using EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients:
  • DEET
  • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)—A plant-derived ingredient
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone—A plant-derived ingredient
• Wearing light colored clothing (particularly long-sleeved shirts and pants)
• Avoiding outdoor activity at peak biting times (around dusk and dawn)
• Wearing gloves and other protective clothing when handling sick animals or their tissues

What is NYC doing to control mosquitos?

The NYC Health Department monitors mosquito populations and applies pesticides during the summer, reducing the number of mosquitoes and lessening the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The next scheduled events are as follows:

• Monday, July 22: Mosquito Spraying in Staten Island (ZIP Codes: 10301, 10302, 10310 and 10314)
• Wednesday, July 24: Mosquito Spraying in Staten Island (ZIP Codes: 10307, 10309, 10312, and 10314)

You can learn more about West Nile virus here.

The post West Nile Virus Has Been Detected In All 5 Boroughs–Here’s What You Need To Know appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Though the 2024 Summer Olympics, officially branded as Olympic Games Paris 2024, is set to take place in France from July 26th through August 11th (with some competitions starting as early as July 24th), us New Yorkers will have a chance to partake in festivities without hopping on a flight!

This July, Rockefeller Center will be totally transformed into the U.S. home for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 so we don’t have to miss out on any of the action.

Throughout the Games, Rockefeller Center will welcome Team USA fans to explore everything from Parisian food and photo-ops to Paris-themed watch parties and more. Think about how a photo next to a replica Eiffel Tower or Olympic medal podium will zhuzh up your Instagram feed!

Plus, an enormous Olympic Rings display will be located on Center Plaza after previously stopping at numerous major events including The PLAYERS Championship, Kentucky Derby, and Indianapolis 500.

Lyndsay Signor, Senior Vice President, Consumer Engagement, NBC Sports, stated:

Transforming iconic Rockefeller Center into our U.S. home for the Paris Olympics gives Team USA fans a chance to interact with our coverage of the Games even though the Games are taking place thousands of miles away. The interactive events, photo-ops, and athlete visits will give Team USA fans an immersive Parisian experience and the ability to cheer on the world’s best athletes at one of the most recognizable locations in New York.

But arguably the best part: there will even be athlete visits!

Rockefeller Center will welcome home many Team USA Olympic athletes as they return to the U.S. after competing against the world’s best in Paris. Interactive exhibits will give fans the chance to meet select Team USA athletes at Top of the Rock, The Rink, and more.

And, after meeting your fav athletes, you can grab a drink at The Rink’s Parisan-themed patio and bar complete with viewing screens to cheer on Team USA athletes, numerous spots for photo-ops, and an area for fans to compete against each other in table games.

EB Kelly, Head of Rockefeller Center and Senior Managing Director at Tishman Speyer, stated:

As soon as the 2024 Olympic Games torch is lit, Rockefeller Center will become the best place in the country to cheer on our fellow Americans. We’re thrilled to partner with NBCUniversal on an immersive, interactive, and incredibly exciting experience for all who come to the Center during the Olympics, and look forward to celebrating USA victories in the heart of the city this summer.

The interactive activities and themes will run from the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26th, until the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, August 11th at The Rink.

The post Rockefeller Center Will Transform Into The Ultimate Olympics Hub With Athlete Visits, Parisian Food, Photo-Ops, & More appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here