When travel resumes again, in New York City and beyond, places offering overnight lodgings will be very different. Whether it is camping vehicles or live-in yachts, hotels or home rentals, the hospitality industry is trying to figure out how to regain customer confidence.
Among the many ideas industry professionals are suggesting, the most evident is the need to adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness; these will be the newest branders of quality accommodations.
For their part, hotels are tapping professional and industrial-grade cleaning supplies and services. Housekeeping staffs are being trained in new cleaning requirements and being equipped with proper personal protective gear. Some hotels are working with big-name companies in the health and hygiene industries to ensure safety. Other hotels have introduced “room seals,” similar to those found on food products, attesting to clients that no one has entered the room since it was last cleaned. Disinfectant wipes are being placed in frequently touched areas like elevators and passageways.
The fact that businesses are eager to reopen is understandable. The fact that the clientele is returning is a sign that New Yorkers are equally eager to resume some sense of normalcy.
Since March, eateries have only been allowed to offer takeout and delivery services. Now, as the city is poised to gradually reopen, some business owners have taken matters into their own hands. Throughout New York City, restaurants and bars have taken over the now nearly empty sidewalks. Recently proposed legislation will have the city identify sidewalks, streets, and plazas for table service so restaurants can meet capacity and social distancing regulations. The process of acquiring permits for these spaces will be streamlined.
Already, some restaurant owners are allowing diners to linger for an extra round or two and serving food through doors and windows. In the city’s hippest areas, patrons are congregating outside bars- with no seating- being served by masked bartenders passing drinks out the door.
Clothing stores have also taken to the outdoors, setting up racks outside. Touchless browsing is now the standard for shoppers; masks (and in some cases gloves) will be required in most indoor shops.
The temperature in New York is slowly rising and the sun is shining more as the days are getting longer. Despite all the corona-chaos, which has slowed the dizzying pace of New York City, Spring is most definitely in the air. The grasses are green, the flowers are blooming, and now we have the opportunity to enjoy it. Here are a few tips for having a safe New York City picnic this spring.
Location, Location, Location
Pick a spot that is not heavily visited and far from foot trafficked paths. Central Park has a lot of different areas and spaces. A full list of picnic parks is available here, but make sure to check each website to determine opening hours. Also consider putting your blanket down in a neighborhood park. If you are still not ready to venture outside, you can have a virtual picnic with friends by pulling up some an outdoor environment, like an aquarium webcam or a video tour of a national park and playing some nature sounds.
Time it Right
Everyone is looking to get outdoors after weeks of being cloistered at home. To avoid crowds, schedule an early morning breakfast picnic, or an after-dinner picnic party for dessert.
Be Selfish
Like all good potluck meals, picnics are fun because of the sharing. But now, more than ever, double-dipping and communal bowls should be avoided. Build a menu that focuses on individual servings. Pre-pack finger foods for each picnicker; slice and wrap any baked goods before heading out.
Plan to Play
Nobody should be touching public park equipment during this time; balls and frisbees pass through too many hands to be safe. That is why it is important to plan some entertainment for the kids. Apps like Heads Up!, a guessing game, and Midpoint, a word-association game offer fun activities for all ages. You can also go with classics like charades or I Spy.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The corona lockdown has been very good for the environment, reducing pollution and hazardous toxins. Do your part to keep that momentum going. If at all possible, consider using real dishes and cutlery. If you must go with disposable, opt for biodegradable products instead of plastics. Obviously, clear all waste to a garbage can and make sure you leave your picnic site clean for future visitors.
The coronavirus pandemic is restricting travel, limiting gatherings, and changing the way we experience the world. With new public health and safety instructions being announced every day, the city that never sleeps is definitely slowing down.
Thankfully modern technology is making it possible for many of these museums, parks, and libraries to offer virtual access to their venues, galleries, and collections. While we all engage in social distancing and try to remain entertained and energetic, these virtual NY experiences are a great way to stay connected.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is offering virtual access to its building and exhibits
The parks are open, but outdoor gatherings and unnecessary exposure are not recommended. If you are feeling pent-up indoors, you can still go on a virtual tour of the High Line elevated park through Google Arts & Culture. New York favorites Central Park and the Staten Island Greenbelt are also open virtually through the New York City Parks Department.
Central Park’s benches are empty, but virtual access is still available
It is not often that you are given an opportunity to be a“Tourist In Your Own Town.” The New York Landmarks Conservancy has a series by that name, giving tours of historic landmarks such as President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace and the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum. Most of the concerts scheduled by the 92nd Street Y will be live-streamed with no audience.
Vacationing in New York City is always fun. But sometimes the real-life chores like laundry and groceries can confound even the most seasoned traveler.
The laundry is customer and community focused, with regular open-to-the-public events held in the bright, airy, well decorated venue. Upstairs, in the mezzanine, the Clean Café offers an enticing café menu. With an outdoor sitting area in the garden, customers can catch some quiet outdoor time while waiting for the rinse cycle to end. The food is prepared by a nutritionist- chef and the coffee is roasted by Caffe Vita, a roaster committed to working with farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Celsious washers and dryers feature energy-efficient technology.
The blockbuster movie “Joker” hit theaters in October. And while the Oscar buzz about the film continues to circulate, the stairs in the movie are emerging as a new New York City tourist attraction.
The stairs connect Shakespeare and Anderson avenues at West 167th Street in the Bronx.
Be like Joker in New York City
Just like no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to the “Rocky” stairs, your next visit to New York should include at least a few instagrammable shots at Joker’s steps. While in the Bronx you can also visit the famous Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.
It is busy, it is bustling, it is even a bit brassy, but New York City winter is also irresistible. Here are some tips to have the best time in New York City this (and every) winter season.
Come Prepared: The previous tip notwithstanding, expect long lines and crowded attractions. Dress in layers and bundle up warmly. It can get mighty cold outside as you visit many of the outdoor attractions, especially those that are prettiest at night.
Make a List: Check it Twice: New York’s winter markets are charming venues worth exploring. They are filled with local artists and designers selling gifts and trinkets that you and your family will adore. Grand Central Terminal holds a unique Holiday Fair, in the stunning Vanderbilt Hall, focusing on socially responsible business and handmade craft gifts.
The wind-down of every calendar year is an exciting time in New York City. Come enjoy the post-Thanksgiving magical air; see the city transformed into a singing, dancing, sparkling Tinseltown.
With its glamorous cast of models, exuberant palette of colors, and high-energy environment, Fashion Week is always an exciting time to be in New York. And there is good news for all the fashionistas and style trendsetters who haven’t been invited to the main event(s). Whether looking to experience the marvel of New York in the winter, or staying in the cozy comforts of home, New York Fashion Week is only as far as the nearest smartphone. Heed, an app offering real-time, closeup glimpses of the looks and designs on the runway this winter.
Once reserved for fashion insiders, big-name stars of Hollywood, and models, New York Fashion Week is now accessible to any Heed user. The app allows users to watch the models backstage and on the runway, buy certain pieces immediately after the show, chat with industry leaders and stylists, and get opinions from fashion mavens.
New York City is full of noteworthy places to take fun and beautiful pictures. With so many quaint corners and iconic buildings, it is no wonder that Big Apple has so many Instagram-worthy spots for any visitor. Try these top picks:
#1: #GrandCentral— Not all train stations are created equal. Grand Central Terminal is an international architectural beauty known for its glorious façade and remarkable main lobby.
#2: #FlatIronBuilding—the
building, shaped like a common household appliance, was designed in 1902 by
architect Daniel Burnham and remains one of Manhattan’s most memorable
landmarks to this day.
#3: #DUMBO—an acronym for the Down Under
Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO), this history-filled ex-warehouse neighborhood
is now home to art galleries and artisanal coffee shops.
#4: #TheOculus—standing
where the 9/11 attacks occurred, The Oculus is a transport hub and the new
World Trade Center. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the building is
an impressive and significant site for Insta stories.
#5: #WallStreet – get up close and personal with the legendary Charging Bull or just walk around the cobblestone streets.
#6: #NYPublicLibrary—continuing on the animal-sightings, come snap a picture with the celebrated Library Lions standing guard outside the third largest library in the world.
Between photo shoots, whether you are looking for a place to sleep or a place to eat, you should check out any of the Triumph Hotels or Hotel Chandler in Manhattan. Luxurious amenities alongside personalized service make them the perfect option on an instagramable tour of New York. Chic, trendy, and tasteful, these hotels are great for tourists or veteran New Yorkers.
