January in New York is dreary. Even without the pandemic, finding things to do after the new year feels exhausting. There is Valentine’s Day, but for singles that is just a reminder of what they could be missing. We searched our inbox for cool events that can still help you mark moments in your life in fun and cool ways. Let’s create some memories and take in some culture.

SouthStreet Seaport

Get out of your neighborhood and visit someone else’s. The South Street Seaport has always felt like a vacation part of the city. Since hurricane Sandy, this cultural area has gotten a makeover. It is a lot more visitor friendly. There are places to shop, sit, relax, look at boats, have an outdoor meal or drink, and you might see some art at the same time. This January, bringing cheer is an art installation at 200 Water St. in South Street Seaport. The light installation “Ziggy” was created by a New York City-based architecture, art and design studio, Hou de Sousa. You can climb on it, sit inside, take pictures for your Instagram and discuss the meaning with your friends. What is it made of? Rebar painted in bright colors and 27,000 feet of iridescent cord. It stays up until the end of January. While you happen to be in the area, every New Yorker knows Stone Street is close by for a fun dinner and drinks. This winter you can enjoy a meal in a warm snow globe. For more events at the South Street seaport, visit their website. seaportdistrict.nyc

Club Cumming

Club Cumming is a gay bar and nightclub that welcomes all. If you love cabaret, Broadway-style shows, up-and-coming performers, and even the occasional celebrity appearances, this is the place for you. This East Village spot often comes up with creative events and yes they have outdoor dining. Have a dog? Bring the pooch for a Sundays for a very happy hour, or come have a good ol’ gay time every Friday for a viewing party of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, hosted by Season 12 French seductress Nicky Doll. For more events, visit their website. Whenever you visit, you will always enjoy special cocktails and a good time. clubcummingnyc.com

National Arts Club

The National Arts Club is a member club in Manhattan, but because their goal is to promote public interest in the arts, most of their virtual and in-person events are open to all. All you have to do is register to watch them virtually or reserve your spot to visit their galleries. Stimulate your mind with these cultural experiences, because winter is a time of learning. Here are a couple of offerings worthy of a special mention. Voices of Soho Renaissance and “99 Cents Dream” Photographs by Graham MacIndoe are both very timely exhibitions. Both depict 2020 from the New Yorker perspective.

The National Arts Club teamed up with Soho Renaissance Factory giving a voice to artists fighting social injustice. If you’ve spent any time in Soho over the summer you likely noticed the abundance of art born out of calls for social injustice. In the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests, Soho emerged as a source of spontaneous creativity not seen in the city for decades.

“99 Cents Dream” is a photography exhibit from an artist who took the opportunity to venture into different parts of the city starting in March 2020. Graham MacIndoe was captivated by the quietness of the streets and noticed things he never noticed before – sidewalks and streets, graffiti, shadows, the lack of human interaction made the city itself more pronounced. To see the entire series go to Graham MacIndoe’s website. https://www.grahammacindoe.com/COVID19—NYC/1 nationalartsclub.org

Restaurant Week To Go

New York Restaurant Week begins on January 25 and ends on January 31. More restaurants than ever in the history of Restaurant Week have signed up to be a part of this year’s restaurant week. Due to the pandemic this year’s restaurant week has been reimagined, but remains to be a delicious and fun endeavor. Participating restaurants will offer takeout lunch or dinner for $20.21. Make sure to try a new place and support the hospitality industry, they need it. We know nothing can stop New Yorkers from having their takeout, plus restaurant week is a fun excuse to have a fancy dinner at home. nycgo.com/restaurant-week