We can expect a lot more cold weather ahead of us for the beginning part of the new semester. While your instinct may be to avoid the subway as much as possible and curl up in bed to binge on junk food and Netflix, the city offers many places to visit while also staying warm during these winter months. Instead of hibernating in your apartment or dorm, check out to one of these exciting but warm locations in New York City.
Antiques Garage/West 25th Street Market/Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market: Spend an afternoon antiquing at one of these famous flea markets, which are open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. The 25th Street flea markets are within a short distance of each other, making for a day of browsing without too much outside travel. The markets contain a wide array of unique items, including clothing, jewelry and furniture. (West 25th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, West 39th Street between Ninth and 10th avenues, respectively.)
Chelsea Market: While Chelsea Market certainly attracts its fair share of tourists, it’s well worth it for the wide selection of interesting dining options offered under one roof. Chelsea Market is a great place to take either visiting family members or a group of friends for dinner, dessert or a snack when you’re passing through the area. Dining ranges from moderately-priced options to expensive meals. (75 Ninth Ave.)
Brooklyn Junk: With two locations in Brooklyn, these vintage stores offer piles of eccentric items, from artwork to vinyl records. The stores are within a few blocks of each other, and the area also features popular thrift stores such as Monk Vintage and Buffalo Exchange, making for a full day of thrift shopping. (197 North Ninth St. and 567 Driggs Ave.)
McNally Jackson Books: This bookstore may be small, but it still features a charming cafe. Visitors can enjoy a sandwich and get some work done, in addition to looking through McNally Jackson’s selection of books. The cafe contains seating, making the store an ideal location to meet up with friends. If you are looking for an alternative study space to the library or your dorm room, or just a place to spend the afternoon browsing through shelves of books, consider a trip to Prince Street. (52 Prince St., between Lafayette and Mulberry)
IFC Center: This movie theater screens both independent and classic films. IFC’s choice in films shown are good alternatives to the regular blockbusters shown at most other theaters. Often, the theater will screen special, classic movies for one night only, so make sure to check listings regularly. Worth a visit, both during the winter and during the warmer months of the year. (323 Sixth Ave. at West Third Street)
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Jan. 27 print edition. Samuel Del Rowe is a staff writer. Email him at [email protected].
