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- Wanna bike in NYC? Read this first ⚠️
Wanna bike in NYC? Read this first ⚠️
+ Is right NOW the best time to visit New York?!
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here
April 23rd, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Hello,
New York or nowhere, as they say.
In this week’s newsletter:
🏙️ The best times to visit NYC - Opinions vary, but ours might be right 😉
🦺 New York Know-How: Buying pepper spray - Safety first, and you’d be surprised how hard it is to find pepper spray here
🚲 Guide to Citi Bike - Costs, tips, and what to avoid
🎫 Events we love this week: April 23-30 - Car-free Saturday + another Central Park re-opening
⛲ NYC History: First Female Public Art Commission - An iconic Central Park spot with a deep history
🍩 You’ll Have to Check It Out - Fruity Pebble donuts, need we say more?
Let’s make it happen.👇
Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
The Best Time to Visit NYC
Trying to decide the best time to visit New York City is tough because it’s subjective. You could ask 100 travelers or New Yorkers when they think the best time is, and you’ll get dozens of different answers.
In this article, we will break down three key questions to ask, enabling you to determine the best time for your specific situation and desires.
Plus, we’ll give some pros and cons to each season, our opinion for the best time to visit New York, and, importantly, the worst time to visit NYC! 🎄
Yes, right now is a GREAT time to be in the city. The blooms are popping, the city is warming up, and there’s plenty to do and see.
New York Know-How: Buying Pepper Spray
It is an unfortunate reality that general safety, especially for women, needs to be discussed. And while New York City is safer than many news outlets would lead you to believe, it’s still important to protect yourself and stay alert.
Pepper spray is a fantastic self-defense option to carry during your travels.
The challenge? You can’t carry it on your flight AND it’s tough to buy here in NYC (crazy, right?!).. So you have two choices. 👇
#1- Buy pepper spray beforehand and pay to check your luggage.. Not ideal
Or.
#2- Go to one of the few spots in the city that sells it. Sabre, a pepper spray company, has a full list of stores here.
The closest location in the Midtown area, which is home to many tourist spots, is Esco Pharmacy.
Guide to Citi Bike: Everything to Know 🚲
Citi Bike in NYC offers a convenient way to explore the city without worrying about long lines at bike rental shops, locking up your bike, or any other complications.
With over 1,700 bike stations and millions of riders annually, it's one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, notably Central Park.
While Citi Bike has unfortunately raised its prices, it can still be a somewhat affordable option if you plan on shorter rides.
In a recent podcast episode, we covered the cost of Citi Bike, how to use it, and provided tips for safely riding around New York City.
And be sure to keep reading below for info on snagging a free 30-minute bike ride this Saturday, April 26! ⤵️
Events We Love This Week (April 16-23, 2025)
In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.
Davis Center at Harlem Meer Grand Opening - April 26 @ 12-4 pm
The Harlem Meer and its surrounding area in Central Park have been undergoing renovation and construction for several years now.
The new Davis Center is going to be a phenomenal addition to the upper portion of the park!
The opening day celebration will include live music, arts and crafts, lawn games, yoga, dance, and so much more! 🕺
Car-Free Earth Day - April 26 @ 10 am - 4 pm
More bikes, fewer cars.. Always! 🫡
This Saturday, the NYC DOT is hosting its annual car-free Earth Day event.
Dozens of streets throughout the city will be closed off to cars, allowing you and me to bike freely down Broadway (among others).
AND..
“Through the support of Lyft, Citi Bike will offer free unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike on Car-Free Earth Day for 24 hours. All riders may take advantage of the offer. To redeem your free pass, enter promo code CARFREENYC25 on the “Day Pass” tab of the Citi Bike app.”
Here’s a fun video of biking through Grand Central Station during a different car-free event last year. 🚲
NYC History: First Female Public Art Commission ⛲
New York has a unique way of tucking deep, important history into damn near every block, borough, and even, fountain.
On our most recent trip to the New York Public Library’s Treasures exhibit (learn more about it here), I came across something that resembled the funky red stereoscope I used to play with as a kid.
You know, pop in the circular card and see different images? 👇
Except this one was from hundreds, not dozens, of years ago.
And the contents were, well, historic.
Upon closer inspection (and after accidentally ramming my face into the glass only twice, trying to see through the stereoscope), I was met with a grainy photo. A glimpse back into the famous and historical Bethesda Fountain.
Quick Note: In next week’s email, we’ll show you where to browse all kinds of historical photos like this one above. 😁
The accompanying plaque read, in part:
“This example shows the Angel of the Waters fountain, or Bethesda Fountain, in New York City's Central Park. Completed in 1868 and designed by Emma Stebbins, the first woman to be commissioned for a major public work in New York City, the statue celebrates the 1842 completion of the Croton Aqueduct, discussed nearby.”
One lengthy rabbit hole later, I learned that Bethesda Fountain’s history encompasses so many outstanding narrative elements. Nepotism, unexpected (and illegal-ish) love, and a celebration of safe water in New York.
Our family in front of that same historic fountain, over 150 years after its completion.
You’ll Have to Check It Out - The Donut Pub 🍩
Both locations have seating available.
The only thing better than coffee?
Coffee with a donut. The best spot for that in the city?
The Donut Pub. 🍩
Their coffee is also quite delicious.
With two locations, both open 24 hours, you’ve gotta do yourself the favor of snagging one of their freshly made donuts during your time in the city.
My favorite? The Fruity Pebbles donut, because I’m still 9 years old at heart. 😅
Yes, that’s me in the middle with a Fruity Pebbles donut. Yum!
Check out their location on the corner of 7th Ave and 14th St here (conveniently located next to the Tottenham NYC bars, COYS!).
Or, their Astor Place/NYU location, right off Broadway here.
All the best,
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here 🍩
PS- Any readers from Italy? Reply and tell us your must-try restaurants in Rome & Florence; we’re heading there soon. 🇮🇹
Weekly Dog Tax
Scout literally drooling over the smells of New York City. 😂