At independent record label RVNG’s Commend Records you can shop for vinyl from artists like….along with an eclectic mix of clothing, ceramics, and more.

A good flat white is hard to find but this is one place in NYC that has coffee that tastes like it does back in New Zealand.

Patisserie Tomoko is a French/Japanese bakery tucked away at the base of a condo building on Union Avenue. Patrons are seated at a U-shaped bar that overlooks their busy open kitchen, allowing you to feast on their sweet delights, while you sneak peeks at how pastry Chef Tomoko and her talented staff create. Known for their Prix Fixe menu that pairs wines, teas, or coffee with three courses of sweets as divinely delicious as they are beautiful, Tomoko also offers à la carte desserts like my favorite year-round pumpkin pie (unlike any you’ve tried before), or you might choose layered yuzu or green tea cakes, divine cream puffs, and a variety homemade ice creams and sorbets. Freshly baked yuzu doughnuts appear on the weekends. And no matter when you visit, Billie Holiday will likely be singing soulfully to you as you sup.

Packed with the most amazing painting and sculpture from the early Renaissance to the 19th Century. One of my favorite details is this effortlessly executed dog in Fragonard's "Progress of Love" panel peering out at us with such sincerity - a resounding acquiescence to the forces of nature.

This is a great day-trip in the summer and early fall. The dunes make the beach feel secluded and the empty houses at the old army-base makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Once we bathed there in late September during a combined picnic and photo shoot. It’s also a good little bike ride from the subway in Far Rockaway.