Death & Co is my favorite place for delicious cocktails and small bites. Their truffle mac and cheese and lobster rolls are delicious and love just about every drink on their whisky menu.
An hour away from NYC, there lies a summer camp on a pristine lake which was abandoned 15 years ago. I cant tell you where this is, but some research can lead you to the right place.
You've heard about the reading room at the New York Public Library, haven't you? Then I need not go on. Just look at it. And you're allowed to hang around in there!