Author: Site Adminstrator

We are 46 days away from the 2024 United States presidential election, so it’s time to get down to business and do all of your research before casting your ballot. 

Overwhelmed? That’s why we are here. 

Below, find a guide to this year’s presidential election—from how to locate your polling place to what, exactly, we’ll all be voting for.

How can I register to vote and what is the deadline?

You can register online, in person at your local election office or by mail by October 26. 

You can request a registration form by mail here or by calling 1-800-FOR-VOTE.

When can I vote?

Tuesday, November 5, from 6am to 9pm.

But early voting is between October 26 and November 3. Dates and hours may vary based on where you live.

Absentee applications must be postmarked by November 5 and you can apply for one in person by October 26. 

How can I vote?

In person: You can find your polling site here. 

Mail-in ballot/Absentee ballot: 

• Apply online or email your application in PDF format to Apply4Absentee@boe.nyc 
• Fax your application to 212-487-5349
• Mail it to your local borough office
• Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)

What do I need to vote?

If you’ve voted in New York before, you won’t need to provide an ID to vote.

If you’re a first-time voter who registered by mail and didn’t provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. (Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government documents that shows your name and address.)

Voters without ID: if you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.

How will I know that my mail-in ballot is counted?

The Board of Elections now has an online ballot tracker, which you can use by putting in your confirmation code and last name. It’s not a guarantee but at least you can keep track of your ballot.

And if you don’t want to mail in your ballot, you can drop it off at your poll site or your local Board of Elections office. The drop-off box will be red, white and blue with instructions that say “drop off your absentee ballot here.” 

What’s on the ballot this year?

• President
• U.S. Senate New York
• New York State City Civil Court
• New York Supreme Court
• Equal Protection of Law Amendment

You can see who specifically is on your ballot this year at ballotpedia.com.  

* This article was originally published here

For April Fools this year, the Empire State Building posted the following breaking news message on their Twitter/X:

BREAKING: We’re excited to announce the launch of the World’s Highest Rainforest Cafe right here at the Empire State Building

Check out our inaugural menu here: https://t.co/jDm0g3t7ca pic.twitter.com/QBPmQaJay9

— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) April 1, 2024

And while the posting may have been fake, the response was very real, with fans of the rainforest-themed chain pleading for a New York (though, there are two locations in New Jersey). Seemingly teasing us, earlier this month the cafe’s tree frog mascot, Cha! Cha!, was seen on TikTok walking around the city. But yesterday, our dreams finally came to fruition as the cafe finally announced that yes, it will be coming to NYC.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rainforest Cafe (@rainforest_cafe)

From October 3 to 6, the Rainforest Cafe will be landing at the Empire State Building. Housed on the 86th-floor Observatory Deck, the limited-time pop up will feature branded Rainforest Cafe x ESB merch, giveaways and food offerings (fingers crossed for the Rasta Pasta and dinosaur nuggets). And while it hasn’t been confirmed if it is possible to have an indoor rainstorm in the building, we can only hope that Cha! Cha! will make an appearance.

Reservation slots between 10am to 6pm are now live. Reserve your spot here.

* This article was originally published here

If you’re not ready for the festive summer vibes to end just yet and you still want to dance yourself clean (or dirty) night after night, here’s an idea: snag tickets to LCD Soundsystem’s just-announced NYC residency. 

For 12 glorious nights throughout November and December, the rock band will play its biggest hits on stage at the Knockdown Center in Queens.

RECOMMENDED: Over 50 New York bars are coming together to celebrate the espresso martini

LCD Soundsystem has been opting for residencies since 2021. Fans got to see them across different New York music venues, from Terminal 5 to the Brooklyn Steel. 

But this particular set of shows promises to be different. For one, the Knockdown Center, which is known for underground club events and electronic music concerts, is a departure from the more traditional indie venues the band has performed at in recent years. The former glass factory is one of the last remaining New York City clubs that stay open past 4am and its reputation is sure to draw in a varied crowd of club kids, die-hard LCD Soundystem fans and the type of people who can vibe out to good music for hours on end. That is to say: don’t expect the party to stop when the concert ends. 

Also exciting is the band’s decision to tap a series of surprise special guests to open each concert, effectively giving a platform to smaller musicians.

How to get tickets to the LCD Soundsystem residency at the Knockdown Center

Presale tickets will be available here starting Wednesday, September 25 at 10am EST. American Express card members will get first access starting Tuesday, September 24. 

Here are the residency dates:

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

* This article was originally published here

If you’ve been looking for a good excuse to escape New York City this fall, Norse Atlantic has got you covered: the airline is offering extremely discounted tickets from New York to Berlin just in time for Oktoberfest.

Fly from the Big Apple to the German capital for less than the price of an Uber that would take you to JFK on a bad day starting this weekend.  

RECOMMENDED: JetBlue will open its first-ever airport lounge at JFK in 2025

Munich’s world famous Oktoberfest starts on Saturday, September 21 and runs through Sunday, October 6. While the Norse Atlantic deals are to the city of Berlin, Munich is just a four-hour train ride from that city on the country’s clean and efficient rail service. Besides, Berlin itself is well worth a stay, especially if you’re a history buff or a nightlife aficionado. 

One way flights to the German capital on Norse Atlantic this season will go for as low as $119 in September and $142 in October.  

If you want to make the most out of a last minute trip to Oktoberfest, there are some key dates you should definitely keep in mind. The Parade of Landlords and Breweries kicks off on Saturday, September 21, and a big Okotoberfest march through Munich happens the following day, on September 22. The Oktoberfest landlord’s concert will happen on September 29 and the festival’s grand finale, which includes gunshots at the base of the Bavaria Statue, will take place on October 6.

Unlike many low cost airlines, you’ll actually be able to take carry on bags on your trip for free. Economy light bookings include a 22 pound carry-on item and a personal item that you can place under your seat. 

Luckily, Norse Atlantic exclusively flies Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircrafts, which include personal entertainment systems on all seats.

If you want to check out the deals, act fast, since Oktoberfest is just around the corner. To book your flight, visit Norse Atlantic’s website. 

* This article was originally published here

Though the NYC Ferry fare officially increased earlier this month, officials did promise that New Yorkers could expect service and vessel upgrades following the increase–and the first upgrade has officially been unveiled: travel guides.

“Since launching in 2017, NYC Ferry has proven to be a vital transportation resource for everyday New Yorkers,” said Timothy O’Brien, SVP of Ferries and Transportation, Hornblower Group back in April 2023, and while an average of 19,000 people hop aboard the ferry each weekday to enjoy stunning views of NYC along their travels, many people likely don’t even know what they’re actually looking at–but the NYC Ferry is here to change that.

NYC Ferry Travel Guides have just been released, each of which go into all the deets on what iconic landmarks and sights you’re passing while sailing to your destination. On the NYC Ferry site you’ll find a page dedicated to each route: East River, Astoria, South Brooklyn, Rockaway, Soundview, St.George, and Governors Island. Within each page are pictures of landmarks you’ll see along that corresponding route, along with a little blurb about each and how long of a walk that landmark is from a ferry stop.

For example, on the Astoria Route page you’ll see key attractions along the route including Carl Schurz Park, Gracie Mansion, The Noguchi Museum, Astoria Park, Roosevelt Island Tramway, Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and more.

Each guide can also be downloaded right onto your phone in PDF form with a map of your route, what each landmark is, and where each landmark is located.

The website writes:

Set sail with NYC Ferry and discover the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City. With daily routes connecting all five boroughs, you can easily navigate the city’s lively and diverse communities. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a day of sightseeing, you’ll encounter fascinating spots along the way—from bustling business districts and cultural landmarks to scenic parks and historic sites. For more tips on must-see destinations, including iconic New York City landmarks, check out our NYC Ferry travel guide.

So, while the NYC Ferry may cost more than the $2.90 you shell over for the subway–though not for long as the next subway fare hike is on its way–at least it’s much more of a pleasant journey! Explore the guides on the NYC Ferry website.

The post NYC Ferry’s New Travel Guides Bring Sightseeing To A Whole New Level appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here