NYC Life: Waldorf Wonders, Women Who Wow & Surreal ’60s
This week, the NYC Insider’s Club explored the iconic Waldorf Astoria, now stunningly restored. Designer Gabrielle Carlson’s Trunk Show arrives there later this month, and on October 28, join us at the Triad for a night celebrating women who redefine power and prose. At the Whitney, “Sixties Surreal” reveals the raw, radical side of ’60s art. Oktoberfest brings pumpkin kegs and skyline views to the city. Plus, meet Lisa Goree, the first female chairwoman of the Shinnecock Nation, and enjoy breathtaking coastal captures from our roving photographer.
A Gilded Revival: Inside the Waldorf Astoria’s Spectacular Restoration
This month, our Insider Club members were treated to a private tour of the newly restored Waldorf Astoria New York, a dazzling $2 billion revival of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the historic Peacock Alley and Grand Ballroom to the breathtaking 5,000-square-foot Royal Suite, the renovation blends timeless elegance with contemporary design. We explored restored treasures like Cole Porter’s piano, the Silver Corridor, and the Wheel of Life mosaic, while savoring modern additions like Lex Yard and the reimagined Peacock Alley lounge. It was a rare glimpse into a reborn legend—and a tour to remember. GET THE DETAILS.
October 28. The Power of Women’s Voices at the Triad Theater
We hope you will join us for this curated showcase that spotlights fierce, funny, and fearless voices from women over 40—writers who redefine what it means to live boldly and speak truthfully. With readings of original prose and poetry of some of our authors by producers Valerie Smaldone and Carol Ostrow, and CBS reporter Kristie Keleshian. Plus highlights of captivating art and soul-stirring musical performance. Every moment of the evening invites reflection, joy, and shared inspiration. GET THE DETAILS.
October 28 and 29. Gabrielle Carlson Trunk Show Guerlain at the Waldorf
Just before our Insider’s Club tour of the Waldorf, Anne Akers and I were treated to a private tour by Justin Beer, manager of the Guerlain Wellness Spa, which just opened at the Waldorf Astoria New York. This magnificent 20,000-square-foot destination spa is a perfect setting to showcase Gabrielle Carlson’s beautiful clothes— off the rack and to order. Don’t miss it!
Spotlight on Long Island Women: Meet Lisa Goree
Our Long Island reporter Andrea Peponokis introduces us to Lisa Goree, the first female chairwoman of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, who is redefining leadership with heart, heritage, and humility. Raised on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, Lisa leads both her family and her Nation with deep-rooted compassion and strength. Her historic election in April 2024 followed the 1995 milestone when Shinnecock women gained the right to vote—making her rise all the more powerful. GET THE DETAILS.
Sixties Surreal at the Whitney: A Mind-Bending Reframe of American Art
Linda Lomahaftewa, Untitled Woman’s Faces, 1960s. Oil on canvas, 36 × 48 in. (91.4 × 121.9 cm). Heard Museum, Phoenix; Gift of the artist. © Linda Lomahaftewa
What if the 1960s weren’t defined by Pop or Minimalism—but by surrealism’s dream logic, erotic charge, and political edge? That’s the radical premise behind Sixties Surreal, the Whitney Museum’s sprawling new exhibition running through January 19, 2026.
Featuring over 150 works by 111 artists, the show takes us into the fantastical, the uncanny, and the revolutionary. From Nancy Graves’ life-size camels made of wax and burlap to Martha Edelheit’s kaleidoscopic nudes reclaiming feminine desire, the exhibition pulses with psychosexual energy, protest, and imagination.
Curators Dan Nadel, Laura Phipps, Elisabeth Sussman, and Scott Rothkopf reframe the era through surrealist strategies—collage, assemblage, dream imagery—not as homage to Dalí, but as a response to televised war, civil rights, psychedelia, and feminist awakening.
Expect to see works by Yayoi Kusama, Romare Bearden, Diane Arbus, Faith Ringgold, and Louise Bourgeois, among others. Together, they conjure a surrealism that’s distinctly American: raw, political, and deeply personal.
As Rothkopf puts it, “This show helps us understand both the spirit of the 1960s and our own roiling moment.” In other words, it’s not just a look back—it’s a mirror. GET THE DETAILS.
Oktoberfest Fun in NYC
Oktoberfest activities are in full swing—and it’s not just about beer. From waterfront stein-holding contests to brat-fueled backyard bashes, the city is bursting with Bavarian spirit through late October. Here’s your roundup of the best places to raise a glass:
🥨 OktoberFest NYC at Watermark
📍 Pier 15, 78 South Street
📅 September 12 – October 26, 2025 (7 days a week!)
- Free general admission; VIP tables and open bar passes available
- Authentic German beer (Hofbrau, Weihenstephan, Radeberger), brats, and giant pretzels
- Family-friendly, waterfront views, and pumpkin-shaped kegs for extra flair
Get the details. oktober-fest.nyc
🎺 Radegast Hall & Biergarten
📍 113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn
📅 Saturdays: Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 4
- Brass band, keg tapping, mug-holding contests, and DJ dance party
- Brooklyn’s first authentic German biergarten brings the party with serious stein stamina
🥁 German-American Steuben Parade & Central Park Celebration
📍 Fifth Ave (68th–86th St) + Central Park
📅 Saturday, Sept 20
- Free parade with floats, lederhosen, and live music
- Followed by the Lenny Coyne Memorial Stein-Holding Championship in Central Park
🍻 Black Forest Brooklyn
📍 Fort Greene & Cobble Hill locations
📅 Weekends through Oct 25
- Backyard and sidewalk celebrations with oompah bands, costume contests, and unlimited beer options (ticketed)
Roving in the Water
Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:
Years ago, at my daughter’s high school graduation, the headmaster’s speech advised the students to “go to the water.” His line stuck with me. There is something universal about standing at the edge of a fragment of the world and seeing what Mother Nature and Father Time can create.
In the Basque regions of Spain and France, I visited many coastlines. I saw large and small maritime industries, and observed them from sea level to a birds-eye view from cliffs and chutes that loomed majestically large.
The towns, villages and cities I “went to the water”, included San Sebastián, Biarritz, Zumaia, Bermeo, Aia and Getaria. Each was incredibly different from its neighbor but all offered the humbling reminder of the history and future of our one precious earth. I hope these photos refresh you too!
~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”
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
