New York Lifestyles Magazine July / August 2026

Hosts Manhattan School of Music 2026 Gala Bebe Neuwirth

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Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return. Your Next Adventure Awaits....

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Jon Salas

Jon Salas is a professional trend forecaster and onair fashion and lifestyle correspondent. He can regularly be seen on both English and Spanish language TV, sharing the latest trends from fashion and beauty to what’s viral and shaping broader culture. Tapped into New York’s fashion and haute lifestyle scene, you can follow him at @hellojonsalas to keep up with his latest.

Mindie Barnett

Mindie Barnett is a licensed psychotherapist. Her approach to therapy is humanistic which affords her clients a safe place to explore their inner most feelings. She promotes growth with newfound skillsets, confidence, and resilience. Mindie is experienced treating adolescents, families, and couples and is trained in a variety of therapy modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) . She is experienced in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and grief. She is a two-time self-help and leadership published author, and mental health news contributor. Mindie is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with an MA in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and received her BA in journalism from Hofstra University.

Vol. 12 #7 | JULY / AUGUST 2026

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor In Chief

KARL KIRCH

Entertainment Director Jenny Peters

Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

Travel enthusiasts Jeff & Stephanie have been freelance travel writers for over 30 years. Much of their writing reflects their love of the outdoors and their active lifestyles. Some of their favorite travel experiences include a trek across the Kilauea Iki Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii, and snorkeling with penguins and white-tipped reef sharks in the Galapagos Islands.

The New Jersey couple have written regularly for several local newspapers in addition to Hospitality 21, Family Travel Network, Family Travel Forum, The Parent Paper, Bergen County: The Magazine, Bergen County Kids Magazine, and Family Destinations.

Art Director SCOTT CUOLLO

Special Projects Director Norah Lawlor

Contributors

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Columnists

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Jon Salas - Le Haute Trend Report

Mindie Barnett - The MINDIE Method

Robert Massimi - On Broadway

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Antonella Bertello | Baker House 1650 Photography

On the shores of the turquoise waters of Punta Cana, the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort o ers a five-star retreat where luxury coexists with the natural richness of the Caribbean. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and tropical gardens, the resort blends harmoniously into an environment of great biodiversity. Its open architecture and commitment to sustainability invite guests to discover Dominican nature and culture, transforming each stay into an experience of relaxation, connection, and respect for the environment.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

NYC CELEBRATES 250

If there is one season that captures the spirit of New York, it is summer. The city comes alive with longer days, open-air moments, cultural celebrations, historic milestones, and the kind of energy that makes life here feel like an endless invitation.

This issue celebrates that spirit with stories that reflect our city’s past, our present, and the people and places that continue to shape it.

We begin with America 250 and the many ways New Yorkers are honoring 250 years of resilience, innovation, and collective progress. From tall ships in the harbor to museum exhibitions, community events, and neighborhood celebrations, this milestone reminds us how integral New York has always been to the American story.

Our cover feature on Antonella Bertello and The Baker House 1650 shines a light on the enduring charm of the Hamptons, where history and hospitality meet in the most beautiful way. It is a reminder that some of the best New York experiences are just a short drive — or a ferry ride — away.

We also continue to explore the people, places and experiences that define the season. From arts and entertainment to travel, food and drink, real estate, wellness and our Pet Lifestyles section, this issue reflects the many ways New Yorkers live fully in summer. Whether you are planning a city night out, a coastal getaway, a cultural afternoon or a quiet moment in one of our parks, there is no shortage of inspiration close at hand.

This issue also brings us inside the world of Manhattan School of Music, an institution that has helped shape generations of artists and continues to play an important role in New York’s cultural life. In a city defined by creativity, performance, and possibility, MSM stands as a reminder that the arts remain one of New York’s greatest strengths.

From Morey’s Piers in the Wildwoods to the best new dining experiences, summer entertainment, wellness escapes, and meaningful stories from across the city, this issue is your guide to the season ahead. Our regular sections — NYNY, Real Estate, Pet Lifestyles, Travel, Health & Wellness, and Fashion — bring you the best of the city and beyond with the perspective and polish you expect from NYLM.

Thank you for making New York Lifestyles Magazine part of your life. We are proud to bring you stories that inspire, inform, and celebrate the place we all love.

Here’s to a summer filled with discovery, connection, and unforgettable moments.

See you next issue,

-Bill Mason Publisher

The resort sits on a lush tropical estate featuring dramatic caves along the water’s edge in Bailey’s Bay. Scattered over 21 acres and sloping down toward two private beaches are 11 colorful cottages in traditional Bermudian architecture overlooking the clear turquoise waters dotted with small islands.

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At Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa our extensive list of amenities and activities ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.

FEATURES

THE LADY OF THE HOUSE

ANTONELLA BERTELLO REIMAGINES THE BAKER HOUSE 1650

By Norah Bradford

Behind an ivy hedgerow, English gardens and a sign that seems to belong to another century, Antonella Bertello has built a modern hospitality story out of one of the Hamptons’ oldest addresses on Main Street in East Hampton.

The Baker House 1650 is not the kind of hotel that announces itself with spectacle. Its power is quieter: Cotswold-inspired architecture, antique character, fireplaces, breakfast overlooking the courtyard, a private spa and the feeling that guests have stepped into a living house rather than checked into a lodging product. For Bertello, its owner and steward, that distinction matters. She is not simply preserving a historic property. She is curating how the Hamptons feels when the crowds disappear, the gates open and East Hampton returns to scale.

The house’s story predates the country by more than a century. First constructed in 1648 by sea captain Daniel Howe and sold two years later to Thomas Baker, one of East Hampton’s original founders, the building became Baker’s Tavern, a town meeting place, community center and early site of religious services. As America approaches its 250th birthday, the Baker House name marks 375 years in 2025, a reminder that American hospitality began long before hotel brands, lifestyle concepts and influencer itineraries.

Bertello’s gift has been to understand that history alone is not enough. A property this old can easily become precious or museum-like. Instead, The Baker House 1650 has become intimate, polished and deeply usable. The rooms retain individuality and period romance, while the experience is contemporary: fireside winter escapes, garden cocktails, private gatherings, wellness retreats, artful events and a spa with a counter-current pool, sauna, steam shower, soaking tub and changing room. Guests can enjoy East Hampton as a village, not just a summer scene

That approach reflects Bertello herself. A real estate entrepreneur with a sharp eye for property, design and location, she brings both business discipline and personal warmth to the inn. She has spoken publicly about serenity, service, cars, community and the meticulous details that make guests feel cared for rather than processed. In East Hampton, where luxury can sometimes feel performed, Bertello’s version is more personal: know the guest, respect the house, create the moment and never let grandeur become stiff.

Her stewardship has also turned the inn into a social and cultural address. Recent seasons have brought sunset aperitivos, afternoon teas, culinary evenings, creative workshops, intimate dinners and partnerships that connect The Baker House 1650 to the wider East End. During fall, the inn becomes a base for film, art, philanthropy and village life. In winter, it becomes a place of firelight, spa time and privacy.

That year-round vision is central to Bertello’s success. The Hamptons can still be treated as a seasonal marketplace, but The Baker House 1650 argues for something richer. East Hampton has quiet mornings, cultural calendars, coastal walks, gallery afternoons and cozy evenings long after summer’s last party. By programming the property and positioning it as a retreat for every season, Bertello has helped redefine what a luxury Hamptons stay can be.

The industry has noticed. The Baker House 1650 was named Best House, Villa or Serviced Apartment in North America by Condé Nast Johansens at the 2026 Awards for Excellence, a global recognition for independent luxury hospitality. For Bertello and her team, the honor validated years of work balancing heritage with service, atmosphere with amenities and East Hampton tradition with modern expectations.

Yet awards only tell part of the story. The real measure of The Baker House 1650 is emotional. Guests remember breakfast. They remember the gardens. They remember the sense of privacy, the indoor pool, the ivy, the fireplaces and the feeling that the property has a pulse. They remember that a historic inn can still feel alive.

That balance may be why the inn photographs beautifully yet lives even better in person. It is aspirational without losing its human scale, historic without becoming dusty, and luxurious without shouting. In Bertello’s hands, hospitality becomes less about display than memory — the art of making guests feel, briefly, that they belong to the house and the village, too.

That is Bertello’s recipe for success as a hotelier: treat the building as an heirloom, but never as a relic. Keep the experience elegant, but never impersonal. Invite the world in, but make it feel like a secret.

In 2026, as the nation looks back 250 years, The Baker House 1650 offers a more intimate anniversary lesson. American history is not only found in battlefields, capitals and monuments. Sometimes it sits on Main Street, serving breakfast, lighting fires, hosting neighbors and welcoming travelers under a centuries-old roof.

Under Antonella Bertello, The Baker House 1650 has become more than a historic Hamptons inn. It is a study in stewardship, a lesson in adaptive luxury and a love letter to East Hampton itself.

Bertello’s vision for The Baker House 1650 does not stop at the guest room door. Increasingly, the historic inn has become a gathering place for the cultural, culinary and social experiences that define the East End beyond the height of summer. From garden receptions and intimate dinners to wellness offerings and seasonal partnerships, The Baker House 1650 continues to position itself as both a private retreat and a social address — a place where heritage is not only preserved, but activated.

THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 AND HAMPTONS POLO HOUSE

THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 EXTENDS ITS WORLD OF HOSPITALITY THROUGH POLO, GARDEN RECEPTIONS AND EAST END EXPERIENCES.

That broader vision comes into focus through The Baker House 1650’s partnership with Hamptons Polo House, a collaboration that brings together two Hamptons names rooted in tradition, elegance and a particular understanding of summer on the East End.

The pairing is a natural one. The Baker House 1650, with its 17th-century Cotswoldinspired architecture and deeply personal approach to boutique hospitality, has long offered guests a refined East Hampton base. Hamptons Polo House brings the energy of equestrian sport, outdoor gatherings and polo-season sociability. Together, the two create a bridge between historic innkeeping and the polished leisure culture that continues to shape the Hamptons.

The collaboration is designed around curated experiences that blend refined hospitality with the excitement of the polo season. Guests of The Baker House will have access to select polo matches, private viewing opportunities and bespoke social events hosted at Hamptons Polo House. Members and guests of Hamptons Polo House, in turn, will be introduced to the inn’s accommodations, private gatherings and wellness offerings.

The partnership also brings the experience back to East Hampton, with invitation-only sunset receptions planned in the gardens of The Baker House 1650. Presented with Hamptons Polo House and PAZ Lifestyle, the receptions are intended to celebrate the polo lifestyle in the intimate setting of the hotel property, pairing garden-party atmosphere with the sophistication of the season.

For Bertello, the collaboration is an extension of the values that have guided her work at The Baker House. “This partnership represents a natural alignment of values,” she said. “Both properties are dedicated to preserving the timeless charm of the Hamptons while offering elevated, memorable experiences to our guests.”

That emphasis on memory matters. The strongest luxury experiences are rarely only about the room, the match, the dinner or the view. They are about access, setting and rhythm — the sense that a guest has stepped briefly into a world that feels both exclusive and authentic. At The Baker House 1650, that world begins with history and hospitality. Through the polo partnership, it extends outward into the wider social language of the East End.

Throughout the summer season, the collaboration is expected to include signature events such as sunset receptions, VIP match-day experiences and intimate dinners celebrating local culture, cuisine and community. It reflects a larger movement in boutique hospitality: the most memorable properties are no longer only places to stay. They are curators of place.

Hamptons Polo House CEO Facundo Rawson described the partnership as a way to capture the spirit of the Hamptons. “Together, we are creating something truly special that captures the spirit of the Hamptons — sophisticated, social, and deeply rooted in tradition,” he said.

For The Baker House 1650, the collaboration underscores what Bertello has been building all along. The inn is historic, but not static. It is private, but connected. It is elegant, but alive with programming, partnerships and a sense of occasion. Whether guests come for a quiet weekend, a wellness retreat, a garden reception or a polo-season experience, the invitation is the same: enter through the gate, slow down and discover East Hampton at a more intimate scale.

In that sense, the Hamptons Polo House partnership is less a departure than a continuation. It is another expression of The Baker House 1650’s central promise: to honor the past while creating new reasons to gather, celebrate and remember the season.

For more information about The Baker House 1650, please visit bakerhouse1650.com

For more information about Hamptons Polo House, please visit hamptonspolohouse.com

Photo credits: Hamptons Polo House

FEATURES

BROADWAY MEETS OPERA AT MSM GALA

A RAINBOW ROOM CELEBRATION HONORED MENTORSHIP, MUSIC, AND LEGACY.

By Clara Morgan

At Manhattan School of Music’s 2026 Gala, Broadway, opera, classical music, and musical theater came together for an elegant evening at the Rainbow Room. Hosted by Bebe Neuwirth and honoring Board Chair Lorraine Gallard, the event celebrated MSM’s faculty, alumni, students, and its enduring tradition of mentorship.

High above Manhattan, inside the iconic Rainbow Room, Manhattan School of Music gathered a remarkable cross-section of New York’s cultural world for an evening that celebrated artistry, education, and the people who help young performers find their voice. The school’s 2026 Gala, held on Wednesday, May 20, honored MSM Board Chair Lorraine Gallard and paid tribute to the faculty whose mentorship continues to shape generations of musicians.

The theme of the evening, “A Tradition of Mentorship,” gave the gala its emotional center. This was not simply a night of performances and formal acknowledgments. It was a reminder that great artists rarely emerge alone. They are encouraged, challenged, corrected, refined, and inspired by teachers who recognize potential and help turn it into discipline, craft, and confidence.

The evening was hosted by Bebe Neuwirth, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning performer whose own connection to Manhattan School of Music runs deep. Neuwirth is an MSM trustee, a member of the school’s Artistic Advisory Council, and a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the institution. Her presence brought Broadway elegance and warmth to a program that moved comfortably among musical theater, opera, classical performance, and the wider world of New York’s performing arts.

At the center of the celebration was Lorraine Gallard, an alumna of MSM’s Precollege Division, who was honored for 12 years of dedicated service as board chair. Gallard joined the Manhattan School of Music Board of Trustees in 2009 and was elected chair in 2014. During her tenure, she helped guide the school through a period of continued growth and distinction, strengthening its role as one of New York’s leading institutions for advanced musical training.

Gallard’s recognition carried special meaning because her relationship with MSM began as a student. In many ways, her story reflects the full circle of arts education: the young musician who is shaped by a school, remains connected to its mission, and eventually helps lead it into the future. Her honor was not only a tribute to board leadership, but to a lifetime of belief in what music education can do.

The program opened with remarks from Neuwirth before moving into performances by current students and alumni. Ethan Mathias, a member of the Precollege Class of 2026, performed “Go the Distance” from Hercules, a fitting selection for a night focused on aspiration and promise. His performance underscored the vitality of MSM’s Precollege program, which continues the school’s founding tradition of nurturing young musicians long before they reach the conservatory stage.

Meredith Layne Hungerford, a Bachelor of Music candidate in musical theater, followed with “Before the Parade Passes By” from Hello, Dolly!, accompanied by Shane Schag on piano. The performance brought a classic Broadway spirit to the evening, balancing polish with youthful energy. For a school that trains artists across genres, moments like this showed the breadth of MSM’s community and the way musical theater now sits confidently beside classical and operatic traditions within the institution’s larger identity.

MSM President James Gandre offered remarks that helped frame the night’s purpose before Benjamin R. Sokol, a triple alumnus of Manhattan School of Music, performed “La calunnia è un venticello” from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, also accompanied by Schag. Sokol’s performance brought operatic richness to the room and reminded guests of MSM’s long-standing strength in vocal training.

A video tribute, “Celebrating MSM Faculty: A Tradition of Mentorship,” then brought the evening’s theme into sharper focus. The tribute led into the honoree presentation, with opening remarks by David Loud, music director of MSM’s Musical Theatre program and a member of the musical theater faculty. Gandre and Noémi K. Neidorff, a member of the Board of Trustees and double MSM alumna, continued the tribute before Gallard delivered remarks of her own.

The sequence gave the evening a sense of continuity. Students, alumni, faculty, trustees, and leadership were not presented as separate parts of the institution, but as an interdependent community. At MSM, mentorship is not a ceremonial idea. It happens in studios, rehearsal rooms, classrooms, master classes, and performance spaces, where students learn not only how to perform, but how to think, listen, collaborate, and sustain a life in music.

One of the evening’s most memorable performances came from J’Nai Bridges, the three-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano, MSM alumna, and honorary doctorate recipient. Bridges performed “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel, with Shane Schag at the piano.

The pairing was striking. Carmen’s famous aria brought fire, independence, and dramatic command, while the Carousel selection offered a message of endurance and shared strength. Together, they reflected both the power and tenderness of musical expression. Bridges’ presence also embodied the very arc the gala celebrated: a student shaped by MSM who has gone on to achieve major international recognition and return as an inspiration to the next generation.

That generational connection has been central to Manhattan School of Music since its founding in 1918 by Janet Daniels Schenck as a community music school. Today, MSM is recognized for more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 50 countries and nearly all 50 states. Its programs span classical music, jazz, and musical theatre, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees while remaining connected to its original mission of educating young musicians.

The school’s Precollege program continues to serve 525 young musicians between the ages of 8 and 18, preserving MSM’s earliest commitment to children and developing artists. Beyond the campus, MSM reaches approximately 6,000 New York City schoolchildren through its Arts-in-Education Program and another 2,000 students through its Distance Learning Program. These initiatives extend the school’s impact beyond conservatory training and into the broader educational life of the city.

MSM’s faculty remains one of its defining strengths. Drawn from the New York Philharmonic, the Met Opera Orchestra, Broadway, jazz, and other leading musical communities, its artist-teachers bring professional experience directly into student development. For young musicians, that kind of mentorship matters. The lessons are not theoretical. They come from artists who know the demands of the stage, the audition room, the rehearsal process, and the long discipline required to build a meaningful career.

The gala’s notable attendees reflected the depth of MSM’s influence across the arts. Guests included J’Nai Bridges; Ted Chapin, former president of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization; Jane Chu, former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts; Lorraine Gallard; James Gandre; Howard Herring, president and CEO of New World Symphony and an MSM alumnus; Meredith Layne Hungerford; David Loud; Ethan Mathias; Anthony Mazzocchi, president and CEO of Kaufman Music Center and double MSM alumnus; Tony Award-winner Donna McKechnie; mezzo-soprano, composer, and MSM alumna Alicia Hall Moran; jazz pianist, composer, visual artist, and MSM alumnus Jason Moran; Bebe Neuwirth; Noémi K. Neidorff; James Roe, president and executive director of Orchestra of St. Luke’s; Shane Schag; former MSM President and composer Robert Sirota; Benjamin R. Sokol; Paul Tetreault, director of Ford’s Theatre; and Ann Ziff, chairman of the board of the Metropolitan Opera.

It was a guest list that reflected not only prestige, but range. Broadway legends, opera leaders, jazz artists, institutional heads, educators, students, and trustees all shared the room. That mix felt especially appropriate for a school so deeply embedded in New York’s cultural life. Manhattan School of Music is not simply an institution located in the city. It is part of the city’s artistic infrastructure, preparing musicians who go on to perform, teach, compose, lead, and shape the future of the arts.

By the evening’s close, the glamour of the Rainbow Room had given way to something more lasting: a renewed appreciation for the relationship between education and artistry. The performances were memorable, the honoree distinguished, and the setting unmistakably New York. But the heart of the gala was the idea that mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces in the arts.

For Manhattan School of Music, that tradition continues to define its past, guide its present, and shape the artists who will carry music forward.

For more information on Manhattan School of Music, its history, and its curriculum, visit: www.msmnyc.edu IG: @msm.nyc | FB: msmnyc | TikTok: @MSM.nyc

Photos: PMC / Mark Sagliocco

FEATURES

A LIFE IN MOTION

DONNA RUBIN’S JOURNEY FROM BALLET AND BROADWAY TO WELLNESS AND HAMPTONS CABARET

By Lillian Langtry | Photos: Lisa Tamburini

Professional dancer, Broadway performer, yoga pioneer, entrepreneur and producer Donna Rubin has built a career around movement, creativity and human connection. Today, as coproducer of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, she is bringing acclaimed cabaret artists to an intimate East End stage—and continuing a lifelong mission to create experiences that bring people together.

On a summer evening in Wainscott, the lights inside LTV Studios begin to dim as conversations soften around café tables and a pianist settles behind a gleaming baby grand. The audience has gathered to hear Broadway stars and celebrated cabaret performers, but before the first note is sung, another performance has already taken place—one carefully choreographed behind the scenes.

Making certain every detail has fallen into place is Donna Rubin, co-producer of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, a seasonal cabaret series that has become one of the East End’s most distinctive cultural experiences.

The role appears perfectly natural today, although many audience members may not realize that Rubin has already lived several remarkable professional lives. She has been a classical dancer, a Broadway performer, a pioneering yoga entrepreneur, a teacher and mentor, a documentary producer and now a champion of live performance in the Hamptons.

Looking back, those careers seem less like separate chapters than one continuous story told through different mediums. Dance led to Broadway, Broadway to entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship to wellness and wellness eventually circled back to the performing arts. Through every evolution, one belief has remained constant: the most meaningful experiences are those that inspire connection.

That philosophy began taking shape in Canada, where Rubin discovered dance at an early age. Her talent earned her admission to the prestigious National Ballet School, an institution known for training generations of internationally respected performers.

Life at the school required extraordinary discipline. Each day combined demanding academics, technical instruction and hours of rehearsal. The lessons extended well beyond dance, teaching Rubin the value of preparation, perseverance and trusting a process whose rewards might not be immediately visible.

Those formative years later inspired her to produce the award-winning documentary An Improbable Dream, which explored the influence the National Ballet School had on the future lives and careers of Rubin and her former classmates.

Professional opportunities soon followed. Rubin danced with the National Ballet of Canada before joining the original Canadian company of The Phantom of the Opera, performing the principal role of Meg Giry.

Broadway beckoned next. She made her Broadway debut in the acclaimed Lincoln Center revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, performing in the production while also serving as assistant dance captain.

Her years in the theatre offered much more than time beneath the spotlight. Rubin learned how exceptional productions are built through collaboration, preparation and trust. Every performance depended upon dozens of people working in harmony, each contributing something essential to the final result.

She would later discover that the same principles applied equally well to teaching, business and producing live events.

Rather than remaining exclusively within the performing arts, Rubin eventually chose an unexpected new direction. At a time when yoga occupied only a small corner of New York City’s fitness landscape, she recognized possibilities that others had yet to see..

Rubin viewed yoga as more than physical exercise. She saw a discipline capable of helping people build healthier lives while creating strong, supportive communities.

What appeared from the outside to be a dramatic career change was, in many ways, a natural progression. Instead of performing for audiences, Rubin became a trusted teacher to Broadway dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers, continuing to contribute to New York’s artistic community in a different but equally meaningful way.

In 1999, she co-founded bodē NYC, originally known as Bikram Yoga NYC, and opened New York’s first dedicated hot yoga studio.

Rubin helped pioneer what would become known as the boutique fitness model. By offering the same hot-yoga class every hour, she made the experience accessible and predictable for New Yorkers. A single Midtown studio eventually grew to four locations, introducing thousands of people to a practice that would become part of mainstream wellness culture.

Her influence extended beyond running the studios. Rubin became one of the first trained judges for the USA Yoga Regional Asana Championship Series, led classes during the Summer Solstice yoga events in Times Square and mentored nearly 1,000 teachers.

Although classical dance and yoga may appear to occupy different worlds, Rubin sees them as complementary pursuits. Both require discipline, patience and presence. Both ask participants to listen, trust the process and understand that lasting growth occurs gradually.

Most importantly, both create communities built around shared experience rather than individual achievement.

That appreciation for connection eventually led Rubin back to the performing arts.

After selling her yoga business and moving full time to Bridgehampton, she began thinking about the vibrant cabaret scene she had come to love in Manhattan. The Hamptons offered galleries, theatres and concert venues, but there was no dedicated home for the intimate style of performance in which artists tell stories as much as they sing songs.

At approximately the same time, Josh Gladstone had arrived at LTV Studios as creative director with a similar vision. Their partnership became the foundation for Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea.

Now in its third season, the series has become an addition to the Hamptons cultural calendar. Produced by Rubin and Gladstone, it brings Broadway and cabaret artists into LTV’s reconfigured television studio, where lighting and sound meet café tables, modular staging and a baby grand piano.

Audiences experience the Great American Songbook only a few feet from performers interpreting music by Berlin, Porter, the Gershwins, Sondheim, Bernstein and contemporary songwriters. Conversation before and after each show encourages interaction rarely possible in a larger venue.

RUBIN, THAT INTIMACY DEFINES GREAT CABARET.

Unlike conventional theatre, where a production may be repeated with precision night after night, cabaret allows performers to respond to the people in the room. Stories shift, spontaneous exchanges emerge and familiar songs can acquire new meaning through the energy of an evening.

It is precisely that sense of authenticity Rubin hoped Hamptons audiences would embrace.

The success of Hamptons Summer Songbook suggests they have. Each season has expanded the roster of artists while introducing new audiences to an intimate form that remains one of New York’s cultural treasures.

Rubin, however, measures success by more than attendance or applause. She watches what happens after the final encore, when performers remain to meet guests and conversations continue long after the formal program has ended.

Those moments transform an evening of entertainment into a genuine community experience.

Seen through that lens, Rubin’s career no longer resembles a succession of reinventions. Instead, it represents the steady evolution of one defining purpose.

The young dancer who learned discipline at Canada’s National Ballet School, the Broadway performer who embraced collaboration, the entrepreneur who helped introduce hot yoga to New York and the producer now championing live performance have all been working toward the same goal: creating environments in which people feel inspired, connected and fully present.

Some careers are defined by a single profession. Donna Rubin’s has been defined by a purpose.

Whether through movement, mindfulness or music, she has spent a lifetime bringing people together—and demonstrating that the most meaningful performances are not always those presented beneath the brightest lights, but those that leave people feeling a little more connected when they return home.

SUMMER STARTS AT THE BAKER HOUSE

JEAN SHAFIROFF AND ANTONELLA BERTELLO

WELCOME THE HAMPTONS SEASON

By Clara Morgan

Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons has always carried a certain electricity. It is the unofficial turning of the page, when the East End slips into summer mode and familiar faces begin to gather again over cocktails, conversation, and garden-party ease. This season, that opening note was struck at The Baker House 1650, where philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and Antonella Bertello, owner of the historic East Hampton inn, welcomed guests for a Social Summer Hour Soiree.

Held at The Baker House 1650 on Main Street in East Hampton, the gathering brought together friends, supporters, and Hamptons regulars in one of the village’s most distinctive boutique hotel settings. With its historic architecture, intimate atmosphere, and refined sense of hospitality, The Baker House has long been a place where old East Hampton charm meets contemporary luxury. For the holiday weekend event, it provided an elegant backdrop for a relaxed afternoon that celebrated both the arrival of summer and the spirit of community that defines the season.

Jean Shafiroff is widely recognized for her leadership in philanthropy, her work as a volunteer fundraiser, and her long-standing commitment to charitable causes. A humanitarian, television host, writer, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, Shafiroff has built a public life around service and generosity. She serves on the boards of eight charitable organizations and each year chairs numerous charity galas, while also hosting and underwriting events in support of nonprofit organizations. Her work has touched causes ranging from women’s rights and underserved communities to health care and animal welfare.

For Shafiroff, the afternoon at The Baker House 1650 also served as an elegant beginning to a busy Hamptons philanthropic season. This summer, she will be honored by the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center at its 37th Annual Gala Benefit on July 11th, 2026. She is also co-chairing the Halsey House Gala for the Southampton History Museum with Mary Slattery on July 3rd at Halsey House & Garden in Southampton. In addition, LTV Studios will present Shafiroff with the Francis Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy during the season opening of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea on June 28th.

For Shafiroff, the afternoon at The Baker House 1650 also served as an elegant beginning to a busy Hamptons philanthropic season. This summer, she will be honored by the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center at its 37th Annual Gala Benefit on July 11th, 2026. She is also co-chairing the Halsey House Gala for the Southampton History Museum with Mary Slattery on July 3rd at Halsey House & Garden in Southampton. In addition, LTV Studios will present Shafiroff with the Francis Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy during the season opening of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea on June 28th.

in Lima, Peru,

studied economics, management, and finance at Babson College and is fluent in English and Spanish, with conversational French and Italian. In addition to leading The Baker House, she is a licensed real estate agent with The Corcoran Group and a member of Corcoran’s Multi-Million Dollar Club and President’s Council, working across the New York City, Hamptons, and Miami markets.

Her work has also included design, construction, and interiors for award-winning projects in East Hampton, South Florida, and Latin America. At The Baker House 1650, that background comes through in the property’s polished yet personal approach to hospitality. The inn, already known for its historic setting and elevated guest experience, recently received recognition from Condé Nast Johansens and enters the 2026 summer season with added momentum through its partnership with Hamptons Polo House. The collaboration connects luxury hospitality, equestrian tradition, and the social rhythm of summer on the East End.

Bertello is also a supporter of charitable causes, including cancer research and animal welfare organizations such as the Samuel Waxman Institute for Cancer and Aging, ARF Hamptons, and New York City Second Chance Rescue.

Among the notable attendees were Jean Shafiroff, Antonella Bertello, Michele Heary, Nicole Noonan, Robin Fleming, Will Stokes, Robert Farrier, Eunyoung Song, Mark Seidenfeld, Maria van Vlodrop, Bill Boggs, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Jerry Kremer, Susan Kremer, Victoria Wyman, Jim McCartney, Meghan McCartney, and Kim DeGraff.

For more information, visit bakerhouse1650.com and jeanshafiroff.com

Photos: BFA / David Benthal

CURATED BY MEL

FIFA, FRESH FINDS, AND OUR 250TH CELEBRATIONS

By Melanie Carden

Here I am, penning this on the eve of Game 5 of the NBA Finals as The Knicks make a run at greatness. If basketball’s not your thing, switch gears to the FIFA action, or skip sports altogether and meander the city in search of the fleeting nirvana of fresh summer tomatoes. Toms shine brightest in August and September, but they’ll pop up in markets any moment, so make

the most of it as you celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Make a fresh tomato panzanella salad, sip a bourbon born from all 50 states, and tell the bugs to buzz off!

PARTY

LIKE IT’S 1776

These George Washington socks are utterly delightful, and I’m making them the foundation of my 4th of July persona. We’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country! If ever there were a reason to dress with a bit of whimsy, this is it. Olive & Cocoa is known not just for its glorious array of gifts, but the packaging as well. Many items ship in a wooden crate – festooned in satin ribbon – and this set of socks (three pairs) arrives with festive lollipops, in a signature tote. Info: www.oliveandcocoa.com

BEAUTEOUS BUH-BYE

I grew up with those bright red citronella candles. They were at every picnic and every pool; they were absolutely everywhere. Luckily, Room Candle Co. is part of the citronella revolution, creating aesthetically pleasing yet powerful bug repellant candles. If you’re not a fan of citronella scent, this candle is for you since it’s balanced with equally effective lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and cedar. Buh-bye bugs. Info: roomcandleco.com

UNITED STATES OF BOURBON

Vermont-based whiskey masters, Lost Lantern, just released the first-ever blend of bourbon from all 50 states. The inaugural collection includes three expressions: United States of Bourbon 100 Proof, United States of Bourbon Cask Strength, and a limited offering of its United States of Bourbon 1776 Edition. The best part? Each bottle lists all 50 distilleries involved in this once-in-alifetime creation. Travel inspiration I’m happy to dive into.

Info: www.lostlanternwhiskey.com

IT’S TIME TO GRILL

His Smash Burger Tacos set social media ablaze and inspired major newspaper coverage. It’s no exaggeration to say that Brad Prose has a healthy obsession with grilling. Add to that, many of his creations are inspired by his wife’s pursuit of making better food choices. Once a vegetarian, she returned to meat, as Prose honed his craft and swore off corn syrup, dextrose, preservatives, and filler ingredients. Epic BBQ Sandwiches is his second cookbook, just in time for grilling season.

Info: www.quarto.com

CHARCUTERIE AND PICNIC READY

We often gravitate toward elegant ease for summer meals— grazing boards and picnics included. True Story Foods has become my go-to, in part because of the brand’s clean ingredients and devotion to animal welfare. Also because the dry-aged Prosciutto nearly melts in the mouth. Try their hot dogs, sausages, Genoa Salame, Kurobuta Uncured Bacon, and more. Better yet, grab the Art of Charcuterie Bundle to have at-the-ready for summer soirees. Available at Whole Foods and other markets throughout NYC.

Info: www.truestoryfoods.com

DREAMY DORM

Have you seen a typical dorm room these days? Most are nicer than my first apartment, swanky by most standards. So, if you’re looking for a worthy dorm room splurge, the CozyChic® Rib Dorm Set from Barefoot Dreams is the gift that’ll last through undergrad and beyond. In fact, I’d bet this set makes it through grad school and their first apartment. It’s unfathomably soft and cozy, perfect for long nights of studying (or procrastinating).

Info: www.barefootdreams.com

VOLCANIC SOIL ICED COFFEE

Enjoy the bliss of 100% single origin Hawaiian Volcanic Coffee. Waiākea iced coffee uses beans grown exclusively on the lower slopes of ancient Wai’ale’ale on the “Garden Island” of Kaua’i. Here, the rich volcanic soil, mountain rain, and Hawaiian sunshine yields some of the best coffee in the world and the folks at Waiākea blended it into two heatwave-ready varieties, vanilla and Mauna Mocha. Check out the brand’s volcanic rock filtered water as well with naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals.

Info: waiakea.com

POSH AND PACKABLE

Regardless of where I travel, my luggage consists of just one backpack and a small tote. I pack strategically to forego with all that, “we’re out of overhead space” chaos on nearly every flight. One non-negotiable is that I always have a pair of dressy, impossibly flat sandals, like the gold Valentina from Soléi Sea. They’re ready for everything from the farmer’s market in Upstate to omakase dinners in Japan and take up almost no real estate in my backpack. Info: soleisea.com

SEASONAL FARM DELIGHTS

If you’ve got a friend who doesn’t live near a farmers’ market, or if you just want to double-down on seasonal goodies, visit The Farmers Finds (online and in the city). These folks scour the local markets across the country to find the most delicious, innovative small-batch products. You can shop the marketplace or get a monthly or quarterly subscription. From Georgia-sourced praline mustard glaze to Hudson Valley’s own Strawberry & Salty Peanut Granola (we see you Sweet Deliverence!), the season’s best awaits.

Info: thefarmersfinds.com

HEATWAVE RELIEF

This little doohickey can drop the air temperature by 18 degrees. I put it to the test at the gym, in a notoriously tough weights-based class, in a room that heats up faster than a cast iron skillet. I used the cooling mist feature during a quick water break and can attest to its virtues. The mist evaporates before it reaches the skin as the powerful fan blows that icewind with impressive oomph. The Aecooly Portable Misting Fan is not necessarily light as a feather, but also not annoyingly heavy, especially given its superpowers.

Info: aecooly.com

SEASONAL FARM DELIGHTS

If you’ve got a friend who doesn’t live near a farmers’ market, or if you just want to double-down on seasonal goodies, visit The Farmers Finds (online and in the city). These folks scour the local markets across the country to find the most delicious, innovative small-batch products. You can shop the marketplace or get a monthly or quarterly subscription. From Georgia-sourced praline mustard glaze to Hudson Valley’s own Strawberry & Salty Peanut Granola (we see you Sweet Deliverence!), the season’s best awaits.

Info: thefarmersfinds.com

TOMATO SCIENCE AND… TICKS?

Celebrated in Fast Company’s 2026 Worlds Most Innovative Companies list, the plant-powered Mimikai Mosquito & Tick Bug Spray is DEET-Free and EPA Registered. Finally, a bug spray that moisturizers as it does the tough work of repelling mosquitoes (8 hours of protection) and ticks (4 hours). Fun fact: its main ingredient is a compound found in wild tomato plants, bananas, and cloves. Coming in at under $15, each bottle offers over 400 sprays—easy math as tick populations continue to increase.

Info: mimikai.com

LE HAUTE TREND REPORT

SUMMER STYLE – THIS SEASON’S GUIDE TO STANDING OUT IN THE CITY

By Jon Salas

Year after year, once summer arrives, what do we do New Yorkers do? We leave – we go to enjoy our summer plans elsewhere despite spending long arduous months complaining about the colder months. This year however, New York has turned into the place to be, where everyone is flocking to see and be seen. Perhaps it’s the Knicks fever, a little world cup charm, or maybe we’re finally not taking the city for granted and listening to our doc and having our daily serving of an apple a day. Whatever it is, New York is the ‘it’ destination of the summer and part of the allure of being in the city is showing up in style. Because if there’s one thing that characterizes us New Yorkers is that we’re a stylish crew. A few trends we’re seeing this season…

SPORTS PANDEMONIA – A HAUTE WAY TO PULL OFF JERSEY / FAN ATTIRE

This year will go down as the year where sports where king in the city, and the result is a manifestation of jerseys and fanatic motifs. Whether for basketball, soccer, MLB or yes, even NFL – sports jerseys and inspired tops are impossible to avoid at every corner’s turn. And while these garments are very casual – there is a way to show your support and look elevated. The secret is contrasted balance. If wearing a jersey or sports tee, consider pairing it with an oversized, loose-fitting trouser and belt, along with some sleek, simple, sneakers or closed-toe shoes. For ladies, a heel adds further caché to the ensemble. This is a high-low combination that provides visual contrast and immediately makes a sports shirt look expensive and polished, fit for a day of cheering on the streets and a dinner at Cipriani or The Lobster Club. Avoid jeans and shorts as this will further ‘casualize’ your outfit. Another clever option to show team support is to entirely bypass the jerseys and take inspiration from your team’s colors and curate an outfit inspired by their signature hues.

LIVING IN LINEN – SUMMER’S FAVORITE TEXTILE IS BACK

While normally we’re packing those linen favorites into our trucks and suitcases for beach club evenings, this summer they’re on the menu for a night out in the city. Unstructured blazers, button-up blouses, and lightweight, breezy trousers in neutral, earthy tones dominate formal warm-weather wear for both men and women. And it’s easy to see why as they’re comfortable and breathable, and linen’s natural flowing approach to tailoring provides a sharp, sophisticated look without feeling stiff. From Banana Republic and Suit Supply to Zegna and Zara, there’s no shortage of options from where to pick up some linen staples this season.

LIVING IN COLOR – HUES THAT BRING A ‘COOL’ FACTOR

While we love our NY uniform of black – leave that dark tone behind with winter. And if you must tap a neutral, white is the way to go. This summer is about having fun and breaking out bolder hues like vibrant greens, blues, yellows, pinks and every shade in between. And it’s not just because the colors are trending, there’s science to back what colors keep you cool. Dark fabrics, especially black, absorb nearly all visible light and convert it directly into heat, which can make your shirt up to 18° F to 27° F hotter than a white shirt in direct sunlight. White on the other hand is a heat repellant while yellow is highly reflective and historically shown to absorb the second least amount of heat. Pastels are also a great option to navigate those heatwave days while looking in vogue.

AND FOR A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, SLIP INTO ESPADRILLES

Espadrilles are a seasonal favorite and back on trend this summer as they perfectly balance vacation-ready comfort with chic, polished versatility. With the rise of vintage aesthetics, espadrilles are a great option that are traditional, breathable, and comfortable. From full-on flat styles for men to low-wedge styles for women, espadrilles are a summer essential the same way raffia totes and aviator shades are a can’t miss accessory for summer jet set style. From Rothy’s and Soludos to Ralph Lauren and Jimmy Choo – one walk down Madison and you’ll have no shortage of options for this summer footwear staple.

Overall, Summer is about becoming comfortable with taking risks and being comfortable in general because after a few hours out in the sun no matter what you’re sporting, everything will begin to weigh. The key is to have fun and use style advice as a NorthStar for building any outfit but ultimately, the secret tool to any look is bringing through your individual personality and showing up in the best version of you – that’s what truly makes New Yorkers cool. So go forth and live your best NY summer ever and remember this season the world is watching so let’s give them a stylish summer to remember.

MARINA ST BARTH ARRIVES IN SOUTHAMPTON

THE RESORT WEAR BRAND CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ISLAND-INSPIRED CHIC

By Clara Morgan

Marina St Barth, the luxury resort wear brand founded by Marina Cocher Bergés, brought its signature Saint Barthélemy spirit to the Hamptons over Memorial Day weekend with a celebration at its new Southampton boutique. The gathering marked both the unofficial start of the East End summer season and a milestone anniversary for the brand, which is celebrating 20 years of resort wear chic.

Located at 54 Jobs Lane, the Southampton boutique places Marina St Barth in the heart of one of the Hamptons’ most iconic shopping destinations. The new location introduces guests to the brand’s carefully curated world of resort wear, accessories, and statement pieces designed for women whose lives move naturally between travel, entertaining, coastal living, and sun-drenched escapes.

For guests attending the Memorial Day weekend celebration, the boutique offered more than a first look at a new retail space. It was an introduction to the Marina St Barth lifestyle: island elegance with a relaxed hand, polished pieces that never feel overdone, and a sense of color, texture, and movement inspired by Saint Barthélemy. The clothes speak to warm-weather days and coastal evenings, but also to a broader way of dressing that values ease, individuality, and quiet luxury.

The Southampton opening also arrives during a meaningful year for Marina Cocher Bergés. Over the last two decades, she has grown Marina St Barth from a deeply personal vision into a destination brand for women seeking pieces with distinction, character, and a global point of view. With boutiques in Palm Beach, Naples, and Southampton, as well as an online presence, the brand has developed a devoted following among women who move between resort communities with style and confidence.

“This anniversary is deeply personal for me,” said Marina Cocher. “Marina St Barth was born from a moment that reminded me how precious life is, and from a desire to create something joyful and beautiful. For twenty years we have welcomed women looking for pieces that feel effortless, yet distinctive fashion that carries the spirit of the islands, the freedom of travel, and the quiet confidence of true style.”

That personal origin remains central to the brand’s identity. Marina St Barth is not built around seasonal trends alone, but around the feeling of discovery. Its collections bring together resort wear from global designers alongside the brand’s own label, creating a mix that feels collected rather than manufactured. Each piece is chosen for the way it fits into a life of movement: a dress that transitions from afternoon shopping to dinner by the water, a caftan that feels elegant without trying too hard, an accessory that brings personality to a travel wardrobe.

The Southampton boutique extends that philosophy to the East End, where summer dressing is a language of its own. In the Hamptons, fashion often moves between beach, lunch, cocktails, benefits, and private gatherings with little time to fully reset. Marina St Barth’s strength lies in pieces that can travel through those moments with ease. The look is polished but relaxed, feminine but never fussy, and expressive without feeling loud.

That balance has helped the brand resonate across resort communities. In Palm Beach, Naples, and now Southampton, Marina St Barth speaks to clients who appreciate fashion as part of a lifestyle. The clothes are designed for sun and travel, but also for confidence. They invite women to dress with personality, to embrace color and print, and to choose pieces that feel beautiful in motion.

The Memorial Day weekend celebration brought together friends, supporters, and members of the Hamptons social and style communities. Notable attendees included Marina Cocher Bergés, Otto Bergés, Antonella Bertello, Jean Shafiroff, Nicole Noonan, Steve Knobel, Donna Rubin, Maribel Lieberman, Mark Seidenfeld, and Eunyoung Song.

Their presence reflected the boutique’s arrival as both a fashion destination and a social moment. Southampton has long been a place where retail, hospitality, philanthropy, and summer life intersect, and the opening of Marina St Barth adds another layer to that seasonal rhythm. For longtime clients, the boutique offers a familiar brand in a new East End setting. For new visitors, it offers an invitation into a world shaped by island ease, refined escape, and the kind of wardrobe pieces that make travel feel more beautiful.

Marina St Barth brings the relaxed elegance of Saint Barthélemy to Palm Beach, Naples, the Hamptons, and beyond. Available online and at boutiques across these locations, the brand offers a curated selection of resort wear from global designers alongside its own label. Each piece blends effortless style with quiet luxury, designed for sun-drenched days, coastal evenings, and women who move through the world with a strong sense of personal style.

As the Hamptons summer season begins, Marina St Barth’s new Southampton boutique feels especially well timed. It celebrates a milestone anniversary while opening the door to a new chapter on Jobs Lane. After 20 years, the brand continues to offer what first defined it: fashion that feels joyful, distinctive, and touched by the spirit of the islands.

For more information, visit marina-stbarth.com

Photos: SIPA USA via AP Images / David Warren

Where Luxury Embraces You...

Villa Abrazos is an exclusive private retreat designed for discerning travelers who value refined comfort, meaningful privacy, and effortless luxury. Set within a serene natural environment, the villa offers a sense of calm and intimacy from the moment you arrive.

Thoughtfully curated interiors blend seamlessly with expansive outdoor living, where ocean breezes, natural light, and tranquil surroundings shape each experience. From quiet mornings to unforgettable evenings, every detail is intentionally crafted to create an escape that feels indulgent, welcoming, and deeply personal.

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THE HONDA PRELUDE

EVOLVES FROM A BOXY SEDAN TO A SLICK SPORTY RIDE

By Jenny Peters

If it seems like a long time since you saw a new Honda Prelude in the neighborhood, that’s because it has been. Out of production at Honda since 2001, the Prelude evokes memories of the boxy sedan version that hit the road from 1979 to 1991, that car your grandmother drove back in the day.

The Prelude got a bit more style from 1992 to 2001, with today’s reimagined version zooming past that OG memory into a gorgeous sports car that’s also a hybrid gas saver.

It’s bigger than the old iterations, five inches wider than the 2001 version, with flowing design lines that give it a completely different look and feel behind the wheel. From the front under spoiler to the aerodynamic roof design, the 2026 Prelude has a smooth aerodynamic thrust, with quick acceleration and firm handling.

The vehicle comes in five color choices, Winter Frost Pearl, Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rallye Red and the incredible Boost Blue Pearl. That brilliantly hued blue shade is spectacular, paired with a black synthetic leather interior to create a look that belies the Prelude’s $42,000 MSRP. This Honda has the visuals of a much more expensive car, and drives like one, too.

With a 2.0L, two-motor hybrid system, the Prelude gives up 200 hp and holds the road like a champ, be it highway driving or on curving mountain roads. It’s got four drive modes (GT, Sport, Comfort and Individual, the last set by the driver), as well as Honda’s S+ Shift. That allows you to take over, shifting gears with paddles on the steering when, for exactly the ride you want to take.

Add in the regenerative braking system featuring seven different adjustment modes and the result is a smooth stopping system that regenerates power as the car slows. That system also helps the hybrid motor to make more power when decelerating, thus saving gas and improving the mileage, which sits at 46 city/41 highway driving, with 44 mpg combined. That makes the Prelude the most efficient sports coupe sold in the USA,

The Prelude is technically a four-seater, but honestly the second row of seats are designed for children or very small adults. But considering it as a two-seater with backseat room works out well, as the hatchback style allows for 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space and adds even more with the two rear seats folded down flat.

It’s a perfect city car for a single or a couple, zipping easily through traffic and, with its 14.5-foot length, easy to slip into a tight parking space. It also has a Bose audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, which makes a road trip to beach or mountains a ton of fun.

Safety comes first in the Honda Prelude, so you’ll be able to choose all the driving assistance you desire. With “Honda Sensing,” you can give over the driving to the car, with its Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System and even Traffic Sign Recognition System. We’re not very happy when a car starts driving itself, so the good news is you can choose to turn those systems off, too.

What we do like is the Blind Spot Information System, the Parking Sensors, the Auto(matic) High-Beam Headlights and the Adaptive Cruise Control, so those are always on when we drive this delightful Honda reimagination of the Prelude.

And we love looking like the coolest kid on the block, too, in that bright blue sports car with the reasonable sticker price!

For additional information about the Honda Prelude go to automobiles.honda.com/prelude

COUTURE ON THE CROISETTE

hiTechMODA BRINGS GLOBAL DESIGNERS TO CANNES FILM FESTIVAL WEEK

By Lillian Langtry

Fashion, film, and international glamour converged on the French Riviera as hiTechMODA brought its global runway platform to Cannes, France, during one of the world’s most watched cultural weeks. Staged at the historic Carlton Cannes, the presentation placed international designers in a setting long associated with cinema, luxury, and red-carpet style.

Located on the famed Croisette, the Carlton Cannes provided a fitting backdrop for the fashion showcase. The Belle Époque landmark has long been connected to the history and spectacle of Cannes, making it a natural stage for a presentation that blended runway artistry with Riviera elegance. Against that storied setting, hiTechMODA presented a designer lineup that included Divine Silk, House of Zora, Marc Defang, House of Anastasia, and Zaggaro.

The event reflected hiTechMODA’s ongoing mission to connect designers, models, and creatives with broader fashion audiences. By bringing emerging and established creative voices to a high-profile international destination, the company continued to expand its presence beyond New York and into cultural capitals known for style, media attention, and global visibility.

hiTechMODA Productions is an award-winning production company known for producing fashion events with a focus on technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. Its showcases are designed to provide designers at different stages of their careers with access to polished, professionally produced runway platforms. In Cannes, that mission took on a cinematic quality, pairing couture, craftsmanship, and international presentation with the energy of Film Festival week.

The evening combined runway presentation, luxury hospitality, and the unmistakable atmosphere of the Riviera. Charles Madelaine Champagne served as sponsor, adding to the event’s sense of occasion. Guests were welcomed into an environment shaped by the intersection of fashion and film, where designers could present their work in the same city that draws global media, celebrities, tastemakers, and cultural leaders each year

For hiTechMODA, the Cannes presentation marked another step in a growing international season. The company’s 2026 global calendar includes additional showcases in Tokyo on June 19th, New York on September 11th and 12th, Milan on September 26th, and Paris on October 3rd. Together, those dates underscore the brand’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for designers to appear on prominent stages and reach wider audiences.

Known for runway experiences that emphasize diversity, innovation, and access, hiTechMODA continues to build a platform where designers can be seen in sophisticated settings that support both creativity and professional growth. In Cannes, that vision found a natural home. With the Carlton Cannes as its stage and the Croisette as its backdrop, the presentation celebrated fashion’s ability to travel across borders, connect cultures, and command attention in places where the world is already watching.

For more information, visit hitechmoda.com

Photos: Ceclie Rangheard

HOWDY, HOUSTON!

MIGHTY GLAD TO BE HERE

By Ruth J. Katz

Who says you can’t take it with you?

Tell that to Wilson Baker, the manufacturer (and patentholder) of a money-laced coffin on display at the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas. The Lucite-encased legal tender—one-, five- and ten-dollar bills (with a coupla’ 50’s thrown into the mix), along with quarters, half-dollars, and silver dollars—sparkles with the gleam of “new money,” dazzling and crisp. This cash cache comprises all uncirculated coin and bills, toting up to a mere $643.00; at one point, though, it held an even thousand bucks. However, the interior panel, replete with the balance, was stolen! Talk about grave-robbers!

The “Money Casket,” as it is known, is but one artifact on display in this fascinating museum, dedicated to collecting artifacts relating to funerals and preserving the history of the mortuary profession. At the same time, the institution seeks to educate the public about funeral customs and practices worldwide, dating back to ancient Egypt. Founded in 1992, this rich repository was but a germinating idea in Robert L. Waltrip’s mind for some 25 years, and ultimately, he was able to make that dream blossom. (The local Waltrip family was, not surprisingly, in the funeral business, and Robert ultimately expanded that company to become the largest operator of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and other funeral-related operations in North America.)

It is an eclectic and fascinating collection for all things funeral-related— including displays that bring to life (no joke intended) the cultural rites of diverse religions and peoples throughout history; an exhibit about the funeral rites of Popes and of American presidents (including Abraham Lincoln’s death mask); and stately, often imperial-looking, vintage hearses: Among them, a majestic 1938 Henney-Package Flower Car; a 1920’s Rockfalls Hearse, hand-carved from six types of wood, weighing 4,600 pounds, and stretching 19 feet long (!); and almost playful, whimsical coffins from African artist Kane Quaye, who fashions his artwork for the final “transition” to another place. His inventive casket designs include a KLM airliner, a Mercedes-Benz automobile, a leopard, a chicken, an eagle, n even a lobster. Not only can you take it with you, but you can get there (wherever there is) in enviable style.

This intriguing museum was but one cultural stop in my quest to discover the “hidden” Houston, a city of two-million-plus; if you count the Greater Metropolitan Area, bump that number up to seven million. Add to that native population, seven million annual tourist visits. To keep those visitors busy, Houston serves up a smorgasbord of 19 different museums in the Museum District alone, making it the fourth-largest museum locality in the country, and NB: 11 of these cultural institutions offer free admission all the time.

As you likely already know, everything in Texas is larger than life. Take the “Lazy River” swimming pool at the downtown Marriott Marquis Hotel: it is built in the shape of the state of Texas—but, of course, it is—and measures a perimeter of 510 feet. You can swim all around the state, from Brownsville to Laredo, then on to El Paso, around the Panhandle, past Wichita Falls, Beaumont, Galveston, and Corpus Christi, ultimately landing you right back where you started

MORE CAPTIVATING MUSEUMS

As if I weren’t gobsmacked enough already, by the breadth and scope of Houston, I spent a morning at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, specifically to experience the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where a permanent, living exhibit features a stunning butterfly “arboretum” of hundreds of “specimens.” Flitting around in a natural-looking and -feeling rainforest setting, the butterflies land everywhere— get those cell phone cameras ready! The central conservatory is a dramatic, three-story, glass cone filled with tropical plants and a 50-foot waterfall. The website entices: “During a typical visit, one can expect to see 50 to 60 different species of the world’s largest and most colorful butterfly species, flying through the balmy air, hovering over flowers or sipping fruit juice – and occasionally, landing on visitors!” I was as delighted as the children. It is simply magical.

For more adult fare, I would encourage a trip to the Menil Collection, one of the most important privately assembled collections of the 20th century, featuring 15,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books. It’s spread out over a bucolic campus, with gray-toned, low-level buildings—all light and airy—so that you have the feel of entering private homes. The Cy Twombly Gallery is a must, an intimate space highlighting the master’s works.

From Menil, it’s a short hop to the spiritual Rothko Chapel, the only ecumenical center of its kind in the world. It’s a chapel, a museum, an artwork, a forum, an architectural masterpiece. Another must-see. At the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, I happened to catch an extraordinary exhibit by the renowned A.A.Murakami team, who created an immersive, sensory installation of misty clouds, foggy rings, airy bubbles, and glowing plasma tubular forms…all ephemeral and diaphanous. Watching them swirl, fleetingly fuse, and then magically dissolve is like plunging into a celestial dreamscape, floating inside a cloak of clouds. Art and science have never been married so well; the duo call their masterful work “ephemeral tech.”

From Menil, it’s a short hop to the spiritual Rothko Chapel, the only ecumenical center of its kind in the world. It’s a chapel, a museum, an artwork, a forum, an architectural masterpiece. Another must-see. At the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, I happened to catch an extraordinary exhibit by the renowned A.A.Murakami team, who created an immersive, sensory installation of misty clouds, foggy rings, airy bubbles, and glowing plasma tubular forms…all ephemeral and diaphanous. Watching them swirl, fleetingly fuse, and then magically dissolve is like plunging into a celestial dreamscape, floating inside a cloak of clouds. Art and science have never been married so well; the duo call their masterful work “ephemeral tech.”

On yet another awe-filled day, I headed out to to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and was once again bowled over by being “in the room where it happened,” as the cast rapsings in the blockbuster musical “Hamilton.” I strongly advise springing for the VIP tour, which allows you to see much more than on the basic tour—you can even try on the space gloves that the astronauts wore. You’ll gape at the pageantry and pictures that line the exhibits and back offices and you’ll also be able to climb into a space capsule. It is truly thrilling to look at the rockets, the launchers, and, well, history. You’ll come away with more trivia data regarding the shuttles: There are 250 miles of wiring on a typical shuttle; an average shuttle has some 23,000 tiles on it, and putting them together is like doing the world’s most vexing jigsaw puzzle; and that it took three space shuttles to build the space station. You will come away thinking, “Houston, we don’t have a problem.” And if you need a little refreshment while there, stop into the restaurant and coffee shop, aptly named, “Grounds Control Coffee Bar.”

DINING DELIGHTS

Lest it appear that all I did was hopscotch from museum to museum, I quickly must laud the gustatory offerings of Houston. Here are a few highlights:

Navy Blue is a modern American seafood concept by chef Aaron Bludorn, who worked under Daniel Boulud in New York, where he earned New York’s Rising Star Community Chef Award. The flavors of my flaming dessert are still etched in my taste buds. While at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, dine at the in-house “commissary,” Le Jardinier, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli. The restaurant offers up tasty luncheons of two courses for a very reasonable $45. In sharp contrast to my sedate, quiet lunch, for dinner, I opted for Nancy’s Hustle, a name that says it all. It’s a happening, lively place, on Houston’s east side, with an eclectic menu, guaranteed to please anyhow. I especially liked my duck dumplings with duck fat chili crisp, fermented mushroom burre blanc. Another one of Chef Bludorn’s eateries, Perseid, was located in my hotel, the relatively new St. Augustine, and I could not leave without sampling more of his alchemy; I finished off my meal with beignets and strawberries, accented by black pepper (!) and vanilla pastry cream. Ooh-la-la.

Another outstanding meal was served up at Late August, conducted under the joint whisks of chefs Chris Williams and Sergio Hidalgo. Start your experience with the famous south-of-the- borer mojito, with toasted coconut—a drink that was as gorgeous to look at as it was tasty and heady. I followed it with pan-seared chicken, charred tri-color carrots, coconut yazu mole, and pecan crumble. I must mention that my last meal—not far from the Museum of Funeral History—was at another Houston institution, the New York-style deli, Kenny & Ziggy’s, where portions are Texas-size (a hamburger is approximately 7” tall). The eatery’s logo is: We schlep nationwide. Menu listings will tickle your brain, with entries like K & Z’s No-Kvetch

Coffee and Mile High Key Lime Pie.

Caricatures grace the wall, alongside photos of famous diners who have visited. Underneath a headshot of Sean Connery, attired in his James Bond finery, the caption reads: “I’ll take my egg cream shaken, not stirred.”

COMFORTABLE, CLASSIC, AND COOL

STAYS

I divided my time between two very different hotels, each with a distinctive profile. La Colombe d’Or oozes old-world charm, supported by modern amenities (including a black washcloth for make-up removal, always appreciated). Named for the renowned French hotel (home to Picasso’s favored watering hole), the property is a landmark of artful design and revered history. One of the last Montrose Avenue estates, the historic Fondren Mansion manse was constructed in 1923, as a private residence for the founder of Humble Oil. Today, the original structure stands proudly as the centerpiece of an expansion that includes a more modern high-rise, and a complex of suite (and sweet) lodgings. An interesting collection of 425 pieces of original artwork accent the walls, while the centerpiece of the lobby is a majestic baby grand piano. Little “comfy” touches abound, including an in-room bottle of The Botanist Islay dry gin accompanied by Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water.

The Hotel Saint Augustine (71 rooms) is relatively new, from Bunkhouse Hotels, known for its iconoclastic properties, and its reputation for bringing the guest more than a good night’s sleep. Design matters here: Robes are not standard-issue, white terry; they are cotton kimonos, each a rainbow of geometric shapes, a garment that Jacob, with his coat of many colors, would covet. Glasses at the “watering station” in your room are not merely clear highball tumblers, but rather a set of trendy Finesse Rock and Pop whisky goblets, in bold colors. Room toiletries are from the premium brand Klur, featuring its Aura Remedy body lotion.

I had a grand time in Houston and it only underscored that I must return from more “grand” things—including the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Houston Symphony, and theatre. In addition, more museums are beckoning to me—the Health Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the Czech Cultural Center, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the Asia Society Texas Center—and dare I say, I want to hop over to sister city, Galveston? I will be back, to quote you-know-whom.

Photos courtesy of Houston First Corporation and the National Museum of Funeral History

THE SANTORINI WORTH REMEMBERING

By Jenna Guarneri

Whites, blues, sunlight, and ocean views — few destinations in the world are as instantly recognizable as Santorini.

The breathtaking image of Santorini is a dream for those who haven’t been and the stuff of nostalgia for those who long to return – even the sunsets feel like something you owe yourself. The gorgeous view is great , but finding a place where you can enjoy it in peace is a whole other experience—deeper, richer, and more fulfilling.

This was my experience at Ikies Santorini, a boutique hideaway tucked into the highest part of Oia. Much of the village hustles and bustles about, but Ikies keeps itself at a peaceful distance without removing itself from the village’s inner circle.

Perched on the edge of the caldera, Ikies allowed me access to the most postcard-worthy images: the volcano, the Aegean sea, and the dramatic cliffs that have made this place one of the world’s leading travel destinations. More than the panorama before me, it’s the stillness I felt at Ikies Santorini that truly made the trip meaningful: the wind, the distant sound of the sea, and the gentle hum of the village.

OIA, FROM A NEW ANGLE

Many travelers come to Oia with the expectation of the perfect Santorini experience, only to find that many other travelers have come with the same goal. What they often find instead are crowded terraces, busy pathways, and viewpoints packed with visitors—all with cameras ready, waiting for that split second where no other tourist is in the frame.

But at Ikies, I experienced something different—a true privilege in modern Santorini. With its position above Oia, the guests at Ikies can enjoy the island’s iconic scenery while also preserving a sense of privacy.

At Ikies, I felt like I had all the time in the world to not only take postcard-perfect pictures of the view but to also just completely take it in—phones down, just admiring the beauty of the place. I had the time—and most of all, the mental space—to truly take notice as the skies changed color and the waves rolled in and out.

Each residence at Ikies feels secluded and personal. No interruptions, no competing conversations. It felt like time moved slowly and naturally, a much-deserved contrast for me as a big city dweller. In fact, the term “Ikies” itself translates to “residences” in Greek, which is why the whole property felt less like a traditional hotel and more like a neighborhood of private island homes.

Quiet Luxury That’s True To Its Source

The one thing I loved most about Ikies is the way that the hotel was designed. The property features just fourteen houses, villas, and suites, each inspired by a trade that helped shape Santorini history. With names like ‘Fisherman’s Maisonette’ or ‘Captain’s Suite’, Ikies’ spaces honor the livelihoods that define the island.

This concept manifests in the thoughtful details throughout the property: curved architecture, cave-style interiors, and handcrafted details that bring out that Santorini charm. The minimalist palette of white, blue, and gray helped me appreciate how seamlessly traditional elements blended into the property’s modern sense of luxury.

This made it easier for me to melt into the atmosphere of Oia—whether I was in my room admiring the interiors or outside looking out at the caldera, every corner reminded me of where I was.

At Ikies, comfort emerges through thoughtful details: private terraces overlooking the caldera, hot tubs, pools, and jacuzzis that match the Aegean sea, outdoor dining sets and day beds that allow you to appreciate the view of the caldera over a warm drink or hearty meal. Accommodations like the Collector’s Villa elevate this experience even further, with private wellness spaces and dramatic cliffside settings that blend its indoors seamlessly with the outdoors.

It seemed that every residence was guided by the same philosophy: Ikies deepens your connection to Oia rather than distract from it. You feel the true identity of the place with every detail you see.

We left feeling like we had found family in Oia, the kind you don’t expect to meet but are grateful that you did. At Ikies, you are never just a guest. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, every person you encounter treats you as though your experience is their greatest priority. That is not something you find everywhere, and it is not something you forget easily. Details like this are what make a trip, and the place you choose to spend it, memorable.

THE ART OF SLOW LIVING

At Ikies, my senses were fully engaged. Breakfasts are memorable, with authentic local flavors shining through.

My favorite experience of all was their in-room private dining service. Their culinary team prepares local and international flavors, and they would serve this right on my private veranda, as the gorgeous Greek sun sets over the caldera.

What I didn’t expect to find was the garden, gently tucked away, an oasis that feels like Ikies’ best-kept secret. Draped in greenery with uninterrupted views of the caldera, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay even after the meal has ended, and at Ikies, you can. Private dinners are offered, and I cannot think of a more beautiful setting. It’s romantic, intimate, and, even for a few hours, removed from the outside world. If you’re looking for the moment of a lifetime, this might just be where it happens.

This hotel makes slow living easy. From waking to views of the caldera to enjoyind dinners while watching the local fishing boats, every moment invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

THE SANTORINI WORTH REMEMBERING

Ikies achieves what many hotels often fall short on: the right balance between exclusivity and authenticity. Here, I experienced a true sense of place. It provided me with a sanctuary from the Santorini crowd without removing me from a full Santorini experience.

I arrived expecting spectacular views, but I found that the reason I stayed was the intimacy—perched above the caldera, it truly felt like I was alone with Santorini, getting to know her detail by detail.

As I looked out into the final sunset of my stay, I whispered a quiet thank you into the Oia wind for allowing me to slow down. I had never felt so present, and I now find myself among those who think of Santorini with quiet, bittersweet nostalgia

WHERE TO STAY AND PLAY IN THE WILDWOODS

MOREY’S RESORTS OFFERS FOUR DISTINCT WAYS TO ENJOY THE JERSEY SHORE

By Michael McKensie

For generations of families, summer in the Wildwoods has meant beach days, boardwalk nights, amusement rides, water parks, ice cream, ocean air, and the kind of vacation memories that seem to grow brighter with time. Morey’s Resorts brings that spirit together through four distinctive hotel experiences—Blue Palms Motel, The Starlux Hotel, Pan American Hotel, and Port Royal Hotel—each offering its own personality while keeping guests close to the beach, boardwalk, and the fun of Morey’s Piers. Whether the mood is classic Jersey Shore, retro-cool boutique, polished oceanfront comfort, or nautical seaside elegance, these properties create an easy home base for families, couples, and travelers looking to experience Wildwood in full summer color.

THE STARLUX HOTEL

RETRO STYLE, BOUTIQUE CHARM AND PLAYFUL WILDWOOD NOSTALGIA

A Doo Wop Landmark

The Starlux Hotel brings a different kind of Wildwood personality to the Morey’s Resorts collection. Where Blue Palms leans into boardwalk closeness and classic motel energy, The Starlux embraces the Shore’s midcentury visual history with a retro boutique spirit. The hotel’s award-winning renovation celebrates the 1950s Doo Wop era, making it one of Wildwood’s most photographed properties and a natural fit for travelers who want their stay to feel stylish, nostalgic, and fun.

Located steps from Wildwood’s famous beach and boardwalk, The Starlux gives guests access to the familiar pleasures of a Jersey Shore vacation while wrapping them in a design language that feels playful and distinctive. It is a hotel with personality, from its retro details to its bright sense of place.

Playful By Design

The Starlux is built for travelers who appreciate both convenience and character. Its amenities include an outdoor pool, billiards, a fire pit, guest laundry, complimentary bikes, complimentary beach chairs, a conference room, and an on-site ice cream parlor. The property also has its own 27-hole mini golf course, adding another layer of activity without requiring guests to leave the hotel grounds.

Those details make The Starlux especially useful for families and couples who want options built into the stay. A morning can begin with a bike ride, continue with beach time, shift to pool lounging, and end with ice cream, mini golf, or an evening walk to the boardwalk. The hotel does not simply serve as a base; it adds its own small moments of entertainment.

Rooms With Retro Personality

The accommodations carry the same retro mood. Rooms and suites include touches such as lava lamps, flat-screen smart televisions, allowing you to log into your streaming sibscriptions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and other practical comforts. Suite options allow travelers to spread out, with configurations for couples, small families, and larger groups.

A queen suite sleeps up to four with a queen bed and sleeper sofa, while a king suite offers a two-room layout with a king bed and queen-sized sleeper sofa. Some rooms include small kitchenettes, and select suite categories feature private balconies with views toward Morey’s Piers. For families or groups needing more room, the two-bedroom suite can accommodate up to eight guests and includes multiple televisions, kitchenette features, and a private balcony.

For The Traveler Who Loves A Theme

The Starlux is ideal for guests who want their hotel to feel like part of the destination’s story. Wildwood is famous for its Doo Wop architecture and midcentury shore culture, and The Starlux turns that heritage into an accessible, photogenic, family-friendly stay. It offers the comfort of a Morey’s Resorts property with a more stylized personality, making it a strong choice for travelers who want beach access, boardwalk proximity, and a little retro magic with their summer vacation.

BLUE PALMS MOTEL

CLASSIC JERSEY SHORE ENERGY STEPS FROM THE BOARDWALK AND BEACH

The Closest Stay To The Fun

For travelers who want to be close to the heart of Wildwood’s summer energy, Blue Palms Motel delivers the classic Jersey Shore experience in a location built around convenience, color, and family fun. Set in the heart of Wildwood and just steps from the beach and boardwalk, the property places guests near the rides, water parks, games, food, and entertainment that define a Morey’s Piers vacation.

Blue Palms is positioned as the closest of the Morey’s Resorts properties to the amusements, waterparks, and boardwalk entertainment, making it especially appealing for families who want to spend less time planning logistics and more time moving between beach towels, ride wristbands, and evening boardwalk strolls. The atmosphere is casual, upbeat, and unmistakably shore-inspired, with a friendly motel feel that fits the rhythm of a Wildwood getaway.

The FUNclusive Advantage

The major distinction at Blue Palms is its FUNclusive offer. Guests who book directly with Blue Palms can receive included admission to Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks during their stay, subject to the hotel’s published terms and seasonal restrictions. For families, that can turn the property into more than a place to sleep. It becomes part of the vacation plan itself.

That connection to Morey’s Piers gives Blue Palms a practical advantage. Families can start the day at the beach, cool off at the pool, head to the water parks, return for a break, and go back out for rides or boardwalk snacks without feeling disconnected from the action. It is a stay designed for movement, energy, and ease.

Pool Days And Shore Comfort

The property features comfortable rooms and a large outdoor pool, along with amenities that support a low-stress beach vacation. BBQ grills, bicycle rentals, complimentary beach chairs, an outdoor fire pit, and guest laundry all add to the sense of casual convenience. Rooms include options such as king accommodations with pool views, microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen television, giving families the essentials they need between boardwalk outings.

Blue Palms also has its own on-site dining personality through Jersey Girl Kitchen, a crafted American kitchen and bar with indoor and outdoor dining and a patio atmosphere. For guests who want to stay close after a long day in the sun, that gives the property another layer of ease.

For The Family That Wants It All Nearby

Blue Palms is best suited to travelers who want a vacation that feels active, accessible, and close to everything. It is not about retreating from Wildwood’s energy; it is about being right in the middle of it. With the beach, boardwalk, Morey’s Piers, water parks, pool, bikes, beach chairs, and a relaxed motel atmosphere all within reach, Blue Palms captures the spirit of summer at the Shore in its most playful form.

PAN AMERICAN HOTEL

OCEANFRONT COMFORT WITH POLISHED STYLE IN WILDWOOD CREST

A Seashore Classic

The Pan American Hotel offers a more polished oceanfront experience within the Morey’s Resorts family. Located at 5901 Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest, the hotel brings guests into a setting that feels calm, comfortable, and directly tied to the beach. While Wildwood’s boardwalk energy remains nearby, the Pan American’s personality is more relaxed and refined, making it well suited for travelers who want shore access with a quieter, more elevated rhythm.

The property’s story is connected to the travels of founders Will and Jackye Morey, who were inspired by Miami Beach and Acapulco. That influence gives the hotel a sense of classic seaside glamour filtered through the easygoing mood of the Jersey Shore. It is a hotel for guests who want to wake near the ocean, enjoy family-friendly amenities, and return each evening to a setting that feels spacious and comfortable.

Room To Settle In

One of the Pan American’s strengths is its range of accommodations, especially for families and longer stays. The hotel offers oceanfront suite options with separate sleeping and living areas, kitchenettes, televisions, DVD players, in-room safes, and layouts designed to make a beach vacation feel more relaxed.

The Deluxe Oceanfront Efficiency Suite, for example, includes a separate bedroom with a king bed, a living room with a double sleeper sofa and single duo bed, an extra powder room, two televisions, DVD player, kitchenette, and in-room safe. That kind of arrangement gives families the ability to unpack, spread out, and move through the day without feeling confined to a standard hotel room.

The Penthouse Experience

For travelers seeking the property’s most spacious option, the Pan American’s penthouse offers a three-bedroom, two-bath luxury escape with a seashore contemporary motif. Recently refurbished with upscale features, the penthouse includes a full kitchen, living room with gas fireplace, outside private hot tub, spacious deck, outdoor dining area, BBQ grill, washer and dryer, and access to hotel conveniences such as a 24-hour front desk, heated hotel pool, and lobby restaurant.

With occupancy for up to nine guests, including children and infants, the penthouse speaks to multigenerational families, groups, or travelers looking for the feel of a private residence with hotel support. It is the kind of accommodation that can turn a Wildwood Crest stay into a true summer gathering.

A Softer Side Of Wildwood

The Pan American works especially well for travelers who want proximity without being fully immersed in the constant buzz of the boardwalk. Wildwood Crest offers a more relaxed setting, while the broader Morey’s experience remains close enough for rides, water parks, dining, and family outings. That balance makes the hotel appealing for families who want daytime adventure but prefer to return to an oceanfront environment that feels more composed.

With its beachside location, suite-style accommodations, and polished atmosphere, the Pan American provides a classic resort-hotel experience for guests who want comfort, space, and a quieter version of the Wildwoods.

PORT ROYAL HOTEL

NAUTICAL CHARM AND OCEAN VIEWS ON THE WILDWOOD CREST SHORELINE

A Maritime-Inspired Escape

Port Royal Hotel brings nautical character and oceanfront comfort to the Morey’s Resorts collection. Set along the Wildwood Crest shoreline at 6801 Ocean Avenue, the property is known for its maritime-inspired design, private balconies, ocean views, and a family-friendly atmosphere that has made it a beloved Shore destination for more than 50 years.

The hotel’s personality is shaped by the founder’s love of the sea and boating, with maritime artifacts and design touches throughout the property. The result is a stay that feels connected to the coast not only through location, but through theme and atmosphere. Port Royal is polished without feeling formal, making it a natural fit for families, couples, and beach lovers who want comfort with a sense of place.

Ocean Views And Easy Days

Every sleeping room at Port Royal features a private balcony and ocean view, which gives the property one of its most appealing advantages. A balcony becomes part of the vacation rhythm: coffee in the morning, a quiet pause after the beach, or a place to catch the changing light over the water.

Rooms and suites are designed with practical comfort in mind. Standard hotel rooms may include a king bed, refrigerator, and private balcony, while deluxe rooms offer two queen beds, refrigerator, in-room safe, coffee maker, microwave, and beach views. Suite options add more space, kitchenettes, multiple televisions, sleeper sofas, bunk arrangements, and oceanfront balconies, giving families flexibility based on group size and travel style.

Dining, Pool Time And Family Amenities

Port Royal also offers amenities that help guests settle into a full vacation rhythm. The property includes an outdoor pool, maritime library, game room, guest laundry, outdoor fire pit, Stay-N-Play offers, and an on-site restaurant. The Royal Grille brings oceanfront dining to the experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on chef driven comfort food offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

That combination makes the hotel feel self-contained in the best way. Guests can spend the day at the beach, return to the pool, enjoy dinner on property, and still remain close to the wider Wildwoods experience. For families, that ease matters. A good Shore hotel is not just about where you sleep; it is about how smoothly the day unfolds.

A Refined Wildwood Crest Stay

Port Royal is a strong choice for travelers who want a more elegant beach stay while remaining connected to Morey’s Piers and the boardwalk. Its Wildwood Crest setting offers a quieter shoreline feel, while Stay-NPlay options and proximity to Morey’s attractions make it easy to fold rides, water parks, and boardwalk adventures into the trip.

Among the four Morey’s Resorts properties, Port Royal feels the most nautical and traditionally seaside. It is a hotel for guests who appreciate ocean views, balcony mornings, a polished pool scene, on-site dining, and a setting that balances family comfort with classic coastal style. For a Wildwood vacation with a refined edge, Port Royal offers a calm harbor at the center of the summer experience.

For more information, visit moreyspiers.com and moreysresorts.com

EXPERIENCING SEATTLE

FROM ALL ANGLES

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

What makes Seattle a great city to visit? Maybe it’s the city’s many iconic landmarks and attractions. Or maybe it’s because it’s surrounded by mountains, islands, forests, and waterways, which is why it is known as “The Emerald City.” The city is also a foodie’s paradise specializing in fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and the many local specialties found at the vibrant Pike Place Market. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee. After all, Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks; but it is also a hub of a strong coffee culture with a growing list of small, independent roasters, coffee shops and cafes with personality.

A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE CITY

When visiting Seattle for the first time, consider a ride on City Sightseeing’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (citysightseeingseattle.com). We like to do this whenever we visit a city for the first time. Taking the tour for the full ride through the 20 stops in Seattle gave us a great introduction to the city’s top attractions, hot spots, and historical sites. We also opted for the 48-hour ticket, which enabled us to return the next day and use the bus to visit the specific stops we were most interested in.

We also suggest that you purchase the Seattle CityPASS (visitseattle.citypass.com), which can save you some significant money on admissions to the top Seattle attractions. Two types of passes are offered – one that includes 5 attractions and another that includes 3. The CityPASS app will contain your entrance tickets and provide all the information needed about the attraction, including whether an attraction requires a reservation or not. You can then make any reservations right in the app. Almost all of the attractions we visited are included on the CityPASS.

ICONIC ATTRACTIONS

Among the most popular Seattle attractions is the Space Needle. Even though it was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, it still maintains its iconic stature representing the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.

The Space Needle has two levels of floor-to-ceiling views. The top level includes an outdoor observation deck as well as an indoor viewing space featuring the Sunset Bar and TipTop Café. One level down is The Loupe— the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. The Loupe Lounge is a walk-up bar serving specialty cocktails and local beer & wine.

THE POWER OF POP CULTURE

Also located nearby is the Museum of Pop Culture – known as MOPOP. Housed in a Seattle Center building that is as eyecatching as the exhibits of the worldshaping power of pop culture located inside. The exhibits feature a variety of pop culture categories – music, film, photography, fantasy, and science fiction. With more than 80,000 artifacts in its care, MOPOP regularly rotates items on view.

Music buffs will love the Guitar Gallery – an exhibit of legendary guitars and the iconic artists who wielded them. Also, the hometown hero, Jimi Hendrix, exhibit is popular. Other exhibits we enjoyed included Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film and Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction.

THE ART OF GLASS AND COLOR

Directly adjacent to the Space Needle is another Seattle “must-see” - Chihuly Garden and Glass. This wonderful indoor/outdoor exhibit brings together all the elements of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly – many of his iconic glass creations, large architectural installations, and personal collections. The exhibit features indoor galleries, the Glasshouse, and an everchanging Garden, along with live glass demonstrations, a Theater, and The Bar at Chihuly.

We recommend spending time in The Garden, which presents a wonderful array of colorful trees, plants, and flowers purposefully designed to complement the artwork. We experienced one of the most peaceful hours of our travels strolling the pathways and enjoying the beauty of the glass installations and the serenity of the garden.

Be sure to check the schedule for the Community Hot Shop’ demonstrations. Watch as local artists explain the art of glassblowing while creating a beautiful glass object.

GET OUT ON THE WATER

A great way to view Seattle is from the water. After all, there’s plenty of it around. We enjoyed viewing Seattle’s beautiful skyline and learning about its iconic landmarks on a cruise of Elliot Bay offered by Argosy Cruises. Their one-hour cruise offers fabulous views of the skyline, Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and Mt. Rainier. A variety of other cruises are also offered.

AN ICONIC MARKET

Probably the most recognizable Seattle attraction is Pike Place Market. For more than a century locals and tourists alike have shopped, visited, eaten and rejuvenated what is considered by many “the soul of Seattle.” Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest (more than nine acres in size) continuously operating public markets in the United States.

We highly recommend exploring the iconic market on a chef-guided food tour. Our two-hour tour led by Chef Will of Eat Seattle Tours gave us an opportunity to learn about – and sample - some of the Market’s best artisan foods, while learning about the history and culture of Pike Place Market.

THE CITY’S BEGINNINGS

Another guided tour we recommend is Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. Following a fascinating explanation of the city’s early founding, we followed our guide through a maze of subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed beneath what is now Pioneer Square when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889.

If you still have more time in Seattle, spend a day at Mt. Rainier National Park. You will have probably gotten a few great views of this majestic mountain from the Space Needle or on the Argosy Harbor Tour, but an up-close experience can be truly memorable. The park is about a two and a half-hour drive from the city. A number of scenic drives and a variety of hiking trails, from easy to advanced, offer visitors many opportunities to fully appreciate this impressive natural wonder.

Still have some time? Hop on a ferry and visit one of Seattle’s nearby islands, like the easily accessible Bainbridge Island or the larger Vashon Island. Puget Sound islands offer a whole different perspective of the Pacific Northwest. ake Union, get an up-close look at the city’s stunning skyline and iconic landmarks. in 1949, Argosy Cruises offers a unique and memorable way to experience Seattle. With guided sightseeing tours of Elliott Bay and Lake Union, get an up-close look at the city’s stunning skyline and iconic landmarks. For more info visit: visitseattle.org

PUTNAM COUNTY’S REVOLUTIONARY SUMMER

HISTORY, FAMILY FUN AND AMERICA 250 COME ALIVE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

By Michael McKensie

As America prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence, Putnam County, New York, is inviting visitors to see the Revolution through a distinctly local lens. Set along the east side of the Hudson River, the county offers a powerful connection to the places, personalities, and overlooked stories that helped shape the nation. Here, history is not confined to a textbook. It is found in roads, parks, memorials, historic homes, river views, and the landscapes where courage, conflict, espionage, sacrifice, and resilience all played a role in the American story.

Putnam County Tourism is placing that legacy at the center of the summer season with a focus on Revolutionary history and family-friendly experiences that make the Hudson Valley an easy and meaningful getaway. Nestled between the Hudson River and the Connecticut state line, Putnam County offers lakes, hiking trails, historic sites, arts and cultural experiences, restaurants, shops, and outdoor adventure. With five Metro-North stops and close proximity to Manhattan, it is also an accessible day trip for New Yorkers looking to trade the city pace for history, scenery, and small-town discovery.

The county’s Revolutionary story reaches into some of the most compelling chapters of the nation’s founding. Visitors can gain a new perspective through the story of Sybil Ludington, the young woman whose legendary horseback ride helped rally militia after the burning of nearby Danbury, Connecticut. Her ride, often described as a 40-mile journey, remains one of the region’s most enduring stories of bravery and determination. Putnam County also offers a chance to consider more complex and often overlooked parts of Revolutionary-era history, including the story of Prince Cornwall, an enslaved man who served under General George Washington. His life points to the contradictions of a nation founded on liberty while slavery remained part of its economy and social order, including in the North. In that way, Putnam’s Revolutionary landscape invites visitors not only to celebrate independence, but to think more deeply about who fought, who sacrificed, and who was still waiting for the promise of freedom to be fulfilled.

The county also connects to one of the Revolution’s most infamous betrayals: the treasonous plot of Major General Benedict Arnold. Nearby Constitution Island played a strategic role in the defense of the Hudson River and the Great Chain, the massive barrier designed to stop British ships from advancing through the Hudson Highlands. It was also the site where General George Washington’s Life Guard mustered out, adding another layer of military significance to the region.

To help visitors connect these stories, Putnam County Tourism has introduced Revolutionary Road to Putnam County, a new audio tour narrated by Putnam County resident and philanthropist George Carroll Whipple III. The tour guides visitors through key historic sites and brings the Revolutionary era into the present through storytelling, place, and perspective. Stops include destinations such as Boscobel House & Gardens, once home to a wealthy

Loyalist, and the Daniel Nimham memorial at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park. Details are available through RevolutionaryPutnam.org

That blend of history and place makes Putnam County especially fitting for America 250. The region’s Revolutionary heritage is not limited to one battlefield or one monument. It is layered across the county, shaped by stories of colonial resistance, military strategy, local bravery, Indigenous history, slavery, and the complicated birth of a country still working to live up to its founding ideals.

The summer also brings lighter traditions, including one of the county’s favorite family events. The annual Putnam County Fair & 4-H Showcase will take place Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, 2026, at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, located at 201 Gipsy Trail Road in Carmel. Saturday hours are 10am to 7pm, with Sunday running from 11am to 5pm.

For families, the fair is classic summertime fun. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, treats, vendors, games, demonstrations, exhibits, magic shows, inflatables, farm animals, pony rides, and plenty of entertainment. Live music, a classic car show, and Revolutionary War reenactor demonstrations add to the atmosphere, while the fair’s first Corgi Race brings a playful new highlight to the weekend. With free parking and admission, the event is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and easy to enjoy for parents, grandparents, kids, and visitors of all ages.

The fair also reflects the spirit of Putnam County itself. It is part community celebration, part educational showcase, and part summer tradition. It brings together agriculture, history, local pride, entertainment, and hands-on family experiences in one setting. For those planning a day trip from New York City or the surrounding region, it offers a relaxed way to spend time outdoors while experiencing the county’s small-town character.

Together, Putnam’s Revolutionary programming and county fair weekend capture two sides of a Hudson Valley summer. One invites visitors to reflect on the people and places that helped build a nation. The other offers the simple pleasures of music, animals, food, games, and family memories. Both are rooted in place, and both reflect the county’s appeal as a destination where history and hospitality meet.

As America 250 approaches, Putnam County offers more than a visit. It offers perspective. Whether following the Revolutionary Road, learning about Sybil Ludington, considering the story of Prince Cornwall, exploring the meaning of Constitution Island, or spending a summer afternoon at the fair, visitors are invited to discover a county where the past remains close, the landscape still speaks, and the American story feels personal.

For more information, visit visitputnam.org and RevolutionaryPutnam.org

Life’s better with a rod in hand!

Putnam County ’s beautiful scenic views and landscape are ideal for a peaceful escape to enjoy the great outdoors.

TRAVEL

GREENWICH POLO CLUB

RIDES INTO SUMMER WITH ITS 2026 SUNDAY POLO SEASON

By Lillian Langtry

The celebrated high-goal polo venue returns with world-class sport, signature hospitality and one of the East Coast’s stylish summer traditions

Greenwich Polo Club, one of the world’s premier high-goal polo venues, announces the return of its 2026 Sunday Polo season, inviting guests to experience an afternoon of world-class sport, summer style, and field-side hospitality in the heart of Connecticut’s backcountry.

Set within the exclusive Conyers Farm community, Greenwich Polo Club offers a distinctive Sunday escape just outside New York City, bringing together elite players, exceptional equine athletes, and spectators from across the tri-state area. Established in 1981, the club is recognized as one of the leading high-goal polo destinations in the world and serves as the home of the legendary White Birch polo team.

Established in 1981, the Greenwich Polo Club is one of the world’s top high-goal polo venues. The club opens its gates to ticketed spectators on many Sundays from June through September, offering a unique guest experience at its famous Sunday Polo Matches. Just a short train ride and Uber trip away from Manhattan, Attendees find a stunning venue that showcases the world of equestrian sports in a first-class manner.

The 2026 season opened with the American Cup on June 7th, followed by the East Coast Silver Cup on June 14th and June 21st, with the final taking place on June 28th

The East Coast Gold Cup, presented by Interactive Brokers, will be contested on July 5th and July 12th, culminating in the championship final on July 18th

The celebrated East Coast Open, presented by Audi, begins August 30, with additional Sunday match dates on September 6th and September 13th

The season concludes with CSI Greenwich on September 26th and 27th, bringing Olympic-level international CSI5* show jumping to Greenwich Polo Club and adding another major equestrian event to the club’s calendar.

Sunday match days are designed as a complete afternoon experience. Gates open at 1:00 p.m., the match begins at 3:00 p.m., and play concludes at approximately 5:00 p.m. General admission is available, with on-site parking available separately. Children under 12 receive complimentary admission.

Guests may choose from a variety of viewing experiences, from relaxed lawn seating and reserved umbrellas to bistro tables, SkyBoxes, private cabanas, and elevated hospitality offerings. The CTC&G Players’ Lounge provides a turnkey social experience featuring furnished lawn seating, shaded bistro tables, live music by MOJO, a premium cash bar by The Cup Bearer, and private restroom access.

Food and beverage remain a signature part of the day. The Pony Bar by The Cup Bearer returns with polo-inspired cocktails, while Marcia Selden Catering offers pre-ordered hospitality packages and a rotating selection of gourmet food trucks adds to the festive atmosphere. Guests are also invited to participate in the tradition of stomping the divots at halftime, one of the sport’s most iconic spectator experiences.

Over the years, Greenwich Polo Club has hosted many of the sport’s most celebrated players, including Mariano Aguerre, Facundo Pieres, Hilario Ulloa, and Nacho Figueras. Its fields have become synonymous with top-level competition, champion horses, and an atmosphere that welcomes both longtime polo enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

Greenwich Polo Club’s 2026 sponsors include Interactive Brokers, presenting sponsor of the East Coast Gold Cup and official online trading solution, Audi, presenting sponsor of the East Coast Open and official vehicle partner, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, Hospital for Special Surgery, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Barbados Tourism Marketing, FlyHouse, UBS, COVQ®, Morano Group Landscapes, U.S. Polo ASSN., La Suite Skincare, and Penmax Communications, Inc.

For tickets, schedule updates and additional information, visit www.greenwichpoloclub.com IG: @greenwichpoloclub

Photo credits: Greenwich Polo Club

THE SKYE’S THE LIMIT

SCOTLAND’S SECRET WEAPON

By Ruth J. Katz

“Brace yourselves,” warned our driver and guide, Al McHarg, “We’ll be driving on some serious potholes, probably with some minor road attached to them.”

McHarg, clad in typically Scottish, tartan trousers, his long, brownish-auburn locks flowing, à la William Wallace (aka Braveheart), was every bit the picture-perfect Scotsman and ideal shaman to explore the glorious Isle of Skye. This dramatic, aweinspiring isle is a land awash with mystery and magic, fairy pools and castles, and history and drama.

I had signed on to a three-day journey with Rabbie’s, the 30-yearold Scottish touring company named for—who else?—Robert Burns, affectionately known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s legendary celebrity poet. The company specializes in small-group trips, usually limited to 16, the perfect number for the company’s minivans (it’s worth noting that two dozen new vans are on the way, providing roomier leg space); the company offers about 150-plus different journeys (from one-day outings to 16-day sojourns), with more than half of the voyages in Scotland, and the rest in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and with new offerings on the continent.

Rabbie’s began in 1993, as a one-man operation, and has mushroomed into a major touring company, offering diverse packages—some are all-inclusive, others are merely tours with drivers and guides (you do all the selection/booking of your hotels and meals). Our tour—because Skye doesn’t exactly have a plethora of Ibis, Crowne Plaza, or Hyatt hotels—was totally booked by Rabbie’s and it was perfect for a “lazy” traveler. Organized by Rabbie’s, start to finish, our tour had a few open options for meals while traversing to and from the island.

All aboard in Edinburgh! We traveled across the belt-width of Scotland, on a southern route, heading toawrd the glorious Highlands, slowly meandering westward to Skye, and passing important landmarks, like the architecturally interesting Stirling Castle and Doune Castle, which had a role as a not-so-insignificant extra in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.

Onward to Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most recognized natural landmarks. Renowned for wild, untamed, and rugged slopes and stunning scenery, this starkly breathtaking area has been featured in numerous films (most conspicuously, in 2012’s Skyfall, in which Bond is seen driving on the A82, flooring his Aston Martin DB5’s gas pedal). The area is likewise steeped in history; notably, it was the site of a horrific massacre in 1692 when several dozen, local MacDonald clansmen were slaughtered by forces acting on behalf of King Willaim III, and thus, the area is often referred to as the “Weeping Glen.” Keep your camera phone at the ready, as you pass Kodakworthy towns and countryside: I took so many pictures of spectacular scenery—Callander (the unofficial gateway to the Highlands), Lochry Bridge of Orchy, Dalmally, and Ballachullish) before we even got to Glencoe! In the afternoon, we reached the celebrated Eilean Donan Castle, a mid-13th-century, stunning structure—and had time to explore there. It’s a destination stop, as this is one of Scotland’s most glorious castles, situated on an island, surrounded by three sea lochs, imposing vistas, and awash in remarkable history.

As we crossed the bridge to Skye, Al advised us to turn back our watches about nine hundred years. The dramatic coastline stays in view for a while, as we head to Portree, the island’s capital, but not before we’ve stopped at a few iconic lookout points, to soak up scenery and take photos.

Our resting place for the next two nights is the welcoming, warm, and cozy, ten-room Hame Hotel in Dunvegan. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife partners John Jones (Welsh chef) and Ada Konkolska (Polish innkeeper, who manages the “front of the house”), and their frisky, trick-savvy Aussie pup, who performed for us, showing off Ada’s adept training skills. Meals were family-style and absolutely gourmet-level, delicious and sophisticated. The 24-hour bar in the great room was untended—on the honor system. Just jot down on the handy pad what you drank!

The next day, with Al as our trusted trail blazer, we explored more of the dreamscape that is synonymous with Skye: The Old Man of Storr, a majestic, rocky pinnacle—a geologic wonder, really—is a basal-rock volcanic plug, the result of a few billion years of geologic alchemy. We started our walk up the pathway in pelting rain which turned to hail, and then, seemingly with the flourish of a magician’s wand, we ended our outdoor venture in halting sunshine that vacillated between glowing bursts and veiled, lavender- gray. As they say in Scotland, if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. And remember, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.

More astonishing, spectacular scenery—Kilt Rock and the Quiraing mountain pass—awaited later that afternoon. Scotland is arguably the dictionary definition of glorious, spectacular, theatrical wilderness.

Our last day we made our way off Skye, by a different route of potholes and roadway and then onto the mainland, following a northern, different route, but still surrounded by gobsmackingly and heartbreakingly imposing scenery, with staccato notes of scenic splendor at Cuillin Hills and Sligachan Bridge, as well as in the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled along the banks of Loch Ness. A favorite rest and shopping spot for just about all of the region’s pilgrims is Taste Perth in Bankfoot, where we had time to shop, eat, and pet a mini herd of Highland Cows (referred to by natives as Heeland Coos).

Another must, anywhere in Scotland, is a visit to a distillery, as Scotch whisky (note the spelling here is without the e before the y), was more or less invented in this country. On day two, we just had to visit the oldest distillery on Skye, the renowned Talisker. The tasting and the “lesson” were educational and delicious.

We rolled back into Edinburgh in time for a late dinner, exhausted, but sated and overwhelmed. It is worth noting that Rabbie’s has garnered countless UK travel awards for excellence and value, including British Travel Awards, Silver Thistle Awards, and Silver Green Apple Awards. There is no doubt that a small tour group is an excellent method of getting from here to there, wherever here and there are…hassle-free, with someone else doing all the heavy lifting. I am reminded of a very old (‘50s, to be exact), slogan from Greyhound: Go Greyhound and leave the driving to us. I would happily leave the driving—and the planning, the navigating, and the reservation-making— to Rabbie’s. I just had to show up. And I’d like to do it all over again. Other isles—Arran, Mull, and Iona are calling.

For additional information: rabbies.com/en-us

Photos Courtesy of Rabbie’s

THE BERKSHIRES ARE CALLING

SUMMER IS THE ULTIMATE SEASON-OPENING CELEBRATION

By Clara Morgan

Ready to swap city sirens for sweet birdsong? Whether craving world-class culture, epic outdoor thrills, or the perfect farm-to-table bite, the Berkshires are officially open for the best summer yet!

1Berkshire is thrilled to showcase the Berkshires as New England’s must-visit summer playground! Everyone is rolling out the green carpet to the lush hills, iconic cultural landmarks, historic villages, and breathtaking outdoor adventures. Just a scenic hop away from New York City, Boston, Albany, and Hartford, the Berkshires offer an accessible escape filled with crisp fresh air, vibrant downtown energy, and unforgettable memories at every turn.

Less than three hours from New York City and Boston, the Berkshires offer culture and adventure year-round. The surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor excursions in all seasons while world class culture and entertainment, along with a deeply rooted food culture and an array of lodging options amidst picturesque towns, set this region apart. The Berkshires is a picturesque rural destination with a cultural scene to rival far larger urban dwellings.

Early summer in the Berkshires crackles with a special “just arrived” electricity. Picture blooming gardens, vibrant trails, sun-drenched patios, cozy coffee shops, and buzzing craft breweries. From the historic elegance of Stockbridge and Lenox to the creative heartbeat of North Adams and Williamstown, the region serves up a flexible itinerary perfect for adrenaline junkies, culture seekers, and foodies alike

Culture is the soul of the Berkshires, and it is shining brighter than ever! The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is a true local gem, currently celebrating American stories and the country’s 250th anniversary. It’s a deep dive into the heart of American illustration that the whole family will love. Just down the road, make sure to soak in the floral beauty of the Berkshire Botanical Garden

Get excited because the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is set to re-open at the end of June! Paired with the Berkshire Opera Festival, you’ll find an incredible mix of science, history, and world-class vocal performances that anchor our status as a premier cultural destination. These programs draw amazing artists and audiences from around the globe every single summer.

In Pittsfield and beyond, Hancock Shaker Village offers a living history experience like no other. Do not miss the iconic round stone barn and the charming historic farm! After that, why not experience a refreshing tasting at Balderdash Cellars or Hilltop Orchards, where you’ll discover the finest local wines and ciders? If spirits are more your style, visitors should absolutely include a visit to Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield. Ready for some Gilded Age grandeur? Step into Ventfort Hall in Lenox or explore the fascinating ruins at Ashuntilly. Looking for something on the sweeter side? Stop by High Lawn Farm in Lee for rich, farm-fresh ice cream and a chance to say “hello” to the resident cows.

For a touch of heritage, the Bidwell House Museum offers a stunning 18th-century setting nestled in the woods. Vacationers can also visit Arrowhead, the historic home of Herman Melville where he penned the legendary Moby Dick! Theater and performance are the lifeblood of the summer, with stages lighting up at the Great Barrington Public Theater, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the Adams Theater

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Summer is THE season. Lace up the boots for a hike at Mahanna Cobble or explore the Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Prefer two wheels? The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is calling to you! For the ultimate adrenaline rush, book a rafting trip with Crab Apple Whitewater or soar through the sky on the Catamonster zipline at Catamount

The Berkshires’ food and hospitality scene is the delicious cherry on top! Farm-to-table dining is woven into the regions DNA, with vibrant farmers markets, artisan bakeries, and refined restaurants ready to wow the taste buds. Whether looking for a romantic boutique inn, a family-friendly retreat, or a rustic countryside stay, the choices of lodging in the Berkshrie are as warm and welcoming as the scenery. Come find your own summer rhythm shaped by art, music, food, and nature.

The season is officially underway, and 1Berkshire cannot wait to see you exploring the villages, trails, and scenic routes!

For more travel inspiration and planning, head over to berkshires.org

For more information about 1Berkshire (the regional tourism and economic development organization) visit www.1berkshire.com

IG: @visittheberkshires | FB: VisitTheBerkshires | X/T: @BerkshiresToday Y: @theberkshiresofwesternma |TikTok: @visittheberkshires

credits: Photo Courtesy of 1Berkshire

THE KEY NAXOS

THE ART OF VISITING—AND THEN BELONGING

By Jenna Guarneri

With its golden beaches, rugged mountains, sparkling blue waters, and villages that represent hundreds of years of preserved tradition, Naxos is one of Greece’s most remarkable islands. Among the Greek Cyclades islands, Naxos is the largest and greenest—its expansive landscapes serve as an invitation to its visitors to let go, take up space, and experience the true beauty of natural Greece.

As for me, I accepted that invitation the very moment I arrived in Mikri Vigla, one of the island’s most scenic coastal areas. With the Aegean sea stretching endlessly before me, I made my merry way to The Key, a boutique retreat that celebrates the best of Naxos.

Rather than compete with its surroundings, The Key does something different— it chose to exist in harmony with the scenery around it. Every detail, from its architecture to its guest experiences, encouraged me to fully immerse myself in Naxos

ROOTED IN PLACE

My first impression of The Key is that it blended seamlessly with the aesthetic and overall ambience of the island. I would later learn that this was intentional—The Key was actually built to become like an extension of the Naxos landscape. It was the resort’s way of contributing to the island’s rich heritage; their affirmation that the island itself is and should remain the main character.

The resort draws inspiration from Naxos’ diversity, in terms of both terrain and culture. From earthy tones and natural materials to thoughtfully added textures, The Key offers reminders of Naxos everywhere.

Pools, verandas, and outdoor spaces open toward sweeping island views, constantly guiding my eye towards the sea, the mountains, or the sky. Its design doesn’t overwhelm with grandeur. Rather, it’s inviting: the minimalism allowed me a lot of mental clarity to notice the beauty that already exists within and around the property.

At The Key, Naxos didn’t feel like a backdrop. I felt the energy of the island flow right into whichever space I was in, from the lobby, to the restaurant, and even within the walls of my serene room.

DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION

The connection between the resort and Naxos is present and potent in each of its accommodations. Whether staying in a room, suite, maisonette, or residence, each accommodation offered comfort rooted in place.

The interiors showcased soft textures, organic materials, and calming colors to match. Large windows and private outdoor spaces invited natural light in, allowing easy access to the most picturesque of views.

At The Key, my favorite thing to do was simply… nothing. Not ‘nothing’ as in there weren’t any interesting activities to do. I mean ‘nothing’ here as in, “This is the perfect place for me to give my thinking mind and active body a break.” The Key’s simplicity is its power—it reminds you that, when the conditions are right, you can and should fully immerse yourself in the stillness of nature.

Whether I was taking a dip in the resort pool, enjoying breakfast at the restaurant, or reading a book while soaking in the sun on a daybed, The Key helped me realize that I, too, was a natural part of the Naxos landscape, and I deserved to simply breathe and exist.

DINING AS CULTURAL IMMERSION

At LITHA, the resort’s restaurant, dining is a way to get to know the island. LITHA’s menu is a contemporary take on Greek fusion cuisine: familiar, but also inventive. Here, I took my taste buds to their own little private Naxos tour: local ingredients, seasonal produce, and contemporary Greek flavors. I felt that every meal was so thoughtfully put together, each with the intention of highlighting the best that this Greek island can provide.

As I sat outdoors enjoying a candlelit dinner beneath the evening sky, I couldn’t help but pause and appreciate how naturally everything came together. The setting, the flavors, the land and seascape—each had its own special relationship to the other. Nothing seemed forced or curated, and even I, as the visitor, felt it was easy to find my own place.

I felt extremely lucky to be fully present in a gorgeous slice of Earth rather than just passing through it.

EXPLORING NAXOS

One thing I love about The Key is its accessibility to Naxos’ must-visit places. Exploring the island wasn’t difficult for me at all, as the world-renowned Mikri Vigla beach was just a short walk away from the property.

I loved the feel of the famous golden sand dunes beneath my feet, and I didn’t miss the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the beach. In between swims, I would sunbathe and people-watch as other travelers went kiteboarding, windsurfing, or snorkeling.

Beyond the coastline, The Key made it easy to discover the many sides of Naxos through curated experiences with Naxos Premium. Whether through Signature Experiences, Classic Experiences, or fully customizable adventures, each excursion they offer reveals a different layer of the island’s identity. Together, they make Naxos feel less like a place you’re passing through and more like a place you’re actually getting to know

One experience I keep revisiting in my mind was the marble sculpting through artisan workshops. My love for the arts allowed me to appreciate the city’s architecture through ancient sites and traditional villages. I even ventured out onto the Aegean aboard a traditional wooden caique to learn local fishing traditions.

If you love craft and culture, the Artisan Journey pairs the marble sculpting experience with a visit to the historic Bazeos Tower and a walk along the scenic Flerio Path. The Heritage & Flavours experience goes even deeper, loom weaving in a traditional home, learning the art of Naxian cheese-making, and finishing with a garden-to-table meal built entirely around authentic local ingredients.

If being on the water feels like home for you, the Maritime Escape takes you out onto the Aegean aboard a traditional wooden caique, where you join local fishermen to learn the art of net fishing before sitting down to a meal of freshly caught fish, wine, and salads prepared right in front of you,

THE BEAUTY OF NAXOS IS THERE IS AN EXPERIENCE HERE FOR EVERYONE.

I also explored Chora, the island’s capital—just a 15-minute drive away from the property. I got to visit the famous Temple of Apollo, and explored other flavors in cafes and tavernas as breaks from my scenic walks through Old Town. I couldn’t resist picking up a few gifts from their boutiques: small charming reminders of Naxos to take home with me.

I’m glad to have blended into the ebb and flow of Naxos’ daily life. The town was busy with activity, but the ambience of seaside calm was always there.

Following Nature’s Lead

At The Key, I felt a stronger connection to Naxos the longer I stayed. The island’s identity was never disconnected from me. I soaked in every small detail—from the natural hues of the furniture in my room to the flavors on my plate—knowing that it was all Naxos introducing itself to me in different ways.

As I took my last few photos of The Key, I was completely at peace. More than the quiet luxury that the resort offered, what I truly experienced was a sense of place and belonging; a welcome that was warm enough to linger with me as I made my way back home

PUTNAM COUNTY OUTDOORS

FISHING, FAIRWAYS, LAKE DAYS, AND LATE-SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

By Michael Mckensie

Scenic parks, varied golf experiences, Lake Mahopac, and two signature August events make Putnam County an inviting destination for travelers seeking fresh air, recreation, and a slower pace.

When summer calls for a change of scenery, Putnam County offers a refreshing mix of outdoor recreation, peaceful landscapes, and welcoming local experiences. From wooded parks and quiet fishing spots to rolling fairways and time on the water, the county makes it easy to trade city noise for a more relaxed rhythm.

Anglers can begin at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park or Clarence Fahnestock State Park, where lakes and ponds provide opportunities to catch bass, trout, and sunfish. Whether the goal is a full day on the water or simply a few quiet hours with a rod and reel, the setting is part of the appeal. Forested surroundings, open skies, and scenic views create an atmosphere that feels restorative even before the first bite.

Golfers also have plenty of choices. Public options include Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac, Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, and Vails Grove Golf Course in Brewster. Private clubs such as Mahopac Golf and Beach Club and The Sedgewood Club in Carmel provide additional options for experienced players. When the weather refuses to cooperate, Golf On 6 in Mahopac keeps the game going with indoor simulators, leagues, lessons, and year-round practice opportunities.

For a slower-paced afternoon, Lake Mahopac is one of the county’s standout destinations. The 587-acre lake, the largest natural lake in Putnam County, is well suited for cruising, fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the view. Visitors without a boat can rent 20- or 24-foot pontoon boats from Mahopac Marina for a half or full day. No boating license is required, and a safety orientation is provided before departure. Afterward, nearby waterfront restaurants offer an easy way to extend the experience.

August also brings two lively community events. Ferragosto Evening in the Piazza takes place August 15 at Mahopac-Carmel Chamber Park, while the 15th Annual Putnam County Wine & Music Fest returns to Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park on August 22 and 23. Together, they add music, food, and local flavor to a month already filled with reasons to get outside. For visitors planning a day trip or an easy overnight stay, Putnam County offers a compact itinerary with enough variety to suit nearly every summer mood.

For more info goto: vistiputnam.org

249 WEST 99 TH STREET

UPTOWN ELEGANCE MEETS MODERN LUXURY

By Stacey Keyes

Perfectly positioned on a beautiful tree-lined block on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, 249 West 99th Street offers a sophisticated blend of classic New York charm and contemporary luxury. This exceptional residence represents the very best of city living, where timeless architecture meets thoughtfully curated modern amenities.

DESIGNED FOR MODERN LIVING

From the moment residents enter the building, they are welcomed by an atmosphere of understated elegance. The property has been designed to accommodate today’s lifestyle while honoring the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage. Spacious interiors, abundant natural light, and carefully selected finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels both luxurious and comfortable.

Inside the residence, attention to detail is evident throughout. Contemporary design elements complement functional living spaces, creating an atmosphere that is both stylish and practical. Large windows frame city views while inviting sunlight to fill the home, enhancing its sense of openness and tranquility.

AMENITIES AT YOUR DOORSTEP

One of the building’s standout features is its impressive collection of resident amenities. A state-of-the-art fitness center allows homeowners to maintain an active lifestyle without ever leaving the building. Whether beginning the day with an energizing workout or unwinding after a busy afternoon in the city, residents enjoy convenient access to premium wellness facilities just steps from their front door.

Thoughtfully designed common spaces further elevate the residential experience, offering comfort, convenience, and a sense of exclusivity that complements the building’s refined character.

THE BEST OF THE UPPER WEST SIDE

The Upper West Side remains one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods, celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque streets, and proximity to some of New York City’s most iconic destinations. Residents are steps from Riverside Park, Central Park, renowned restaurants, boutique shopping, and world-class cultural institutions. Excellent transportation options make navigating the city effortless, while the neighborhood itself offers a welcoming sense of community rarely found in such a dynamic urban setting.

This remarkable property exemplifies the enduring appeal of Upper West Side living. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the convenience, culture, and sophistication that have made this neighborhood a perennial favorite among discerning New Yorkers.

For those seeking a residence that combines luxury, comfort, and an unbeatable location, 249 West 99th Street stands as an exceptional example of modern Manhattan living at its finest.

Info: Asking price $5,475,000. Contact Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

OCEAN-TO-INTRACOASTAL LIVING

A GRAND SOUTH FLORIDA ESTATE PAIRS PRIVACY, SCALE AND RARE DUAL WATERFRONT

By Grant Ellison

Arare ocean-to-Intracoastal estate in Manalapan, The Beach House offers 1.86 acres, three residences, resort-style amenities, and direct access to two of South Florida’s most coveted waterfront settings.

A RARE DUAL-WATERFRONT ESTATE

In Manalapan, one of South Florida’s most exclusive coastal enclaves, 640 South Ocean Boulevard offers the rarest of Palm Beach County luxuries: direct ocean frontage and Intracoastal access on one expansive estate. Listed at $72.5 million, the property, known as The Beach House, spans 1.86 acres with approximately 155 feet of direct ocean and Intracoastal frontage, creating a private compound designed for both grand entertaining and resort-style living.

The estate includes three residences totaling more than 22,000 square feet: a main house, a south guest house, and a north guest house. Together, they offer 11 bedrooms, 13 full baths, and six half baths, with the main residence providing seven bedrooms and 9.4 baths. The guest houses add flexibility for extended family, visiting friends, staff, or long-term guests, each with its own sense of privacy and function.

DESIGNED FOR GRAND LIVING

Arrival is through a lushly landscaped drive that introduces the property’s scale and symmetry. The home, designed with Neoclassical presence and island-inspired landscaping, opens to dramatic views of the pool, manicured lawn, and ocean beyond.

Inside, the foyer sets a refined tone with water views, a grand staircase, custom inlaid marble flooring, and smoked glass columns. The result is formal without feeling distant, polished without losing its connection to the landscape.

The main level is organized for both ceremony and comfort. The formal living room features custom furnishings, lacquered walls, and a backlit marble fireplace, while a central gallery connects the home’s principal spaces. In the north wing, the kitchen, family room, and breakfast room overlook an oversized covered loggia, allowing everyday living to flow naturally toward the outdoors. In the south wing, a VIP bedroom suite opens privately to the loggia and features statuary marble dual vanities and floor-to-ceiling windows.

PRIVATE SUITES AND RESORT COMFORTS

Upstairs, the primary suite occupies the southeast wing and is designed as a private retreat. Ocean views, an expansive terrace, custom millwork, a seating area, fireplace, breakfast bar, and dedicated dressing and bath spaces create a sanctuary-like experience. Her bath includes an oceanfront setting, soaking tub, inlaid marble, balcony, and a dramatic mother-of-pearl oyster shell chandelier, while his bath offers a spa-like rain shower. A gym connects to both closet and bath areas for convenience and privacy.

Additional en-suite bedrooms on the upper level provide oceanfront, garden, and flexible-use options, many with access to covered loggias. On the lower level, a temperature-controlled wine room and an additional staff bedroom or support the estate’s entertaining and service needs. A fully finished, airconditioned garage accommodates five or more cars.

GUEST HOUSES AND OUTDOOR LIVING

Beyond the main house, the two guest residences extend the compound’s livability. The south guest house includes a family room, dining room, full kitchen, and two-bedroom layout, while the north guest house offers two bedrooms and a catering or chef’s kitchen. Across the grounds, coral stairs, lawns, gardens, terraces, and water views create a sense of movement between formal architecture and tropical ease.

The property is walled and gated, with enhanced security and a smart-home system. On the Intracoastal side, a private dock with two lifts makes the estate especially appealing for yachting, water sports, and those who want direct access to the water from both sides of the property.

MANALAPAN AT ITS MOST EXCLUSIVE

Manalapan has long been prized for privacy, ocean-to-Intracoastal estates, and proximity to Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton. Shopping, golf, tennis, restaurants, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, and Nobu Manalapan are all nearby, while private aviation options and major South Florida airports are within reach.

Offered fully furnished, with an exclusion list for select personal items, The Beach House represents a rare opportunity to own a complete South Florida waterfront compound where architecture, scale, privacy, and location meet at the highest level.

Listed at $72,500,000

To schedule a private tour or learn more, contact: Jack Elkins, 561.247.2165

William Raveis Luxury Properties | raveis.com

THE MINDIE METHOD

WORK WOES

By Mindie Barnett

Psychotherapist, wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straight forward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at:  mindiesmusings1@gmail.com

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual psychotherapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett Psychotherapy practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com

Dear Mindie,

I recently graduated from college and just started a new job. While I am really enjoying being a part of the workforce, gaining experience in the industry I studied in school and earning money, I can’t help but feel inadequate. My boss and coworkers have not made me feel that way, but everything is so new and it’s such important work; I don’t want to mess up! I find myself overextending myself a lot to prove my worth and value to the company and it’s starting to get a little tiring. Will I always feel like this? How can I learn to change my frame of mind so that I’m not always trying to show everyone I belong at the office?.

Thank you, Newbie

Dear Newbie,

It sounds like you have a dose of imposter syndrome. This is not uncommon and even the most seasoned professionals can fall victim. You feel as though you may not stack up with the others’ capabilities and knowledge and you may not right now – but that’s okay! I don’t know the parameters of your job, your skillset nor your boss’s needs and expectations, but I would imagine that your boss is aware that you are a recent college grad who and that this is your first professional job in the marketplace. I also would assume that your boss has faith in you and trusts that you will not only work hard but you will study the job, learn from your mistakes (you will make mistakes – we all make mistakes!) and evolve. I’m also certain your boss was once a recent college graduate at his/her first job and felt the same way you are feeling now. We’ve all been there.

I would recommend that you give yourself a break. That doesn’t mean slack off or not give it the full 110% but to also honor the fact you’re new to the field and just like you needed space to spread your wings and fly in college, you need the space and patience to do that at work, as well. I also think you should lean on the evidence you have collected from your college career. For example: Your GPA, overcoming a hardship, or learning and excelling in a subject or scope of work especially challenging. Lean on those experiences as proof that you can not only tackle hard things but that you can learn new skills and grow.

Lastly, while it is important to always work hard and show allegiance to a company or boss, you must also remember to take care of yourself. Burnout is a recognized mental health disorder by WHO and ramifications can be very serious. Make sure you take the necessary time for a break in your day, get proper sleep, unplug when you can and do activities which are self-healing consistently. You will perform better at work, and you will feel more inclined to be your best self on repeat

Best of luck with your new career!

Love and Light, Mindie xo

NOVÉRA SKINCARE COMES TO NEW YORK HEALTH & WELLNESS

CANADIAN LUXURY FACE MISTS MAKE THEIR U.S. DEBUT IN MANHATTAN

By Lillian Langtry

Novéra Skincare, the Canadian luxury skincare house founded by Zeeshan “Zee” Mohammed, will make its United States debut with a New York launch event at Emanuel New York on Thursday, June 25th, 2026. The event will introduce Novéra’s first collection of gemstoneinfused, clinically driven face mists to the American market.

Founded in 2025, Novéra began with a personal moment at home. Mohammed was searching for a gentler, more enjoyable skincare ritual after watching his young daughter, who has eczema, struggle with the daily routine of creams and topical products. From that experience came a simple question: why should hydration feel like a chore?

Rather than create another traditional moisturizer, Mohammed reimagined the face mist as the center of a daily skincare ritual. Novéra’s debut Gemstone Infusion™ Face Mist collection pairs gemstone-treated water with clinically studied actives, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and a stable form of vitamin C. The line includes Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, and Amethyst, each designed to offer a refined approach to hydration, balance, and refreshment.

The collection reflects Novéra’s belief that gentle and effective skincare should not be a trade-off. Rose Quartz was created with a feminine sensibility, Clear Quartz was developed with men in mind, and Amethyst is a unisex, scent-free mist designed for sensitive and reactive skin. Each formula is vegan, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, Halal certified, and made in Canada. The brand also excludes more than 1,800 ingredients by name, positioning its mists as a clean, elevated, 10-second skincare ritual.

“Novéra did not begin in a boardroom. It began with my daughter,” said Mohammed. “I wanted to create something gentle enough for sensitive skin, beautiful enough to feel like luxury and effective enough to become part of a real daily routine.”

The New York launch will take place at Emanuel New York, located at 329 West 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Known as “the home of ultra niche,” the boutique offers a curated selection of niche fragrance, beauty, skincare, clothing, and accessories. Shaped by designer Victor dE Souza and beauty veteran Dustin Lujan, Emanuel New York brings together emerging and distinctive fragrance houses, fashion-forward retail, and a highly personal luxury shopping experience.

The boutique is also the exclusive New York City home of City Rhythm perfumes and has quickly become a destination for scent lovers, fashion clients, and guests seeking products outside the mainstream. For Novéra, Emanuel New York offers a fitting introduction to a luxury audience drawn to discovery, craftsmanship, and niche beauty.

With its U.S. debut, Novéra enters the American skincare conversation with a message rooted in care, science, and ritual. Born from Earth. Perfected by Science.

For more information, visit noveraskincare.com and emanuelnewyork.com

Photos: Novéra Skincare

BENOIT NEW YORK

PARISIAN BISTRO FARE FOCUSED ON SEASONAL INGREDIENTS

By Anne Raso

Benoit New York at 60 West 55th Street is one of Midtown Manhattan’s classic French dining destinations, bringing the spirit of a traditional Parisian bistro to New York. The restaurant is part of celebrated chef Alain Ducasse’s Benoit family (the original Benoit opened in Paris’ 4th Arrondissement way back in 1912). The New York location debuted in 2008, introducing refined French cuisine for a modern audience and immediately garnering critical acclaim from the food press and local foodies.

Walking inside this charming eatery, guests are greeted by polished wood paneling, antique mirrors, red velvet banquettes, brass accents, and a welcoming fireplace that evokes the feeling of dining in Paris rather than Midtown Manhattan. Following a thoughtful renovation, the restaurant successfully blends Old World elegance with contemporary comfort, making it equally suited for business lunches, romantic dinners, theatergoers, and special celebrations.

A SIZZLING SUMMER MENU

The summer 2026 menu continues Benoit’s philosophy of celebrating classic French cuisine with seasonal ingredients. The kitchen emphasizes fresh produce, seafood, and lighter preparations during the warmer months while retaining signature French favorites that regular guests expect. The extensive wine list, featuring both French and American selections, complements the menu and enhances the traditional bistro experience.

Among the appetizers, diners can begin with timeless French specialties including Escargots with garlic and parsley butter, hand-chopped Beef Tartare, Pâté en Croûte, Onion Soup Gratinée, Oysters On The Half Shell, and seasonal vegetable preparations. Smaller starters such as Panisse Fries, Pork Rillettes, Egg Mayonnaise, and marinated radishes also provide authentic Parisian bistro flavors that pair well with champagne or a crisp white Burgundy.  The “hit pick” appetizer during our recent dinner was the Tarte Flambee, a thin Alsatian style crust topped with creme fraiche, bacon and onions that seems to be a particular favorite of those sitting in the comfy, dimly lit bar area watching sports on the big screen.

vegetables and classic French sauces such as Béarnaise or delicate herb accompaniments. (As we go to press, the cod is served with a creamy garlic sauce that is the stuff that foodies’ dreams are made of!) These lighter dishes highlight summer ingredients while maintaining the refined techniques that define the Benoit kitchen. (Foodie tip: the most colorful and juicy basil covered Heirloom Tomato Salad in all of the city is on Benoit’s Summer 2026 menu and this alone makes the restaurant worth visiting.)

For guests craving heartier fare, Benoit continues to serve beloved French classics including Roasted Duck, Filet Mignon With Peppercorn Sauce, Roasted Chicken, and expertly prepared veal dishes. Hand-chopped beef tartare remains a signature entrée for adventurous diners, while rotating seasonal specialties reflect the availability of premium ingredients throughout the summer months. During New York Lifestyles Magazine’s recent press visit there, we noticed that about 40 per cent of the dining room guests had ordered the Cassoulet—I asked a few diners about it and got a lot of thumbs up and comments like, “It’s a must”!

Side dishes receive just as much attention as the main courses. Guests can choose from crisp Pommes Frites, Ratatouille, Green Beans with Shallots, and simple mixed green salads that balance the richness of traditional French entrées. Each accompaniment is designed to complement rather than overpower the primary dish.

It probably comes as no surprise that dessert is one of Benoit’s greatest strengths. Signature offerings include the famous Rum Baba served with whipped cream, crème caramel, traditional Vanilla Millefeuille, Tarte Tatin, Profiteroles filled with vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce, Pistachio Soufflé, and a rotating selection of house-made ice creams and sorbets in flavors such as coconut, mango-passion fruit, lemon-mint, chocolate, and pistachio.

AN “ABOVE AND BEYOND” ATTENTIVE STAFF

Beyond the food, the service reflects the polished hospitality associated with classic French dining. Staff members guide guests through wine pairings, seasonal specials, and traditional preparations, creating an experience that feels elegant without being overly formal. Its location between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the mid 50s also makes it a favorite destination before or after performances in the nearby Theater District and visits to Museum of Modern Art.

There is a lot of respect for the space’s previous incarnations as La Caravelle and the most famous “ladies who lunch” resto of all time, La Cote Basque. The red velvet banquettes with brass trim and the old wooden revolving front door with etched glass are still intact 75 or so years after they were installed, and they’re as attention grabbing as ever. You can almost hear Truman Capote and the Swans having a gossipy conversation about the New York socialite scene at the next booth, LOL! Black and white photos of the old La Cote Basque crowd line the stairs when you head down to the restroom.

Just in case you’re curious, the legendary Alain Ducasse visits the restaurant twice per year to check on things but he has quite a gem in the affable and talented Executive Chef aka Chef de Cuisine Lucile Plaza. Raised in the eastern suburbs of Paris, Plaza draws inspiration from both her French and Spanish heritage. She trained at the École Hôtelière de Paris–CFA Médéric before beginning her professional career at just 17 years old in several prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens in France, where she developed a strong foundation in classical French cooking. She moved to New York in 2014 to join Benoit as sous chef, later became executive chef at Le Coq Rico, and returned to Benoit in 2021 to lead the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine.

More than fifteen years after opening in New York, Benoit remains one of the city’s premier French bistros, successfully preserving Parisian culinary traditions while embracing seasonal ingredients and contemporary tastes. Whether stopping in for Escargots and a glass of Burgundy at lunch, enjoying a leisurely multi-course dinner, or finishing the evening with an unforgettable rum baba or Tarte Tatin, guests continue to experience the timeless charm that has made Benoit a Midtown institution.

Let me add right here that for this level of French cuisine (especially in the Midtown), the prices are extremely reasonable. For instance, a half dozen Oysters On The Half Shell with Honeydew & Black Pepper is only $12 and Quail Eggs with Summer Vegetables is only $44. Benoit is an ideal place to celebrate life’s milestones but it also has a relaxed enough atmosphere to take the family for a special meal or for girls’ night out. For people at your table who are not food adventurers, there are indeed simple items including roast chicken, skirt steak (with or without Bordelaise sauce), burgers, fries and chocolate mousse that are prepared amazingly well.

For more information on Benoit, visit www.benoitny.com

PALERMO ARGENTINIAN BISTRO SOHO

AUTHENTIC ARGENTIAN FARE WITH CREATIVE FLAIR

By Anne Raso

Palermo Argentinian Bistro SoHo is an authentic Argentine steakhouse and bistro located at 55 Grand Street in the heart of Manhattan›s SoHo neighborhood. The establishment marks the third Manhattan location for the growing Palermo Argentinian restaurant concept, building on the immense popularity of its sister locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Gramercy Park. Founded by restaurateur Orhan Cakir alongside Wine Director Jorge Albarracin, the SoHo venue transports diners straight to the energetic culinary capital of South America.

The restaurant is named after the vibrant Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, a destination legendary for its trendy bars, Spanish colonial architecture, and fashionable dining scene. This downtown location honors that aesthetic by blending classic Argentinian traditions with the sophisticated, artistic vibe intrinsic to SoHo. It functions as an upscale yet accessible gathering place tailored perfectly for neighborhood locals, date-night couples, and food enthusiasts alike.

At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Carlos Barroz, a native of Córdoba, Argentina, who grew up immersed in the world of hospitality. Raised in a family of passionate restaurateurs, Barroz mastered traditional culinary techniques directly from his mother, sisters, and uncles. Crucially, he also learned the foundational craft of butchery from his grandfather, a vital skill that heavily influences his precise handling of premium proteins today. Chef Barroz previously honed his elite Latin-American culinary skills in New York as the Executive Chef at the highly acclaimed La Pulperia

THE ART OF WOOD FIRED BEEF

Chef Barroz’s menu in SoHo revolves heavily around the art of the woodfired grill, utilizing high-quality imported Argentinian beef. He utilizes simple, time-honored cooking methods to elevate the natural flavors of the meat, avoiding overcomplicated culinary trends.

The steak selection at  Palermo Argentinian Bistro centers on highly authentic, premium cuts of beef sourced straight from Argentina. Prepared with deep culinary expertise under the direction of Chef Barroz, each cut is grilled over an open fire to showcase traditional, bold South American flavors. The menu highlights a variety of choices, including a tender 10-ounce Skirt Steak (Entraña), a rich 12-ounce  Picanha (Culotte Cut), a robust 12-ounce  New York Sirloin, and a massive, deeply flavorful 16-ounce ribeye. For those seeking an exceptionally premium experience, the bistro also offers an impressive 48-ounce  Tomahawk Steak that is dryaged for 60 days.

Every single steak cut is confidently grilled to perfection, remaining juicy and tender while absorbing the distinct, smoky aromas of the open flame. To honor classic Argentine barbecue traditions, all steaks from the grill are served alongside traditional, vibrant accompaniments like house-made chimichurri, tangy salsa criolla, and roasted red peppers. A bit of fire is added to some of the steaks—right at your table! For instance, the Skirt Steak is has fresh sprigs of rosemary on top and your server torches it to bring out the remarkable herbal fragrance!

Chef Barroz’s profound respect for Argentine heritage is showcased in the restaurant’s traditional  Parrilladas (grill platters) that deliver deeply rich, smoky, and tender profiles.  The undisputed crown jewel of the menu is the signature  Parrillada For Two, an extensive, meat-centric feast designed for sharing. This ultimate platter includes beautifully charred cuts of skirt steak, picanha, sweetbreads, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). Cooked perfectly over open fire, the platter is complemented by house-made condiments like tangy chimichurri and vibrant salsa criolla, creating an authentic South American barbecue experience.

MORE THAN JUST STEAKS

Beyond massive steaks, the culinary team excels in creating traditional Argentinian starters and small plates. Guests can sample golden, flaky Beef Empanadas,  Humita En Olla (a creamy yellow corn mixture reminiscent of fresh corn polenta), and crispy Fried Sweetbreads served over a smooth butternut squash purée.

Reflecting Chef Barroz’s broader culinary evolution, the bistro also features a sophisticated raw bar and an expanded selection of seafood dishes. The menu boasts premium options such as Tuna Tartare enhanced with crispy quinoa, elegant tuna crudo, and whole wood-Grilled Branzino. These lighter, ocean-forward options offer an excellent counterweight to the heavy beef cuts, ensuring a well-rounded dining menu.

The menu also includes vibrant, seasonal salads such as the Palermo Salad-butter lettuce, hard boiled eggs, hearts of palm, carrots, cherry tomatoes, red onions and house vinaigrette. A light favorite is the Endive Salad, made with pears, caramelized walnuts, croutons, Grana Padano cheese, and Chardonnay vinaigrette. Exclusive to the downtown SoHo location, Chef Barroz has also introduced a refreshing variety of specialized house-made pasta dishes that have been garnering amazing reviews on Yelp and other restaurant review/reservation sites. All pasta and sauces are house made.

This balance of traditional street food and refined seafood ensures a dynamic start to the dining experience, whether you prefer a hearty bite or a clean, ocean-forward opening. Entrée wise, the Fish Of The Day is a best kept secret—it was Grilled Halibut over sauteed broccolini on the night New York Lifestyles Magazine made our reviewer visit, and my super finicky guest cleaned every morsal off her plate.

EXCEPTIONAL MALBECS ‘N MORE

No true Argentinian meal is complete without wine, and Wine Director Jorge Albarracin has curated a stellar beverage program. The wine list focuses entirely on elite Argentine producers, boasting an exceptional selection of world-class Malbecs from famed viticultural regions like diverse selection of traditional South American starters crafted to prime the palate for the wood-fired main courses.

WARM AND RUSTIC SETTING

The physical venue itself is thoughtfully split into two distinct dining environments to match various guest moods. The front of the restaurant features a high-energy bar area backed by an expansive television screen for a lively social scene. Moving toward the back reveals a much quieter, romantic dining room accented by warm lighting, rustic brick, and cozy seating arrangements perfect for focused conversation. Crucially, the venue houses a large-format projector screen, as it was designed to open early and serve as a premiere hub for soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup.

DULCE DE LECHE TO DIE FOR

To complete the dining experience on a classic sweet note, the dessert menu features traditional Panqueques Con Dulce de Leche, which are thin, delicate Argentinian-style crêpes. These golden crêpes are folded or rolled and generously filled with a rich, velvety, and deeply caramelized Argentine dulce de leche. The kitchen elevates this soulful dessert by pairing the sweet caramel spread with fresh fruit fillings like sliced bananas and strawberries. Dusted lightly with powdered sugar, this spectacular dessert offers a smooth, decadent texture and a nostalgic flavor profile that perfectly rounds out a smoky steak dinner.

While Palermo Argentinian Bistro is in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, there is nothing pretentious about it and they do welcome families. The friendly staff is ultra-accommodating and takes all types of tastes and dietary restrictions into account—always saying “no problem” to food customization. There are neighborhood regulars whom you can tell have made this eatery their second home even though it just opened on June 1, 2026! So yes, like the Cheers theme song goes, Palermo Argentinian Bistro SoHo is really one of those places “where everybody knows your name”!

For more information on Palermo Argentinian Bistro Soho, visit palermosohonyc.com

INSPIRING AND INSPIRED DINING

AT THE BOCA RATON

By Ruth J. Katz

It had been a languorous afternoon in the Forbes Five-Star Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton property. (Yes, in Boca Raton, Florida). I made my way to Cloister, the heart and social hub of the resort, beelining to the glorious Palm Court, where I knew I would leave the afternoon’s green juices in the proverbial dust.

I chose a satisfyingly delicious drink aptly named The Grand Century, the creation of which was sheer choreography by an adept bartender. A languid amalgam of Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire, and blood orange, it celebrates the resort’s 100-year birthday. Served in a uniquely decorated glass, emblazoned with an etched monkey, it goes for (gulp) $100—but you get to keep the glass! (The monkey is Johnnie Brown and references one of star architect Addison Mizner’s favorite pets.) And not coincidentally, Mizner is responsible for the core structures of the resort as well as beaucoup de Boca’s glam and glitz.

Dining at The Boca Raton is a full-time job: There are nearly 20 different restaurants and bars, so I had to choose carefully. The top notes:

Sadelle’s feels homey, located in the bosom of Cloister, with its pulsing heartbeat. It is particularly busy (and cheery, with palms and white wicker), at breakfast. Everything you order is larger than your plate, be it pancakes, waffles, a Nova-laced bagel, or the famous, breakfast tacos—and the pièce de resistance, the braised-to-perfection Grapefruit Brûlée, with mint and lemon zest. Genius.

You’ll feel as if you are eating al fresco at Harbor House, even if you are dining indoors, in the capacious, airy structure. The blue-and-white maritime color palette reinforces the nautical theme. I had one of the best salads, ever. I’m scheming to bribe the chef to get my paws on the dressing recipe of the Prasini salad—a luscious combo of shaved romaine, dill, mint, scallions, and feta, tossed with that nectarous lemon vinaigrette. (Check out the soft-serve ice creams!)

You’ll find more gustatory memories-in-the-making at Marisol, located across the Intercoastal on the resort’s property, at Beach Club—a short shuttle away. Fine dining, with seductive Mediterranean flair, is served up here. The mezze (including mouth-watering spreads) are memorable; the raw bar and shellfish tower, enticing; the breadbasket, overflowing and varied; and the main courses, delectable—everything from shawarma lambchops and savory kabobs to poached, broiled, and seared seafood.

Principessa Ristorante, an Italian gem, offered a view that made me feel as if I were in Lake Como and a menu that practically spoke Italian. The corn ravioli were a toothsome surprise-sweet corn, sheep’s milk ricotta, chive, Pecorino Romano. And the Tuscan chickpeas, English peas, and oreganata vinaigrette transformed my go-to, pedestrian salmon into ambrosia.

Sadly, I did not have time for the rest of the restaurants (the Japanese Bocce Club is beckoning me); but another alluring draw for next winter is the annual Artisans Wine and Food Weekend, a celebration of cuisine and philanthropy. This year, more than $400,000 was raised for Place of Hope in Palm Beach and the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative. Next year, I want to be part of the eating and the giving. You’ll want to, also!

Additional info: thebocaraton.com

Photos Courtesy of The Boca Raton

GREENPORT’S SUMMER TABLE IS SET

ZErdem OPENS FOR THE SEASON

By Lillian Langtry

With fresh seafood, kebabs, spreads, salads and summer-ready entrees, ZErdem brings Mediterranean flavor to one of the East End’s most atmospheric port towns.

ZErdem, the Mediterranean restaurant run by the team behind ZEY Hotel, is now open for the summer season, bringing a fresh dining destination to Greenport at exactly the right moment: the start of East End weekends, ferry-hopping itineraries and long North Fork evenings by the water.

Set in the heart of Greenport, ZErdem sits in the sweet spot of location and timing. The village has become one of the East End’s most appealing port-town escapes, with a walkable Main Street, maritime charm, wineries nearby and easy ferry connections to Shelter Island and onward to the Hamptons. For guests staying at ZEY Hotel, day-trippers from the South Fork or North Fork regulars looking for a summer dinner destination, ZErdem offers a stylish, relaxed and flavor-forward restaurant experience.

The menu is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, with shareable spreads including hummus, muhammara, tzatziki, Pink Sultan, carrot tarator and eggplant with tomato sauce, alongside appetizers such as beef carpaccio, salmon ceviche, grilled Spanish octopus, fried calamari and zucchini and eggplant chips. Salads include a Zerdem chopped salad, Mediterranean salad, summer salad, traditional Greek salad and classic romaine Caesar.

Main courses continue the Mediterranean theme, with swordfish kebabs, beef fillet shish, chicken shish kebab, beef shashlik kebab, Turkish lamb chops, pistachio-crusted Pacific halibut, grilled branzino, grilled salmon with honey and pomegranate glaze, spicy shrimp scampi linguine and Stanley Tucci’s spaghetti alla Nerano. The menu also includes steak, short ribs, rigatoni alla vodka and a Zerdem prime burger, balancing destination dining with crowdpleasing summer favorites.

ZErdem’s return gives Greenport a restaurant built for the season: Mediterranean flavors, a lively village setting and a natural connection to ZEY Hotel’s boutique hospitality world.

OpenTable lists ZErdem as a Mediterranean restaurant in Greenport, with daily service from noon to midnight, making it a flexible stop for lunch, dinner, late-night dining or a postferry meal.

For the team behind ZEY Hotel, ZErdem is more than a hotel restaurant. It is part of a broader Greenport hospitality experience, designed for travelers who want the ease of a boutique stay, the atmosphere of an East End port town and the pleasure of a summer meal that feels both transportive and right at home.

ZErdem restaurant is now open from and welcoming guests for dinner and also offers probably the best breakfast on the North Fork and lunch every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00am to 4:00pm.

Reservations can be made via OpenTable: bit.ly/48VOmzE

ZErdem Restaurant

314 Main Street, Greenport, NY 11944

Tel: (631) 477-6540

Images: Hochman Marketing, ZErdem Restaurant

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

IN THE HEART OF SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER SEASON

THE DOG STARS

R

If you’re feeling a bit worried about the state of our planet, then “The Dog Stars” is going to frighten your socks off. Ridley Scott’s latest is a postapocalyptic nightmare, an all-too-possible tale tinged with downright horror, and dogs. Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Allison Janney and Josh Brolin are some of the only normal humans left on earth, as this scary adaptation of Peter Heller’s 2012 debut novel bursts onto the big screen in August.

MOANA

PG

MINIONS & MONSTERS

PG

Let’s face it, you cannot help but giggle when the Minions do. And in this next chapter in their ever-growing story, there’s so many funny moments you may just be laughing the whole time. “Minions & Monsters” takes the merry band into Hollywood’s 1920’s era, where a new trio of leaders take the yellow pack into a world of mayhem and monsters that are sure to feel familiar. But don’t worry, even without Kevin, Stuart and Bob, the Minions remain the funniest and wildest gang the movies have ever seen.

If the tale this live-action version of “Moana” seems familiar, that’s because it is. Disney’s telling the animated classic’s beloved story of the Hawaiian teen who sets out to save her island from a curse. Played by newcomer Catherine Laga’ala and co-starring Duane Johnson as Maui, the shapeshifter, Moana’s journey is filled with adventure, spiritual awareness and lots of songs. Listen for songs by Taylor Swift, LinManuel Miranda and a host of other popular musicians as you learn the popular myths that surround Polynesian cultures.

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

PG-13

THE ODYSSEY R

Matt Damon takes on the role of Odysseus here, in this epic film based on Homer’s ancient Greek telling of the Trojan War and its aftermath. Oscar winner Christoper Nolan takes on directing, writing and producing once again, telling the classic story via eye-popping IMAX images. Damon leads a powerhouse cast, including Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, along with Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Jon Berenthal and Mia Goth in this wild adventure story of a man trying to get back home after a devastating war.

Tom Holland returns yet again as the web-slinging superhero that the world loves, in this sequel to 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” That one revealed his secret identity, and wiped the world’s memory of him, a sacrifice that still reverberates in his life as Peter Parker. But when things begin shifting and his Spidey powers begin to shift, he’s got to find a way back to being the beloved hero he once was. Zendaya returns as the woman who loved him, but doesn’t remember, along with Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner (The Hulk) and a cast of familiar faces, all a part of this latest chapter in the Marvel cinematic universe.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

NEW AND OLD FAVORITES

RETURN

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

Netflix

With nine original books and the much-beloved television series that aired for nine seasons from 1974-1983, “Little House on the Prairie” has captured the hearts of generations. Now the Laura Ingalls Wilder biographical saga of her life as a child as her family pioneered across the American frontier returns in a new series, revisiting the stories that have captivated audiences for generations. Luke Bracey and Crosby Fitzgerald star as the couple who venture into the prairie to make a new life, with Alice Halsey as young Laura and Skywalker Hughes as her sister Mary in this new look at an old favorite.

LANTERNS

HBO

TED LASSO

Apple

TV

It has taken three years for “Ted Lasso” to come back to tell more of Ted’s story, proving that waiting can be very tough on fans. But after the series garnered 61 Emmy Award nominations in just three seasons (and won 13 of the top TV prize), the creators took that long pause, it seems the world is as excited as ever to welcome Ted (Jason Sudekis) back to England and the world of crazed soccer fans and the players they adore. We love them all, too, and after watching the real-life Soccer World Cup this summer, this one’s sure to come back strong.

CRIMINALS AND SUPERHEROES

This latest DC Comics Universe series stars Kyle Chandler as Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, his superhero in training/rival for the green power ring. As the series unfolds, Jordan and his super ring are trying to solve a mystery that has engulfed a whole town, while Stewart plots how to take over as the newest (and much younger) Lantern. There’s action, violence and plenty of special effects in this series that keeps you guessing all along the way.

RIDE OR DIE

Prime Video

LUCKY

Apple TV

This wild crime drama centers on Lucky, a woman who has herself dug deep into a criminal morass that she’s trying to escape. As Lucky, Anya Taylor-Joy is basically on the run from the FBI, the cops and even her mother-in-law (Annette Bening), trying to make a big change in her life trajectory without getting herself killed. Timothy Olyphant, Clifton Collins Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor round out the cast of this action-packed thriller.

Crime pays very well for Judith (Hannah Waddingham), an assassin who keeps that fact on the down low, particularly from her best friend Debbie (Octavia Spencer). But when things go bad during one of Judith’s assignments, the two have to go on the run. As mayhem (and some laughter, too) breaks loose, together they both find out about the things their BFF hasn’t mentioned along the way. This female buddy comedy also stars Bill Nighy, Sylvia Hoeks and Ed Skrein.

BROADWAY BOB’S

By Bob Massimi THEATER

REVIEWS

GIRL INTERRUPTED

“Girl Interrupted” at The Public is an adaptation of the 1999 movie that landed Angelia Jolie an Oscar for best supporting actress. Here the play is directed and acted beautifully. Even though the play is set with music, the music is never overbearing nor consuming, and it adds subtly to the show.

Director Jo Bonney keeps the story close to Martyna Majok’s book. The story is the mid 1960’s and Susanna (Juliana Canfield) has checked herself into a mental hospital in Belmont Mass. She belies that she will be there for 72 hours but it turns into 18 months. The aspiring writer does not see any problems mentally with herself what-so-ever.

In this brilliant show, Canfield is exceptional in the way she commands the stage; more importantly how she explains her state of mind, how she brings forth the mental instability of the other inmates as well.

What was most enjoyable about this deeply moving show is that Jo Bonney gave us a show of what the East Village theaters used to be. The Village used to put forth raw, edgy and deep plays that made you think, made you feel the show deeply. Here, “Girl Interrupted” checks off all of those boxes as an in-depth play that moves the audience for 110 intermission less minutes.

Not only does the direction move this play along for the most part nicely (it can get slow at parts), the lighting (Heather Gilbert), the sound (Dan Moses Schreier), the costumes (Sarah Laux) and the brilliant set all make this a first rate show indeed!

We get a dose of the time period in Majok’s book, Bonney too just touches on enough of it to bring forth what Susanna and the rest feel about the era that is the war torn Vietnam era as well as the 60’s protests and the assassinations, the murders as Susanna will tell us.

As in the movie, the play more so brings out how many of these girls are comfortable being institutionalized. Sure they all complain about being there, however, Bonney does well in showing us just how Grace( Mia Pak), Tori (Gabi Campo), Lisa (King Princess) as well as Daisey (Katherine Reis) know that they may not be able to be out in an open society without the kind of help that they get inside this facility that protects them from the world.

The Public Theater has for years been at the forefront of creative, edgy theater. “Girl Interrupted” was as creative as I have seen at the public. From the cylinder chamber above the stage that came down usefully when needed to underscore a scene, to the great all around staging of this play, The public continues to show us why it’s history is so rich and respected.

“Are You Now or Have You Ever Been” is playing at the City Center. Eric Bentley, an English writer wrote this in 1972 and it is directed by Anna D. Shapiro. The play has a rotating cast with Andrew McCarty having the biggest role last night playing Larry Parks. The plot is based on the 1950’s UN - American Committee with the “Hollywood10” under fire. Many of the actors try to wiggle through the committee by fencing with the committee. The various answers are never sincere for the most part. They tell the committee that they no little, or they take the 5th.

The show is running for 15 weeks. I thought the hour and forty five minutes went fast. The action, the staging (Andrew Boyce), the lighting (Donald Holder) were terrific. The projection was the most innovative works of the evening. Brittany Bland fires the historic facts at us all evening keeping us abreast of the time period. Shapiro too keeps the action moving as both sides get contentious at times.

When Eric Bentley first wrote this, he had it as a docudrama. Today, it maybe more relevant than it was in the 50’s. This time, more with China than Russia, we debate what communism is and what it can do to the American way of life. When the “Hollywood 10” was questioned, we had actor like Bogart, writers like Arthur Miller who were at the peak of their careers. These people could influence the American people just by their endorsements. Lillian Hellman, Jerrome Robbins were as big of names and were called to Washington to answer the charges of being Communists.

The writing here, and the direction do twofold: the actors did not want to give up their friends, the direction brings out what the actors went through to dance around giving answers. Caught in a quandary of losing their jobs, or losing their friends, the people called before the committee were in a no win situation. While the writings on this subject have always favored their own, there is no mistake that these actors were either communists, or communist supporters. At a time when Hollywood was more conservative than it certainly is today, people were fired for being left leaning. Today, Hollywood by majority is very left leaning, and has been for quite sometime; when movies, or plays are made today, it usually supports the people who were called in front of the committee.In “Are You Now”, it fairly gives both sides but still favoring the actors though.

This period of time was contentious, it is probably the reason that it has been written about quite a lot. It brings great debate even today amongst Americans. Did congress have the right to investigate? Did Americans want communists in our mist, especially in Hollywood, the place where movies are made, the place that controls a lot of the ways that Americans think? This play drew a lot of that out in the hour forty five minutes.

MARK SEIDENFELD’S UNCHARTED WATERS

THE HAMPTONS ARTIST INAUGURATES BRIDGEHAMPTON’S NEW BARN GALLERY

By Clara Morgan

Hamptons-based artist Mark Seidenfeld celebrated the opening of his new solo exhibition, Uncharted Waters, at The Bridgehampton Museum, marking both a personal milestone and an important new chapter for the museum. The exhibition, on view through Sunday, June 21st, 2026, inaugurates the newly renovated Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn in Bridgehampton, New York, a space now positioned to support ambitious, site-responsive presentations on the East End.

For Seidenfeld, the exhibition offers a focused statement on an evolving artistic practice rooted in abstraction, perception, and the unpredictable process of discovery. Born in New York City in 1954, Seidenfeld is an abstract painter whose work investigates structure, gesture, and spatial depth. He lives and works in the Hamptons, where the surrounding landscape, atmosphere, and shifting light inform his visual language without being directly represented.

Uncharted Waters reflects an evolution from Seidenfeld’s earlier representational work into a more fully realized abstract vocabulary. In these paintings, landscape gives way to interior vision. The works do not offer literal depictions of sea, shore, or horizon, but instead suggest constructed fields shaped by movement, tension, and atmosphere. Each composition feels less like a fixed image than a moment of arrival within a longer process of search, interruption, revision, and transformation.

That sense of movement is central to the exhibition. Seidenfeld’s paintings are built through layering and recalibration, with surfaces that appear to hold memory, conflict, and change. Marks emerge, recede, and reappear. Forms suggest structure, then dissolve. Color and gesture work together to create a spatial experience that resists easy resolution. The viewer is invited not simply to look at the paintings, but to move through them, following the push and pull between depth and surface, certainty and uncertainty.

At the center of the exhibition is what the artist describes as the Unknown. Rather than treating uncertainty as a problem to be solved, Seidenfeld embraces it as a generative force. What appears resolved in one painting becomes the starting point for the next. A gesture that seems complete may open into another question. A structure that holds for a moment may give way to something more elusive. In this way, the paintings create a rhythm of discovery, where each work stands alone while also contributing to a larger conversation about instability, perception, and change.

The title Uncharted Waters speaks to that condition. It suggests movement into unfamiliar territory, but also the willingness to remain open to what cannot be fully mapped. For Seidenfeld, abstraction becomes a way of approaching the unknown without reducing it. The paintings do not explain themselves. Instead, they invite sustained attention, rewarding viewers who allow the eye to adjust, wander, and return.

Installed within the architecture of the Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn, the exhibition takes on added resonance. The scale and character of the barn create a dialogue between history and contemporary artistic exploration. Once connected to the practical rhythms of agricultural life, the newly renovated structure now becomes a place for visual inquiry and cultural exchange. Seidenfeld’s paintings activate the space as a field of perception, using the barn’s volume and atmosphere to heighten the emotional and spatial impact of the work.

The inaugural use of the Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn is significant for The Bridgehampton Museum as well. The museum is dedicated to presenting exhibitions, fostering cultural dialogue, and preserving the local history of Bridgehampton and the East End of Long Island. With the renovation of the barn, the institution expands its capacity to present larger-scale and more ambitious work, giving artists and audiences a new setting in which to engage with art, place, and history.

That connection between place and imagination is especially meaningful in Bridgehampton, where the past remains visible in architecture, landscape, and community memory. By launching the renovated space with Seidenfeld’s Uncharted Waters, the museum connects its historic mission with a contemporary artistic voice that is deeply engaged with process, transformation, and perception. The result is an exhibition that feels both grounded and exploratory.

Seidenfeld’s work is not easily confined to a single reading. His paintings carry traces of landscape, but they are not landscapes. They suggest depth, but do not settle into illusion. They contain structure, but resist rigidity. This balance gives the exhibition its energy. The paintings hold tension without closure, allowing viewers to encounter them differently over time. One visit may reveal the sweep of gesture; another may reveal the quiet architecture beneath the surface.

The opening drew friends, supporters, and members of the East End cultural community to celebrate both the artist and the museum’s renewed exhibition space. Notable attendees included Mark Seidenfeld, Bill Boggs, Maria van Vlodrop, Diane Lieberman, and Noreen Donovan.

With Uncharted Waters, Seidenfeld presents a body of work shaped by risk, revision, and openness to the unknown. At the same time, The Bridgehampton Museum introduces a newly transformed space that expands its role as a cultural anchor on the East End. Together, the exhibition and setting create a compelling invitation: to enter, to look closely, and to follow where abstraction leads.

For more information, visit markseidenfeld.com and bridgehamptonmuseum.org

Photos: Society Allure / Rob Rich

CITY TAILS

NYC’S BEST SUMMER OUTINGS FOR DOGS & THEIR HUMANS

By Michael McKensie

New York City may be famous for its skyline, restaurants, museums, parks, and waterfront views, but for pet parents, the city offers another kind of itinerary: one built around long walks, shaded benches, dog-friendly cafés, ferry rides, museum stops, and even ballpark nights. This summer, four-legged New Yorkers do not have to stay behind. With a little planning, the city becomes a playground for dogs and the humans who love them.

AKC MUSEUM OF THE DOG

BORIS & HORTON

For dog owners who want more than a quick coffee run, Boris & Horton remains one of the city’s most beloved dog-friendly gathering places. Located in the East Village, the café gives New Yorkers a space where dogs are not merely tolerated, but welcomed as part of the experience.

The setup is simple and smart. Humans can order coffee, wine, beer, snacks, and café favorites, while dogs enjoy a social environment designed with them in mind. The Dog Dining Room allows pups to join the outing comfortably, making it an ideal stop for a casual afternoon, a meet-up with friends, or a relaxed start to a weekend in the neighborhood.

Beyond everyday visits, Boris & Horton also hosts dog-friendly events, rescue fundraisers, adoption gatherings, comedy nights, breed meetups, and themed celebrations. For anyone looking to meet fellow dog lovers, support local rescue efforts, or simply give their pup a more social city day, it is a reliable place to start.

Info: borisandhorton.com

For a more cultured canine afternoon, the AKC Museum of the Dog near Grand Central offers one of the city’s most unique pet-friendly outings. Dedicated to the human-canine bond, the museum celebrates dogs through art, history, exhibitions, and programming that appeals to both serious dog enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Pet dogs are welcome at the museum on Fridays during regular hours, as well as during select special dog-friendly programs and events. Advanced planning is recommended, as dog-friendly time slots may be limited. For pet parents who want an indoor summer activity, this is an especially useful option during hot or rainy days.

The museum experience gives visitors a chance to slow down and enjoy something different with their dogs. Instead of another walk around the block, it becomes an outing with history, personality, and plenty of conversation starters. Info: museumofthedog.org

CENTRAL PARK

No list of dog-friendly New York experiences would be complete without Central Park. For generations of city dogs, the park has been the ultimate backyard, offering winding paths, open views, shaded lawns, and countless opportunities to explore.

Dogs must be leashed in most areas during the day, but Central Park allows off-leash activity in designated areas during specific hours: 6 AM to 9 AM and 9 PM to 1 AM. Early mornings are especially popular, when the park is cooler, quieter, and filled with the kind of neighborhood energy that makes New York feel surprisingly intimate.

Responsible etiquette matters. Owners should follow posted signs, avoid restricted landscapes, keep dogs under control, and clean up after their pets. Done right, a Central Park dog walk can be one of the most joyful rituals of summer in the city.

Info: centralparknyc.org/activities/guides/dogs

NYC FERRY ADVENTURES

For dogs who enjoy a breeze and a view, NYC Ferry can turn an ordinary outing into a mini adventure. The ferry connects neighborhoods across the city, offering access to waterfront parks, promenades, and dog-friendly walks in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Pet owners should review the current NYC Ferry pet policy before boarding. Dogs and service animals are permitted under posted rules, while other pets may need to be in enclosed carriers that fit on a passenger’s lap or under the seat. For many New Yorkers, the ferry is one of the easiest ways to pair transportation with sightseeing, giving dogs a break from hot sidewalks and crowded subway platforms.

Plan a short route, bring water, and choose a cooler part of the day. The reward is a city outing with skyline views, river air, and a built-in destination at the other end. Info: ferry.nyc

BEACH WALKS & BOARDWALK MOMENTS

Summer beach rules in New York City can be strict, so dog owners should check before heading out. During beach season, dogs are generally restricted from city bathing beaches, but leashed dogs may be allowed on certain sand and boardwalk areas during approved off-season periods or under specific local rules.

Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, and South Beach each have their own regulations, and NYC Parks remains the best source for current rules. Even when sand access is restricted, an early boardwalk stroll or waterfront walk can still give dogs a summer change of scenery.

Bring water, avoid the hottest pavement, and remember that not every beach day is a dog day. Sometimes the best pet-friendly beach plan is a morning walk, a shaded rest, and a safe ride home before the afternoon heat.

Info: nycgovparks.org

BARK AT THE BALLPARK

Baseball season offers another way for dogs to join the city’s summer calendar. The New York Mets host Bark at the Park events at Citi Field, with designated dogfriendly seating and a portion of proceeds supporting animal rescue. The Brooklyn Cyclones also offer Bark in the Park opportunities at Maimonides Park, giving Brooklyn dog lovers a more casual ballpark option by the Coney Island waterfront.

These events require special tickets and usually include specific seating sections, entry rules, and pet requirements. They are not regular bring-your-doganytime games, so planning ahead is essential. For the right dog, however, a summer evening at the ballpark can be a memorable city experience.

Info: mlb.com/mets/tickets/specials/bark-at-the-park

Info: milb.com/brooklyn/tickets/bark

From cafés and museums to ferries, parks, boardwalks, and ballparks, New York continues to make room for pets in the rhythm of city life. For dog owners, the best summer plans are often the simplest: go early, bring water, check the rules, and remember that a great New York day is even better with a wagging tail beside you.

“What I discovered at Woodloch is what I want for my own family, and why we keep coming back, it’s that magic of together.”

- Meagan’s My Woodloch Story

SUMMER SOIREE

FOR THE PRINCESS GRACE FOUNDATION

By Mindie Barnett

Summer sprung early in the Hamptons as ad executive Richard Kirshenbaum hosted the who’s who of the East at their Summer Cocktail Soiree in Sagaponak June 13th. The party was a beautiful benefit for the Princess Grace Foundation – USA which was founded by Prince Rainer III in honor of Princess Grace of Monaco. The nonprofit supports emerging artists in theater, dance and film. Princess Caroline of Hanover serves as the organization’s chairman and Prince Albert II as its patron.

NEW YORK, NY

A HISTORIC TOAST TO AMERICA 250

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND COMES ALIVE AT HISTORIC HALSEY HOUSE

By Lillian Langtry

The Southampton History Museum will set the table for a meaningful Independence Day weekend with its annual Halsey House Gala on Friday, July 3rd, 2026. Held from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Halsey House & Garden, 249 South Main Street in Southampton, the evening will arrive on the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and place local history at the center of a landmark American moment.

This year’s benefit takes on special significance as the country prepares to commemorate America 250 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Few settings could be more fitting than Halsey House, one of Southampton’s oldest and most treasured landmarks. Built in 1683, the historic home predates the founding of the United States and offers guests a rare connection to the colonial era, early village life, and the generations that helped shape the East End.

The gala will be co-chaired by Jean Shafiroff and Mary Slattery, with Bill McCuddy serving as emcee. Guests will enjoy cocktails by Herbert & Rist, including the “Salty Sayre,” a specialty drink created in honor of the museum’s exhibition at Rogers Mansion, Stephen Sayre’s American Revolution, which runs from June 12th, 2026 through January 2nd, 2027. The evening will also feature a premier raw bar, fine hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Thyme & Again, and live music by D@’Band on the lush grounds of Halsey House & Garden.

Proceeds from the event will support the Southampton History Museum’s mission to preserve and educate the public about the history and culture of Southampton through its historic sites, archives, collections, exhibitions, and public programming. A painting by Hunt Slonem will also be auctioned during the gala to help raise funds for the museum’s continued work.

“We look forward to gathering with friends and neighbors at our annual Halsey House Gala to toast local history,” said Sarah Kautz, Executive Director of the Southampton History Museum. “On this historic occasion, we are deeply honored to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Southampton community during the American Revolution 250 years ago.”

The Southampton History Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and incorporated under the New York State Education Department. Through its programming and stewardship of historic properties, the museum continues to connect residents and visitors with the stories that define Southampton’s past and inform its future.

Key supporters for the 2026 Halsey House Gala include Fiona & Stan Druckenmiller, The Derfner Foundation, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, the M. Sullivan Fund, Susan K. Allen, George & Leslie Biddle, Judi & Kevin Donnelly, Southampton Inn, The Peter Marino Art Foundation, Mary Slattery, and many others.

For ticket and sponsorship information, visit southamptonhistory.org/hhg For more information, visit southamptonhistory.org

LITERACY PARTNERS RAISES $1.3 MILLION

GALA HONORS LEADERS IN LITERATURE, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE

By Lillian Langtry

Literacy Partners celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner with a festive black-tie gathering at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, raising $1.3 million to support life-changing literacy programs. The annual event brought together New York’s literary, philanthropic, civic, and business leaders for an evening dedicated to the power of reading, education, and opportunity.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Lesley Stahl, the gala continued a tradition first established in 1986 by legendary columnist Liz Smith. Four decades later, the evening remains one of the organization’s signature fundraisers, supporting Literacy Partners’ mission to advance literacy two generations at a time.

That mission focuses on helping adults, parents, and caregivers build the literacy skills and confidence they need to create stronger futures for themselves and the children in their care. Through research-based programs that combine adult literacy, child development, and parenting support, Literacy Partners helps families strengthen early reading, social-emotional growth, and school readiness. The organization’s work is designed to break cycles of poverty, improve job prospects, and close achievement gaps before children even begin school.

One of the evening’s most moving moments came when a Literacy Partners student shared her personal journey. After learning English through the organization, she is now helping other students improve their literacy skills, pursuing a career in healthcare, and watching her children thrive in school.

Her story underscored the organization’s belief that literacy can transform not only one life, but an entire family’s future.

This year’s gala honored four distinguished leaders whose work reflects Literacy Partners’ commitment to education, storytelling, service, and opportunity. Patricia Cornwell, the award-winning author and pioneering figure in contemporary crime fiction, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her internationally acclaimed body of work has captivated readers and helped define a genre.

Sabastian Niles, president and chief legal officer of Salesforce, received the Distinguished Leadership in Literacy Award for leadership that reflects the importance of access, equity, and opportunity in building stronger communities. Barbara Tober received the Lizzie Award, named in honor of Liz Smith, recognizing her longtime commitment to culture, philanthropy, and civic engagement. A patron of the arts, publishing maven, and lifelong New Yorker, Tober served as Editor-in-Chief of BRIDES magazine for more than 30 years.

Sherrie Westin, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, received the Champion of Literacy Award. Her work at the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street reflects a deep commitment to children’s learning, early education, and the lifelong value of literacy.

“This gathering, which celebrated remarkable literacy champions, demonstrated that when we come together, a better future is possible,” said Asaf Bar-Tura, CEO of Literacy Partners. “Literacy is a gateway to social mobility and economic opportunity.”

Notable attendees included Lesley Stahl, Patricia Cornwell, Sabastian Niles, Barbara Tober, Sherrie Westin, Asaf Bar-Tura, David Westin, Jean Shafiroff, Sheila Nevins, Perri Peltz, Courtney E.K. Lewis, and Bill Buford.

For more information, visit literacypartners.org

Photos: BFA / Madeleine Thomas, Getty Images / Paul Bruinooge

OBEY COMES EAST

ONE ART SPACE BRINGS SHEPARD FAIREY TO HAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR

By Clara Morgan

One Art Space will bring the unmistakable visual language of Shepard Fairey to the 2026 Hamptons Fine Art Fair with a focused presentation of limited-edition works that speak to peace, liberty, equality, dignity, and the enduring power of the image. The fair takes place July 9th through 12th at the Southampton Fairgrounds, where One Art Space will present Fairey’s work at Booth 205a

Curated by MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, owner, gallerist, and curator of One Art Space, the booth places Fairey at the center of one of the Hamptons summer season’s major art market moments. Known globally for the OBEY campaign and his Barack Obama “Hope” poster, Fairey has built a career around images that move with ease between the street, the gallery, the museum, and the public imagination. His work brings together political critique, propaganda-inspired design, music, activism, and popular culture with a clarity that is both immediate and unmistakably his own.

Fairey first gained international recognition with his 1989 “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign, which evolved into the now-iconic OBEY visual movement. What began as a streetlevel intervention grew into a far-reaching visual vocabulary that challenged ideas of authority, influence, media, and repetition. Over time, Fairey’s work has demonstrated how a single image can become a public symbol, crossing from urban walls and stickers into museums, private collections, and the broader cultural record.

At Hamptons Fine Art Fair, One Art Space will showcase signed and numbered works that reflect Fairey’s enduring focus on nonviolence, diplomacy, social awareness, and shared humanity. Among the featured pieces is Lennon Peace and Liberty (Red) 2/6, a 2023 limited-edition, signed and numbered silkscreen and mixed media collage on wood, HPM, measuring 24 by 18 inches. The work depicts John Lennon standing before the Statue of Liberty while making a peace sign, pairing one of music’s most recognizable symbols of anti-war idealism with one of America’s defining icons of freedom.

Also included is Peace Fingers with Poppies 3/6, a 2023 limited-edition, signed and numbered silkscreen on wood, measuring 24 by 18 inches. The work extends Fairey’s long engagement with the visual language of peace, using bold graphic contrast and symbolic imagery to promote nonviolence, active diplomacy, and social awareness. In Universal Dignity 3/6, a 2022 limited-edition, signed and numbered silkscreen on wood panel, also measuring 24 by 18 inches, Fairey turns attention toward equality and shared humanity, using the strength of graphic design to carry a message that is direct, collectible, and socially charged

“One Art Space is proud to bring Shepard Fairey’s work to Hamptons Fine Art Fair in a focused way,” said McCulloh. “These pieces speak directly to the moment. They are strong visually, but they also carry ideas about peace, liberty, dignity and responsibility. Shepard’s work has the rare ability to be both instantly recognizable and deeply meaningful, which makes this presentation especially exciting for collectors and fairgoers.”

The presentation reflects One Art Space’s commitment to artists whose work carries cultural force, visual urgency, and a clear point of view. Located in Tribeca, the gallery has developed a platform for exhibitions and artists that connect contemporary creativity with broader conversations in culture, identity, design, and public life. With Fairey as the focus, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair booth connects street art’s rebellious origins with its current position in serious collecting and contemporary art history.

That connection is especially meaningful in Southampton, where collectors, galleries, artists, and cultural tastemakers gather each summer. In the context of the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Fairey’s work offers a timely reminder that art can be visually seductive while still carrying a message. His images are composed with the polish of graphic design, but their impact comes from urgency. They challenge, persuade, and endure because they ask the viewer to look quickly, then think longer.

The Hamptons Fine Art Fair returns July 9th through 12th, 2026, at the Southampton Fairgrounds, located at 605 County Road 39 in Southampton. Staged in a 70,000-square-foot pavilion complex on 17 acres, the fair is led by Executive Director Rick Friedman and positioned as more than a commercial art show. With its Pollock and de Kooning Luxury Pavilions, Hamptons Artists Hall of Fame, and setting within one of America’s most storied arts regions, the fair has become a major summer destination for collectors, galleries, artists, and cultural leaders.

For One Art Space, the fair provides a fitting East End stage for a presentation that is both collectible and culturally resonant. Fairey’s works speak in the language of posters, protest, music, and memory, but they also operate as finely produced objects with strong appeal for contemporary collectors. In a season defined by social gatherings, cultural events, and the movement of art audiences across the Hamptons, the booth brings together visibility, message, and market presence.

OBEY may have begun as a street-level provocation, but in Fairey’s hands it has become a sustained visual conversation about power, responsibility, and the symbols that shape public life. At Hamptons Fine Art Fair, One Art Space gives that conversation a focused presentation, inviting fairgoers to encounter works that are bold on the surface and layered beneath it.

For more information, visit oneartspace.com, obeygiant.com, and hamptonsfineartfair.com

The Flanders Hotel Ocean City’s most historic and prestigious boardwalk hotel, known as “The Jewel of the Southern Shore”, was built in 1923. This serviceoriented Ocean City, NJ hotel, which was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2009. The Flanders combines the elegance and hospitality of yesteryear with modern amenities to offer the finest in luxury accommodations. All suites in our Ocean City hotel have private bedrooms and full kitchens, equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers and stove tops, along with irons and ironing boards.

Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, our full-service NJ beach hotel is a seaside destination that provides the following amenities:

• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space

• Emily’s Ocean Room (featuring family friendly dining)

• The Shoppes at The Flanders (featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories)

• Divine Images Salon & Spa

• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)

• Fitness Center

• 24-hour business center

Ocean City, known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, is one of the best beach towns in South Jersey. The Flanders, with its premier accommodations and prime location, is a landmark known throughout the region, state and nation. Vacationers have marveled at the towering structure as one of the great hotels along the Jersey Shore while local residents and business owners are reminded of the glory and memories provided by the resort. Because of its status as the grandest of Ocean City, New Jersey hotels, the community is fortunate that this architectural gem has survived to the present and continues to remain an important part of Ocean City’s past and future.

SOFO’S 37TH ANNUAL SUMMER GALA

TO CELEBRATE THE POWER OF THE NATURAL WORLD IN BRIDGEHAMPTON

By Lillian Langtry

Fabien Cousteau, Bernadette Castro, Louise and Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff will be honored at the July Benefit supporting environmental education, conservation and community programming.

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, known as SOFO, will hold its 37th Annual Summer Gala Benefit at the museum in Bridgehampton on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, from 5:30pm to 10:30pm.

This year’s gala, themed “Celebrate the Power of Our Natural World: Protecting Our Planet’s Living Waters & Lands,” will support the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center‘s environmental education, museum programming, conservation initiatives and community outreach. The evening will bring together conservation leaders, philanthropists, civic supporters and Hamptons guests for one of the East End’s signature summer benefits.

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center is a family-friendly natural history museum in Bridgehampton dedicated to exploration, discovery, environmental education and conservation. Through museum exhibits, programs, field walks, marine education, citizen science and community initiatives, SOFO helps children, families and adults better understand and protect the natural world of the East End and beyond.

The 2026 honorees include Fabien Cousteau, renowned aquanaut, ocean conservationist and documentary filmmaker; Bernadette Castro, esteemed civic leader and environmental advocate; Louise and Stephen Pesce, devoted supporters of conservation and community initiatives; and Jean Shafiroff, advocate, philanthropist and humanitarian.

The evening will begin with a VIP cocktail reception from 5:30pm to 6:45pm, featuring a special tasting menu from acclaimed chefs, restaurants and beverage sponsors.

Participating names include Amagansett Wines & Spirits, Bell & Anchor, Channing Daughters Winery, East Hampton Grill, Events by Peter Ambrose, Golden Pear Cafe, Hampton Coffee Company, J.A. Baczewski Monopolowa Gin & Vodka, Kidd Squid Brewing Co., LALO Tequila, LDV at the Maidstone, Lobster Roll/LUNCH, Michael Cinque, Page Sag Harbor, Sen, Shellworks, Shippy’s, Springs Tavern & Grill, Talkhouse Encore, The Palm Restaurant and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

The benefit party will follow from 7:00pm to 10:30pm with dinner, an honoree presentation, a live auction and dancing. Angela LaGreca will serve as special guest auctioneer at the gala.

The gala host committee, listed as in formation, includes Erica Noble and Ray Iwanowski, Kim and Greg Lippmann, Mark Masone, Mirella Cameron-Riley, Susan and David Rockefeller, Samriti and Scott Seltzer, and Lisa Tamburini.

Gala sponsors include 2026 Hamptons Concours d’Elegance by Rand Luxury, Decco by Party Up Productions, DG Creative Media, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Hampton Coffee Company, National Geographic –Lindblad Expeditions, Russell Mittermeier, Carl Safina & The Safina Center, Something Different Party Rental, Summerhill Landscape and Whitmores

Tickets and tables are available. VIP tables range from $7,500 to $50,000, with individual tickets available at $1,500 for general admission and $2,000 for VIP single tickets.

For tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities, visit www. sofo.org/summergala

For further information, please visit: www.sofo.org IG: @sofomuseum | FB: SOFOMuseum | X / T: @sofomuseum

Images from the 36th Annual SOFO Summer Gala (2025) (Photos: Society Allure / Rob Rich)

A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR TREES NEW YORK

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PLANTING, PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE CITY’S URBAN FOREST

By Lillian Langtry

Trees New York marked a major milestone with a 50th anniversary fundraiser at Festival Cafe NYC on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, bringing together supporters, environmental advocates, civic leaders and friends of the organization for an evening celebrating five decades of work on behalf of New York City’s urban forest.

Founded in 1976, Trees New York has built its legacy around a simple but powerful mission: to plant, preserve and protect the trees that help make the city healthier, more resilient and more livable. Over the years, the nonprofit has become a vital force in urban environmental stewardship, connecting New Yorkers to the green infrastructure that surrounds them every day.

The anniversary event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special auction and raffle, with proceeds supporting the organization’s ongoing programs. The evening also offered a chance to reflect on the impact Trees New York has had across the five boroughs through education, volunteer engagement, tree planting, stewardship initiatives and neighborhood greening projects.

“For 50 years, Trees New York has helped New Yorkers understand that trees are not just part of the landscape — they are essential infrastructure, community anchors and living symbols of resilience,” said Nelson Villarrubia, Executive Director of Trees New York. “This anniversary is both a celebration of what has been accomplished and a renewed call to action for the next generation of urban forest stewards.”

One of the organization’s best-known programs is Citizen Pruner, which trains New Yorkers in street tree care and empowers residents to take an active role in caring for trees in their own neighborhoods. In addition, Trees New York supports youth environmental education, tree plantings and community-based stewardship efforts designed to deepen the public’s connection to the city’s natural resources.

The milestone arrives as New York prepares for the return of City of Forest Day on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. Presented by Forest for All NYC in partnership with citywide organizations, the annual day of activities celebrates the trees, parks, street plantings, community gardens and woodlands that shape the city’s environmental future.

Trees New York will participate alongside its coalition partners, continuing its role as an advocate for a greener and more equitable urban landscape.

As it enters its next half-century, Trees New York remains focused on helping residents understand that the urban forest belongs to everyone. From shaded sidewalks and neighborhood plantings to community gardens and public parks, the city’s trees are part of daily life, public health and long-term climate resilience.

For Trees New York, 50 years is more than an anniversary. It is a reminder that protecting the city’s tree canopy requires education, participation and care from one generation to the next.

For more information, visit treesny.org

Photo Credit: Neha Gautam

NEW YORK, NY

ACE BUILDS NEW PATHWAYS

SOUTHAMPTON BENEFIT SUPPORTS JOBS, STABILITY AND HOPE

By Lillian Langtry | Photos: Ron Asadorian for Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Aspirited day of pickleball, dinner and live music brought supporters together in Southampton for the ACE Sunflower Benefit, raising awareness for programs that help New Yorkers overcome homelessness, incarceration and addiction through employment, training and lifelong support.

Southampton’s summer calendar took on a philanthropic purpose at Whitefield on Hill Street, where community leaders, longtime supporters and Hamptons residents gathered for the ACE Sunflower Benefit. The annual event combined friendly competition and summer hospitality with a mission centered on helping New Yorkers rebuild their lives.

The day began with a pickleball tournament featuring nine teams. Players included Nicole Perrotta, Ellie Manko, Richard Swanson, Alena Alekhin, Gregory Redmond, Alex Donner, Anne Prosser, Sam Pai, Dane Neller, Charlotte Ricks, Monique Grignard, Amanda Holmen, Cindy Farkas, Noelle Nikpour, Maribel Lieberman, Sandra Sanches, Debbie Farrington and Gina Fini. Sandra Sanches and Dane Neller claimed first place, while Alena Alekhin and Richard Swanson finished second.

Following the tournament, guests gathered for cocktails, dinner and live music in the historic Southampton setting. The relaxed atmosphere gave the evening the feel of a classic Hamptons celebration, while the program kept attention focused on the people and purpose behind ACE Programs for the Homeless.

ACE works alongside individuals with histories of homelessness, incarceration and addiction, providing job training, work experience and a long-term support network. Its approach is designed not simply to place participants in temporary positions, but to help them build the skills, confidence and stability required for lasting economic independence.

The benefit also recognized philanthropist Henry Buhl, whose decades-long commitment has helped advance ACE’s work and expand opportunities for those seeking a new beginning. His support reflects the organization’s belief that meaningful employment can be a turning point, offering structure, dignity and a practical route toward self-sufficiency.

Throughout the evening, supporters were reminded that recovery and independence are rarely achieved through a single service. ACE’s model combines employment pathways with ongoing guidance, helping participants navigate the challenges that can accompany reentry, housing instability and addiction recovery.

By pairing a lively summer gathering with a clear social mission, the Sunflower Benefit demonstrated the strength of community-based philanthropy. Guests left Whitefield having enjoyed a day of sport and celebration, but also with a deeper understanding of how sustained support and access to work can change the direction of a life. The event’s mix of competition and conversation also made the organization’s work approachable to guests who may have been learning about ACE for the first time. Rather than presenting homelessness as an abstract problem, the benefit emphasized practical solutions: training, dependable work experience, continued mentorship and a network that remains available as participants move forward. That focus gave the evening a sense of optimism grounded in action.

For more information, please visit: www.acenewyork.org IG: @aceprogramsny | FB: aceprogramsny | X / T: @aceprogramsny

BLACK HISTORY IN BLOOM

SAAM BRUNCH HONORS LEADERSHIP, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

By Lillian Langtry | Photos: PMC / Sean Zanni

The Southampton African American Museum’s Bubbles & Bloom Brunch brought supporters together for an afternoon of culture, philanthropy and celebration, honoring community leaders while raising funds for exhibitions, education and the preservation of African American history on the East End.

The Southampton African American Museum brought culture, community and philanthropy together at its annual Bubbles & Bloom Brunch, held at the Southampton Inn. The museum’s signature summer fundraiser welcomed artists, supporters, philanthropists and cultural leaders for an elegant afternoon celebrating African American history, art and creativity.

Guests embraced the floral theme through colorful summer attire and flower-inspired details. The program included brunch and champagne, live entertainment, an interactive Bloom Bar, an awards presentation, a curated auction and VIP gift bags. The Bloom Bar invited attendees to create personalized floral arrangements, adding a hands-on element to the celebration.

Brenda Simmons, SAAM’s co-founder, president and CEO, welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of sustaining the museum as a permanent cultural institution on the East End. Funds raised through the event will support exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs and the museum’s ongoing work to preserve and share the region’s African American heritage.

Event chair Jean Shafiroff joined Simmons in recognizing the supporters whose leadership has helped advance the museum’s mission. A centerpiece of the afternoon was the presentation of SAAM’s annual awards. Dede Gotthelf received the Visionary Supporter of the Arts Award; Claude and Yvette Weir received the Champion of the Arts Award; and Sharon Joseph received the Community Empowerment Award.

Entertainment by Dwayne Kerr helped create an afternoon that balanced celebration with cultural preservation and community investment. The curated auction, featuring artwork, luxury items and distinctive experiences, gave guests another opportunity to contribute to the museum’s continued growth.

The brunch concluded a weekend of programming presented as part of Art & Soul: Hamptons, a celebration of Black art, history and creativity. Events included a screening of Crossroads followed by a discussion with director Horane Henry, producer Victorious De Costa and actress Okema T. Moore; a guided art crawl; and the opening of Damien Davis’ exhibition, Hedges and Edges: Barbershops, Community Gardens, and the Architectures Care. The weekend also featured live music, Caribbean cuisine, artist conversation and dancing.

Notable guests included Brenda Simmons, Jean Shafiroff, Dede Gotthelf, Claude and Yvette Weir, Sharon Joseph, Legislator Anne Welker, Village Trustee Rob Coburn and Village Trustee Willa Bernstein.

SAAM began in 2005 as the East End African American Museum and Center for Excellence. Its permanent home at 245 North Sea Road, affectionately known as “The Barbershop,” was once a gathering place for local African Americans and became Southampton Village’s first designated African American historic landmark. Through events such as Bubbles & Bloom, the museum continues to protect that legacy while inviting new audiences to become part of its future.

For more information please visit: www.saamuseum.org IG: @saam_museum FB: saam

NEW YORK, NY

A SOIRÉE FOR FRANCE

BRIDGEHAMPTON GATHERING ADVANCES PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION

By Lillian Langtry | Photos: PMC / Jared Siskin

French Heritage Society welcomed nearly 240 guests to a Provence-inspired Summer Soirée in Bridgehampton, raising support for architectural restoration, cultural programs and transatlantic internships while strengthening the historic ties between France and the United States.

French Heritage Society brought the spirit of Provence to Bridgehampton for its fourth annual Summer Soirée, hosted at the home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel. Nearly 240 guests gathered for an evening of preservation, culture and French-American friendship in support of the organization’s expanding work.

The event was chaired by CeCe Black, Maria Fishel, Rosann Gutman and Ann Van Ness. Guests were welcomed by the chairs, Kenneth Fishel and French Heritage Society Executive Director Jennifer Herlein, who highlighted the importance of protecting architectural landmarks and creating educational opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 2026 soirée became the organization’s most successful to date, raising significant funds for restoration grants, student internships and educational programming. A portion of the proceeds will support the New York Chapter’s preservation grants for Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, Villa Albertine in New York City and St. Bartholomew’s Church.

The garden setting reflected the evening’s Provençal theme, created by Revel Rouge founder Hank Stampfl. Champagne EPC, Veronique Gabai, Maison Gabrielle, Société de la Rassi and JOG Editions provided support, while Christofle, Baccarat and SFERRA contributed decorative elements that enhanced the tables and atmosphere.

Entertainment carried the celebration into the evening. FrenchAmerican vocalist Quentin Bruno, known for appearing on The Voice: La plus belle voix, joined Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks and drew guests onto the dance floor.

Among the attendees were French Heritage Society trustees Jennifer Farrell, Kenneth Hausman, Brenda Howard and Jean Shafiroff, along with supporters from the worlds of philanthropy, design, business and the arts. The record attendance reflected the organization’s growing community and the broad appeal of its mission.

Founded in 1982, French Heritage Society preserves French architectural and cultural heritage while fostering the longstanding friendship between France and the United States. Over 44 years, the organization has awarded more than $16.5 million to over 710 restoration and cultural grants. It has also supported nearly 600 university students in transatlantic internships at distinguished institutions.

The Summer Soirée offered guests more than an elegant Hamptons evening. It connected celebration with stewardship, demonstrating how private support can protect historic places, strengthen cultural exchange and introduce a new generation to the shared heritage of France and America. The gathering also showed how preservation extends beyond restoring buildings. FHS’s internships and educational programs create personal connections between students, institutions and historic places, ensuring that craftsmanship and cultural knowledge are carried forward. With 12 chapters, including one in Paris, the organization has developed a network that turns admiration for French heritage into direct, measurable support.

GARDEN GLAMOUR

ASPREY BRINGS BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP TO BRIDGEHAMPTON

By Lillian Langtry | Photos: BFA / Kevin Czopek

Maria and Kenneth Fishel hosted an elegant garden gathering with Asprey of London, pairing Hamptons hospitality with British craftsmanship in honor of the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County’s Old Bags Luncheon.

Maria and Kenneth Fishel welcomed guests to their Bridgehampton estate for a summer garden party presented in partnership with Asprey of London. Set among manicured grounds, the afternoon blended British tradition, luxury design and relaxed Hamptons hospitality.

The gathering was held in honor of the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County’s Old Bags Luncheon, connecting the elegant showcase with a charitable purpose. Guests enjoyed refreshments while viewing a curated presentation of Asprey jewelry, silver, leather goods and decorative objects.

Founded in 1781, Asprey has long been associated with exceptional craftsmanship and refined materials. The British house has served an international clientele that has included royalty, heads of state and prominent figures from the arts and public life. Its collections continue to reflect a tradition of handwork, precision and understated luxury.

At the Fishels’ estate, those qualities were presented in a setting that felt both polished and welcoming. The gardens provided a natural backdrop for the collection, allowing guests to move easily between conversation, refreshments and displays. The result was less a formal product presentation than an intimate summer salon, where design and social connection shared equal importance.

Notable attendees included Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Michele Heary, Candace Bushnell, Nicole Miller, Geraldo Rivera, Erica Rivera, Donna Rubin, Jean Shafiroff, Kathy Prounis, Adriana Castro and Jennifer Luloff.

The afternoon also reflected the Fishels’ reputation for bringing together culture, philanthropy and hospitality at their Bridgehampton home. Their gatherings often pair a distinctive theme with a broader community connection, creating occasions that are visually memorable without losing sight of the people and causes being recognized.

Asprey’s presence added a sense of history to the event. Although the setting was unmistakably Hamptons, the silver, leather and jewelry collections carried the legacy of a London house with more than two centuries of design experience. That contrast gave the afternoon its particular character: English formality softened by garden light, summer conversation and East End ease.

For guests, the event offered an opportunity to experience iconic designs in a private and personal setting. For the charitable organization being honored, it provided visibility among an engaged audience. Together, those elements made the gathering a celebration of craftsmanship, generosity and the enduring art of summer entertaining. The Center for Family Services connection added another layer to the afternoon. The organization’s Old Bags Luncheon is known for bringing supporters together around philanthropy, fashion and design, making Asprey a natural partner for the Bridgehampton gathering. In that context, the objects on display were not simply luxury goods; they became part of an event built around generosity, relationships and community support.

For more information, please visit: www.asprey.com IG: @aspreylondon | FB: Asprey | X / T: @AspreyLondon

A NEW YORK MINUTE

AMERICA 250 BRINGS HISTORY, HARBOR VIEWS AND SUMMER ENERGY TO NYC

By Michael McKensie

New York has never been shy about big moments, and this summer the city steps into one of the biggest: America’s 250th anniversary. From tall ships in the harbor and museum programming uptown to Restaurant Week, outdoor culture and the return of the US Open, July and August offer a citywide mix of history, celebration and classic New York summer rhythm

AMERICA 250 ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

SAIL4TH 250 TAKES OVER NEW YORK HARBOR

The centerpiece of New York’s America 250 celebrations will be Sail4th 250, a multi-day maritime event bringing tall ships and naval vessels to New York Harbor from July 3rd through July 9th. The celebration recalls the great harbor spectacles of 1976 and 2000, with ships, waterfront viewing, patriotic programming and a once-in-a-generation sense of pageantry.

For New Yorkers and visitors alike, the harbor will become the stage. Expect crowds along Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Governors Island and New Jersey waterfront viewing points as the city marks the nation’s semiquincentennial against one of America’s most iconic skylines.

Website: sail4th.org

New York’s role in the American story reaches far beyond the harbor. Across the state, America 250 programming is highlighting Revolutionary history, cultural institutions, historic sites and community events that connect the past to the present. From reenactments and exhibitions to walking tours and regional celebrations, the anniversary is an invitation to rediscover New York as one of the nation’s essential founding landscapes.

For those looking beyond the city, I LOVE NY’s America 250 calendar offers a helpful guide to events throughout the state, including New York City programs and day-trip possibilities.

Website: iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/america-250

HISTORY UPTOWN AT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL

The New York Historical is positioning itself as a major center for America 250 reflection, with exhibitions and programs exploring the country’s founding, the Revolution and the many voices that shaped the American story. Its “On Our 250th” programming offers a thoughtful counterpoint to the spectacle of fireworks and tall ships, giving visitors a place to slow down and consider what the anniversary means.

For readers looking for an indoor cultural stop during the July heat, this is one of the city’s most relevant destinations. Website: nyhistory.org/on-our-250th

LINCOLN CENTER SUMMER FOR THE CITY

Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City continues to bring music, dance, social dancing, wellness events and free or choose-what-you-pay programming to the Upper West Side.

The festival has become one of the city’s great warm-weather gathering places, opening the campus to audiences who want a casual, cultural night out without losing the sense of occasion that makes Lincoln Center special.

Website: lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city

AUGUST BELONGS TO THE US OPEN

By late August, the city’s attention turns to Queens. The 2026 US Open runs from August 23rd through September 13th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with Fan Week returning from August 23rd through August 29th. Before the championship intensity builds, Fan Week gives tennis lovers a more relaxed way to experience the grounds, player practices and the atmosphere of the final Grand Slam of the year. Website: usopen.org

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS

Summer in New York also means Restaurant Week, when hundreds of participating restaurants across the five boroughs offer specially priced prix-fixe menus. The summer 2026 program runs July 20th through August 16th, with restaurants offering lunch, dinner or both, and some extending participation toward Labor Day weekend.

It is one of the easiest ways to turn a hot summer afternoon or evening into a citywide dining adventure, whether that means trying a neighborhood favorite or finally booking a table somewhere new.

Website: nyctourism.com/restaurant-week

HARLEM WEEK CELEBRATES UPTOWN CULTURE

August also brings the return of HARLEM WEEK, one of New York’s signature cultural celebrations. What began as a one-day event has grown into a multi-week tribute to Harlem’s history, creativity, music, food, community and global influence.

In 2026, HARLEM WEEK continues under the theme “Honoring Our Legacy,” with events running August 1st through August 16th. The Apollo is also participating with HARLEM WEEK programming on August 15th and 16th along Theater Row on 135th Street.

Website: harlemweek.org

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