The Best NYC Staycations For Acing The Weekend

Winter weekend getaways sound great — in theory.

In practice, it’s an evening of bumper-to-bumper traffic followed by a solitary day of repose (Saturday) followed by … more bumper-to-bumper traffic.

So, we recommend staying put, with three damn fine NYC staycations.

Inside: exceptional eats, a tent cabin and at least one NSFW secret-society masquerade ball.

And no traffic.

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STAY: Arlo Soho
In collaboration with Tentrr, this chic boutique just launched “Camp Arlo,” aka three courtyard campsites complete with shearling blankets, old-school board games, hot toddies and, yes, heaters.

DINE: west~bourne
Self-described as “accidentally vegetarian,” you’ll be dining on thoughtfully sourced, Cali-centric fare from Echo Tacos to Rainbowls. Consider it resolution approved.

DO: Dance With Me
Ready to kill it as the next wedding? For that, you’ll need dance lessons. Knowing how to properly dance with a partner is completely underrated. No experience necessary.

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STAY: The Frederick Hotel
The former Cosmopolitan Hotel was NYC’s longest continually operated hotel, originally opened in 1845 as the Gerard House. To give you some context, Abraham Lincoln stayed there. Now the urban retreat has been renamed and reimagined with 130 very comfortable, no-nonsense rooms. And, yes, they’re considerably larger than a closet.

DINE: Noodle Bar at Brushstroke
Think speakeasy-meets-traditional ramen house. Go for the Tonkotsu Ramen with a creamy pork broth, egg and mushrooms.

DO: Must-See Week
With 2-for-1 tickets to all the city’s most iconic attractions, we say, “Go ahead, play tourist.” It’s a perfect way to burn right through your bucket list, from oyster tours to the Times Square NFL experience.

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STAY: The Tillary Hotel
For a truly Brooklyn experience, the high-design Tillary boasts a tidal wave of hyper-local offerings, from the “Distallary” whiskey bar to the T café, which offers favorites from Bien Cuit bakery and a serious selection of Mast Brothers chocolate.

DINE: Epicurean Nights
Prepare thyself for a multi-course series of immersive multi-sensory fine-dining and art experiences. In partnership with some top-notch chefs, the evening offers a symphony of wine, cocktails, musical, atmosphere and aroma at avant-garde creative space National Sawdust.

DO: The Illuminati Ball
Let’s get weird. The second incarnation of the Illuminati Ball is returning to the Weylin. It’s a mid-falutin, Dali-esque affair complete with pagan rituals, daring performances and always a hidden surprise or two. And if that’s not enough fringe for one weekend, the forever wild cabaret-meets-Cirque du Soleil Company XIV just opened its newest show, XIVariété. You’ll want to leave the younguns home for this two-night sizzler.