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.

An unchanged 1940s lounge known for its masterpiece Martinis and whimsical murals painted by the author of “Madeline,” Ludwig Bemelmans.

Consistently superb wlbrg staple. Good for coffee, lunch and lavish dinners.

A dark (and decidedly hip) bar on the LES, the only light at Beverly’s comes from the glow of its neon signage. The walls of this watering hole are lined with artwork by local artists, but only those whose art has previously been exhibited in galleries. The drinks are cheap and the music is good, and the vibes are perfect for hanging out, chatting, and maybe even getting drunk enough to start a dance party.

Dead Horse Bay is about an hour and a half from lower Manhattan by public transit, but well worth the journey. There is so much glass on the beach that the waves make a soft tinkling sound as they roll in. It’s a scavenger’s dream, and glass isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. There are still plenty of horse bones to remind you where the place gets its name.