GO ESCAPE NEW YORK 2020 by STUDIO Gannett

NEW YORK 20 1 9

IMMERSIVE SHOPPING Innovative customer experiences

ET POCKE GUID eySond

DRINK, DINE & DANCE Distilleries, delis and clubs

LIGHTS, ACTION Cinephile’s guide to the Big Apple

THE BEST OF BROADWAY Holiday season’s plays & musicals

FESTIVE

Explore cbity the

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CONTENTS

NEW YORK

EXPERIENTIAL SHOPPING The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is close to many of Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest stores

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CONTENTS UP FRONT

8 10

This is a product of

HYPE OR HUB? $25 billion Hudson Yards is a sight to behold

UP, UP AND AWAY

EDITORIAL

TWA Hotel brings retro style to JFK Airport

DIRECTOR Jeanette Barrett-Stokes jbstokes@usatoday.com

TWA Hotel

SPLASH OF SUSTAINABILITY Niagara Falls tour boats going electric

TWA HOTEL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jerald Council jcouncil@usatoday.com

MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Washington mjwashington@usatoday.com

NEW YORK CITY

14 24 30

AND... ACTION! A ﬁlm and TV lovers’ guide to the city

SLEEP. SIP. SAVOR. City’s newest hotels sell experiences, amenities

ISSUE EDITOR Harry Lister

34 36

NOSHING IN NYC Where to get your deli ﬁx in Manhattan

EDITORS Amy Sinatra Ayres Tracy Scott Forson Megan Pannone Debbie Williams

BROOKLYN BOOGIE Cross the bridge to experience some of the city’s best dance clubs

THAT’S THE TICKET What’s new and hot on Broadway

DESIGNERS Hayleigh Corkey David Hyde Gina Toole Saunders Lisa M. Zilka

30 34

ISSUE DESIGNER Debra Moore

Deli delights

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Bair, Brian Barth, Adrienne Jordan, Kae Lani Palmisano, Robin Roenker, Jen Rose Smith, Sandy Smith, Fiona Soltes, Joseph Spector, Adam Stone, Andrea Wien, Pamela Wright

SCHALLER & WEBER

BEYOND THE CITY

40 44 46 48

ADVERTISING VP, ADVERTISING Patrick Burke | (703) 854-5914

SPIRITED ADVENTURES

pburke@usatoday.com

These craft distilleries are the toast of upstate

ADIRONDACKS Lake Placid could be your new winter happy place

CAPITAL REGION Albany blends sophistication and charm

THE CATSKILLS Delights abound for skiers and non-skiers alike

48 50 52 54

vsalvo@usatoday.com

THE FINGER LAKES Sip regional ice wine amid natural ice sculptures

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY Indulge in history and ﬁne dining beyond the suburbs

NIAGARA Winter provides a fresh take on Niagara Falls’ majesty

ON THE COVER Times Square

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

UP FRONT | LIFESTYLE

Vessel DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES

By Sandy Smith

Hype or Hub? Hudson Yards is part mall, part tourist attraction and all-around sight to behold

UDSON YARDS, MANHATTAN’S MASSIVE new city

within the city, promised to change the way urban developments were built, kicking up the live-work-play atmosphere a notch. The high-dollar residences rise above 14 acres of public space, entertainment and shopping. “While it isn’t part of the fabric of New York City’s rich history like other neighborhoods, it’s something totally new,” says Katie Lara, who writes about luxury travel at katielara.com. “That isn’t something New Yorkers often experience, since almost every inch of Manhattan has already been developed.” Built at an estimated total cost of $25 billion, it is believed to be the most expensive real estate development in U.S. history. But is Hudson Yards living up to the hype? Some questioned the wisdom

of such a massive retail space in the city, but the development proved those naysayers wrong. “The future of retail is offering more than just shopping and mixing with experiences,” says Laura Peruchi, who blogs about the city’s fashion scene and offers shopping tours at lauraperuchi. com. “But if you consider Vessel (a centerpiece staircase, which doubles as a work of art) and the (soon-to-open Edge) observation deck, the place will attract a lot of people, which can mean more people willing to shop.” Where there is a willing shopper, there will be a diverse array of brands. High-end names like Cartier, AG Adriano Goldschmied and Dior join standard mall offerings Banana Republic and Sephora. Neiman Marcus opened its first New York store at Hudson Yards, which “tells us a lot,” Peruchi says. Hudson Yards will also include several digital native brands — those that have

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

UP FRONT | LIFESTYLE primarily been focused on e-commerce before moving into brick-and-mortar stores. Sustainable fashion retailers Naadam and Faherty are scheduled to open locations there in the near future.

SIGHTS AND BITES Vessel is an architectural marvel: With 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and 80 landings, it has become the spot to take an “obligatory photo,” Lara says. “If you don’t Instagram it, did it even happen?” Lara recommends “the amazing food options. Superstar chefs have flocked here and, while the establishments are a little tourist-centric, it’s a great way to experience a lot of New York classics under one roof.” Peruchi recommends the tapas crawl at Mercado Little Spain, which she terms “a kind of Eataly for Spanish dining.” The vision of chef José Andrés, Mercado includes three sit-down restaurants

Bar Celona, Mercado Little Spain LIZ CLAYMAN

as well as a grazing path of food stalls where diners can select cured meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, empanadas and pastries. This massive experience is just one of Hudson Yards’ many dining options. It also adds an outpost of Bouchon Bakery, Thomas Keller’s take on a traditional French bakery. Fuku is another chef-

driven concept, from Momofuku’s David Chang, who is credited with modernizing Asian American cuisine. But Fuku is decidedly focused on the American side, with an emphasis on fried chicken. Lara recommends the traditional New York cookie, the black-and-white, at William Greenberg Desserts. While Hudson Yards’ viability might have been questioned at a time when malls were struggling, it is bringing an element of drama to the shopping arena. Edge, projected to open in March, will be the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, complete with glass floor panels and angled walls 100 stories up. A champagne bar will offer signature cocktails and light bites. Edge is expected to be open from 8 a.m. until midnight; tickets are priced at $36 online and $38 on-site for adults, with discounts for seniors and children 12 years old and younger. Tickets are on sale at edgenyc.com.

SCOTT FRANCES

The Zodiac Room, Neiman Marcus SCOTT FRANCES

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

UP FRONT | TRAVEL

Up, Up and Away TWA Hotel brings nostalgia, retro style to JFK Airport

Sunken Lounge PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TWA HOTEL

ways from the ticketing level or through baggage claim, where it’s directly across the street.

By Adrienne Jordan

RANS WORLD AIRLINES IS

long gone, but the new TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport invites guests to experience the glory days of midcentury travel. The reimagined former Trans World Flight Center creates an airline-themed experience with 512 guest rooms and an infinity pool that overlooks a JFK runway. Sip cocktails at the Paris Café and Lisbon Lounge helmed by famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, view a fashion exhibit showcasing decades of flight-attendant uniforms and make calls on vintage rotary phones in your guest room — the TWA Hotel creates a playground for design and aviation lovers from every corner of the globe. Here are some things you should know:

uniforms designed by Stan Herman; at check-in, they place your bags on luggage belts to be stored on the lower level before delivery to your room.

ALL ARE WELCOME Have a layover at JFK or just want to check out the venue? You can visit the TWA hotel even if you’re not a guest. There are no guided tours, but all are welcome to peruse the property on their own.

DAY PASSES

Vintage travel wear and luggage

Room rates start at $239 per night, but if you have a layover or short day stay at JFK, day passes ranging from $99 for four hours to $149 for 12 hours are available.

ORIGINAL TICKET COUNTERS EASY ACCESS The hotel is located at Terminal 5 and is accessible by AirTrain shuttle, two walk-

Check-in is located inside the Saarinen Wing — named after the building’s famed architect, Eero Saarinen. Members of the front desk staff are dressed in period

DRINKS WITH CONNIE The hotel refurbished a 1958 Constellation airliner to its original condition and turned it into the Connie cocktail lounge, decked out in plush red flooring, restored windows and 1930s controls in the cockpit. You can sip cocktails in the brown leather-and-plaid midcentury plane seats.

GIFT SHOP Some of the cool things you can purchase at the TWA museum gift shop include a robe ($69), reusable tote ($39), vintagestyle pin ($5) and Gola Mark Cox for TWA sneakers ($65). Puzzles, water bottles, umbrellas, sweaters and hats are also available.

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

UP FRONT | NIAGARA FALLS

Artist’s rendering of the all-electric, catamaran-style boats MAID OF THE MIST

Splash of Sustainability Maid of the Mist boats will go electric next year By Joseph Spector

HE ICONIC TOUR BOATS

that ride near the bottom of Niagara Falls are being replaced by all-electric, zero-emission passenger vessels constructed in the U.S. The new catamaran-style boats will replace two diesel-fueled vessels that traverse the waters between New York and Canada. More than 1.6 million tourists ride the Maid of the Mist boats each year, and it is one of North America’s longestrunning tourist attractions. Maid of the Mist first opened in 1846, and it has counted many famous people among its guests, including the late Princess Diana and her sons in 1991. “Maid of the Mist tours of the worldfamous Niagara Falls waterfalls and of

the Niagara River Gorge are a signature tourism attraction of western New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in May when announcing the change. “The new zero-emission boats will continue that proud tradition, while enhancing our efforts to make New York state a premier environmentally friendly tourism destination.” Christopher Glynn, president of the Maid of the Mist, said switching to a cleaner technology for the boats made sense. “The new vessels will carry our guests to the base of Niagara Falls, one of the world’s largest sources of clean hydroelectric power,” he says. The boats are being built by Burger Boat Co. in Manitowoc, Wis., and the company expects them to be ready for guests when tours resume in late May, at which time it will retire Maid of the Mist VI and Maid of the Mist VII, which have

been in operation since the 1990s. The new boats will have lithium ion battery packs and an onshore charging system, which will allow for a sevenminute recharge to bring the batteries to 80 percent capacity. Because they will run on electricity, the new boats will have no engine noise or exhaust fumes, Cuomo’s office says. In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the boats’ new power source, the design has nods to sustainability as well. “The hull of the new vessels features an icon of the electricity symbol within a water droplet surrounded by a turbine with Niagara Falls in the background,” Glynn says. “The color scheme is environmentally friendly green combined with the blue of the water.” Joseph Spector writes for the Gannett Albany (N.Y.) Bureau.

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | TOURISM

And … Action! From iconic film locations to prestigious festivals, New York is a cinephile’s paradise By Sandy Smith

EW YORK CITY IS so much more than a setting for films. In many cases, it’s a co-star. What would Holly Golightly do, if not breakfast at Tiffany? Would Home Alone 2: Lost in New York be nearly as funny if Kevin McCallister was ordering ice cream sundaes somewhere other than the Plaza Hotel? Because of its celebrity, New York City is a mecca for cinephiles, offering plenty of ways to become immersed in a favorite movie or TV show, to enjoy the latest offerings at a film festival or to maybe even catch filming in action.

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KATE GLICKSBERG

Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace and Fountain have been in many films.

THE PLAZA

The Plaza Hotel has starred in dozens of movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | TOURISM Here’s a guide to prepare you for your close-up with the New York film scene:

ON LOCATION TOURS

On Location Tours will take you to the Friends apartment building.

THE PLAZA

Fans of the movie Eloise at the Plaza can stay in the hotel’s Eloise Suite.

GET IN ON THE ACTION Dozens of films and TV shows are in production in the city at any time — and some of them may offer a glimpse of the work as it happens. The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment provides a roundup of what’s filming each day, but you’ll need to dig a little deeper to track down the precise locations. The tour company On Location Tours (onlocationtours.com) provides some insights on its blog, including general locations of what’s filming each month. While getting to see live filming requires some serendipity, visiting the sites where famous movie scenes were shot doesn’t. On Location Tours offers a variety of walking and bus tours priced from $31 to $62, with discounts for children 9 and younger. Some routes incorporate a number of famous sites, while others focus on a particular TV show or movie, like Gossip Girl, Friends and Sex and the City. A holiday-themed tour, held between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, visits locations from Christmas movies like Elf and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Of course, looking up the landmarks on your own is also an option. Be warned, though: You likely won’t be alone. The owner of the restaurant that serves as the backdrop for Central Perk, where the Friends gang hung out, told the New York Post that he might see 1,000 people drop by on a weekend to take photos. Be prepared to wait in line at these Instagrammable sites. Free Tours By Foot offers an online map of 11 sites in and around Central Park. An audio version is available on iTunes and Android. One of the most-often filmed sites — The Plaza Hotel — has gotten in on the fun. It offers several experiences that capitalize on the popularity of the Eloise book series and film Eloise at the Plaza. Book a stay in the Eloise Suite, designed by Betsey Johnson in signature pink and black. Or sip high tea in The Palm Court. A special Eloise experience — complete with custom teacups and tableware — is available daily between noon and 4:45 p.m.

MOLLY FLORES

Central Park’s Wollman Rink is a popular film setting.

CONTI NUED

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | TOURISM for $60 for children 12 and younger. The Plaza also offers a seasonal Home Alone 2 experience, which includes an ice cream sundae, paint can, copy of the DVD and, of course, an overnight stay. Rates start at $680. At the end of your film excursion, treat yourself to a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity3. The site of movies like One Fine Day and Trust the Man, the restaurant is most known for its role in the film Serendipity, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale.

NOW PLAYING While there are numerous niche festivals for just about any film genre, there are several big ones that set the cinema calendar — and might be worth booking a trip around: The New York Film Festival, held each fall at Lincoln Center, is one of the most prestigious in the country. Lincoln Center also hosts the New Directors/New Films Festival highlighting the work of emerging auteurs each spring. The Tribeca Film Festival, cofounded by actor Robert DeNiro, focuses on the work of independent filmmakers. If watching an older film is more your style, the Bryant Park Film Festival fits the bill. It is offered free on Monday nights during the summer at Bryant Park in Midtown. THE ART’S IN THE HOUSE Movies can be a mixed bag, but sometimes the theater itself is worth the price of admission. Here are some movie houses worth checking out: Film Forum is a nonprofit that started in 1970 with 50 folding chairs and one projector. It’s come a long way, and now includes three theaters running 365 days a year. It focuses on international films on social, political, historical and cultural realities. Tickets are $15 for nonmembers. Metrograph harkens back to the 1920s and features film premieres, archival print screenings, book signings and other events. Its Metrograph Commissary restaurant and bar evokes the feeling of old Hollywood. Lincoln Center isn’t just the home of film festivals — it serves as a movie house where independent and mainstream films play at the Walter Reade Theater and Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. Ticket prices are around $15, with discounts available. Check out what’s playing at filmlinc. org/now-playing.

BRITTANY PETRONELLA

You can catch Bryant Park in multiple films — or catch a movie there on summer Mondays as part of the Bryant Park Film Festival.

KATE GLICKSBERG

Lincoln Center hosts The New York Film Festival and the New Directors/New Films Festival.

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | SHOPPING

Experiential Commerce New stores aim to engage and delight customers By Fiona Soltes

N A CITY OF roughly 8.5 million

people, the idea of a customized shopping experience might seem a bit unrealistic. And yet, a crop of new and soon-to-open stores in New York is focused on providing rich offerings of engagement, co-creation, creativity and technology.

Barbara Hodes, owner and operator of NYC Private Shopping Tour, says the overall trend that she’s seeing — whether at small boutiques or large stores — is an attempt to make shopping “fun.” “It’s something we didn’t see just two years ago,” she says. “Perhaps it’s the pressure of online. They’re stepping up to the plate, and it’s on all levels.” Hodes, who designs VIP shopping

adventures that range from designer showrooms and sample sales to friends and family and corporate events, can easily name experiential spaces past clients have enjoyed. The top of her list? Gucci Wooster in SoHo. Housed in a 155-year-old building, the nearly 10,000-square-foot space merges eclectic CONTI NUED

PUMA The brand’s North American flagship store opened on Fifth Avenue in August, and the immersive 18,000-squarefoot space includes “sports engagement zones” and a customization studio. Visitors can use paint, dye, patchwork, embroidery, 3D-knitting, laser printing and material upcycling to customize footwear, apparel and accessories. They also can jump into an F1 racing simulator for a “ride” on NYC streets; try out PUMA soccer cleats while being virtually coached by professional players; enjoy a large-screen NBA2K gaming experience; and “view” products in different styles and colors via radio frequency identification technology.

Great Gift: The 1980s throwback FAST RIDER OG sneakers from PUMA infuse fun and color. Men’s sizes only, so women should order 1.5 sizes down from their usual. $80

PUMA

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | SHOPPING design, art, 3D technology, augmented reality and more for a multisensory encounter. “It seems that it’s less about the merchandise than about the experience,” Hodes says. The space is open, the ceilings are tall, “and it just doesn’t read like a normal store.” Visitors love to see it, she says — even if Gucci merchandise is beyond their shopping budgets. Marla Hander offers specialized group “Perhaps it’s shopping tours, the pressure garment center insider tours of online. and custom (Retailers are) experiences through her stepping up company, Shop Gotham. to the plate, She believes and it’s on all the best way to have a true levels.” “experience” shopping in — BARBARA HODES, New York NYC Private is to pick a Shopping Tour neighborhood and wander. “If you have the time,” she says, “just walk. Don’t come here, get off the plane and go straight to Macy’s. Try SoHo, or the West Village, or the Lower East Side or the Upper West Side.” For the latest in experiential shopping, be sure to visit one or more of these stores when you’re in New York City.

CAMP Last December, kids of all ages were gifted this highly engaging 10,000-square-foot family experience toy store, complete with daily workshops, performances, a secret door to an ever-changing “base camp” experience and an on-site Canteen and Milk Bar. The goal of this Fifth Avenue store is to encourage play and joy in all of its delightful forms; don’t miss the idea that going to “camp” also means the opportunity to stretch and try new things. Additional locations in Brooklyn and Hudson Yards are coming soon.

Great Gift: Created specifically for Camp by Hazel Village, Juliette Rabbit is primed for adventure with a onesie, beanie and signature Camp backpack. What treats could she possibly store inside for playtime? $70

CASPER THE DREAMERY BY CASPER E-commerce mattress brand Casper opened The Dreamery on Mercer Street in NoHo in 2018, allowing consumers the chance to nap in a private nook for 45 minutes at a cost of $25. In addition to experiencing Casper sleep products (bedframes, mattresses, bedding, etc.), visitors receive complimentary refreshments, Sunday Riley skin products, hello toothbrushes and toothpaste and Sleepy Jones pajamas to wear. The Dreamery focuses on rest rather than retail, so Casper opened its first permanent store, an experiential space with six different mini-bedrooms where shoppers can try Casper products, on Broadway just around the corner from The Dreamery.

Great Gift: Using the Glow app, this light can be set to gradually dim at night and turn on softly in the morning, and you can twist it to manually adjust brightness. It can synch with other Casper Glow lights. Starting at $129

CAMP; CASPER

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | SHOPPING

NIKE NYC HOUSE OF INNOVATION 000 Ronny Max, who keeps an expert eye on retail and technology as founder of the Behavior Analytics Academy, named this six-story, 68,000-square-foot outpost on Fifth Avenue her 2019 NYC Best Concept Store, thanks in part to the way that Nike uses technology to deliver seamless, individual co-creation experiences that go far beyond mere “personalization.” As for the fun aspect? The store offers visitors the ability to shop by scanning QR codes directly from in-store mannequins; instant checkout via the Nike app; the Nike by You customization space; an Expert Studio for one-on-one premium service; and other high-tech, high-touch features.

Great Gifts: Cody Hudson, Nike Running’s artist in residence (A.I.R.), created a collection conveying constant motion inspired by 1960s counterculture. Windrunner A.I.R. Cody Hudson jacket, $120; Flex Stride A.I.R. Cody Hudson running shorts, $45

LULULEMON This Midtown favorite has been offering experiential retail for a number of years — in-store yoga classes and workshops and, more recently, the Mindfulosophy meditation space. The brand continues reinventing the store experience for enthusiasts, and the next generation is right around the bend: Lululemon plans to open a 20,000-square-foot space — almost three times the size of its current Fifth Avenue location — across the street. The company has yet to announce what the new store will offer, but if the features of the recently opened Chicago location are any indication, it’s likely to include food, juices, smoothies, workout rooms and the chance to try the brand’s line of workout gear during on-site classes.

Great Gift: The Face Forward Duffel, part of the Lululemon x Roksanda limited-edition collection, combines Lululemon’s technical water-repellent fabric and functionality with Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinčić’s exaggerated proportions. $238

NIKE; LULULEMON

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION NEW YORK CITY | HOTELS

The Hoxton THE HOXTON

Sleep. Sip. Savor. The city’s newest hotels sell experiences and amenities

By Sandy Smith

EW YORK MAY BE the “city that

never sleeps,” but the number of new hotels popping up proves there will always be a need for places that serve as guest retreats. Over the last few years, the New York hotel scene has morphed from an inventory of rooms to “more of an extension of hospitality,” says Julie Baumgardner, a freelance culture and travel journalist who frequently writes about Manhattan hotels. “New Yorkers are coming to hotel bars to hang out. Big interior designers are making interiors a platform for

their own aesthetics. Cool chefs are partnering more and more with hotels.” In many cases, this creativity comes at a reduced price. Baumgardner says some of the newer hotels might just be less expensive than short-term rentals in the same neighborhood. That said, the rooms typically are “super tiny,” says Alexa Matthews, founder of the website Eating.nyc, which covers the city’s food scene. What they lack in square footage, however, they make up for in amenities, particularly food and drink. Here’s a look at a handful of the hottest new places to stay:

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | HOTELS

SISTER CITY

ADRIAN GAUT

There’s a reason that the hotel’s own description touts its “less is more” philosophy: Its “coziest room” is 130 square feet, which the website says “sleeps one human, or two small ones.” Larger rooms can sleep up to four in bunk beds. The hotel’s public spaces offer opportunities to stretch out, and its lobby features a soundtrack created through a partnership between Microsoft and electronic musician Julianna Barwick, who uses her voice, piano and guitar to create soundscapes; Microsoft’s Custom Vision Service uses cameras on the hotel’s rooftop and artificial intelligence to “score” Barwick’s programmed sounds, ensuring the lobby reflects what is going on just outside. The rooftop bar, Last Light, offers indoor and outdoor seating, serves cocktails, organic wines and local craft beers — and a stunning city view. Patrons can nibble on menu items crafted by chef Joe Ogrodnek, who also helms the ground floor restaurant, Floret. ▶ sistercitynyc.com

THE HOXTON

ARLO SOHO

This Brooklyn hotel is set on the site of the former Rosenwach factory, which produced the wooden water towers so present throughout the city. But it is what’s inside that is gaining attention: 175 rooms outfitted with brass, velvet and concrete. Adding to the decidedly Brooklyn feel are books selected by local residents and ceramics created by local artists. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline. Its three restaurants alone make the over-the-bridge trip worth it. Summerly is a rooftop space that features seafood and cocktails; Backyard is a terrace space focused on quick bites; and Klein’s serves classic American fare from its open kitchen. ▶ thehoxton.com/new-york/ williamsburg

Like many newer hotels, the Arlo SoHo’s rooms are small: averaging 150 square feet, and some layouts even include a bunk bed option. Unlike most other hotels, its City Queen Terrace room effectively doubles the living space — and includes an outdoor shower. Food and beverage offerings are designed to appeal to locals and travelers alike. Harold’s, from chef Harold Moore, offers seasonal American cuisine. Moore also curates the food options in the Bodega, a grab-and-go, 24-hour offering. A lobby bar, A.L.B., and a rooftop bar, A.R.T., offer other places to relax and unwind. But perhaps Arlo’s most distinct feature is the Library, which serves as a coworking space by day, board game/movie/hangout space by night. ▶ arlohotels.com/arlo-soho

ARLO SOHO

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | HOTELS

MOXY NYC EAST VILLAGE Opened in September, Moxy emphasizes smartly appointed but small rooms. Bathrooms include walk-in showers and glazed lava stone sinks. Bonus: The hotel is pet friendly. Each floor evokes a different era of the East Village’s history, from early settlers to today. Cathédrale features FrenchMediterranean cuisine from chef Jason Hall, but it’s the atmosphere that stands out. The main dining room features a 26-foot-tall ceiling covered by a wire mesh sculpture designed by Edoardo Tresoldi. A rooftop bar is expected to open in spring 2020. ▶ marriott.com/hotels/travel/ nycot-moxy-nyc-east-village

MICHAEL KLEINBERG FOR MOXY EAST VILLAGE

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | HOTELS

THE TIMES SQUARE EDITION Ian Schrager has been an innovator on the New York hospitality scene since co-founding the legendary Studio 54 nightclub in the 1970s. The Times Square EDITION, his second hotel with that nameplate in the city, captures the essence of the most vibrant street in America. The 452 guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the neon lights of Broadway to

flood in. The hotel’s greatest gift to the Times Square neighborhood may be its dining offerings, done in concert with JF Restaurants and chef John Fraser. Fraser presents prix fixe and tasting menus at 701West, where diners lounge on velvet banquettes and sip drinks crafted tableside or selected from a champagne trolley. ▶ editionhotels.com

LIZ CLAYMAN; EDITION HOTELS

EQUINOX Known first as a fitness facility, Equinox has parlayed that success into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. The hotel at the new Hudson Yards mega complex is the first in a series of Equinox projects that combine hospitality with a holistic approach to fitness. The rooms feature natural fibers to regulate temperature, technology and recommended rituals designed to promote sleep or waking, as well as a media library of yoga and stretching exercises. There is, naturally, a fairly sizable workout area, including an Equinox gym, SoulCycle classes and a spa complete with

DAVID MITCHELL

HOTEL HENDRICKS EQUINOX

cryotherapy and an infrared sauna. Don’t think the experience is all about fitness, though. The food and drink at Electric Lemon blend the healthy and the hedonistic. ▶ equinox-hotels.com/nyc

Located near Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park, Hotel Hendricks proves there still is a market for lavish design and features. Renowned architect and designer Marcello Pozzi added chic safari elements to the guest rooms, which include floor-to-ceiling mahogany and Ital-

ian millwork. Hendricks Rooftop, the hotel’s year-round bar with a view, includes seasonal cocktails. Paloma, the restaurant from PJ Calapa, pays homage to Central and South American cuisines with classics like tuna tostadas and Peruvian chicken and rice. ▶ hotelhendricksny.com

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YORK CITY | THEATER

That’s the Ticket What’s hot, new — and new again — on Broadway

By Fiona Soltes

ROM THE TIME SHE was a

girl and saw a production of Hello, Dolly! with Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway, Tory Bailey has been moved by the energy of Broadway. “If you walk out on the street at 10 at night, 46th Street, 47th, there are people at every stage door,” says Bailey, executive director of the Theatre Development Fund, the performing arts services nonprofit behind the TKTS discount booths. “There’s something that happens when you come to New York and go to Broadway, something about the Broadway houses, and a real excitement about being in Times Square.”

Whether you’re a novice or an old hat, there’s always more to discover. But with 41 Broadway theaters, choosing can be overwhelming. Josh Ferri, content strategist for discount ticket and information site BroadwayBox.com, suggests searching YouTube for production trailers, scenes and songs. Many tickets can be purchased months in advance for those who like to plan ahead — and, perhaps, lock in a reduced price. The site also offers tickets for off-Broadway productions. “It depends on the type of theater you’re looking to see in New York,” Ferri says. “Broadway shows are going to be, for the most part, mainstream and commercial. With off-Broadway, you might see some-

thing wildly different, but really cool and amazing, and it may move you.” As executive vice president of programming and sales for Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Christi Dortch frequently visits New York to check out new productions. She suggests finding ones that resemble your favorite shows or feature your favorite actors, and decide whether a musical is your style or you’d prefer a dramatic play. If you have the time and resources to check out multiple shows, a “well-rounded” trip might include something familiar, perhaps adapted from a known story or movie and something created specifically for the stage, Ferri adds. Here are a handful of standouts:

HADESTOWN Walter Kerr Theatre Billed as both haunting and hopeful, this musical intertwines the mythic Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice with that of King Hades and his wife, Persephone. The result, according to the show’s press materials? “A hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.” Critics have described it as “ravishing,” “sumptuous,” “transporting” and “unforgettable.” Tony Award voters agreed: The show was nominated for 14 awards and won eight this year, including Best Musical. It’s from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin. ▶ hadestown.com

MATTHEW MURPHY

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NEW YORK CITY | THEATER

THE INHERITANCE Ethel Barrymore Theatre Described as this generation’s Angels in America, the two-part, six-and-a-halfhour play is a re-envisioning of E.M. Forster’s Howards End for present-day New York. It follows three generations of gay men in their search for belonging. The piece, which opened this fall, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, Netflix’s The Crown), and was written by Matthew Lopez. It took home London’s Olivier Award for Best New Play earlier this year. ▶ theinheritanceplay.com

MARC BRENNER

WHY PAY FULL PRICE? Options for discounted Broadway and off-Broadway tickets abound. They include:

TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Not just anyone could pull off a portrayal of powerhouse rock ‘n’ roll queen Tina Turner; Tony and Olivier Award nominee Adrienne Warren shows that love has everything to do with it. The acclaimed performer, a lifetime admirer, worked directly with Turner in originating the role for London’s West End; it opened on Broadway in November. The musical tells the tale of Turner’s rise from Nutbush, Tenn., to global stardom, selling more than 180 million records, receiving 12 Grammy Awards, including hall of fame and lifetime achievement honors — and enduring domestic abuse and divorce along the way. ▶ tinaonbroadway.com

MANUEL HARLAN

TKTS In addition to the iconic same-day discount booth in Times Square, there are satellite locations at South Street Seaport and Lincoln Center. For many, the adventure of possibility is part of the experience, but it also provides face-to-face access to experts and no online fees, and as a bonus, proceeds help support the nonprofit Theatre Development Fund. TDF.org

BroadwayBox.com Explore current shows, offers and upcoming attractions. TodayTix.com Sign up for alerts on ticket lotteries, flash sales and more.

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NEW YORK CITY | THEATER

OKLAHOMA!

“There’s something that happens when you come to New York and go to Broadway, something about the Broadway houses, and a real excitement about being in Times Square.”

Circle in the Square Theatre Revivals often promise to deliver experiences like nothing the audience has ever seen or heard. In the case of Oklahoma!, the recent Tony Award-winning revival of the 76-year-old Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, it’s actually true. Time magazine called it the No. 1 theatrical event of the year in 2018. But catch the reimagined piece soon; it closes Jan. 19. One other note: Ali Stroker won a Tony Award for her performance as Ado Annie; she is the first wheelchair user to receive the award. ▶ oklahomabroadway.com

— TORY BAILEY, Theatre Development Fund

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL Lyceum Theatre A Christmas Carol doesn’t hit Broadway that often, and it won’t be around for long; the holiday classic closes Jan. 5. This acclaimed version, which arrives from London’s Old Vic, weaves immersive storytelling with a dozen carols. It is directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda), features Campbell Scott (House of Cards) and was adapted by Tony Award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playwright Jack Thorne. ▶ achristmascarolbroadway.com

COMPANY Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre When you have the opportunity to see Broadway legends in one of their defining roles, take it. Patti LuPone, winner of multiple Grammy, Tony and Olivier awards in addition to being a Theater Hall of Fame inductee, reprises her acclaimed turn as Joanne in Stephen Sondheim’s Company. The musical comedy also features Tony Award winner Katrina Lenk in a decidedly current twist: She plays Bobbie, a character traditionally a 35-year-old male named Bobby. In this version, which officially opens in March, the question is why Bobbie can’t seem to settle down. ▶ companymusical.com

SAMMY LOPEZ

BRINKHOFF/MOEGENBURG

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NEW YORK CITY | DINING

2ND AVENUE DELI Murray Hill It may not be on 2nd Avenue anymore, but this 65-year-old deli brings a Lower East Side vibe to a small but spirited space on East 33rd Street. The menu spans all the kosher classics. Start with heartstoppingly good gribenes (fried chicken skin with onions) to get appetites going. Then, move on to a beef tongue and pastrami sandwich, covered in coleslaw and Russian dressing, a double-decker pastrami on rye or the hearty, oddly elegant chopped liver. ▶ 2ndavedeli.com

Katz’s co-owner Jake Dell PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE RESTAURANTS

Noshing in NYC

SARGE’S DELICATESSEN AND DINER Murray Hill By day, the classic booths are stuffed with suits, but by midnight, clubby hipsters clamor for seats and the chance to take down one of New York’s largest sandwiches. “The Monster” is served on thick sliced rye bread with corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, turkey, salami, sliced tomato, lettuce and coleslaw with Russian dressing. Sarge’s has plenty of mortal-sized sandwiches, too, as well as an assortment of homemade cheesecakes. ▶ sargesdeli.com

A guide to popular Manhattan delicatessens By Andrea Wien

T RUSS & DAUGHTERS Lower East Side The original “appetizing store” debuted in 1914, and today stands as a throwback to a time when the Lower East Side was a neighborhood of new immigrants. The iconic storefront on East Houston Street stocks a broad selection of Jewish American staples like hand-rolled bagels with cream cheese and lox, buttery pistachio halvah and unctuous, irresistible pickled herring. Russ & Daughters Cafe recently opened a few blocks away. ▶ russanddaughters.com

HE CLASSIC CUISINE OF the city that never stops eating has been imitated, parodied and occasionally overlooked — even by locals — for fusion fads or lunchtime flavors of the week. But for the discerning, classic New York deli offerings have unending appeal. Of course, like everything in this city of endless choices, there are countless variations on the theme. So, step right up to the counter, grab a number and check out these Manhattan deli options recommended by USA TODAY’s 10Best:

KATZ’S DELICATESSEN Lower East Side Katz’s has been a Manhattan mainstay since 1888, and its well-stocked meat counter and legendary gruff-but-kind service somehow feel timeless. The freshly carved corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are worth the hype and are more than large enough to share. Make sure someone at your table orders an allbeef frankfurter, and don’t overlook the knockwurst with beans. Best of all, if you want to take a taste of East Houston home with you, Katz’s ships nationwide. ▶ katzsdelicatessen.com

SCHALLER & WEBER Upper East Side Back in 1937 in a German neighborhood once known as Yorkville, Ferdinand Schaller and Tony Weber opened a butcher shop specializing in pork products. Eventually, it morphed into a German specialty store that continues to deliver difficult-to-find imported items and brands. What you will find are sausages and sandwiches stacked to the sky, not to mention sweets, special brands of spaetzle, jams and cheeses — German, of course. ▶ schallerweber.com

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NEW YORK CITY | ENTERTAINMENT

Brooklyn Boogie Venture beyond Manhattan to groove at these dance spots BROOKLYN BOWL Sure, you could come to Brooklyn Bowl to lace up a pair of slick shoes and roll a few frames, but most people here aren’t bowling. Instead, they’re catching up on their favorite musical acts or cutting a rug behind the lanes. In addition to the games, this venue has live performers every night, from the littleknown to established acts like Talib Kweli, RJD2, The Hold Steady and St. Lucia. And the food is surprisingly good, so make time to grab a bite. ▶ brooklynbowl.com/brooklyn

BLACK FLAMINGO Black Flamingo’s official designation on Google is “vegan restaurant.” While it’s true that meatless fare is served here, it’s the basement you should focus on. Decked out in a pink-walled “Miami Vice” vibe, Black Flamingo is where people who don’t care to see or be seen come to get down. The music is funky house — more playful and lighthearted than heavy, thumping bass. It’s where the older hipsters — the ones who’ve ditched their cheap beer for high-end cocktails — come when they’re looking to bust a move. It’s the dance club to go to when you don’t really want to go to the club. But don’t go too early: The party gets started after dinner. ▶ blackflamingonyc.com

BEMBE HOUSE OF YES

By Andrea Wien

HOUSE OF YES

IGHTLIFE CAN TAKE MANY forms, but if you’re

looking to let off a little steam, nothing does the job like an evening of dancing. While mega dance clubs used to be synonymous with Manhattan, recent years have given rise to a new kind of club that’s happy to call Brooklyn home. Here’s where to go, according to USA TODAY’s 10Best:

Those looking for a weird, over-the-top, Burning Man-like romp in dance-party form should look no further than House of Yes. This once-underground venue is now perfectly legit, though your jaw will still hit the floor upon walking in. Some have called it the best party in New York. Others refuse to try to explain it. And they’re right — House of Yes is best experienced rather than discussed. Expect loud beats, twirling circus performers, men in pseudo-drag and costumed women dancing next to guys in flannel drinking beer. The theme changes depending on the night, but there’s always an “anything goes” vibe, and everyone’s welcome. ▶ houseofyes.org

The lounge décor at Bembe consists of reclaimed and recycled objects from all over the city, lending a “lost-and-found” vibe to the interior. The soundscape is also eclectic, with live musicians and DJs playing everything from Latin beats to reggae and Arabic jams. It’s tiny, so patrons should be prepared to get up close and personal with strangers. The drinks aren’t outrageously priced, but the bar only takes cash, so stack your wallet before you go. On busy nights the club also charges a cover. Check the website in advance to make sure the music is your speed. ▶ bembe.us

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ps t

at e

BEYOND THE CITY

is ti lle rie

THE ADIRONDACKS

Lake Placid could be your new winter happy place

CAPITAL REGION

Albany blends sophistication and charm

FINGER LAKES

Sample ice wine amid natural ice sculptures

HUDSON VALLEY

History and ﬁne dining beyond the suburbs

NIAGARA

Winter provides a fresh take on Niagara Falls’ majesty

PORTABLE POCKET GUIDES FOR YOUR VISIT

48 CATSKILLS A lift takes skiers to the top of one of Hunter Mountain’s 67 trails. Hunter Mountain, Belleayre and Windham Mountain resorts have recently undergone millions of dollars in renovations.

DANIEL P. KENNEY

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10BEST | CRAFT DISTILLERIES

Spirited Adventures These distilleries are the toast of upstate By Kae Lani Palmisano

ROHIBITION ENDED IN 1933,

but it wasn’t until the early part of the 21st century that distilling returned to the

Empire State. It was well worth the wait, as a multitude of upstate distillers are now making delicious spirits. While some are sticking to tradition, many are developing new and innovative flavors that range

JENNIFER MOYER

from subtly nuanced to strong and bold — and a number have been ranked among the best in the nation. Here are some upstate distillers worth visiting, according to USA TODAY’s 10Best:

HUDSON VALLEY DISTILLERS Clermont Of the seven spirits offered at Hudson Valley Distillers, five have earned awards or honorable mentions. The most renowned are its Applejacks. The Adirondack Applejack, which scored double gold at the 2015 Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest and bronze at the American Craft Spirits Association in 2016, is a whiskey with a hint of spice. Also notable is the more complex and smoky Hardscrabble Applejack, the Editor’s Choice for Best of Hudson Valley 2015.

ALBANY DISTILLING CO.

YANKEE DISTILLERS

ALBANY DISTILLING CO. Albany It may be a small operation that makes only one batch of liquor at a time, but Albany Distilling’s spirits have big attitude. The whiskey, rum, brandy and vodka are exciting, but it’s The Cocktail Club line of canned cocktails that is truly ambitious.

YANKEE DISTILLERS Clifton Park Relationships with local farmers are a point of pride at Yankee Distillers. Its Italian-made copper stills house small batches of whiskey, rum and vodka that utilize only the best local ingredients. Fans of the distillery recommend a Manhattan made from either the rye or bourbon.

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10BEST | CRAFT DISTILLERIES

CATSKILL DISTILLING COMPANY Bethel With names like Peace Vodka, Curious Gin and The Most Righteous Bourbon, it appears this distiller is influenced by the original 1969 Woodstock Festival. Catskill Distilling Company is more than just a place to try excellent spirits; it’s a community that showcases the best that the region has to offer. Visitors can enjoy concerts and performances, local art at the Stray Cat Gallery and upscale farm-to-table cuisine at the Dancing Cat Saloon. HILLROCK ESTATE DISTILLERY

UNION GROVE DISTILLERY

UNION GROVE DISTILLERY Arkville Utilizing local ingredients, distillers here have captured the essence of the region and infused it into their spirits. The newest offering, FirGIN, includes fir from local balsam and Norway spruce trees, wild ginseng from the Catskill Mountains, lavender, horseradish and locally grown juniper.

HILLROCK ESTATE DISTILLERY Ancram Hillrock prides itself on being one of the world’s few “field-to-glass” whiskey distilleries, where the barley, rye and corn used in its handcrafted spirits are grown on its farm. All three spirits — the Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey, the Single Malt Whiskey and the Double Cask Rye Whiskey — have won international awards. CATSKILL DISTILLING COMPANY

TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS

FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY

FINGER LAKES DISTILLING Burdett Although it makes amazing gin and vodka, it’s Finger Lakes Distilling’s McKenzie whiskeys that are favored by locals. The new Glen Thunder is an un-aged offering that expands the portfolio into the nuanced world of moonshine. It’s named after the nearby Watkins Glen raceway.

TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS Gardiner Credited with being New York’s first post-Prohibition whiskey distillery, Tuthilltown has won awards in a plethora of competitions. Specialties are its Hudson whiskeys, which come in a spectrum of styles from the mild and smooth Hudson New York Corn Whiskey to the bold Hudson Maple Cask Rye Whiskey.

FOUR FIGHTS DISTILLING Corning Four Fights Distilling has batches of vodka, bourbon, whiskey and gin and distills a line of moonshines called Emperial. Emperial Cinnamoon, as the name hints, packs the woodsy notes of cinnamon, while the Emperial Apple Pie mixes the sweet and spiced elements of the all-American dessert.

PAUL LOWE

CAGWIN PHOTOGRAPHY

OLDE YORK FARM DISTILLERY & COOPERAGE Claverack Women own this family-operated distillery that produces seasonal “micro batch” liquors distilled from ingredients grown and foraged in the Hudson Valley. Syrup from black walnut trees gives the signature Cooper’s Daughters Black Walnut Bourbon a mildly nutty essence.

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hi ber ca tion hi ber ca tion A state of relaxation and coziness characterized by the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increased exposure to charming lake towns, delightful culinary experiences, local craft breweries, and friendly, down-to-earth people. It most commonly occurs in the Finger Lakes during winter months.

Get all the cozy details at

hibercation.com

ÂŽ I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

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BEYOND THE CITY

FOLDABLE POCKET GUIDE TO

The

s k c a d n o r i d A L

SANTA’S WORKSHOP; GETTY IMAGES

HIDDEN GEM SANTA’S WORKSHOP

OVE WINTER? WELCOME TO your

Every day is Christmas at Santa’s Workshop. Located at the base of Whiteface Mountain, this 70-year-old theme park in Wilmington features the Candy Cane Express train, a reindeer barn, kiddie rides and meet and greets with the jolly old elf himself. ▶ northpoleny.com

new happy place. Surrounded by 6.1 million-acre Adirondack Park, a wilderness area the size of Vermont, the village of Lake Placid has hosted two Olympic Winter Games (1932 and 1980). From Feb. 13-23, it will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1980 Games with events galore. — Diane Bair and Pamela Wright GETTY IMAGES

ATTRACTIONS

NIGHTLIFE

RESTAURANTS

LAKE PLACID OLYMPIC MUSEUM

LAKE PLACID PUB & BREWERY

SMOKE SIGNALS

Medals, mascots, memorable moments — the Lake Placid Olympic Museum captures the highlights of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games in the building that housed the “Miracle on Ice” hockey game. ▶ www.lpom.org

The award-winning Lake Placid Pub & Brewery has been attracting suds enthusiasts for 24 years and counting. Top brews include Ubu Ale and Big Slide IPA. ▶ ubuale.com

Follow your nose to Smoke Signals for Lake Placid’s best barbecue. Fans rhapsodize over the brisket, ribs, pulled pork and tasty sides. ▶ smokesignalsq.com

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Bobsled Experience LAKEPLACID.COM

LAKE PLACID BOBSLED EXPERIENCE Pair up with a professional driver and brakeman on an actual bobsled training track. It’s wild, exhilarating — and over way too quickly. ▶ whiteface.com

WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN With the greatest vertical drop in the East, Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington looks fierce, but in fact, 62 percent of the terrain — 87 trails in all — is suitable for beginner or intermediate skiers and riders. ▶ whiteface.com

SHOPPING MAIN STREET Lake Placid’s Main Street is a lively retail corridor. Standout shops include The Adirondack Popcorn Co.; Pure Placid (locally made soap, lotions and candles); Adirondack Decorative Arts & Crafts; and a wonderful independent bookstore, The Bookstore Plus.

Smoke Signals LAYLA STOLTZ

THE VIEW RESTAURANT

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For a special night out, The View Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa doesn’t disappoint. This AAA fourdiamond award winner offers a locally sourced menu that changes three times a year. ▶ mirrorlakeinn.com

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BEYOND THE CITY

y n a b l A

HIDDEN GEMS THE EGG One of the city’s most distinct architectural landmarks, The Egg is also one of Albany’s premier performing arts venues, hosting an array of live stage acts throughout the year. The structure took 12 years to complete and is lauded for being as functional as it is sculptural. ▶ theegg.org

HE CAPITAL OF THE

Empire State blends big-city sophistication with small-town charm. You can tour the stunning 19th-century capitol building, stroll among history and science museums and sip along a booming craft beverage trail.

The Egg

CAPITAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE PARK While Washington Park is a favorite year-round, winter offers a magical time to visit thanks to Capital Holiday Lights in the Park, an annual drive-thru light display that leads to the park’s Lake House, where you can enjoy refreshments, holiday craft vendors — and a visit with Santa himself. Admission fees vary; open Nov. 29 to Jan. 3. ▶ albanycapitalholidaylights.com

— Robin Roenker

CORNING TOWER

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The 42nd-story observation deck atop the Corning Tower — the tallest building in the state outside of New York City — offers panoramic views of the city, the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks and Catskills. Open weekdays; free admission. ▶ empirestateplaza.ny.gov/corning tower-observation-deck

ATTRACTIONS

RESTAURANTS

NIGHTLIFE

NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM

AMA COCINA

NINE PIN CIDER WORKS

Cohoes

Collections at the mastadon oldest and largest state museum in the country include more than 16 million scientific specimens and 1 million cultural objects. You can see several nearly complete mastodon skeletons, artifacts from native Eastern Woodlands tribes and items related to the women’s suffrage movement, which was launched in Seneca Falls. Closed Mondays; free admission. ▶ nysm.nysed.gov

Hungry for a fun twist on Mexican street food? Head to Ama Cocina, where you can snag made-to-order tacos, chicharrones, Mexican lasagna and more. ▶ amacocina.com

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SHOPPING

STATE CAPITOL Completed in 1899, the New York State Capitol building is often described as one of the most beautiful State Capitol in the country. Its famed “Million Dollar Staircase” includes 444 steps and soars 119 feet high. Free one-hour, walk-in tours are offered Monday through Friday, as well as Saturdays with a reservation. ▶ empirestateplaza.ny.gov/tours/new-york-state-capitol

Featuring local craft cider and beer, Nine Pin is one of more than 50 venues along the popular Capital Craft Beverage Trail where patrons can taste some of teh region’s most unique small-batch brews. ▶ ninepincider.com

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DRUTHERS BREWING In addition to beer, Druthers Brewing offers a range of classic burgers, wood-fired pizzas and an awardwinning, seven-cheese loaded mac and cheese that locals swear by. ▶ druthersbrewing.com

It’s easy to get your retail therapy fix among the 180 stores at the Crossgates Mall, which also boasts an on-site spa, IMAX theater, more than 40 dining options and entertainment venues like Dave & Buster’s and a comedy club. ▶ shopcrossgates.com

Corning Tower

Nine Pin Cider Works

PALACE THEATRE This regional gem retains many of its original, ornate 1930s-era details, making it a fun, nostalgia-rich venue to enjoy a movie, play or live performance by the Albany Symphony or an array of touring artists. ▶ palacealbany.org

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DISCOVER ALBANY

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BEYOND THE CITY RESTAURANTS

s l l i k s t a The C

ZE WINDHAM WINE BAR In Windham, the Schreiber family — sommelier Cordelia, chief creative gastronomer Jessika and in-house German beer connoisseur Peter — operate what Travel & Leisure named one the 25 best wine bars in the U.S. in 2018. ▶ zewinebar.com

HE CATSKILLS REGION OFFERS

newly improved ski facilities — and a whole lot more. The Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain and Belleayre ski areas all have enjoyed recent enhancements. Windham Mountain spent $8 million on upgrades including a new high-speed six-pack lift at the base. Hunter North has five new trails and four new gladed skiing areas and Belleayre Mountain boasts new jumps, ramps, rails, boxes and pipes. When you eventually tire of the slopes, you’ll also find plenty of dining and entertainment options.

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HUNTER MOUNTAIN BREWERY

— Adam Stone

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ATTRACTIONS

HULL-O FARMS

PRATT ROCK

Tour Hull-O Farms in Durham for a chance to milk the cows, gather freshly laid eggs and help feed the baby animals. Come early to enjoy a home-cooked, farm-fresh country breakfast in their historic 19thcentury farmhouse. Reservations required. ▶ hull-o.com/the farm/farm-tours

Billed as New York’s Mount Rushmore, Pratt Rock in Prattsville depicts events in the life of Zaddock Pratt, an early local settler who rose from obscurity to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Be ready to hike: It’s 3.1 miles round trip. ▶ greatnorthern catskills.com/out doors/pratt-rock-new yorks-mount-rushmore

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GREATNORTHERNCATSKILLS.COM

Hunter Mountain Brewery in Hunter has built its reputation on good food, good beer and good service. Winter menu highlights include French onion soup, Kaatskill meatloaf and the signature mac and cheese. ▶ hmbcatskills.com

Lumberyard Center

LAURA LEVINE

HIDDEN GEM

ALON-KOPPEL

MYSTERY SPOT The Mystery Spot in Phoenicia is the place to go for clothes, artwork, old records, board games, garden gnomes and, well, whatever else you might stumble across. Its motto: “Clutter my world!” Just look for the giant statue of Davy Crockett. ▶ lauralevine.com/ mystery-spot

NIGHTLIFE LUMBERYARD CENTER The Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts in Catskill is the place to see groundbreaking performances by artists testing and honing projects that go on to premiere in New York City. ▶ lumberyard.org

ORPHEUM The Orpheum Film & Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, operated by the Catskill Mountain Foundation, plays host to a range of theatrical productions, musical events and dance festivals. ▶ catskillmtn.org/initiatives/orpheum-performing-arts center/index.html

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BEYOND THE CITY

FOLDABLE POCKET GUIDE TO

Taughannock Falls State Park

SHOPPING MACKENZIE-CHILDS

s e k a L Fi nger

Hand-painted ceramics, furniture and enamels showcase whimsical designs in the showroom of MacKenzie-Childs along Cayuga Lake in Aurora. Save time to visit the Gothic Revival chicken house. ▶ www.mackenziechilds.com

HE HOLIDAYS BRING WINTRY

sparkle to a region where still-life waterfalls meet wines pressed from frosty grapes. Locals are wrapping up the 100th anniversary celebration of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, the nation’s oldest regional destination marketing organization.

MURANDA CHEESE COMPANY Graze slices of locally made aged cheddar and raw-milk Gouda at this family-run operation in Waterloo with a tasting room in a 19th-century barn. ▶ murandacheese. com

— Jen Rose Smith

DEBORAH LITTLEJOHN

HIDDEN GEMS TAUGHANNOCK FALLS At Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg, rocky cliffs flank a 215-foot waterfall, which turns into a natural ice sculpture during winter months. ▶ parks.ny.gov/parks/62

GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM The George Eastman Museum in Rochester, a trove of historic film and photography, goes all out for the holidays. Come for nostalgic screenings in the restored Dryden Theatre; if you visit by Dec. 12 you can bid in the gingerbread house silent auction. ▶ eastman.org

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STAY WILLIAM HENRY MILLER INN Downtown Ithaca is steps away from the porch of the William Henry Miller Inn, where new owners Amy Fuhr and Christopher Anderson treat guests to a nightly buffet of homemade desserts. ▶ millerinn.com

Corning glass Christmas tree

ATTRACTIONS BOUNDARY BREAKS

Hazelnut Kitchen JASON KOSKI

RESTAURANTS HAZELNUT KITCHEN Local wines pair beautifully with the farm-to-table cuisine at Hazelnut Kitchen in Trumansburg. Seasonal menus include the option to “let the kitchen decide,” handing your dinner over to the chef’s whimsy. ▶ hazelnutkitchen.com

F.L.X. TABLE A 14-seat communal table and playful cuisine make F.L.X. Table in Geneva feel like the Finger Lakes’ most exclusive dinner party. A set, seasonal menu featuring five courses can range from local cheeseboards to entreés spiked with Burgundy truffles, dukkah and seaweed. ▶ flxtable.com

F.L.X. Table DONOVAN INGRAM

Zabriskie House INNS OF AURORA

Boundary Breaks riesling

Sip winter’s sweetest harvest in the tasting room at Boundary Breaks in Lodi, where plunging temperatures usher in production of ice wine, made with grapes frozen on the vine. Using riesling grapes from a lakeside vineyard, the winery also ferments everything from dry bubblies to dessert wines with richly concentrated flavors. ▶ boundarybreaks.com

ZABRISKIE HOUSE Cozy up to a crackling fire at the newly opened 11-room Zabriskie House, a Georgian Revival mansion now part of the Inns of Aurora. An elegant, three-story staircase shines after renovation of the 1904 landmark. ▶ innsofaurora.com

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

Warm up in the glow of molten glass in the Corning Museum of Glass, which invites visitors to make their own glass snowmen, Christmas trees and holiday ornaments. ▶ cmog.org

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

BEYOND THE CITY

r e v i R n o s d u H l ley Va

RESTAURANTS MAGNANINI WINERY Hudson Valley is known as the oldest wine-producing region in the U.S. But at Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, grapes are just the beginning. Weekend festivities include a six-course Italian-style dinner with live music, dancing and housemade grappa. ▶ magwine.com

RT, HISTORY, WINE AND farm-to-table fare abound in this region just beyond New York City’s northern suburbs. Also on tap: a plethora of outdoor activities that spotlight the region’s natural beauty.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

— Brian Barth JADE NINA SARKHEL

RESTAURANTS BLUE HILL AT STONE BARNS Celebrity chef Dan Barber, whose Blue Hill restaurant in Manhattan first brought him fame, now helms one of the world’s premier farm-to-table dining experiences at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, located on a four-season organic farm 30 miles north of New York City. ▶ bluehillfarm.com

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SHOPPING

ATTRACTIONS

HAWTHORNE VALLEY FARM STORE

SUGAR LOAF ART AND CRAFT VILLAGE

BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Hudson Valley is an organic farming mecca, and there’s no better place to pick up locally grown provisions than at the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store in Ghent, part of a nonprofit environmental agriculture center, with a full selection of meats, dairy products, baked goods, deli items and garden supplies. ▶ store.hawthornevalley.org

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Hawthorne Valley Farm Store COLLIN HOWELL

Among the horse farms and apple orchards of Orange County lies the Sugar Loaf Art and Craft Village, an eclectic outpost of shops and studios offering a variety of handmade goods, from soap and candles to pottery and wood carvings. ▶ sugarloafnewyork.com

Sugar Loaf CATELLO SOMMA

Located just beyond the Big Apple’s sprawl, Bear Mountain State Park offers a medley of outdoor adventures, from ice skating and cross-country skiing to hiking and biking. Stay on-site (and in style) at the GETTY IMAGES historic Bear Mountain Inn, which features fine dining, a spa and an old-fashioned merry-go-round. ▶ parks.ny.gov/parks/13 ROBERT NORDEN

NIGHTLIFE THE ’76 HOUSE Built in 1668, New York’s oldest tavern played a dramatic role in the Revolutionary War. Today, The ’76 House in Tappan is both a historical marvel and vibrant juke joint with live music and top-notch bar fare, plus a full selection of spirits (and maybe a ghost or two). ▶ 76house.com

STORM KING ART CENTER Just outside Cornwall is an otherworldly art museum that consists of 500 acres of outdoor sculptures set amid rolling fields. The Storm King Art Center boasts 100 installations on its grounds, plus nine indoor galleries. ▶ stormking.org

Three Legged Buddha JERRY L. THOMPSON

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

FOLDABLE POCKET GUIDE TO

BEYOND THE CITY

s l l a F a Ni agar T

SHOPPING FASHION OUTLETS NIAGARA FALLS

HERE’S A REASON NIAGARA Falls is a

HIDDEN GEMS

popular bucket-list destination: The sheer beauty of the cascading water is mesmerizing. But seeing the famous falls is just the start of an adventure in the Niagara region, where you can fill a weekend with history, outdoor adventures and more.

AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA

— Robin Roenker GETTY IMAGES

ATTRACTIONS

Take a break from the chill at the Aquarium of Niagara, where you can see more than 200 species — including Humboldt penguins, sea lions and jellyfish. A new exhibit, Shark & Ray Bay, is set to open in 2020. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ▶ aquariumofniagara. org

With top-tier brands like Michael Kors, Cole Haan and Polo Ralph Lauren, Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, USA is a destination for style-savvy deal seekers. ▶ fashionoutlets niagara.com

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PLATTER’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY While most famous for its sponge candy, 81-year-old Platter’s Chocolate Factory in North Tonawanda offers a full menu of handmade treats. Shop at the on-site factory store and watch the magic as candy is made. ▶ platterschocolates.com

NIAGARA WINE TRAIL

NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK Enjoy the wonder of a “frozen” Niagara Falls — and smaller crowds — in the cold winter months. From November through March, approach the falls via elevator at the World Changed Here Pavilion and enjoy an immersive multimedia experience detailing the history of the famous natural wonder. ▶ niagarafallsstatepark.com

RESTAURANTS

Home to about 20 wineries, Niagara Wine Trail USA offers something for every palate — including dessert ice wines, made by letting cold-weather grapes freeze on the vine. ▶ niagarawinetrail.org

Niagara Falls fireworks

FORTUNA’S

Old Fort Niagara

A mainstay since 1945, family-run Fortuna’s serves up Italian favorites like gnocchi and ravioli, plus savory steaks and seafood. ▶ fortunas.biz

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NIGHTLIFE FIREWORKS AND ILLUMINATION Experience the falls during year-round, nightly illuminations for a new perspective on the beauty of this natural wonder. Catch the free nighttime fireworks displays — held Friday nights through Jan. 10, as well as nightly Dec. 20 to Jan. 5 — for a double dose of magic. ▶ niagarafallsusa.com/niagara-falls-state-park

DAVID DUPREY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

RED COACH INN OLD FORT NIAGARA History comes alive at Old Fort Niagara, located within Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown. Original 18thcentury buildings and special events with costumed re-enactors harken back to an era when British, French and American soldiers vied for control of North America. Tour the castle by candlelight during special events Dec. 7 and 14. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ▶ oldfortniagara.org

For a romantic meal, book a fireside table at the Red Coach Inn. Specialties include cherry balsamic pork loin and scallops florentine. ▶ redcoach.com/ restaurant

SENECA NIAGARA RESORT & CASINO

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With more than 2,500 slot machines, 80-plus gaming tables and several on-site dining options, it’s easy to try your luck — or simply enjoy a great meal —– at the newly renovated Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. ▶ senecaniagaracasino.com

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