In March of 2020, I received an email from the university where I teach, telling me to prepare for remote teaching immediately. Within a couple of days, Matt's university sent out the same message. Instantly, our living room became our shared office, and we've now spent nearly … [Read more...] about 7 Ways Living Abroad Prepared me to Live in New York City
New York City
Visit the High Line for One of the Most Scenic New York Walks
[Updated July 19, 2023] If there's one thing that makes me feel like a New Yorker, it's taking a stroll along the High Line while complaining about the crowds, the overdevelopment, and—my favorite grievance—how much "better" it was before it was "discovered." I can't really … [Read more...] about Visit the High Line for One of the Most Scenic New York Walks
A Walking Tour of Edith Wharton’s Old New York
Wharton found great success writing about the insular lives of the extremely rich. But she also delved into a darker side in her collection of ghost stories. As in her novels, the characters in her ghost stories comment on the restrictive, ordered lives of Victorian women. But … [Read more...] about A Walking Tour of Edith Wharton’s Old New York
3 New York City Landmarks got Major Makeovers in 2019
In March of 2019, it seemed like every single New Yorker and news outlet had an opinion about Hudson Yards, the fancy new neighborhood at the northern end of the High Line. It was an expensive and controversial project and people argued that perhaps we should fix up what we … [Read more...] about 3 New York City Landmarks got Major Makeovers in 2019
Inwood Outdoors: The Best Nature in New York City
Is it possible to connect with Mother Nature in a city composed of concrete and steel? In this particular city, it absolutely is. Do you want to get the most out of nature in New York City? Then suit up in your most comfortable, sportiest outdoor gear and take the subway to … [Read more...] about Inwood Outdoors: The Best Nature in New York City
7 Ways to Learn About the History of Immigration in New York City
[Updated July 9, 2023] Some sidewalks on the Lower East Side of Manhattan are so narrow I have to step into the street to let oncoming pedestrians pass. Even more so than in other neighborhoods in New York City, there's an obvious lack of precious space here. This lack of … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Learn About the History of Immigration in New York City
Film Works Alfresco: Free Summer Movies in Inwood
[Updated May 30, 2022]: Film Works Alfresco is back for the Summer of 2022! The free movie screenings will take place at The Hudson, a waterfront restaurant located at Dyckman Marina. See the 2022 Film Works Alfresco schedule. Every year New Yorkers engage in an important … [Read more...] about Film Works Alfresco: Free Summer Movies in Inwood
Times Square, NYC: Love It or Hate It, But Don’t Miss It
[Updated July 9, 2023] Visiting Times Square is a must on any respectable New York City itinerary, but while tourists from around the world flock to the so-called Crossroads of the World, New Yorkers go out of their way to avoid it. Locals may even tell tourists to skip it … [Read more...] about Times Square, NYC: Love It or Hate It, But Don’t Miss It
Why we Moved to Inwood in Upper Manhattan
I'd heard about the Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood long before I moved to New York City. The thing that struck me about it was that Inwood wasn't the the hippest name for a New York neighborhood. It couldn't be reduced to a cool nickname like The Heights or the Village, and … [Read more...] about Why we Moved to Inwood in Upper Manhattan
Explore an Abandoned Hospital on the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour
[Updated February 16, 2022] On the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour, our guide described how, when new arrivals to New York City disembarked from their ships, doctors were present to give cursory physical assessments. Passengers had to walk up the concrete steps leading into the … [Read more...] about Explore an Abandoned Hospital on the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour