2016

We tend to see a lot of random weather fluctuation here in New York City, and it’s easy to binge watch Netflix and order seamless when it’s crummy outside, but you’re missing too much! Some of my best memories are from times when almost all my friends stayed in because it was snowing, or pouring rain. Don’t let the weather stop you from doing your thing! Throw on those wellies and a raincoat and make some memories! Here are some of the best things to do in NYC when the weather is trying to cramp your style.

1. Hit a Bucket of Balls at Chelsea Piers: Seriously, hitting golf balls is so underrated. I go all the time with my friends, and Chelsea Piers is an awesome place to blow off some steam by whacking some golf balls.
2. Hit Up a Museum: New York is home to some of the world’s best museums. From oogling the gems at the Natural History Museum to making memes of the most famous oil paintings at the MET, there are so many fun things to do in museums around NYC. For a full list click here.
3. Head to a Bar with Games: Ah yes, the most popular American past-time, drinking games. Check out Brooklyn Bowl, Barcade, Jakes Dilemma, or Spin for some awesome daytime (and into night time) fun.
4. Grab Your Pals and Hit the Spa: Let’s be real for a second and just say that EVERYDAY can be a spa day, but on rainy days when you don’t feel like walking from place to place, hit up a spa for a day. Check out the Russian Bath’s in the East Village, or Bliss Spa in SoHo.
5. Check Out a Movie: a trip to the cinema in New York City is different than in most cities. Indie theaters like the Angelika Film Center and the Landmark Sunshine Cinema, for example, screen the kind of nonmainstream fare (documentaries, foreign films and such) that you’d be unlikely to find in a typical multiplex. The same goes for the movie theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. For those who want to experience the splendor of movie palaces past, it’s worth a trip to the Ziegfeld, which opened back in 1927 as a Broadway theater and only shows one film at a time in its cavernous screening room—often the site of major premieres. If you’d like to combine dinner and a movie, you should try Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg.

So while every once in a while it’s totally fine to watch TV all day in your pajamas and order-in for every meal, it’s important to get up and out of your awesome New York Apartment for some memories! If you’re looking for aplace to live, check out these great apartments.

Until next time!

XO,

Steph

Although the past few days have been filled with wacky weather, the warm winds of spring and summer will be breezing through the streets and avenue’s of New York City soon enough! And when you’re overwhelmed with that smell of summer in NYC (haven’t experienced it yet? You’re in for a treat), you’ll be jumping at the chance to get above it all. If you’re not lucky enough to have your very own rooftop to sip margs on, (click here if you want one) you’ll thank me later for this list of the best places to get outside in NYC in the warmer months.

BARS:

Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel

This cute little lounge has one of the best rooftop bars in NYC, with stunning views this place is great for a date night, or just a night out with pals! Located at 299 Madison Avenue.

The Delancey

Good drinks, great vibes, great music. The Delancey Rooftop is a great bar to go when you just want to party like you’re on a tropical island! (Mosquito’s not included) Located at 168 Delancey Street.

Gallow Green (personal fav)

My personal favorite rooftop bar in New York City, Gallow Green is super cute, and you’ll catch that nice breeze off the Hudson River too! Located at 542 W. 27^th Street

Le Piscine at the Hotel Americano

Totally unpretentious, this rooftop bar is the perfect summer hang spot for you and your squad. Re-opens for the season June 1^st, so mark your calendars! 518 W. 27^th Street

POOLS:

McCarren Pool

Located in Williamsburg, the McCarren Pool is a great place to cool off and get some exercise outside without breaking a massive sweat this summer! Located at 776 Lorimer Street

Barretto Point Floating Pool

I seriously did not know about this pool until I was researching this blog but it is safe to say I will spend 90% of my free time this summer there! Located on Tiffany Street in the Bronx

Lasker Pool in Central Park

Find some much needed relief to the heat of New York City this summer at Lasker Pool, just be sure to arrive a little early to avoid lines, and bring your own lock as they won’t let you in without one. Located at 830 5^th Avenue

EVENTS:

Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival

This two day celebration of all things Japanese will make you completely forget you’re in New York City. Located at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, April 30^th-May 1^st

Electric Daisy Carnival

You HAVE to check out EDC. It’s at Citi Field this summer and is going to be an amazing time! Great music, great costumes and you’ll get to see Citi Field in a way you never thought possible. So get your rave gear ready, it’s coming May 14-15^th

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Every year, residents of the five boroughs get together and celebrate the beginning of the summer season in New York City. Put on some glitter, body paint, and seashells in your hair and get festive! It’s happening on June 18^th.

Governors Ball

The biggest event to hit New York City in quite some time, Governors Ball is also one of the biggest music festivals in the country. With headliners this year like Kanye West, The Killers, Beck and The Strokes, this is a party you will not want to miss! Check it out this year on Randall’s Island from June 3^rd-June 5^th.

So get your party pants (or shorts) on people, because summer in New York City is the best! Make this gorgeous city your permanent residency with No Fee Apartments! We have the best apartments in New York City in all the best neighborhoods! To find your next home, click here.

Until next time!

XO, Steph

When deciding which NYC apartment to choose, there are many factors to consider: How close is the subway? What are your neighbors like? What is the rent? And most importantly, what is the character of the neighborhood. We gave you an awesome guide to the East Village, but there are more neighborhoods to get to know! If you’re thinking of renting a NoFee apartment in Greenwich Village, this guide is for you.

A bit of history to give you your bearings: Greenwich Village is generally known as an important landmark on the map of American bohemian culture. The neighborhood is known for its color and alternative culture. Due in part to the progressive attitudes of many of its residents, the Village has traditionally been a focal point of new movements and ideas.

Insiders tip: When wearing heels in Greenwich Village, be mindful of where you step, as most of the side streets are still cobblestone. If you don’t watch your step, you, along with your belongings (RIP phone screen) will go falling!

Now that you’re acquainted with the neighborhood, we’re going to take you to some of the best spots.

Coffee

Stumptown: New York is filled with coffee shops and there is literally a Starbucks on every corner. Stumptown is as great as NYC coffee gets. Be sure to try a Large Nitro Cold Brew.

Located at 30 W 8^th Street

Breakfast

Buvette: Eggs and bacon are a dime a dozen in NYC, Buvette offers a delicious French twist on our classic. Nestled away in Greenwich Village, this breakfast spot is sooooo worth it. My favorite menu item is the steamed eggs.

Located at 42 Grove Street

Lunch

Alidoro: This tiny Italian sandwich shop creates a variety of delicious sandwiches and is a favorite of many locals. Don’t forget to bring some dollars! This place is cash only.

Located at 105 Sullivan Street

Study/Work Break

Garden at the Church of Saint Luke in the Fields: Behind the walls of this West Village garden you can find some much needed quiet. Hang with friends or your favorite book and enjoy the formal, well-tended design and brick pathways.

Located at 487 Hudson Street

Happy Hour

The Mermaid Oyster Bar: The cool sister of one of my favorite places The Mermaid Inn as this oyster bar’s happy hour packs a serious punch. With $1 oysters, the Mermaid Oyster Bar also extends their happy hour specials throughout the entire restaurant (not just at the bar). Oh, and on Monday’s, happy hour specials last all night.

Located at 79 MacDougal Street

Dinner

Corner Bistro: Hands down my favorite restaurant in New York City. No, you do not get swanky ambiance and, no, the menu is not extensive. It is, however, the last bohemian bar in New York. With amazing burgers, great beers and unbeatable prices, Corner Bistro is the perfect place for a date, a night out with friends, or just go by yourself with a book. (My dad used to do this!) Note: this place is cash only.

Located at 331 West 4^th Street

Night Out

Fat Cat: You’ll find rows of ping pong, pool and shuffleboard tables, and even scrabble!? Say no more, Fat Cat, I am so there. In addition, there is surprisingly good live jazz music. This place is a great time for anyone that is 21+.

Located at 75 Christopher Street

Looking for an apartment in the West Village? We’ve got you covered. From multi-bedroom shares, to furnished apartments, No Fee Rentals has it all. To check out some of our awesome apartments in the West Village, click here: http://www.nofeerentals.com/apartments.aspx

New York City apartments are small. Even the most luxurious apartments in New York City aren’t accommodating for multiple roommates. Maybe your apartment has one closet, or maybe your bathroom is the same size as that one closet. The good news is that there are TONS of space-saving tricks to help maximize your tiny New York City apartment.

Get Rid of Junk!

This is seriously the best place to start. Begin by tossing (or donating) all the junk you’ll never use (baby blue cowboy hat we’re looking at you). Then, take all of your seasonal or rarely used items and pack them away in cute storage bins!

Shelves.

Use your walls for more than just tapestries and cute prints! Sleek shelving that extends up to the ceiling adds awesome storage space for your books, lamps and also a great place to add some decorative pieces like a terrarium!

Raise your bed.

There are lots of products that can raise your bed up for extra under-bed storage.

Organize EVERYTHING and label.

One of the biggest challenges for me, is keeping my personal belongings organized. Check this how-to guide out that helped me tremendously.

Keep your bathroom organized.

Living with multiple roommates, or a significant other in a small apartment creates a WAR over the medicine cabinet. If you’re like most people you have enough products of your own to fill it up, but there’s at least one other person you have to share with! Check out these ideas for organizing a small bathroom. I’m currently working on mine and will share before/after pics later!

If you’re looking for a new apartment, NoFee rentals has so many great spaces listed. They have apartments with lofts, apartments with fireplaces, and apartments with amaaaaazing outdoor spaces. Contact them today to find your dream NYC apartment, and then get to organizing!!!

As animal lovers, it’s easy to see how much having a dog can nourish your life. Aside from the social benefits (girls go crazy for dogs in the park), having a dog can actually make you happier and less lonely. But finding a landlord that feels the same is hard to come by. No Fee Rental apartments are pet friendly, and have an easy process that allows you to have/keep a pet!

Looking to make some new friends for you and your pup? Let your dog run free and check out one of these off-leash dog parks!

Carl Schurz Dog Park: Carl Schurz Park has two off-leash dog runs where dogs can mingle, and the promenade is a lovely place to stroll along the East River.

Robert Moses Dog Park: You and your dog will love the opportunity to run and play off-leash at this fenced in Dog Park! Check it out: 42^nd Street & 1^st Ave.

Stuyvesant Dog Park: Dogs & humans of all shapes and sizes can get out and enjoy this dog run.  Get out of your normal après-work walk routine and meet some new friends! Located at 2^nd Avenue  & 17^th Street.

With an increased popularity of having a dog in the city, many restaurants and bars have become “pooch-friendly”. Here is a list of a few great spots where you won’t have to leave your furry companion at home!

Sidewalk Café: A dog friendly restaurant in Alphabet City, Sidewalk Café offers a contemporary mixed menu. Check them out for a great brunch deal – free margarita with your meal… Second one is only a dollar! Located at 94 Avenue A

DBA: Looking for some post-dog park cocktails? Look no further than DBA. With an awesome back garden and great service, DBA has a great beer selection and everything is priced at around six-eight dollars. Great place to come and sit with your pups! Located at 41 1^st Avenue.

79^th Street Boat Basin: An outdoor restaurant offering some great American cuisine that both you and your pup can enjoy! Bring your friends, a hot date, or just your favorite four-legged roomie! Located at 79^th Street and Riverside Drive.

Need to get some new doggie sweaters? Check out these fashion-forward stores to be the hottest dog in the park.

The New York Dog Shop: This shop has been keeping dogs fashion forward since 2006. Located on the swanky Upper West Side, The New York Dog Shop brings a great variety of sweaters, monogrammed hoodies and utilitarian coats for your pup. Located at 46 West 73^rd Street.

The Barking Zoo: Great selection of cable knit sweaters, striped, argyle and Fair Isle patterns, this Chelsea shop brings it. Located at 172 Ninth Avenue.

The Salty Paw:  If you’re all about supporting local businesses, the Salty Paw features NYC based companies such as Sam & Tasha, Yarn Dog, Chilly Dog, and the in-house Black Dog Farms. Located at 38 Peck Slip.

If you’re a dog lover like me, be sure to check out the Dog Film Festival in NYC on October 15^th at Symphony Space, unfortunately you can’t bring your dog, but you can watch lots of awesome videos featuring other dogs!! Also, if you don’t have a dog and want one, or would like to volunteer with other dogs, check out Mayor’s Alliance.

With your awesome new No Fee Apartment rental, fun and social dog runs, the best spots for dining with your bff, and the hippest dog fashion spots, you are all set for having the BEST time with your dog in NYC. So while he keeps you happy by wagging his tail and greeting you when you come home for the day, return the favor by treating him!

XO

Steph