NYC Life: Spa Day, Unique Gifts, Festive Spots, Family Fun
The Lotte Palace NYC. Photo: Cheryl Benton
A few of our Insiders Club members spent a delightful holiday afternoon at the iLa Only Spa at the Palace Hotel. A voice rising, a legacy growing—meet Tracê Wilkins-Francis, whose stories light the path for tomorrow’s dreamers. Our roving photographer takes us inside Fishs Eddy where you find unique holiday gifts. We have 3 fun festive spots for drinks or dining. Plus some fun family holiday activities.
The Future of Spas is Here
Step into serenity this holiday season with the NYC Insider’s Club at the iLa Only Spa inside the iconic Lotte Palace Hotel. From twinkling lights in the courtyard to cutting‑edge therapies on the 8th floor overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, our afternoon was a celebration of wellness, innovation, and festive magic. It’s an amazing place to unwind, rejuvenate, and discover the future of wellness. READ ON.
Meet Long Island’s Tracê Wilkins-Francis
On Long Island, voices rise quietly yet powerfully—shaping futures, nurturing communities, and reminding us that representation matters. Our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponakis, introduces us to Tracê Wilkins-Francis, who is one such voice. From her roots in Wyandanch to her journey as an author of children’s books filled with joy, diversity, and authenticity, she embodies the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in stories of possibility. READ MORE.
Roving in Fishs Eddy
Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:
I wanted to see what clever collections and pithy pottery Fishs Eddy had in store for its holiday shoppers and was thoroughly amused by what I found. The 40-year-old plate store is more than that in that its irreverent creations attract over 1.2 million tourists.
Fishs Eddy was named for the small upstate New York town where in 1986 the founding couple Julie Gaines and David Lenovitz purchased a lot of restaurant ware that survived a fire. With this inventory, they opened their first store and still occupy that space today. Fast forward to 2018 when their son Ben Lenovitz illustrated a graphic novel about Fish’s Eddy titled Minding the Store. Ben is currently a portrait artist, capturing the adorable faces of clients’ pets, and has set up a small studio space right in the store where visitors can watch him work.
The amusing themes applied to platters, mugs, dishtowels, creamers and tableware are often a sign of the times, from politics to pop culture. Of course New York City is a recurring theme. The owners have always kept up with the times and collaborated with talented artists to keep their ideas fresh and keep the three generations of customers coming back often as I do.
The flagship shop is at 889 Broadway, and a second store recently opened in Dumbo at 81 Front Street. Come for a laugh and leave with a ladle! VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.
~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”
Three Festive Spots for Dining and Drinks
New York City sparkles brightest during the holiday season, when restaurants and bars transform into immersive wonderlands of lights, décor, and cheer. For those seeking unforgettable nights filled with festive cocktails, hearty fare, and dazzling atmospheres, three destinations stand out: Rolf’s, Oscar Wilde, and Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. Each offers its own unique take on holiday magic, making them must‑visits for anyone celebrating in the city.
Rolf’s German Restaurant
281 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Website: rolfsnyc.com
Rolf’s is legendary for its jaw‑dropping holiday décor. Every inch of the Gramercy Park restaurant is covered in ornaments, garlands, and twinkling lights, creating a dazzling Christmas fantasy. Guests enjoy Bavarian classics like Wiener Schnitzel and Sauerbraten alongside festive cocktails, making Rolf’s a must‑see holiday destination.
Oscar Wilde
45 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
Website: oscarwildenyc.com
Oscar Wilde blends Victorian opulence with modern mixology. Known for NYC’s longest bar at 118.5 feet, this Flatiron gem dazzles with antique clocks, ornate fireplaces, and seasonal décor. The inventive cocktail program and glamorous atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a holiday toast.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Times Square: 249 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
Union Square: 13 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
Website: lilliesnyc.com
Named after British actress Lillie Langtry, this bar and restaurant immerses guests in Victorian fantasy. With antique furnishings, ornate woodwork, and festive décor, both locations glow with holiday charm. Guests can enjoy hearty pub fare, creative cocktails, and even afternoon tea, making Lillie’s a cozy yet lively choice for seasonal celebrations.
PaleyLand at the Paley Center for Media
Every December, the Paley Museum in Midtown Manhattan transforms into PaleyLand, a five‑floor holiday wonderland filled with festive décor, screenings of beloved classics like Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer and Elf, meet‑and‑greets with characters from Peanuts and Paw Patrol, and visits with Santa. Families can enjoy crafts, giveaways, and hot cocoa while exploring immersive exhibits and train displays. PaleyLand runs through early January, offering a mix of nostalgia and interactive fun for all ages. 👉 Learn more: paleycenter.org
Grand Central Holiday Train Show
Inside Grand Central Terminal’s New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store, the Holiday Train Show delights visitors with Lionel model trains zipping along a 34‑foot, two‑level track. The journey begins at a miniature Grand Central and winds past iconic New York landmarks before arriving at a snowy North Pole village. Featuring Metro‑North sets, vintage subway cars, and whimsical Polar Express trains, the exhibit has been a family tradition for over 20 years. Admission is free, making it one of the city’s most accessible holiday highlights. 👉 Learn more: grandcentralterminal.com
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
