Author: Site Adminstrator

It’s no secret that New York is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, but it’s not often that we get cold, hard numbers to back that up. 

A new survey conducted by a Canada-based casino company looked into the luxury hotels that were tagged the most on Instagram and TikTok to determine which were the most “Instagrammable” throughout the U.S. Unsurprisingly, one New York hotel snatched the runner up position.

RECOMMENDED: A new flea market by the folks behind Brooklyn Flea is debuting in NYC next month

The second most Instagrammable luxury hotel, according to the survey, is none other than the iconic Plaza, which is tagged in a staggering 112,462 Instagram posts and 3,094 TikTok uploads. 

Obviously, we’ve known that The Plaza is that girl. Located on the northeastern corner of Central Park, the Plaza was built in 1905 and was designated an official landmark by the NY City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1969. In 2008, a $400 million renovation made the luxurious hotel even more fancy. It’s been featured in countless movies, from Home Alone to classics like South by Southwest.

What has always drawn locals and tourists to this world class hotel probably has something to do with its 24-karat gold-plated fixtures, its afternoon tea offerings and its spa and 24-hour fitness facilities. It’s one of the few places where you can experience old world hotel charm without having to snag a flight to Paris. 

The top spot in the U.S. went to the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which is known for its giant decadent water fountain shows and its kitschy, in-your-face Vegas charm. 

Amangiri Hotel in Canyon Point, Utah, which is located at the edge of some of the country’s most impressive natural canyons, landed in spot number three while the fourth spot went to the Beverly Hilton in California. 

Here are the top 10 most Instagrammable hotels in the U.S., according to the survey:

1. Bellagio — Las Vegas, Nevada

2. The Plaza — New York, New York

3. Amangiri— Canyon Point, Utah

4. Beverly Hilton — Beverly Hills, California

5. London House — Chicago, Illinois

6. Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California

7. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa — Rancho Santa Fe, California

8. Hotel Jerome — Aspen, Colorado

9. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore — Baltimore, Maryland

10. Waldorf Astoria Chicago — Chicago, Illinois

* This article was originally published here

In recent months, the city has seen its fair share of controversies surrounding casinos. That’s mostly because developers are furiously fighting for the one license that the city will grant to a gaming facility.

Among the most contentious casino proposals being spoken about right now is the giant $12 billion proposed complex in Hudson Yards that some fear would ruin coveted views of the city from the High Line and a project involving a casino and park in Citi Field that was first introduced in 2022.

Mets owner Steve Cohen has officially entered the chat, specifically addressing the latter proposal, which would be run by Hard Rock Entertainment and be a part of a larger potential complex called Metropolitan Park, according to amNewYork

RECOMMENDED: See renderings of the new electric train that will eventually connect Brooklyn and Queens

That park would include five acres of athletic fields, cycling paths and improved accessibility to the Mets-Willets subway station. 

What’s more, the area would also be home to a “Taste of Queens” food hall with local vendors, also functioning ass a live music venue. All in all, the proposed project would cost $8 billion and could create 23,000 permanent and temporary jobs in the borough. 

Although on paper, the proposal seems impressive and economically beneficial to the area, it has faced plenty of challenges. Earlier this year, state Senator Jessica Ramos spoke out against the building of the casino, saying that the borough would lose significant green space if it was built.

Meanwhile, Queens borough president Donovan Richards believes that the project would provide a necessary boost to the neighborhood, per Fox 5. 

Other proposed locations for the novel casino include Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Coney Island. 

Regardless of your stance on the matter, we have to admit that the newly released renderings look pretty impressive.  

* This article was originally published here

Shopping is a New York City staple activity, but it can definitely get pricey. If you’re looking to score some sweet deals on your favorite brands, you should consider making a trip to a New York State shopping outlets right near the city. These hotspots have everything…from luxury brands to everday essentials and make shopping on a budget loads of fun. We’ve put together a list of some of the best outlets near NYC (and in the state) that are worth a little day trip out of the city.

It’s time to get shopping!

1. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Just over an hour and a half from NYC, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is the gold standard of outlets, with over 220 stores taking up their massive 800,000 square foot property. The outlet features some of the most popular luxury and designer brands at savings of up to 65%, including Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Saks OFF 5^th, Victoria’s Secret, and Michael Kors.

Plus, it’s home to the largest collection of luxury outlets with more than 80 stores including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Prada, Burberry, Moncler, Alexander McQueen, Ferragamo and many more. Our recommendation is to grab this day trip pass, which brings you on a journey to the outlet for the day…which includes travel, a VIP Coupon Book, and more.

498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY

1 hour, 30 minutes

2. Empire Outlets

Would you believe that this shopping outlet is actually located in NYC?! Empire Outlets is only a short journey over to Staten Island, where a 350,000 square feet wonderland of shops await you. Some of their most popular stores include Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Nordstrom Rack, the Nike Factory Store, and many more. Plus, you can take the Staten Island Ferry right to the shopping center, making it easy to browse their indoor/outdoor retail stores.

It’s also home to MRKTPL, Staten Island’s first-ever food hall, as well as plenty of festive seasonal events, art installations, and much more.

55 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY

  30 minutes

3. Tanger Outlets Deer Park

Tanger Outlets Deer Park is Long Island’s best shopping outlet, and it’s home to plenty of recognizable names like Calvin Klein, Adidas, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Nike, and many more. There’s also a movie theater and plenty of community happenings happening too. If you don’t want to brave the drive, you can always take a train out there from Midtown for a day trip.

152 The Arches Cir, Deer Park, NY

  1 hour, 30 minutes

4. The Mills at Jersey Gardens

The Mills at Jersey Gardens is New Jersey’s largest outlet in the entire state, and has over 200 stores to choose from. It’s only about 45 minutes away in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is home to popular brands including Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Burlington Coat Factory, and Marshall’s, alongside fashion outlets like Michael Kors, Coach, and Kate Spade New York.

You can take a short bus ride from Port Authority Bus Terminal that will take you right there! They also have a 20-screen AMC Theatres featuring IMAX too.

651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ

45 minutes

5. Tanger Outlets Riverhead

Take a trip down Long Island to find Tanger Outlets Riverhead, another Tanger property that’s highly popular for its shopping options. The outlet has over 100 stores, including the likes of Adidas, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach, and H&M. They’re open 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Saturday, and 10 am – 7 pm on Sundays.

For the best shopping experience, try this incredible outlet shopping experience, which brings you on an opportunity to explore Long Island, visit a renowned winery, spot celebrities in Southampton and Sag Harbor, and shop at Tanger Outlets.

1770 W Main St, Riverhead, NY

  2 hours

The post 5 Best Shopping Outlets Near New York appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Dust off your boots and get ready to throw down at Bryant Park’s massive hoedown! This western-themed event is making its wild return after a five year hiatus on Thursday, September 26th from 5pm – 9pm.

data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAGw1zOuY0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bryant Park (@bryantparknyc)

What is Bryant Park’s Square Dance?

Square Dance is “Midtown’s biggest hoedown” thrown in Bryant Park. It typically draws anywhere from 1,000 – 2,000 participants and is free to the public. The entire park will be decorated with over 100 bales of hay and beautiful mums. Whether you’re coming with friends or the entire family, everyone is sure to have a howling good time!

Activities at Square Dance:

• Mechanical bull — you can also ride one at Brooklyn’s new western bar, Desert 5!
• Trick roping
• Corn hole and other lawn games
• Kids crafts
• Corn shucking contest
• Panning for gold
• Photo ops

What is the Square Dance stage schedule?

5pm: Hopalong Andrew – folk and western musician
6pm: Dave Harvey’s First Call
8pm: Dave Harvey’s Second Call

Will there food at Bryant Park’s Square Dance?

Yes. Country-inspired bites from Hester Street Fair will be available to snack on. For those 21+, Stout NYC will have beer and wine for purchase.

Is there a dress code for Square Dance?

Though no dress code will be enforced, western themed attire is highly encouraged. Complimentary bandanas will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Hats will be available for purchase as well.

If you remember correctly, this isn’t the first time New Yorkers are invited to have a dance party at Bryant Park. A three-week dance celebration took over the park this past spring. And don’t forget, just a month after Square Dance, Bryant Park will reopen its magical Winter Village for an early start to the holiday season!

The post Bryant Park’s Folksy Western Hoedown Returns After A 5-Year Hiatus appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

It’s quite literally impossible to avoid traffic delays in NYC (especially considering it’s the worst city for driving to begin with and is the most congested city in the world) and unfortunately there’s no light at the end of the tunnel here–that’s according to the list of Gridlock Alert Days recently released by the NYC DOT, the first of which begin as early as this week.

Beginning today, Monday, September 23rd, New York drivers should expect “extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan” due to the United Nations General Assembly taking place now through Friday, September 27th. NYC DOT is strongly encouraging drivers to instead use alternate modes of transportation, such as regional rail lines, the subway and bus system, ferries (which now have new travel guides that bring sightseeing to a whole new level), cycling, and walking.

The United Nations General Assembly is hosted in New York City each year, and during this time Midtown traffic speeds reach their slowest point of the year with speeds averaging under 4 four miles per hour–which, if you ask us, is much slower than the average New Yorker walks and honestly not much slower than Midtown traffic on a normal day, which averages between four and six miles per hour.

Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein stated:

Each year, New York City proudly hosts the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring our position as a global city and the home to the world’s largest diplomatic community. We also acknowledge the impact of [it] on the routine of New Yorkers. We are grateful to our colleagues at the NYC DOT for sharing this advance notification for drivers that will ensure a safe and productive UN General Assembly experience for everyone.

Beyond this week, NYC DOT has identified 15 additional Gridlock Alert Days through the end of the year, right when tourist levels rise and holiday activities start to kick in around the city. On the bright side, we’ll at least have a month off of worrying about gridlock delays during October, perfect for ensuring we have all the time in the world to make it to all those spooky NYC events.

The 2024 Gridlock Alert Days are as follows:

• Monday, September 23
• Tuesday, September 24
• Wednesday, September 25
• Thursday, September 26
• Friday, September 27
• Wednesday, November 20
• Thursday, November 21
• Friday, November 22
• Tuesday, November 26
• Tuesday, December 3
• Wednesday, December 4
• Thursday, December 5
• Friday, December 6
• Tuesday, December 10
• Wednesday, December 11
• Thursday, December 12
• Friday, December 13
• Tuesday, December 17
• Wednesday, December 18
• Thursday, December 19

NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated:

We strongly encourage New Yorkers and those in the region to travel by transit every day of the year—but it’s especially important during Gridlock Alert days…New Yorkers should do their part in minimizing congestion and seeking alternative modes of transportation.

Variable Message System boards are posted around New York City warning drivers of expected delays. More information is posted on NYC DOT’s website.

The post Havoc Ensues With NYC Gridlock Delays Beginning This Week With The UN General Assembly appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

If you’re fascinated by astronomy, get ready for an exciting event: two moons are set to orbit Earth later this month! And no this isn’t an illusion—it’s actually asteroid 2024 PT5, known as a ‘mini-moon.’

When will Earth get a second moon?

A team of scientists discovered properties of 2024 PT5 while routinely monitoring new found objects. Researchers expect the new mini-moon to remain in Earth’s orbit and accompany our moon from September 29th to November 25th—just days before Turkey Day!

“The object that is going to pay us a visit belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary asteroid belt made of space rocks that follow orbits very similar to that of Earth at an average distance to the sun of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers),” research lead author and Universidad Complutense de Madrid professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos informed Space.com. “Objects in the Arjuna asteroid belt are part of the near-Earth object population of asteroids and comets.”

2024 PT5 isn’t expected to make a full rotation around Earth, but rather follow the path of a “horseshoe,” writes NPR.

Will you be able to see the 2024 mini-moon?

Let’s be clear that 2024 PT5 won’t be visible to the naked eye. Only professional astronomer telescopes will be able to catch 2024 PT5. The asteroid will span 33 feet long. For context, the moon is believed to have a diameter of around 2,159.2 miles.

If the blazing 38,000mph meteor that raced across NYC skies this July gave you a scare, rest assured 2024 PT5 will not be colliding with Earth whatsoever.

This isn’t the first time Earth has taken a second, mini-moon. The former was known as 2020 CD3, another space rock that temporarily ended up in our orbit for a little over a year until March of 2020. It’s believed that 2024 PT5 will actually return in Earth’s orbit in 2055.

And while 2024 PT5 orbits Earth, you won’t want to miss the Blood Moon on October 17th, following September’s supermoon eclipse that has already passed.

The post Two Moons Will Simultaneously Orbit Earth This Fall appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Though NYC claims to never sleep, I think we can all agree we’ve found ourselves cursing out our local dines for closing before midnight. However, there was always one establishment that kept true to NYC’s 24-hour reputation, and that is Kellogg’s Diner.

Now that’s not to say this nearly century-old diner didn’t face many challenges: pandemic restrictions, Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and so on. The establishment even went up for sale last year after former owner, Irene Siderakis, owed creditors $750,000. But again it prevails, as Chef Jackie Carnesi and Louis Skibar have stepped in to save the day.

As a Texas native, Carnesi has created a new menu with a Tex-Mex flair. Diners can dig into breakfast staples with a twist, like fresh waffles topped topped with tea-brined fried chicken thigh, whipped honey butter and maple syrup or the cornflake crusted Texas french toast with cream cheese whip and fruit jam.

For savory items, sink your teeth into the Kellogg’s Burger, flat nachos and the honey butter chicken biscuit. But if you’re going to eat anything, you must dive into the dessert menu: strawberry pretzel salad, passionfruit ice box cake, red eye chocolate cake and more.

“There are so many different flavors of American diners, and we wanted to broaden the scope,” Carnesi told Eater. “It is not about reinventing any wheels: I just want to remind people of home and keeping it simple, just done really well.”

For libations, what’s a visit to a diner without ordering an egg cream or a milkshake? But if you’re feeling a bit frisky you can get a drink from the cocktail menu, featuring sips such as an old fashioned with a marshmallow garnish, lychee martini and so on.

The interior has been revamped while still keeping it’s historic charm and original layout. Countertops that were once blue now shine pink, as you can choose to sneak away into a plush booth or belly up to the bar top. Hours of operation are currently 5pm – 11pm. However, Kellogg’s Diner intends to return to 24/hour service.

So, are you wondering how to score a seat at one of the hottest, yet old-fashioned diners in NYC? Reservations for Kellogg’s Diner drop on Resy one month in advance. However, walk-ins are totally welcome. You will find it at the corner of Metropolitan and Union Avenues, where it’s remained since 1928.

The post Brooklyn’s Nearly Century-Old Kellogg’s Diner Makes A Major Comeback appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here