NYC. Five Things To Do On A Cold Afternoon
By Erica and Karen
There’s never a shortage of places to go and things to see in NYC when it’s cold outside. Museums are plentiful, tickets are often available for Sunday matinees, and a new restaurant to try is always just a block or two—or a subway—away. Here are a few of our favorites.
Spyscape (55th Street and 8th Avenue). This spy experience is cool. The building is sleek, designed by David Adjaye (of African American History Museum fame). It’s interactive. Your spy acumen will be assessed at the end. (Ours didn’t go so well.) And it’s a bit of history— KGB and CIA stories, the Cuban missile crisis and related paraphernalia are all on display. Kids and adults both will have a grand time.
The Beekman Hotel (5 Beekman Street). Built in 1882 as a precursor to today’s skyscrapers, it was abandoned for decades and as a result is well preserved. The stained glass atrium is spectacular. Have a drink at the lobby bar and look up.
Sevilla (62 Charles Street). An old-fashioned Spanish restaurant that has been a Village institution since before we were born. Try the traditional paella but our favorite is the shrimp in green sauce. Don’t forget the sangria. Good any time of year.
The Noguchi Museum (Long Island City). Designed by the sculptor before his death, it’s a most zen space to spend an afternoon. See the beautiful Akari paper lanterns, on display through April 14. There’s also a gallery talk every Sunday at 2 pm so you can learn all about the artist and his work. The museum is a small jewel that’s rarely crowded. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, too.
Roman and Williams Guild (53 Howard Street). An absolutely gorgeous store/gallery, flower shop and cafe all rolled into one. You probably won’t buy anything, but the window shopping is fabulous. All in everything, curated by the two fabulous architects whose names it bears. When you’re finished there, walk down Howard Street. There’s a ton to see, from Rick Owens to Opening Ceremony, Tom Dixon to Oliver Gustav, Michele Varian.
If Chelsea is more your taste, make sure to pick up a coffee in the lobby of the The High Line Hotel (180 Tenth Ave at 20th Street). Next door is a wonderful small bookstore, 192 Books (192 Tenth), and an interesting clothing store, Muleh, stocking pieces perfect for us.
And remember, spring is here—though it doesn’t yet feel like it!