Getaway not far from the city. Nice beach, surreal pool. Next to Fire Island (which is also super nice).

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.

The design and photography floor at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Union Square.

Try it out rooftop-cycling and find magical cactuses on the road!

Coming Soon knows exactly what furniture and objects you need to make your apartment cooler than you are. The store’s (female) owners’ backgrounds in fine art and high design are clear, and they work directly with designers to bring in a carefully curated selection of pieces new and old.