Unveil Chelsea's Art Secrets: Trends & Hidden Gems
New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
Secret NYC
Open House New York Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Hidden Gem in NYC - Chinese Scholar’s Garden 🌳 Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s fabulous gardens. One of New York City’s greatest hidden gems is the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island. The design is based on gardens from the Ming Dynasty in China, and one of the few authentic gardens that were built in America. All the materials you see here (including the rocks and the tiles on the floor!) were made or sourced in China. The Chinese Scholar Garden has much to explore! There are eight pavilions, three ponds with koi fish, a waterfall, and many picturesque areas, including the unique shaped doorways seen on this clip. It’s a treasure. Why a hidden gem? Because It’s hard to find it! The NYCSG is behind a stone wall and not visible from the road. To get to the entrance you must walk through a cottage. The sign marking this is small and easy to miss. It truly is hidden!
Infatuation
Ras Plant Based A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Eater
Textbook, a Fort Greene cafe known for its tahini-coffee shakes, has opened in Bed-Stuy that’s a bakery doubling as a bar called Understudy. Fresh bread should be affordable for everyone. That’s why they have a “Name Your Price for Bread” policy. Their Chef Tony, the master baker behind Bakery by Textbook. Chef was born and raised in New York, and now calls Bushwick home. With over a decade in the industry, Chef Tony’s journey began as a dishwasher and has finally landed him the opportunity to run his own kitchen. His speciality? Bread! From working in kitchens in Italy, to building bread ovens in Morocco, he’s excited to show you everything he’s learned along the way. At Bakery by Textbook, expect a focus on Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, as Chef Tony eagerly prepares some of his favorite recipes. He can’t wait to break bread with this amazing community 💛
See also
Dining in South Beach Near NYC: Local Insights on Trending Spots & Foodie Favorites
newyorkcity.explore
🍦🚇 All aboard the sweetest ride in NYC! 🚇🍦 This is definitely the coolest (and yummiest) subway in New York City! 📸🍭 Check out the pink subway at the Museum of Ice Cream – it’s like stepping into a candy-coated dream.🍨🍭 Perfect for getting those Insta-worthy shots and having a blast with your friends! 🎀✨
Natasha Husein
This is your sign to host a summer soirée (aka block party) in your neighborhood! Make new friends, meet your neighbors, go offline and be present with community in real life! Also if you’re in the Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens area we do these gatherings once a month in Cobble Hill Park.
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Discover the Local Art Scene in Chelsea Near NYC
Chelsea, a neighborhood in Manhattan, NYC, is an art lover’s paradise, brimming with contemporary galleries and vibrant street art. Nestled between the Hudson River and Sixth Avenue, Chelsea’s art scene is one of the most dynamic in the world. For those seeking local secrets about art in Chelsea, Kikihub’s local anonymous chats offer exclusive insights from residents and seasoned art connoisseurs.
The Best Trending Galleries in Chelsea
When it comes to trending galleries, Chelsea’s reputation is unparalleled. High Line Art, an open-air museum, offers ever-changing exhibitions right on the iconic High Line park. A few blocks away, David Zwirner Gallery and the Gagosian Gallery are pioneers in the contemporary art space. These places often showcase works from internationally acclaimed artists and are must-visits for anyone exploring Chelsea's artistic offerings.
Another hidden gem is the Jack Shainman Gallery, which advocates for diversity in art by promoting artists from varied backgrounds. Don’t miss the Templon Gallery, which recently opened its New York City location in Chelsea. It’s making waves in the local art scene for its avant-garde exhibitions and thought-provoking installations.
A Deep Dive into Art Events in Chelsea
In addition to permanent exhibitions, Chelsea is renowned for its robust calendar of art events. Annual events like the Chelsea Art Walk and the Armory Show draw massive crowds. The Chelsea Art Walk is particularly popular, offering an evening of gallery hopping, artist talks, and special performances. This is a prime opportunity to interact with local artists and curators, gaining firsthand insights and perhaps even discovering your next favorite artist.
Art fairs like the Clio Art Fair offer an open platform for independent artists, providing a more intimate look into the art-making process. Even though temporary, these events leave a lasting impression and are perfect for both seasoned collectors and casual art lovers.
Exploring Local Art Spots and Hidden Gems
Beneath the high-profile galleries, Chelsea harbors an array of hidden gems that offer a more intimate connection to the local art community. The Dia Art Foundation, located on West 22nd Street, is often overlooked but provides a deep dive into large-scale installations and minimalist art. Meanwhile, the Rubin Museum of Art explores Himalayan Asian cultures through art and has numerous local secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Don’t forget to visit Artists Space, a nonprofit organization that nurtures young and emerging artists. Another must-see is the Meatpacking District's street art, just south of Chelsea, featuring ever-changing murals and outdoor exhibitions that depict the evolving urban culture of NYC.
Be Part of Chelsea’s Art Community
To truly immerse yourself in Chelsea’s art scene, becoming part of the local community is essential. Platforms like Kikihub provide anonymous chats where you can engage with locals, gain real opinions, and uncover hidden secrets about art in Chelsea. This community engagement not only enhances your understanding of the art but also allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
Local workshops and artist meetups are also abundant. These events often fly under the radar but can be found through community boards and local art forums. Participating in these activities offers an insider’s view and the opportunity to form lasting relationships within the art community.
