Getting through New York’s gloomy season takes creativity. Luckily there are plenty of ways you can stay active and boost your mood. Ice Skating in the park or going to the museum might be the quintessential New York experience, but if you seek something different save this list for your next cold weather outing.
For a tranquil and social experience visit a bathhouse. Williamsburg’s favorite spa, Bathhouse, just opened a second location and this time you can find them in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The new space used to be a 35,000 st ft parking garage that was re-designed with the help of the Rockwell Group and Colberg Architecture firm. This super-chic bath house features 19 treatment rooms, six thermal pools, saunas, steam room, and a restaurant. There is nothing else like it in Manhattan.
Come here for your very own re-birth and experience what it truly feels like to be a bathhouse devotee. They even offer Europe’s favorite multi-sensory wellness ritual, Aufguss. While the soaks are the real draw, you can easily book a treatment and spend the day here. Come with a friend or with your partner, and make it a self-care day. For a quicker experience book an early bird or late night session. They are open until 12am. Success of the Williamsburg location proved that even the most career-driven New Yorkers look to seek wellness and respite.
Bathouse, 14 W 22nd St (betw 5th and 6th Ave), Flatiron
Get the creative juices flowing with an interactive art experience. For a cool photo opportunity and inspiration visit the INTERverse, Soho’s multimedia art center. Here you can stimulate your senses at a trippy multi-sensory space for self-discovery. Your admission takes you a journey of two floors filled with creative installations, interactive games and meditation rooms. This experience is exactly the kind of pic-me-up you need. Whether you seek calm or energy, _INTER is happy to provide with a variety of thought-provoking exhibits.
_INTER’s art space is known to host special and contemplative events that rotate with seasons, like the Dry January event we attended in collaboration with Absence of Proof. During special events you are invited to explore the space, socialize and play to your heart’s content. The latest Winterverse exhibition reflects the winter season and ends on February 25. With your general admission on February 13-15 you can experience a special “Embrace the Love” installation that is guaranteed to impress your Valentine. Bring your family and friends because there is fun to be had for all.
_INTER, 415 Broadway (betw Canal & Lispenard St), Soho
Fight seasonal depression with the power of sound at Carnegie Hall. The historic concert venue is hosting a series of well-being concerts until April and you will not want to miss this. A growing number of studies has shown that music can be a powerful healer, helping us cope with anxiety and difficult times. Evoke the right mood with a line-up of world-class musicians that includes a renowned trumpeter Sean Jones, clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and his genre-crossing CityBand, and an Anat Cohen Quartetinho. The healing and intimate performances allow you to get comfortable on a chair or floor mat and simply enjoy. This is the type of experience you feel long after it is over. Experience a well-being concert alone or with a close friend. Tickets go for $15-40, making this an accessible option for most music aficionados.
Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave (betw 6th and 7th Ave), Midtown
Treat yourself to a romantic getaway and live like one of Capote’s swans for a day. The iconic Lowell Hotel on New York’s Upper East Side is known for its quiet luxury and Art Deco facade. The Leading Hotels of the World property allows guests to experience the gloriousness of old New York. The hotel’s co-owner, Dina De Luca Chartouni, enjoys celebrating Valentine’s Day and each year guests are offered an extravagant package that celebrates the most romantic month of the year. This year the hotel collaborated with British jeweler Graff, offering guests the ultimate romantic stay that surprises your Valentine with an elegant heart-shaped diamond pendant or jewelry of your choosing. We attended the launch of The Lowell’s in-suite “Luxury of Love” package, which also helped commence NYFW. The hotel’s opulent Club Room was adorned with show stopping floral arrangements, a whimsical display of sweets, and a sparkling showcase of Graff diamonds.
The “Luxury of Love” package can be booked anytime during the month of February and treats your Valentine to a lavish experience, complete with roses, champagne, romantic dinner at Majorelle, and gift from Graff waiting in the room. The Lowell Hotel is exactly the kind of place you want to profess your love. To book, contact The Lowell Reservations team directly at 212-838-1400 or by e-mail at reservations@lowellhotel.com.
The Lowell Hotel, 28 E 63rd St (betw Park and Madison), Upper East Side
Beat the winter doldrums with a brisk walk in the park. One of the most creative parks in the city is Madison Square Park. The park’s rotation of public art continues to impress and inspire. The most recent art on display is by artist Ana Maria Hernando. The textile artwork, named “To Let the Sky Know/Dejar que el cielo sepa” mimics clouds and waterfalls. The vibrant displays, made of delicate tulle, create movement and bring color to the city’s grey winter backdrop. To help observers understand and interact with the art the park holds events in collaboration with the artist. The next event on February 22nd takes you on a 15 minute tour with the park’s Senior Curatorial Manager, Truth Murray-Cole. Winter walks are known to help improve focus and clarity so bring someone who enjoys walking and art. Make sure to visit the park website and join one of their upcoming events. “To Let the Sky Know” is on display until March 17.
Madison Square Park, 11 Madison Ave (intersection of 5th and Broadway at 23rd St), Flatiron
Get your hands dirty and make it a night out with a cooking or mixology class. CocuSocial is one of our favorite websites for exciting culinary experiences. The cooking class marketplace helps foodies get in touch with their inner chef or mixologist and gain knowledge from local professionals. Choose from classes like the upcoming Sip & Stir: Essential Seasonal Mixology class or Classic Handmade Pasta class. From Thai food to pastry, there is a variety of diverse options for everyone. There is no experience necessary. All you have to do is come with your thirst for knowledge and the willingness to socialize. Choose from an online course or go in-person. Bring your partner, friend, or come alone. This is the most ideal place to socialize in a non-judgment environment while sharing a common interest.
