Banksy popped into my radar one day and I bookmarked it. I forgot all about visiting this public…read moreart until today when it showed up nearby in my search. It's unusual so I felt lucky I saw it as I passed by. It's been covered in plexiglass for protection against the weather. It appears people and businesses are rallying to keep it from removal. It fun to photograph public art or as some call his work Graffiti. I'm glad I have the photos in my collection. It's my first Banksy.

Banksy made this public art in 2013 and it's still intact. It's covered by an acrylic shield…read more Pretty hard to find unless you're using a map app or Yelp. Check it out on the UWS and get some cool pictures in front of here. The art doesn't look like it's complex, more of like a commentary that's the more complex thing about this. It somehow has become a thing to check out, because it's one of the few surviving pieces of Banksy public art. Officially it's titled Better Out Than In #20, and was part of a series. These appeared on the UWS in October 2013 and most disappeared soon after that. An acrylic panel protects it from graffiti artists...such as Banksy. So ironic. Zabar's put up the protection and has made the public aware of this. Cool that a great place like that takes an interest in art. They have some of the best bagels so be sure to go get some. As Banksy has gone onto bigger things it's cool that one of his older projects is around. It's at Broadway and 79th on the side of a building. This is a few blocks from Zabar's.

This museum is lovely. I'm glad I had the chance to meet up here and take a quick tour following…read more It's such a serene spot in Queens and they have such great programming. Sorry for the lack of pictures as it was a dreary day and I just wanted to take the space in. Hoping to bring Bubs here back in the summer!

The landscape artist and architect this museum is named for seemed to just really want to build…read moreplaygrounds, but had to face so much red tape from the city to execute on any of these ambitious plans. It was cool to see the renditions and actual models of what could have been for our city. A friend I visited with works in theater and is a fan of Martha Graham's work so she was pretty excited to learn that Noguchi is the artist behind many of Graham's stage productions. The museum spans two floors and a peaceful outdoor garden area, where a group of us sat and took in the ambience for a while. You can get through the museum pretty quickly if you wanted to but the space really invites you to turn off the business of the mind and while away the hours here. FYI there's no cafe on the premises and there's no food or drink allowed in here, but the staff pointed us to a lovely stretch of cafes just a block away.

PROS: Ian Schrager design, style & vibe…read moreClean, beautiful lobbies & rooms (and great views from higher floors) Great location (Chrystie & Houston) convenient to subway and EV Loved the recessed/back-lit room, the smart controls for lights, shades and climate, as well as the modern shower with 1-way mirrored glass CONS: has a bit of a party/club atmosphere (especially if you like a quiet hotel). ex: starting at 5pm there is a stantion and bouncer for roof bar access more/less self-serve Yes, please note, while there is staff, you essentially check yourself in online and then at a kiosk upon arrival to get your key and similar for check-out (simply a key drop box), which is fine as long as you are aware. Unsure if you could get help with your luggage when arriving or leaving, but for sure don't expect that. Overall, a good stay and will come back.

I really enjoyed my stay at the public. The walkway up is a little hidden, with a nice garden that…read morefeels very serene. When you come in, you are greeted by a very aesthetically pleasing interior including the iconic escalators that were designed with care. I was a little frustrated because our room which was supposed to be ready at 3 pm wasn't ready till closer to 3:15 as it was going through cleaning inspections. I will say the room was VERY clean so at least there's that. We stayed in the loft and it offered a great amount of room, esp for a New York hotel. The floor to ceiling windows are gorgeous. I appreciate that you can fully black out the rooms with curtains for quality sleep. I loved the lighting in the rooms and the bathrooms. I also loved that the shower had a single on/off control button and full sized products in lieu of minis. The room comes with the basic towels, tp, iron and then also includes a steamer! There is an amenity room on each floor where you can get more towels, an ironing board, and filtered water. The lobby bar is so fun to hang out at in the evenings. I loved the large couches. The staff was also really nice both and check in and check out. They held our luggage on both ends and were very nice to deal with. Finally, the location is amazing. You are close to so many bars and restaurants without being stuck in the hustle and bustle of midtown. Overall I really enjoyed my stay at the public. I would recommend to anyone traveling to New York!

I live 2 blocks away and there are always tourists coming in to see it. They offer tours to come…read morehere and take photos. Cars use to park here blocking the image but no more. A short walk from here in the LoX mural also behind White Castle. Beautiful way to honor the Bronx legend

Perfect spot to visit and to take pictures if you're in the area. It is next to a gas station and…read moreparking lot so cars may be in the way but you can still get some good angles.

This is a small but interesting sculpture center. When I went there were two main areas, one with…read moresculpture and sand, and another in the basement which focused on archiving culture and sexuality film and memorabilia from Pakistan.

It's a small museum and admission is free (with a suggested donation). It's a good place to stop in…read morewhile you're in LIC/Astoria if you want to appreciate some creative sculpture art but are short on time. When I was there it had been raining so the whole place had an almost eerie pall about it, which I think really added to the exhibits on display. One of the gallery spaces was transitioning to a new exhibit and wasn't open so I had a really short visit. Still glad I popped in!

OK, if you do the research on the LES/ East Village Community Gardens, you can't help but be…read moretouched. This one, in particular, was started by an apparent Superwoman named Francoise Cachalin, who defended this Safe-Haven from Ye Ole gentrification and didn't live to see the fruits of her labor. I'm so glad she fought for it. *Especially* during COVID/ post-lockdown era, I and other New Yorkers I've observed have come to appreciate the sacred outdoors. In the NE, we don't have good weather often, so Summer is the *best* time to take advantage of the lil free NYC perks like these. Anyway: I stumbled upon this place during my recent exploratory strolls through the East Village. What a cute gem. Ample seating for such a small space, mild greenery (we're not talking a jungle and that's OK). Some lil trinkets and garden art throughout. Totally serene, I don't see any justification for negative reviews. IF I lived down here I would *definitely* be in a place like this every. single. morning. PS: They have great deals for membership if you have a green-thumb and want to literally cultivate this atmosphere. Also, you can have group gatherings here for a *very* reasonable price, which I think is a great resource during these dark days of anti-socialization.

I wish I had one of these little gardens nearby right now because today has been one big bucket of…read morestress. But if you *do* live (or travel) near Creative Little Garden, you're in for a treat. This place is adorable and oh-so tranquil in the middle of a concrete heaven. I'm not sure who maintains this sweet little place, but it's charming, well-groomed, and the perfect spot to hide out in for an hour or two and shed all your worries. Check it out! I'm sure the set-up is ever-evolving.

Local Project is a nonprofit that brings together artists. One of their biggest assets is their…read morediversity and exhibition space, conveniently located off the 7 train. I came here for a DJ event, which was hosted in conjunction with Astoria DJ Group (ADG). There was a pop-up "bar" and a good dance space. The event included some cool video art, as well. I'd say this group has a lot of potential and an important mission. The space is very versatile!

Have been attending many art events there during last few months and had a great time each time…read more Can hardly wait for big Halloween Horror Film Festival.

Walked by tonight and being buried in snow its not a spot to sit at during this frigid NYC cold…read moreweather right now. But when its sunny and warm its a nice respite to take a load off and relax. Has a fun pop art esthetic to it with its structures and colors. There is also a water fountain here that is operational during the warmer weather season.

Gracie Mews Public Space is very comfortable in all seasons. I've been sitting here relaxing a lot…read morethis Spring and Summer. Recently they put up screens and scaffolding so I'm not as comfortable sitting here. Gracie Mews Management maintains this great public space with colorful art installations. There's several types of seating in the space. There's lots of people eating breakfast or business men having impromptu meetings before they head for their office. Let's not forget about the nannies with babies out for their morning stroll. Gracie Mews Public Space has colorful artwork installed to brighten the space. It definitely stands out as you pass this way. It's close to the Governor's Mansion, the Gracie Mews Diner and many more of my favorite businesses. I'm recommending you visit if you need an escape place to drink your morning coffee. I'm a fan.

Get your special sock out, nerds. Its a big giant arm!…read more Its a huge ass arm and hand mural stretched across the outside building wall and across a garage gate. Hand and fingers pointing down as it's ready to pluck up an unsuspecting person strolling by. That's pretty much it. A big giant arm. Beware.

I remember like 2 years ago maybe more I was walking around somewhere in midtown and I see this…read moregiant hand mural, and the hand has a thumb and forefinger pinching downwards, like about to pick up something. I took a photo or two of it, but I forgot all about it. Lucky for me I found it again, only this time I can see not just the hand but the rolling gate of the garage closed next to it and I can see it's a giant arm running across the building across the gate too. it's at 7 East 59th Street, just east of Fifth Avenue. I am amazed it took two years to find it again in a location near where I work. I was able to find out the artist was a French graffiti master known only as JR but other than that I don't know the official name of the mural or when it was painted when I do I will update this review but for now I will call it the Giant Arm.