Photo: Nicole Freezer Rubens

Summer is sizzling with style. Catch “We Call It Jazz” for live music with soul. Smorgasburg NYC is your go-to for outdoor foodie bliss. Rockefeller Center pulses with art, music, and sunshine vibes. A Chelsea gallery dazzles with curated jewelry, while Governors Island’s FAD Market blends flea finds and indie design. On Long Island, our reporter has the scoop on the season’s best ice cream. And for a serene escape, head to Greenwich, where our roving photographer captures the timeless charm of the Seven Bridges estate.

Starting July 11. We Call It Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans

This live jazz experience channels the soul of 1920s New Orleans. Held at Sony Hall in the Theater District, the show immerses you in a vintage-style bar setting with live performances of jazz classics like “Georgia On My Mind” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” alongside spontaneous improvisations that capture the genre’s free spirit.

The 60-minute show features talented musicians—saxophonists, trumpet players, vocalists—who bring the golden eras of jazz to life. Think Chet Baker, Herbie Hancock, and Frank Sinatra vibes, all under the glow of a NOLA-style streetlamp. You can sip cocktails, enjoy the ambiance, and let the music transport you. Upcoming performances include July 11, 2025, with more dates available. Tickets start at $28, and seating is first-come, first-served within each zone. GET THE DETAILS.

June 27-28. The Jeweled Collective

Head to the Detour Gallery in Chelsea for this curated showcase of antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry from 14+ designers and galleries across the U.S. Expect rare Georgian and Victorian pieces, Art Deco gems, and modern bespoke designs—all in a relaxed, gallery-style setting with refreshments and storytelling from the makers themselves. Admission is free, and it’s a great spot for collectors or anyone who appreciates craftsmanship. GET THE DETAILS.

Seven Bridges is Seventh Heaven

Our roving reporter Nicole Freezer Rubens writes: 

This sprawling 80-acre estate tucked away in the Greenwich, Connecticut, countryside is a true escape where one can get lost in the meeting of art, architecture, and nature. The pristine landscape is freckled with an abundance of eclectic outdoor works accompanying visitors on their journey across the grounds. The foundation was created in 1993 by Richard McKenzie as a way to support artists and share his extensive 1200 piece collection focused on contemporary glass, photorealism paintings and outdoor sculpture. He built 2 uninhabited stone barn homes designed to showcase his masterpieces in their best light, offering 28,000 square feet of indoor gallery space. There is so much to see.

Seven Bridges is open to the public by appointment only and extensive tours are offered once a week in the warmer months. I truly felt it was a gift to spend the afternoon immersed in this hidden gem. McKenzie said “I hope visitors leave Seven Bridges with a different mindset than when they entered, and hope that it will alter one’s perspective of art blended with nature, motivating a desire on their part to create.”

I would say it did, as per this quote I give you this peek inside an inspiring, unique oasis.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

Ice Cream Spots with a Side of Nostalgia

Some of the sweetest moments of summer come in a cone. Whether it’s the taste of your childhood or the joy of treating your grandkids, Long Island is home to some truly special ice cream spots—places where every scoop feels like a step back in time. Our Long Island reporter Andrea Peponakis has the scoop on local gems aren’t just about dessert; they’re about memories, tradition, and connection. READ MORE.

 June 21-22. FAD Market

It will be a perfect weekend to take the ferry to Governors Island.  Along the leafy King Avenue, FAD is a curated market that brings together 40+ independent makers offering handcrafted jewelry, art, home goods, and artisanal foods. It’s part flea market, part design fair, and fully charming. Bonus: you can sip cocktails and play pétanque with locals at the nearby Carreau Club. GET THE DETAILS.

Smorgasburg NYC Weekends

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in the U.S., featuring 70+ local vendors slinging everything from Ethiopian stews and Neapolitan pizza to dragon beard candy and pastrami sandwiches. It’s a feast for the senses and a celebration of global flavors, all in one place.

Where & When

• Fridays: World Trade Center (The Oculus, Fulton & Church St)
• Saturdays: Williamsburg (Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Ave)
• Sundays: Prospect Park (Breeze Hill, enter at Lincoln Road)

All markets run 11 AM–6 PM, every weekend through **October**.

What’s New in 2025 

This year’s vendor lineup is packed with newcomers like:

• Coco Bred – Jamaican coco bread pockets filled with jerk chicken or curried goat
• Musubin’– Japanese onigiri with creative fillings
• Pastrami Underground – Classic NYC deli sandwiches from a Mill Basin legend
• Wakari Tea – Luxe matcha blends from a Brooklyn-based tea curator

Tips for Visiting 

• Go early to beat the crowds (before noon is golden)
• Bring cash or a card—most vendors take both
• Come hungry and pace yourself: sharing is the move
• Don’t skip dessert—Chocolate on Tap and Gobi’s Goods are crowd favorites

GET THE DETAILS.

Here’s What’s New at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is really showing off this summer. Here are some highlights.

Pebble Bar at The Rink

The iconic ice rink has transformed into a 125-seat open-air cocktail lounge designed by Gachot Studios. Pebble Bar at The Rink channels the charm of a European piazza with:

• Frozen cocktails, spritzes, and classic New York drinks
• Italian bites from Jupiter, like cheesy arancini, pizza bianco, and gourmet panini
• Lawn games and lounge seating, all set against the Prometheus statue backdrop

It’s open Monday–Saturday, 4 PM to 11 PM, and reservations are available via Resy.

Greg Ito’s “The Enlightenment” Art Installation

Running through August 29, this immersive, multi-site exhibition by LA-based artist Greg Ito turns Rockefeller Center into a dreamlike narrative space. Highlights include:

• Sculptural dioramas** in the vitrines at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, shifting from day to twilight
• A 125-foot panoramic vinyl mural** on the Rink level, blending photography and painting
• Recurring motifs like flames, doorways, and blooming flowers that explore themes of transformation and resilience

Eataly Caffè

This is Eataly’s first-ever global café concept, and it’s a beauty. Located at 1230 Avenue of the Americas, it’s open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM* and offers:

• Espresso drinks made with Eataly’s proprietary Arabica blend
• Freshly baked Italian pastries, gelato, and Roman-style pizza alla pala
• Grab-and-go options like salads, pastas, and focaccia
• A curated retail section with Italian pantry staples and sweets