“One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.” – Henry David Thoreau

It's the week before our holiday break and we're already in vacation mode. Here are some of the things we're thinking about before we take some time away from NYC, and before the start of the new year.

Treats & Eats 

1. Chocolate. I feel like I write about chocolate a lot but I don't consider myself a chocolate fiend..but maybe that's not true? Either way, here are my favorite winter chocolate spots, perfect for gift-giving as well as treating yourself while walking around the city: City Bakery, known for their amazing treats and more importantly, their hot cocoa where their skills are on display for 28 days during the Hot Chocolate Festival (every February) - since their version is very rich, I always ask them to mix it with some steamed milk; for those working up a sweat while shopping (who isn't on  these 60 degree days?), opt for the Jacques Torres  frozen hot chocolate. 

2. Wine. There's a wine for everyone, especially at Astor Wines where you can find the perfect wine with the help of their amazing sales associates. And with tasting events almost everyday, it's worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood just to check out their amazing selection of spirits and sakes. If you're looking for somewhere to sit and enjoy a glass, stop by Riddling Widow on Macdougal. This small room is not only intimate in feel, but is also very inviting, not at all standoffish, which can often easily happen with wine bars. "The [DeRossi team] says the space gives off an edgy vibe..red velvet couches, a black marble bar, black velvet wallpaper."

Sights & Sounds

In honor of the NYID extending it's cultural institutions program and adding 7 more locations in 2016, I would make an appointment to get a card ASAP and start grabbing those memberships. So far my top membership picks have to be..

1. BAM, where you can see regular movies for $7, 3D movies for $8, and get half price tickets to performances on the day of the show. This weekend, you can see the new Star Wars movie on the BAM Harvey Theater Steinberg Screen: a 35-foot-by-19-foot state-of-the-art movie screen located at the BAM Harvey Theater or see The Hard Nut: "Mark Morris Dance Group’s beloved retro-modern reimagining of The Nutcracker—based on the comic book art of Charles Burns and E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story" among many other performances.

2. Second on my list is Wave Hill, "Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Its mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts." With membership you get unlimited year round admission, discount on their concerts, lectures and workshops, free admission to the summer Sunset Wednesdays concert series and more. Make the most of this balmy xmas weather and take a picnic.

As always, if you'd like our help planning your weekend, or booking tickets, let us help!