Christina Izzo

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com. When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place the weekend after. How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as events come in.

Looking for fun activities to fill your weekend? We're here to help! You've got plenty of entertaining options this week, from a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) to the dazzling annual cherry blossom viewing at Jackson Park to the return of yearly festivals like the Doc10 Film Fest, the Chicago Rum Festival and EXPO Chicago. And, as always, there are plenty of cool museum exhibitions and theater performances to take advantage of, too. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Time Out Market Chicago, the culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market, is your one-stop destination for the city's best bites, drinks and programming. The 50,000-square-foot space houses more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. You can enjoy delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, creative burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird, irresistible desserts from Molly's Cupcakes and much more under one roof. But the fun doesn't stop there: The Market hosts a variety of events each week, from concerts to art showcases to comedy nights. We're always keeping the calendar packed with exciting things to do, and here's what you can expect in the coming weeks.

Philadelphia’s ever-impressive culinary scene is getting major love from gourmands everywhere lately—and it’s about damn time. Publications have declared it one of the top food cities to visit last year, and the 2023 James Beard Awards put a few fan-favorite eateries in the spotlight. So, the City of Brotherly Love’s Michelin-caliber restaurants, timeless mom-and-pop joints, and mouthwatering newcomers alike are no longer a well-kept secret. If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining here before, don’t let the tourists’ generalizations deter you: There’s way more to sink your teeth into than hoagies, cheesesteaks, and water ice, regardless of your budget or tastes. Here, you’ll find 25 of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that every food lover should add to their to-visit list. Some of my picks have been cornerstones of tight-knit neighborhoods for years, while others are newer to the city’s culinary tapestry. What they have in common, though, is that they’re all consistently and memorably delicious. And most importantly, they all have the locals’ stamp of approval. My top choices range from a Korean-French tasting menu in Society Hill to a one-of-a-kind sandwich and brunch spot in Fishtown to a longtime adored Chinatown resto that’s home to what are arguably the tastiest hand-drawn noodles in the city. Whether you’re craving something sophisticated, affordable, cozy, hyper-unique, or just plain scrumptious, these essential Philly establishments are bound to impress every p

The only places that offer even better views than New York City’s best waterfront restaurants are our water-top restaurants: yes, we're talking about those scenic boat bars and floating eateries that give off that breezy yachting lifestyle—but without the high price and pesky barnacles that stow away on an actual watercraft. Mostly only open seasonally, they’re peak spring and summer destinations with the warm-weather menus to match, all with a side of real-deal seafaring. So ahoy! New York's best boat bars will rise the tide for all your going-out plans this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 27 best outdoor bars in NYC Updated May 2025: We removed North River Lobster Company and La Barca as the company permanently closed in 2024. We also removed Pilot as the boat is currently undergoing renovations. 

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays.

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! This week is a movie-lover's dream, with the return of Doc10 Fest, One Earth Film Festival and MUBI Fest Chicago as well as a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) and a Miss Congeniality-themed bar crawl. And art buffs will get their fill at the annual EXPO Chicago back at Navy Pier. There's also plenty to do outside, including the city's much-anticipated cherry blossom viewing and the annual spring flower show at the Garfield Park Conservatory. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Sure, there's nothing stopping you from frequenting the best outdoor bars in NYC year-round, but spring and summer are prime time for open-air imbibing. Those sunny days are longer, the temperatures are warmer and fun-loving frozen drinks reenter the mix all around town. With scenic appearances by floating boat bars, cloud-skimming rooftops and bloom-filled secret gardens, these are our favorite places to sip beer, wine, cocktails and all manner of boozy consumables outside in NYC this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in NYC right now Updated April 2025: We added TALEA Beer Co. and Frog Wine Bar. We removed Bandits and Parklife. We also temporarily removed Frying Pan, Grand Banks, Gowanus Yacht Club and Tacoaway Beach since they are still closed for the season. Lastly, we removed Gran Electrica, Island Oyster and Leyenda as they are now closed. 

A New York summer is often a hot one, and prime outdoor dining season is sizzling, too. Throughout NYC, rooftop bars, restaurants with amazing views and lovely waterfront destinations are shining in their annual turn in the sun. And the best outdoor setups at these all-day cafes, Michelin-starred stunners, cozy dives, neighborhood favorites and city newcomers all have picturesque settings to get your attention, and great food and drinks to keep you coming back from now through next fall.      RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Once May rolls around, we know summer in Chicago is just around the corner. Need evidence? Look no further than the slate of summer festivals coming up this month—including returning favorites like Mole de Mexico in Pilsen and Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park—or the throngs of people hanging out at Chicago rooftop bars and outdoor restaurants every weekend. Plus, don't forget to plan out holidays like Mother's Day (we bet your mom would love brunch reservations) and Memorial Day weekend in Chicago this month. So enjoy spring to the fullest and start getting ready for another glorious summer with our May 2025 events calendar for Chicago.RECOMMENDED: Our complete events calendar for Chicago in 2025

Some cities have more sprawl, sure, but we’re partial to the ones that surge upward. And thankfully for all of us, New York City stretches sky-high, from elevated parks like the High Line, to rooftop bars that pair tasty drinks with dizzying views, to beautiful buildings that skim the clouds. But instead of just serving up some of the best views in NYC, the city’s best rooftop restaurants do all that as well as offering some of the finest food and drink options at any elevation. So ready your Instagram filters and get ready for your most scenic foodie snap yet—these spots are your ticket to the top.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in NYC right now

The Korean spa market is getting rough—new spas are opening left and right, and not all of them are as gentle as your skin is after a full-body exfoliation. But these standout Korean spas offer a range of experiences, from affordable spa treatments to skin-boosting Korean beauty products to elaborate saunas or tubs reminiscent of water parks where you can spend the whole day eating and lounging by the pool. Head to the best Korean spas in NYC and get ready for a physical, emotional and spiritual workout. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best spas in NYC

Sound those sirens! The annual Big Truck Day celebration is back at Randall's Island Park on Saturday, May 17 and as usual, it's bringing with it a full day of free fun for the whole family. Head to the Asphalt Pad next to Icahn Stadium to get a close-up view of the large vehicles that keep New York City clean and safe—you'll learn how garbage truck drivers, police officers, farmers, and other big truck operators use these vehicles to drive our city forward. And if you're lucky, your kiddo (or, hey, you!) will get the chance to sit in the front seat of one of these impressive automobiles and pose for a photo! There will also be story time, snacks, games, and other truck-related activities.  

Adults 21 years old and older can experience the iconic Bronx Zoo during after hours during this sudsy, super-fun adults-only party. Between 6pm and 11pm on Friday, June 13 for one night only, attendees can enjoy pouring stations with 100-plus drink varieties, as well as live music, lawn games, inflattable axe throwing, animal trivia, a Retro Zone spinning 1980s and '90s hits, a Glow Party, photo opps and the chance to stroll through the historic zoo grounds and see animals from giraffes to grizzly bears. Party animals (see what we did there?), unite! This will be a night to remember.

The New York Indian Film Festival, North America’s oldest and most prestigious festival that celebrates alternative, independent cinema from the global Indian community, is back for its big 25th anniversary.  The 2025 lineup includes a dynamic slate of 22 feature-length films—18 narratives and 4 documentaries—spanning more than a dozen languages and regions. Notable titles include the East Coast premiere of Berlinale winner The Fable as well as the closing-night selection Little Thomas, a coming-of-age dramedy set in 1990s Goa, marking the directorial debut of Kaushal Oza. Screenings will take place from June 20 to 22 at Manhattan’s Village East by Angelika. There will also be tributes to such cinematic legends as Shyam Benegal and James Ivory. 

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the artist’s death, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibition "Sargent and Paris" features approximately 100 works of art from the titular creator John Singer Sargent. It's the largest international exhibition of Sargent’s work since 1998. The sprawling exhibition spans his arrival in Paris in 1874 as a talented 18-year-old art student through the mid-1880s, when his infamous portrait Madame X (1883-1884) scandalized Parisian salons. On view through August 2, the retrospective will include paintings, watercolors, drawings and numerous preparatory sketches, which will be displayed alongside select portraits of Parisiennes by Sargent’s contemporaries.“This magnificent exhibition will shed new light on a transformative period in the life and career of one of America’s most important painters,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s CEO said in a press release. “By situating Sargent’s work within the context of the city that formed and inspired him, Sargent and Paris will illuminate this influential artist’s meteoric rise, providing new insights into his unique talent and skill in capturing the vibrant society he inhabited.”

You could stay at home watching yet another episode of the same sitcom you've been watching for years (guilty!), or you can watch a group of talented actors perform two never-before-seen comedy pilots live, written by some of New York's most hilarious storytellers. On Saturday, May 17 at 9:30pm, head to the Peoples Improv Theater to watch scripts by Ruby Mainieri and Myles Hewette get interpreted during a live, staged reading by a cast of actors including Brian Morabito, Mick Szal, Omar Evans, Grant Cleaveland, Jeremy Moulton, Jeffery Kitt and Jetta Juriansz, among others. The 90-minute, 18-and-over show will be presented by Peter Clark-Deutsch.

The Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix will be cruising into New York's waters—Governor's Island, to be exact—on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 as the final American stop of the 2025 Season. Experience the thrill of high-speed sailing as 10 national teams race in identical $4 million F50 catamarans, with six 12-minute races held throughout the weekend and intense sprints up to 62 mph getting your pulse pumping in the audience. Speaking of, there will be stadium seating conveniently along the water as well as a selection of food and beverage available for purchase within the race stadium.

To commemorate the new home of experimental gallery The Locker Room (253 Church Street), the space is hosting its inaugural show titled Inflation through Sunday, June 1. And as the name suggests, the group exhibition will feature works centered around the concept of a balloon— inflatable and air-filled works that "collectively probe themes of value, spectacle, fragility, and collapse," per organizers. Among the artists on view are balloon sculptor DJ Morrow, inflatable architecture collective Pneuhaus, Robert Moy of Brooklyn Balloon Company and Penique Productions, a Barcelona-based inflatables collective.  

Back for its tenth year, FUERZAfest by the Hispanic Federation, highlights queer Latine artists and talent for an entire week of panels, dancing, and networking. This year's events, which fall under the theme of “Force of Change," include a queer short-films screening featuring local and international Latinx LGBTQ-produced films on May 18; the world premiere of Rise of a King, a solo show featuring Puerto Rican nonbinary actor-advocate Vico Ortiz, on May 22; and a comedy night hosted by Gabe Ortiz featuring hilarious Latine comedians on May 30.

The beloved Memorial Day Weekend tradition is back: the 38th Annual Loisaida Festival will again be parading along Avenue C (between East 5th and East 12th Streets) on Sunday, May 25, with an afternoon full of live music, dance, artisan crafts, food vendors and more. Celebrating the vibrant spirit and diverse heritage of the Lower East Side, the festival is presented in by the  Loisaida Center, one of the last remaining Puerto Rican-led and founded community-based organizations of Lower Manhattan,in partership with the Acacia Network, the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in NY State. The parade kicks off at 11am, with mainstage performances from the likes of Sonido Consteño, Joe Bataan, Anissa Gathers, Ana Macho, Alma Moyo and Legacy Women stretching until 5pm. 

Several famous French and French-speaking artists are coming together for a music festival in Central Park in honor of Bastille Day. Hear from Bob Sinclar, Big Flo & Oli, Patrick Bruel and ESTL on Sunday, July 13 from 5pm to 10pm during this free celebration at Rumsey Playfield.  Last year, over 12,000 New Yorkers gathered to enjoy the free al fresco performances of such talented artists, so you can definitely expect a fun-loving crowd at this seasonal soiree. No registration's needed; just show up! The event's hosted by the Consulate General of France in New York, in association with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and the Committee of French Speaking Societies. 

The Human Race—a pseudo road rally-slash-scavenger hunt that's like a hyper-local The Amazing Race, only far more cerebral than physical—has traveled around the tristate area for over 30 years and will next take place in Manhattan's Times Square. On Saturday, May 31 beginning at noon, participating teams will race around New York collecting and dicephering various locally-minded clues, walking, running and hopping on public transportation to get to the next phase of the rally. All of the proceeds will go to benefit the Smile Train charity in the name of the winning team. Interested people can register via the website.

"In Scena! Italian Theater Festival NY," New York City’s premiere festival of Italian theater, is back. Held in all five boroughs of NYC now through Monday, May 19, the festival features full—and free!—productions that have already toured around their native Italy, as well as readings of Italian plays in translation, lectures, and exchanges between Italian and International artists. (Yes, the bulk of events are in Italian with English subtitles.) Among the calendar of shows, you’ll find MATER FAMILIAS by Pier Lorenzo Pisano (the winner of the 2025 In Scena! Playwright Award); LAMPEDUSA BEACH written and directed by Lina Prosa (a solo show on migration performed by Nadia Kibout); and IN THE NAME OF MARY (NEL NOME DI MARIA), a show inspired by an old mafia story set in early-1980s Palermo that involved the death of a young Sicilian policeman. The 12th anniversary season of the festival is hosted by The New York City-based Kairos Italy Theater along with Italy’s KIT Italia and Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at NYU.  

This summer, Levain Bakery—the NYC-born chain famed for its massive, gooey cookies—is scooping up some seasonal fun with a new limited-time offering: "Levain à la Mode" will see the dessert purveyor partner with local ice cream shops across the country to serve premium scoops alongside its iconic six-ounce cookies. And for the Chicago edition, the classic cookies-and-cream combo is getting a hometown boost courtesy of Pretty Cool Ice Cream. RECOMMENDED: The 26 best ice cream shops in Chicago, for towering cones and over-the-top sundaes As part of the sweet partnership, the local parlor will offer an exclusive Toasted Vanilla Bean ice cream flavor alongside Levain Bakery cookies, available at Levain's Chicago bakeshops in West Loop (840 W. Randolph) and River North (408 N. Clark) starting Friday, May 30.  Chef Dana Cree, who created the flavor exclusively for Levain, states: “I’m a long-time fan of Pam and Connie, the creators of Levain Bakery, and jumped at the chance to partner with them—especially to help celebrate their 30th anniversary. The vanilla in our scoop is toasted, which I think will pair perfectly with the richness of their cookies.”  The Cookies à la Mode special will be available throughout the summer for $10.50, including one cookie and one scoop of ice cream. Photograph: Mark WeinbergLevain x Pretty Cool Ice Cream cookies à la mode Photograph: Mark WeinbergLevain x Pretty Cool Ice Cream cookies à la mode Along with Chicago, Levain's à la mode offering w

Even with a shortened work week, we could all use a sweet pick-me-up, and our favorite way to get a sugary jolt is, ideally, with a free treat. Conveniently, the dough-punching folks over at Dough Doughnuts—one of the best doughnut shops in New York, known for its fluffy brioche-based doughnuts and fun artisanal flavors—are offering mini versions of their beloved desserts this week and, best of all, they're free. RECOMMENDED: One of Tokyo's most popular doughnut shops has landed in NYC Yes, to celebrate the extended hours at the bakery chain's Flatiron location (14 W 19th St at Fifth Avenue), Dough will be doling out free mini doughnuts from 7 pm to 8 pm through Thursday, May 29. "We're staying open later—and celebrating with free flavor tasting!" announced the brand. "Come by during our new extended hours and discover your next favorite doughnut." The scaled-down, small-batch rounds—which, knowing Dough, are still far heftier than your usual munchkin—come in varying flavors each day, so you can come back a different day and enjoy an entirely new dough sensation. (Recent Dough flavors include Raspberry White Chocolate, Mango Coconut, and sweet and tangy Hibiscus.) Along with the free mini doughnuts, the Flatiron outpost will also be selling their regular-sized doughnuts as a two-for-one-deal from 7pm to 8pm through May 29. Consider it an extra-sweet happy hour! The new hours of operation at Dough Flatiron are 8am to 8pm on Mondays through Fridays, and 9am to 8pm on Saturdays

The era of foodie martinis seemingly continues: In a vodka-splashed town that already boasts Caesar salad martinis (at Shy Shy), garlic bread-inspired tipples (at San Sabino), pepperoncini-zipped quaffs (at Bad Roman) and a dill-infused Sour Cream & Onion creation (at Corner Store), we now have a 'tini inspired by your favorite pizza topping, pepperoni.  RECOMMENDED: The best martinis in NYC for the simple, classic booze concoction Yes, beginning on Thursday, May 22, Stretch Pizza (331 Park Ave S) will debut a Pepperoni Martini made with the restaurant's own bespoke spirit Enzo Empirical, as well as fennel liqueur and hot date syrup—giving the cocktail classic pizza-y tasting notes of fennel and pepperoni spice—and, of course, a garnish of zesty pepperoni slices. The savory sipper will set you back $18 a pop, joining a creative drink program that also includes an on-tap spritz (made with Mommenpop Blood Orange, Stellare aperitivo and orangecello).  Photograph: Rachel WoodPepperoni martini at Stretch Pizza It's actually not the first time that Stretch Pizza—which is a collaboration between molecular gastronomy great Wylie Dufresne (formerly of wd~50 and Du's Donuts) and Breads Bakery founder Gadi Peleg—has experimented with pepperoni in cocktail form: the Flatiron District restaurant has previously served a Pepperoni Bloody Mary (vodka infused with the spicy, savory warmth of pepperoni and garnished with slices of the titular salami) alongside its Everything Bagel and Shaks

Continuing Newark Liberty International Airport's current reputation as the hot mess express, the beleaguered transit hub—which has experienced everything from radar blackouts to flight delays to staffing shortages in the last few weeks—will be drastically scaling back flights in and out of EWR through late October, per an interim order set by the Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday. RECOMMENDED: Uber is making it a lot cheaper to get to JFK from Manhattan That's a major timeline increase from the "next several weeks" of flight cuts that U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced earlier this month. The FAA's new order will reduce the number of arrivals and departures to 28 per hour each during weekday construction periods through June 15 and on Saturdays through December 31. Outside of that period, the FAA is capping both arrivals and departure rates at 34 flight per hour until October 25. "The FAA determines that this operation target would reduce overscheduling, flight delays, and cancellations to an acceptable level at EWR," reads the interim order. Overall, the issuing "is intended to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public caused by excessive flight delays at the airport due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System." The new, temporary restrictions on flights in and out of Newark—which were reportedly relayed to major airlines last week, incl

Summer's slowly setting in, which means it's about time for New Yorkers to plan exactly how they will escape the humid hustle and bustle of the city for the Hamptons, Fire Island, the Hudson Valley and other parts of greater New York State. And good news if you're planning on heading up to the Catskills this season: Airbnb just cited Oneonta, New York as of the country's leading food destinations for summer 2025. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best Airbnbs in the Catskills for a picture book retreat In a recently released report, the home rental website dug deep on 2025 summer travel trends and discovered some interesting tidbits along the way Travelers are reportedly "avoiding the summer crowds and swapping culinary capitals for more local, affordable foodie destinations," per the study (based on Airbnb internal data of trending searches travelers made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for summer 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for summer 2024). Oneonta's boost as a top-rate food town seems to be part of that trend: the "hidden gem in the Catskills" is home to "a variety of breweries alongside a diverse array of dining options, with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients," reads the report. (For the record, we're partial to Dazzo's Kitchen for great wood-fired grub and Council Rock Brewery in nearby Cooperstown for solid local suds.) And the New York locale is in good company—Airbnb also singled out Arakawa City, Japan, as "a quieter alternative to bustling Shibuya"; Shillong, India, "for i

New York is home to some truly stunning displays of athletic excellence, from the New York Marathon to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (a sport in and of itself). And next month sees the return of an annual sporty favorite: Bryant Park's annual game of musical chairs. RECOMMENDED: EXCLUSIVE: The Bryant Park free summer movie lineup is officially here If you don't think that sounds particularly strenuous, you haven't seen just how full-contact the park's version of the classic party game can be. Now in its 11th year, the large-scale game will take place on Monday, June 2 at 6:30pm, with hundreds of participants proving their speed and dexterity as they battle through round after round of high-stakes musical chairs. With comedian Ophira Eisenberg and DJ Flip Bundlez guiding the game and directing the tunes, 30 players will compete in a circle at a time, with the winners of each circle advancing to a final round. The last one standing, er, sitting in one of the park's iconic green bistro chairs will take home not only party-game glory but also a grand prize. (Details haven't been revealed yet but previous prizes have spanned airline tickets, your very own park plaque and even one of those signature green Bryant Park lawn chairs to take home and, I don't know, put on your fire escape? Who has the apartment space?!)  If you think you have what it takes, you can sign up to participate here—note, registration is not only recommended but also first-come, first-served. Speaking o

Malcolm X played a significant role in the American civil rights movement but especially so here in Los Angeles, where the human-rights activist famously held a press conference and delivered a powerful eulogy at the (now demolished) Statler-Hilton Hotel in 1962 to bring international attention to the violent LAPD actions that resulted in the death of Ronald Stokes. And in honor of what would be the icon's 100th birthday, the City of Angels is unveiling new street signs in his honor. RECOMMENDED: The 52 best things to do in Los Angeles, from scenic drives to standout places Over the weekend, Los Angeles City Council members, community leaders, neighborhood residents and devoted activists gathered in Leimert Park to honor civil rights leader Malcolm X on what would have been his 100th birthday. As part of Saturday's celebration, L.A. officials revealed that a five-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard will now officially be known as Malcolm X Way. The route intersects other landmarks that spotlight fellow Black-American icons, including Obama Boulevard and Nipsey Hussle Square. “[Malcolm X] was a truth-teller, unafraid to speak uncomfortable truths and his words (ignited) the Black power movement. His dedication to human rights transcends borders, connecting the American struggle to the global movements for social justice," said L.A. City Councilmember Heather Hutt, per the Los Angeles Daily News. Along with the historic street-sign dedications, Saturday also marked the 33rd Annu

With its stunning beaches, lively nightlife and vibrant culture, Miami is routinely one of the most coveted vacation spots in the U.S.—but these days, it looks like the Florida destination is surprisingly falling out of favor with global travelers, per new data from Google. RECOMMENDED: 10 summer getaways from Miami to plan your next unforgettable trip A new global study from travel insurance specialists InsureandGo reveals some surprising shifts in travel behavior for 2025—after analyzing year-on-year global search trends for flights, hotels and itineraries on Google, the report found that vacationers are turning away from usual hotspots like Miami, FL and Las Vegas, NV "in part of a wider pattern where classic city break destinations are seeing slower search growth as travelers explore new and less crowded spots." In fact, Miami saw a 15-percent decrease year-on-year in travel searches, second only to Havana, Cuba, which experienced a nearly 28-percent drop in travel interest year-on-year, making it the most "dropped" city destination globally in 2025. Other popular destinations that saw significant declines in the past year are Kingston, Jamaica (down 11-percent), Berlin, Germany (down 4-percent) and even London, England, which saw a two-percent markdown. You can check out the top 15 cities that tourists are turning away from below:  Rank City Country % Decrease in Travel Searches YoY 1 Havana Cuba -28% 2 Miami USA -15% =3 Kingston Jamaica -11% =3 Nadi Fiji -1

Along with being a hub for world-class theater, opera, ballet and more, the campus of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is also one of New York's most stunning spaces. And as part of a $335 million capital campaign, there will be even more beauty to come—the west side of the cultural institution's campus along Amsterdam Avenue will get a dramatic facelift in the coming months, with plans for a new outdoor performance venue, community park spaces, new welcome entrances and more. RECOMMENDED: Lincoln Center is throwing a free summer festival with hundreds of events Designed by Hood Design Studio (Landscape Architect), WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism (Design Architect) and Moody Nolan (Architect of Record), the new campus will see the removal of a separating wall at Damrosch Park, which will open up the plaza to outdoor spaces for public enjoyment. (Per Lincoln Center, the project design incorporated extensive community feedback from uptown residents, community groups, students and more.) New community spaces (renderings of which you can see below) will include an expansive lawn space surrounded by flowering trees, centered on a water feature animated by mist, water jets, and reflection, "which will be a community resource for relaxation and kids’ play." Tree groves will add extra shade and seating, including fixed benches and movable chairs, while an open terrace and performance area will allow for smaller-scale community performances and family programming.

It's no secret the Windy City draws millions of visitors every year, but our world-class culinary scene and pristine parks are apparently convincing some to stick around. For the second year in a row, Chicago has expanded its population and reversed a downward trend from previous years. RECOMMENDED: These are the best Chicago neighborhoods to buy a home in this year According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Second City added 22,164 residents between mid-2023 and mid-2024, a slight increase Mayor Brandon Johnson attributes to Chicago's "remarkable resilience," reports The Chicago Tribune.  Sitting pretty at a population of 2,721,308—up from 2023's 2,664,452—Chicago preserves its stronghold as the third-largest city in the nation, behind New York (pop. 8,478,072) and Los Angeles (pop. 3,878,704). However, Houston, Texas is just 330,000 residents from usurping that third-place finish. (According to the Census, Houston grew to 2,390,125 as of July 1, 2024, up from 2023's 2,314,157.) Giving Greater Chicago a population boost, though, are the surrounding suburbs, which are also reportedly experiencing an influx as of late: Plainfield leads the region with nearly 4,000 new arrivals since 2020, followed by Naperville, Warrenville, Montgomery, McHenry, and Joliet. Plainfield Village President Jon Argoudelis credits the area's growth to holistic tactics and a 10-year plan to spend $160 million on infrastructure.  “It’s not just things like economics, traffic and taxes," h

In case you haven't heard yet, the new pope is a Chicago boy—yes, the freshly minted Pope Leo XIV—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope the papal conclave earlier this month, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland pretty amped. (Chicago-based chain Portillo's even made a Pope-themed sandwich to celebrate). And now the White Sox are getting in on all of the holy fun, with a special event honoring Pope Leo next month. RECOMMENDED: This is apparently Pope Leo's favorite Chicago pizza joint—get it before it closes On Saturday, June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a citywide Catholic mass and special program to be held at Rate Field (333 W. 35th Street) to celebrate Pope Leo's election and inauguration. The event will feature music, film, speakers and prayers at the ballpark, which has capacity for 40,000 participants. More information, including a start time for the event and how to purchase tickets, is still to come. “The Archdiocese of Chicago invites media and the public to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area,” the archdiocese said in a release. “Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe. This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our own.”

As the saying goes, when one bookstore closes, another one opens—or something like that. While we were sad to hear that Shakespeare & Co. would be shuttering its Upper West Side location, we are relieved to report that the uptown neighborhood would soon be gaining another bookstore, courtesy of The Strand. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in NYC, including specialty and used shops Yes, The Strand will officially take ownership of the Shakespeare & Co. location at 2020 Broadway, between 69th and 70th Streets, near Lincoln Center. After moving into the space on June 1 to restock and complete minor renovations, the 2,500-square-foot new outpost of The Strand—a beloved NYC chain that already has locations at 828 Broadway and 450 Columbus Avenue, as well as kiosks in Central Park and LaGuardia Airport—will open to the public in early July, per owners.  “Shakespeare & Co. has been an invaluable and treasured resource on the West Side since the 1980s and in 2018 opened a store near Lincoln Center to build on this tradition. The Strand Book Store aims to honor and continue this legacy as we expand our presence on the Upper West Side with the addition of this new store. And of course, all current Shakespeare & Co. booksellers and baristas will retain their employment with us,” said The Strand's owner Nancy Bass Wyden, whose family has owned the legendary bookstore for three generations. “We cannot wait to deepen our commitment to the Upper West Side by offering all the great things Th