Wonsan Kalma: Welcome to North Korea’s Beach Resort Venture

In December 2024, North Korea opened its borders to tourists for the first time since the COVID pandemic.

The country’s active tourism department was eager to bring back tourists to its winter resort area of Masikryong Ski Resort, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually from countries like China and Russia.

Though US citizens have been barred from visiting North Korea since 2017, the news last December perked a lot of ears globally.

While mostly Western journalists and students visit the country, some country-counters have had it on their radar for years. In other words, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for travelers to actively be interested in visiting North Korea.

In fact, some Westerners have already visited the country since its December 2025 reopening.

And it’s likely that even more will schedule a trip now that North Korea has announced plans to open a brand-new, high-traffic beach resort town called Wonsan Kalma.

Want to take a look behind the curtain to see what a beach resort in North Korea looks like? Here’s what we know so far.

Welcome to Wonsan Kalma

Wonsan Kalma is the latest jewel in the North Korean tourist industry. The state-run news agency (KCNA) announced the resort’s construction as one of the nation’s ‘greatest feats’ from 2024, which came after almost a decade of trials and tribulations.

Now, however, the resort town of Wansan Kalma is ready for its grand opening.

Based on the limited photos run by the KCNA press release, the seaside town looks to have multiple high-rise buildings spread across its 2.5-mile coast, which faces the Sea of Japan. It opened to the public on July 1^st, 2025. Some reports estimate the hotel count as high as 54.

However, it’s unclear when Wonsan Kalma will be open to international visitors, as the country still has strict entry requirements leftover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though some visitors have been welcomed since the December 2024 reopening of borders, traditional tourism remains far from a reality. Similar to Bhutan, all tours in North Korea must be booked with state-approved agencies.

At the moment, it looks like only Russian travel agencies have the green light to book ahead at Wonsan Kalma. One agency called Vostok Intur has tours stopping in Wonsan Kalma as early as July 7^th.

What comes with a stay at Wonsan Kalma?

Without more information on the resorts available in Wonsan Kalma, it’s hard to say what a beach resort stay will get you in North Korea.

For now, information from the KCNA promises sports facilities, recreational facilities, commercial and public catering services, and (likely) spa centers.

Some reports have listed amenities like a cinema, pubs (beer only), indoor and outdoor water parks, shopping centers, video game arcades, restaurants, and even mini-golf putting.

With a reported capacity of 20,000 across the resort town’s multiple hotels, a stay at a beach resort in North Korea might feel similar to just about any other coastal resort area, from Myrtle Beach to the French Riviera.

Just with a few catches—like fewer activities and shopping experiences, along with the ever-present anxiety of either purposefully or accidentally angering state authorities.

Top 12 Fine Dining Restaurants on Hilton Head Island

You probably know Hilton Head as a pricier and more exclusive seaside resort town compared to Myrtle Beach. You wouldn’t be wrong by most metrics.

Hilton Head is home to a handful of world-class golf courses, almost 100 miles of paved hiking and cycling trails, and an exclusive air thanks to being is island. It’s almost like Kiawah—just slightly less private and expensive.

You won’t notice any neon signs, as local ordinance bans the bright lights. In lieu, you might notice unique cultural activities, like the Gullah traditions that originated during Hilton Head’s plantation years and survive today through those descendants.

In other words, Hilton Head stands apart from similar destinations on the East Coast.

And one way that you’ll definitely notice its unique status is through its culinary traditions.

Hilton Head isn’t just one of the most reliable and popular tourist destinations in South Carolina—it’s easily the foodiest.

Ready to take on fine dining restaurants on Hilton Head Island? Here’s where to go for a reliably delicious upscale dining experience.

Best fine dining restaurants on Hilton Head

Mediterranean-style Italian: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
20 years of great Italian food: Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
The most popular live music restaurant: The Jazz Corner
Perfect after a day on the greens: Links, an American Grill
Elegant French dishes: Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
Fresh-daily menus with wine awards: Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte
German & European classics: Alfred’s Restaurant
Dishes by an award-winning chef: Ombra Cucina Italiana
Detail-oriented steakhouse: Wiseguys Modern American Restaurant
Wine retail-to-table setup: Red Fish
Local’s favorite tavern-style eatery: Cranes Tavern & Steakhouse
Steak & showmanship: HH Prime

Fine dining restaurants on Hilton Head for every occasion

Mediterranean-style Italian: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

Nunzio has the effortless elegance that you’d expect to find in Italy, only repackaged in this Italian-American restaurant. The bar is lively and sometimes features soulful music performances, while the dishes are more austere and faithful to the Mediterranean region. Though definitely fine dining, you’ll notice the ambiance is casual and friendly.

20 years of great Italian food: Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana

This well-known Italian-American eatery has two decades of experience under its belt—along with a few local culinary awards. In fact, this restaurant has since birthed a branded cooking school, which should clue you in to the quality at play. Expect fine dining ambiance with homemade pasta, veal, seafood, and more.

The most popular live music restaurant: The Jazz Corner

This classy dinner-jazz club is so popular that it’s usually booked out months in advance, especially during the high season. (Reserve your table sooner rather than later!) The menu is a bit broad with vegan and vegetarian options, but the service and performances are definitely upscale. If you’re looking for a romantic date night, look no further.

Perfect after a day on the greens: Links, an American Grill

This American steakhouse is located inside the new Harbour Town Clubhouse, on the grounds of both the Harbour TOwn Golf Links and The Inn & Club at Harbour Town. Expect USDA prime beef selections, fresh seafood, and a Wine Spectator Award-winning list of wines. A great choice for lunch, dinner, or a meal after a day on the links.

Elegant French dishes meet the Lowcountry: Chez Georges Bistro & Bar

Looking for a great French restaurant that still feels right at home in the Lowcountry? Head to Chez Georges. Its menu includes classic dishes that you’d see at a French bistro, just slightly remixed with the flavors and ingredients from South Carolina. Expect charming French music in the background, along with attentive service.

Fresh-daily menus with wine awards: Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte (aka Charlie’s Coastal Bistro)

This is another top-notch French restaurant on Hilton Head—one that specializes in fresh seafood and a massive wine list with more than 600 offerings. Charlie’s is also a well-known local quantity that’s been around for four decades, making it a local favorite for a long time running.

German & European classics: Alfred’s Restaurant

For over 15 years, Alfred’s has offered a gateway into Central Europe thanks to its diverse and delicious menu. Whether you want a German staple or an Austrian favorite, you’ll find that and more. Oh, and all the beer varieties you would expect from Europe’s hardier beer-loving countries.

Dishes by an award-winning chef: Ombra Cucina Italiana

With an award-winning chef at the helm and a few accolades under its belt, expect a master class at Ombra Cucina Italiana. Along with their extensive wine list, you can sample specialty cocktails, apertifs, and digestivos. The cherry on top is its list of gluten-free past and other options.

Detail-oriented steakhouse: Wiseguys Modern American Restaurant

From its unique pizettas to its nightly specials, there’s always some new and delicious idea unfolding at Wiseguys. But it’s the steaks that really steal the show; all steaks are aged at least 28 days and are hand-selected for quality assurance. They’ve also taken home awards for their martinis and tapas, in case you like vodka and small bites.

Wine retail-to-table setup: Red Fish

Red Fish’s menu is chock-full of delectable seafood and steak options—but it’s the wine list that will keep you coming back. There’s a retail wine shop with over 1,300 bottles for you to choose from. When you’ve made your selection, head to your table, where you’ll pay a small corking fee to start sipping while you wait for your meal.

Local’s favorite tavern-style eatery: Cranes Tavern & Steakhouse

Intimate, cozy, and beloved by locals for both its ambiance and its steaks, Cranes Tavern & Steakhouse is exactly the type of fine dining staple you need in a vacation spot. It’s upscale, but not hoity-toity; the menu is short but has been perfected; and it’s full of character, having come from a long line of established restaurateurs.

Steak & showmanship: HH Prime

You’re in for a spectacle at this steakhouse. The restaurant features a large window that overlooks the water, along with a clear-glass view into the kitchen for added showmanship. Its steaks are all USDA Prime Grade caliber, while its desserts are flashy and decadent, just like the décor. There’s also a wine room and happy hour music, in case you want to drop by before your reservation for a glass of wine.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 5—The Boot

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies travel stories:

Part I / Somewhere in the Himalayan foothills

Following a harrowing visit to the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata (see Chapters 3 & 4), my small group headed north to Darjeeling, then into Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok.

The goal of our trip was to backpack across the Himalayan foothills in Sikkim (India’s second-smallest and least populated state) to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Up until 1976, Sikkim was ruled by a Tibetan monarchy. Though the monarchy has since dissolved, the majority of residents speak Tibetan and follow Tibetan Buddhism.

From the capital city of Gangtok, we headed further into the foothills.

And by foothills, I mean mountains. The ‘foothills’ of the Lower Himalayas sit at heights from 920 feet up to 20,000 feet.

And when I say we headed further into the foothills, I mean our group of 15 Western youths and the three leaders herding us around packed into four-by-four jeeps, then started to snake around those insane mountains on dirt roads. (Thankfully, I was too young to fear death.)

During these long days spent driving, we were treated to special experiences, like being invited into homes to drink yak tea for the Dalai Lama’s birthday, for example. I also remember dreaming vividly of donuts, as we were mostly eating plain curries with rice.

A few days in, we had a particularly long day of driving on curvy, mountain roads at a tedious but safe pace.

Finally, the jeeps stopped in a small village on a mountainside, and we eagerly scooted toward the doors, desperate for fresh air and the chance to stretch our legs.

Part II / Cameras & temples

I leapt out of the car like everyone else, except I had my camera ready.

I had saved up for a nice Canon digital EOS camera, and immediately started taking close-ups of exotic flowers and the above-the-clouds vista from the roadside.

After a day spent cooped up in the car, almost the whole group was buzzing with energy. We left the jeeps and started chatting loudly, complaining, wandering off, taking photos, and more. Pretty much anything but greet our latest hosts.

Sure, we were teenagers who’d spent the day packed into Jeeps. We weren’t exactly the prime candidates for mindfulness.

Still, I look back and feel embarrassed about getting out of the Jeep and taking photos instead of greeting people. At the time, I saw my camera as a great artistic tool.

Now that I’ve lived in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, where I’ve been casually photographed on the street, I know that the camera lens can feel dehumanizing. It makes me feel like I’m just a prop in a museum that someone is passing through.

(Also, you would think I would have learned my lesson about cameras during the goat sacrifice in Kolkata? Alas. This is the World Tour of Oopsies.)

Our group eventually settled in at the direction of our group leaders, lugging our backpacks out of the jeeps and then eating a quick meal.

From there, we went on a short, steep trek to the local temple. The stairs seemed to go up and up and up, almost vertically. One member of the group struggled to finish the hike, while others started to feel off.

Really, really off.

Part III / Doom (The Boot)

I also started to pick up on that ‘off’ feeling during our hike to the temple.

The Buddhist temple, which included elements of local folk belief, too, was lovely and calming. The views were stunning, the temple itself was peaceful, and it was colorfully decorated. A great place to unwind after those long Jeep rides, in other words.

But a strange feeling started to take hold as we spun the prayer wheels and learned about the temple.

The feeling was almost one of doom. You know, like if someone had taken a hallucinogenic drug, then started having a ‘bad trip’. It felt like that; a sort of weird and very unpleasant sensation that tells you that something’s wrong, but you aren’t sure what.

We managed to hike back down to our lodging for the evening, where that sense of doom spread throughout the group. Again, one member of our group had to stop to get their bearings multiple times.

The feeling mounted hour by hour.

What started with a graze of doom now condensed into something more attention-grabbing. The type of feeling that makes you want to call your mom just to check in and make sure everything is okay. The kind that makes you think about how you’re acting and what you’re doing with your life.

Like you survived a brush with death, and now you’re ready to turn over a new leaf.

I remember our three group leaders doing breathing exercises to calm down some of us in the group—because what else do you do when a group of teenagers gets spooked on a towering, remote corner of the world?

First thing in the morning, after a long night of restless sleep and missed Zs, we left. That wasn’t a surprise because we’d always intended to keep delving further into the foothills after our short stay.

But later on, one of our group leaders confided in me and a friend that we’d been asked to leave sooner rather than later. Still, I think we were all relieved to get out of Dodge.

According to the locals, the mountain had rejected us, and we weren’t welcome.

That would sound outlandish as hell if I hadn’t felt the mountain rejecting us.

To put it in modern layman’s terms, we hadn’t passed the vibe check.

As with my time at Kalighat Temple, I don’t know how else to describe that—just that some places are powerful and sacred, and they will pack a punch whether or not you believe in that kind of stuff.

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Put the camera away when you travel, at least until you know it’s appropriate to bust it out. Also, some places are alive.

14 Dreamy Rooftop Pools in Florida (With Day Pass Entry!)

Forget outdoor pools and pristine beaches.

If you’re heading to South Florida, you need to keep rooftop pools on your radar.

While a rooftop pool might sound like a high-class luxury, they’re not hard to find in cities like Miami. Even when you venture out to Fort Lauderdale or further north to Tampa, you’ll find that hotels with rooftops to spare often have a pool setup.

Unsurprisingly, some are grander and flashier than others.

Want to take a closer look at the best rooftop pools in Florida? Consider this your guide to the most jaw-dropping and chic rooftops that South Florida has to offer—including how to get in even when you aren’t staying at the hotel.

Just to make sure everyone read that, let me repeat: You can get into the vast majority of the rooftop pools mentioned on this list by purchasing a day pass. (There are a few exceptions, unfortunately.)

It’s never been easier to add a rooftop pool dip to your next vacation. Just get our day pass and show up ready to swim.

Best rooftop pools in Florida (South Florida only)

H20 Suites, Key West
The Ben, Autograph Collection, West Palm Beach
Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa
Grand Beach Hotel Surfside, Surfside
1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG, Miami
Royal Palm Beach South Beach, Miami
Novotell Miami Brickell, Miami
Hotel Greystone Miami Beach, Miami
The Local House, Miami
Dua Miami, Autograph Collection, Miami
The Easton, Fort Lauderdale
The Atlantic Hotel and Spa, Fort Lauderdale

Best rooftop pools in Florida & how to get in (South Florida only)

H2o Suites Hotel (Key West)

Vibe: A chic adults-only rooftop pool with a bar
Type of view: Lower view with plenty of bright green palm trees
Can you buy a day pass? No

The Ben, Autograph Collection (West Palm Beach)

Vibe: A modest and upscale pool with plenty of seating and a bar
Type of view: Views of the West Palm Beach marina
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass

Tampa Marriott Water Street (Tampa)

Vibe: Ultra-modern and swanky with plenty of cabanas and room to swim
Type of view: A bit of ocean, mostly downtown Tampa
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass

Grand Beach Hotel Surfside (Surfside)

Vibe: Modern and minimalist with non-stop ocean views
Type of view: Glass paneling gives you near-panoramic views of the ocean
Can you buy a day pass? No

1 Hotel South Beach Miami (Miami)

Vibe: A lush pool area with plenty of cabanas and a bar
Type of view: A towering view of the ocean
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass (ask for details—this deal might only include beach access)

Kimpton EPIC Hotel (Miami)

Vibe: Double pools that include tons of cabanas and seating—plus, a kid’s mini-play area
Type of view: Downtown Miami
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass

Royal Palm Beach South Beach (Miami)

Vibe: A small and swanky pool on a lower level that overlooks Royal Palm’s other pool and the beach
Type of view: A view of the ground-floor pool and beach with tons of palm trees
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, check out their pool and beach services

Novotell Miami Brickell (Miami)

Vibe: Compact and chic pool with plenty of comfortable seating
Type of view: Downtown Miami
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via the hotel or ResortPass

Hotel Greystone Miami Beach (Miami)

Vibe: Casual and fun rooftop with Art Deco elements
Type of view: Low-floor view overlooking Miami Beach
Can you buy a day pass? Yes via ResortPass

The Local House (Miami)

Vibe: A narrow pool with upscale loungers and artistic murals
Type of view: Mostly urban with a good amount of greenery
Can you buy a day pass? No

Dua Miami, Autograph Collection (Miami)

Vibe: Two large pools on a low rooftop with plenty of loungers and even a little grass
Type of view: Mostly urban with some beach views
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass

The Easton Rooftop Pool and Lounge (Fort Lauderdale)

Vibe: A rooftop pool and lounge designed for tanning, drinking, and dancing
Type of view: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, this isn’t a hotel—the whole point is to pay for a day spent poolside!

The Atlantic Hotel and Spa (Fort Lauderdale)

Vibe: A casual and colorful rooftop pool with plenty of space
Type of view: Views overlooking the Atlantic—it almost feels like an infinity pool
Can you buy a day pass? Yes, via ResortPass

The White House is Enforcing a Cuba Travel Ban—Can Americans Visit?

Back in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy enforced a trade embargo between the US and Cuba, travel between the countries became illegal.

It was a travel ban that would remain in place for almost half a century until, in 2014, President Barack Obama eased restrictions on visiting Cuba. By 2016, ‘educational’ trips were allowed, signaling that traditional forms of tourism would be welcome in short order.

Some US airlines, like United and American, began offering direct service between Cuba and the US, while hotel brands like Marriott International rolled out new openings through subsidiaries.

Unfortunately for Americans dreaming of a Cuban getaway, the White House recently reinforced travel bans. As of June 5, 2025, traveling to Cuba for tourist activities is prohibited.

According to the US Embassy, there are only 12 categories of authorized travel, from family visits to research trips to authorized export transactions, for example.

That being said, I made it into the country back in 2015—when casual tourist travel was still in a gray area. And I was hardly the only American to visit Cuba during the 2010s. Let’s dig into the latest travel ban on Cuba, including whether you actually need to worry about it.

The Cuba travel ban

The original travel ban (born from JFK’s embargo policy) was largely born from Cold War activities. At the time, security was a much larger concern for the average tourist, as political and wartime maneuverings between the US and Cuba were more common and dangerous.

So, what’s behind the more recent travel ban? After all, the Cold War has been over for decades, right?

According to the White House, renewed restrictions on Cuba are based on national security concerns, including a lack of cooperation between the US and Cuban governments related to international matters. The US also wants to pressure the Cuban government into specific actions related to human rights, democracy, and economic activities.

In short, the US views Cuba as a regime and wants to limit any activities that might benefit its government—including funds from American tourism. Additionally, the US has also tightened restrictions aimed at American companies that want to do business with Cuba’s GAESA hotel conglomerate.

Should Americans actually avoid Cuba?

Here’s the part where I admit that I have a Cuban stamp on my American passport. (It’s a really cute pink shell.) I traveled to Cuba while it was still off-limits for American tourists, meaning I had to fly to Mexico, then head east to the island. I wasn’t the only American there—and nobody seemed surprised to see one.

Here’s a tiny crash course on what you need to know:

Cuba has two currencies: one for locals and one for visitors
You can stay in either hotels or home-stays, called casa particulares
Americans can’t take out cash or use credit cards—you need to come with cash that you can exchange for the tourist currency
Under the new White House ban, you (likely) won’t find direct flights to Havana, but it’s easy to fly in from Mexico or another neighboring country
You don’t have to have your passport stamped—but the chip will register your visit
You need to fill out an e-visa 72 hours before visiting Cuba, which is easy to complete and non-prohibitive to Americans

If you have a trip planned to Havana or have been dreaming of planning one, you might face legal consequences in the United States.

That being said, one of the 12 legal reasons listed by the White House for Americans visiting Cuba is ‘to support the Cuban people’. And yes, visiting the country as a tourist does count as supporting the Cuban people.

So, the legalities of visiting Cuba are like a gray area layered on top of a gray area. And while the US government has the authority to punish any violations of the embargo and, by extension, the travel ban, there are no cases of punitive measures for American tourists in Cuba.

NYC Neighborhood Guide: Inside the Weird Acryonyms

I ended up in New York City because I started dating someone from the city. And because that someone was a real New Yorker, he wasn’t shy about correcting me as I learned the ropes in terms of NYC neighborhoods and other lingo.

I remember struggling with the word Houston.

Houston is a street that cuts across lower Manhattan and serves as a major dividing line. Soho, for example, stands for South Of HOuston. Noho, though you’ll hear it less, stands for North Of HOuston.

Except Houston isn’t pronounced like the Texan city. It’s pronounced ‘house-ton’. Welcome to the weirdly layered world of NYC neighborhoods and their acronyms.

Also, I kept thinking it meant South of Hampton because I also knew the Hamptons had something to do with New York. (The Hamptons are an upscale area on the tip of Long Island—far from Manhattan.)

Here’s my point: if you want to get around NYC without getting tripped up by all those names, weird pronunciations, and acronyms, you’re going to need a cheat sheet.

Consider this your introductory NYC neighborhood guide when it comes to deciphering weird names.

NYC neighborhoods: the basics

The city has around 26 neighborhoods in Upper Manhattan, around 20 in Midtown, and 25 in Lower Manhattan. And that’s not counting those tiny little neighborhoods between Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to stick with the most popular areas that tourists usually visit, mostly in Midtown and Lower Manhattan. As you can see when looking at a full map of Manhattan, it’s a very small portion of the island.

I’ll also mention other interesting acronyms and historical elements for some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Hopefully, this introduction to the oddest acronyms and NYC neighborhoods will serve you well on your next adventure in the Big Apple.

Before we get to the proper NYC neighborhood guide, remember: Manhattan was originally settled by Dutch colonists. They’ve left their mark through a variety of landmarks, streets, neighborhoods, and more. I’m a history nerd, so I’m going to point out a few cool notes related to this colonial history.

NYC neighborhood guide: the acronyms & weirdest names

Alphabet City: This area is named after the avenues that run between First Avenue and the East River, which are lettered: Avenue A, Avenue B, Avenue C, and so on. Sometimes, Alphabet City is clumped in with the Lower East Side. Other times, it’s assigned to East Village.
Bowery: Bowery comes from the Dutch word bouwerij, which stands for ‘farm’ or ‘farmstead’. Today, this area is right on the western (innermost) edge of the Lower East Side in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Gramercy: Gramercy comes from the Dutch word krom mesje, which means ‘crooked little swamp’. It was anglicized to Crommessie in the late 1600s before eventually evolving into Gramcery. It’s a quieter residential area with plenty of historic landmarks and tree-lined streets. It’s also the name of an adorable 2-acre park.
Harlem: Harlem also comes from the Dutch city of Haarlem, from which this area got its name. Harlem covers a large part of Upper Manhattan and has historically been a major hub of African-American and Latino culture.
Hell’s Kitchen: This NYC neighborhood sits west of Midtown Manhattan between 34^th Street and 59^th Street, from 8^th Avenue west to the Hudson. The name comes from the area’s violent history, although sources diverge on who named the neighborhood. It could come from a similarly named slum in London, a cop who was giving a rookie a tour, or a particularly ghastly tenement hall from the early 1900s.
LES: LES stands for Lower East Side. I’m pointing this one out because you cut the ‘the’ when saying LES compared to the Lowest East Side. As in, you’d say ‘I’ll meet you in LES’, whereas you’d say ‘I’ll meet you in the Lower East Side’, depending.
NoHo: Noho stands for North of Houston, as pointed out in the introduction. It’s a tiny area between Houston Street and East 8^th Street in Lower Manhattan.
NoLiTa: Nolita stands for North of Little Italy and, like Noho, consists of a similarly tiny cluster of city blocks just below Houston Street. Technically, that makes it a sub-neighborhood of the larger SoHo area.
SoHo: Soho stands for South of Houston Street, as you might remember. It’s one of the city’s most well-known and sought-after neighborhoods thanks to its cast-iron architecture, boutique shops, and artistic-fashion leanings.
Stuyvesant: You’ll see Stuyvesant mentioned a few times in New York City, along with Brooklyn’s quickly changing Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. In Manhattan, Stuyvesant refers to a massive residential building on the East Side. Historically, however, the name refers to Peter Stuyvesant, a Dutch colonial governor who led New York City in the mid-1600s when it was still known as New Amsterdam.
TriBeCa: Tribeca stands for Triangle Under Canal Street. It’s a small (and triangular) business area that you might recognize thanks to its big-wig film festival. You can find it heading west from Chinatown.
DUMBO: DUMBO stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass, and is located just across the East River in Brooklyn. I had to include it because its nickname is one of my favorites in terms of NYC neighborhoods. It’s also a great place for a stroll and great views, if you’re visiting.