I discovered the Frick my first week in New York, during a heat wave in August. The galleries were surprisingly empty, with only the occasional visitor strolling through the rooms, gently creaking the floorboards. I stood for a while in front of the Bronzino, a portrait of a boy standing against a background of green drapery, and then sat in the courtyard for a long, cool hour.

Going for a stroll on Atlantic Beach is a fall Sunday must. I rarely go to the New York beaches in summer because of the crowds, but standing on an empty, windy beach is a total mind soother. Make sure to take a peek at the Miami-colored Catalina Beach Club. Beaches close mid-September.

No, it's not a butcher shop. It's a destination sneaker spot with the best selection of Vans!

My favorite coffee ever in NYC ! The first place I went when I lived in Brooklyn. The music is perfect, food is excellent. Definitely the perfect spot to read a book on sunday morning and a good work place for freelancers.

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.