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10 ways NYC visitors WASTE money 😬
+ An iconic dessert spot, with deep-fried Oreos 🤤
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here
May 7th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Hi again,
The concrete jungle is still concrete; let’s explore.
In this week’s newsletter:
✈️ Comparing NYC Airports - Avoid Newark right now, it’s chaos
🧳 New York Know-How: Shared Packing Lists - Not NYC specific, but your new favorite hack when prepping for travel
💸 10 Ways Tourists Waste Money - Stop throwing away cash on overpriced hotels, souvenirs & not double-checking your restaurant bill..
🎫 Events We Love This Week: May 7-14 - The Met rooftop’s newest exhibit
🍦 You’ll Have to Check It Out - Classic desserts served from a small counter with a lengthy history
The time is now.👇
Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
NYC Airports Compared - Avoid Newark
If you’re planning a trip to New York and have not booked your flight yet, read this comparison first!
The three primary NYC airports, JFK, La Guardia, and Newark, have pros and cons. Still, the last one on that list is in serious trouble right now, including a short period when air traffic controllers “temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control". YIKES! 😳
Like most issues, the reasons behind the delays are complicated. However, a staffing shortage is certainly near the root of this issue.
Our recommendation has always been to avoid Newark, but we can’t stress that enough given the current state of affairs in New Jersey’s largest airport.
New York Know-How: Shared Packing Lists via Reminders
Opening your bag in your NYC hotel and realizing you forgot your best walking shoes can quickly become an expensive problem.
While packing lists aren’t a new concept, the ability to create shared packing lists via the Reminders app on iOS is a game-changer.
We have a shared family packing list via Reminders that we add items to during the days and weeks leading up to our trips..
“Hey Siri, add rain jacket to my packing list.”
Then, when the time to pack arrives, you already have the necessities covered. Just check ‘em off when they’re in your bag. ☑️
You can even assign reminders to a specific person. Amazing!
(I’m sure there’s a similar option on Android, but I’m unfamiliar with that operating system. Sorry.)
10 Ways Tourists Waste Money in NYC
Visiting New York City is memorable, but often more expensive than anticipated. Unfortunately, many tourists waste money on easily avoidable mistakes!
In our latest podcast episode, we'll help you avoid those how-the-hell-is-this-so-expensive moments during your travels to New York.
You'll learn the hack to not pay full price for Broadway shows, where to get the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest we've EVER seen our friend Harvey..
#3 is a trick restaurants use to get you to spend more money, even we’ve been duped by it. 🙈
Events We Love This Week: May 7-14, 2025
In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.
Clio Art Fair - May 8-11
Clio Art Fair dubs itself the Anti-Fair, Fair. Or in their words:
“Clio Art Fair continues to break the mold of traditional art fairs by providing a high-visibility platform for artists without exclusive gallery representation. Focused on direct connection, authenticity, and discovery, Clio has become a must-attend event for those seeking what’s next in contemporary art.”
Ensemble Exhibition on the Met’s Rooftop - Until October
Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka the Met) is necessary during a New York City trip.
Luckily, from now until October, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the Met’s rooftop and its newest exhibition, Ensemble. Your ticket includes access to the roof area!
It features three massive instrument sculptures by Jennie C. Jones, one of which makes music when the wind is right.
You’ll Have to Check It Out - Ray’s Candy Store
Deep-fried Oreos
Many people throw around phrases like “it’s a public institution” or “it’s the heart of the neighborhood” a bit too lightly, but they ring 100% true for Ray’s Candy Store.
Initially opened in 1974, the dessert shop has been a staple of East Village culture, food experience, and lore ever since.
From Ray keeping the store open during the 1988 Tompkins Square Park Riot (because most of the combatants were his customers, he said) to the countless books, interviews, and TV appearances about the store, Ray has kept the authentic dessert counter experience alive.
Ray making us dessert!
Despite now being in his 90s, you can often find Ray mixing up desserts behind the counter.
Whether you snag an ice cream, some deep-fried snacks, or enjoy the ambiance, head to Ray’s near Tompkins Square Park (and bring cash)!
Until next week,
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here 🍨
Weekly Dog Tax
Sunny (rip) licking her lips, thinking about all the NYC street snacks.