Context Travel Around The World From Your Home

Annabella Pardo

Traveling the world is a luxury many of us crave and long for in order to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life. With the world slowly opening up again we are very excited to begin to visit our favorite museums, landmarks, and gelato shops once more. In preparation of our global travels, here at Off The Mrkt we are learning directly from the experts themselves at Context Travel. Context Travel is a network of scholars and experts who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology, who offer private, custom, and small group walking tours in 60 cities across six continents for almost 20-years. 

Photo via @ContextTravel

Context is now the only travel company that allows you to start learning before you hop on a plane. People are craving year-round learning to supplement their travel experiences or to serve as an alternative to in-person travel entirely.

The digital learning program is called “Context Learning,” and it offers live interactive seminars and courses on a variety of cultural and historical topics with the company’s vast network of well-versed, PHD or MA-level degree scholars. Think of this as a LIVE version of Netflix where theres tons of options to choose from, select which one is most of interest to you and learn about your favorite subject.

Photo via @ContextTravel

Now that travel is coming back IRL, Context is continuing these seminars and courses to help fulfill not only the pre- travel enrichment and allow them to learn before hopping on a plane, but also provide the opportunity for adults to become lifelong learners (the courses are so in-depth you feel like you’re learning from a professor in school).

Photo via @ContextTravel

Due to popular demand for long form travel, and because Context participants have built relationships with their experts/scholars over the course of the pandemic, Context is now taking one step further to launch  Context Journeys – the brand’s first fully planned, multi-day, small and group tours in cultural capitals across the globe.

Journeys will be led by the brand’s network of scholars, many of which hold PhDs or other terminal degrees in their field and teach at the university level, who specialize in fields such as art history, archaeology, cuisine, architecture, history, and theology. Not to be confused with your everyday tour guide, these experts have dedicated their lives to learning the history and culture of these cities and can offer unique insight and connections to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the destinations.  

Photo via @ContextTravel

The pre-planned itinerary, which includes hotel accommodations, on-the-ground tours and logistics and most meals, will also include experiences exclusively for Context travelers. For example, in Amsterdam, the small group will tour Rembrandt’s house before heading to dinner in an original canal house to tour a private art collection. As Context’s experts have deep and long-term connections with the museums and locations being toured, each Journeys participant will receive VIP treatment.  

Get started learning from the best travel experts in the world, at Context Travel.

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Refreshing Summer At The Ven at Embassy Row D.C

Annabella Pardo

Be one of the first to experience DC's newest hot spots, the Ven At Embassy Row. Located in Dupont Circle, The Ven gives guests the perfect home suites to participate in all the city has to offer during the glorious summer.

Take in views of the iconic Washington, DC skyline at The Rooftop at The Ven, their 9th-floor outdoor pool. The urban retreat offers a tranquil respite from your daily grind. The Rooftop offers registered overnight guests the perfect exclusive hideaway to relax and unwind.

Fred & Stilla is the Ven’s official neighborhood restaurant. Inspired by their Embassy Row location, the restaurant menu features signature flavors and spices from countries all around the world.

The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington D.C

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An Exclusive Tour Inside Lyle, An Art Deco Dream

Annabella Pardo

Before their grand opening, Off The MRKT was invited on an exclusive private tour of the magnificent Lyle, and we are simply fascinated with the newest luxurious art deco hotel in Washington DC. 

Lyle Washington DC, is a brand-new independent hotel from Lore Group, opened in the capital’s vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood in April 2021.    

In redesigning the interiors of property, Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss wished to create a world of calm, a place where you can feel in complete comfort in understated style. The luxury is in the details, the soft Art Deco references in celebration of the building’s original features, a dedication to craftsmanship and natural materials. He created a place where you can say goodbye to the noise of the outside world, a completely relaxed hotel to call your own.  

“With Lyle we wanted to take the best of “home” and make it even better,” said Abe Liao, Lore Group’s Regional General Manager for the D.C area and a native Washingtonian. “It’s our priority for our guests to feel as content and comfortable during their time at Lyle, as they might when staying in a friend’s beautiful apartment.  Whether staying in one of our guest rooms, hosting a meeting, dining in Lyle’s or catching up with friends for coffee – if we’re doing our job right, Lyle should feel like it was designed just for you."  

In the rooms and penthouse suite, Strauss created spaces that are comfortable and calming in neutral tones featuring natural materials including Burl wood art deco headboards, rattan seating and berber carpets. The mattresses and linens were chosen for ultimate comfort while artworks and the majority of furnishings are bespoke and designed by Strauss and his team. The rooms feel inviting and residential, as do the bright bathrooms with their handmade tiles and D.S Durga amenities. Additionally, 56 of the 196 bedrooms feature kitchenettes which are convenient for long stay visitors to the Capital. Lyle offers their in house gym and a multitude of meetings and event spaces suitable for everything from private dining to intimate weddings.

The restaurant and bar, Lyle’s is an intimate, inviting and welcoming space featuring bespoke furniture, a custom Herman Miller pendant cluster and an open kitchen. Nestled into the corner of the building, it is the perfect neighborhood restaurant and bar serving breakfast, brunch and dinner as well as familiar cocktails prepared with a gentle twist. It offers seasonal, contemporary American fare paired with easy-going, unobtrusive service. At the helm is Nicholas Sharpe, a seasoned chef who previously worked with Chef Fabio Trabocchi at the Michelin-starred Fiamma in New York City. 

Every Sunday, you'll find the culinary team from Lyle's a the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market. They'll have a signature Lyle's meal for you to enjoy at home, plus some delicious samples of their house baked goods to try. 

As a neighborly welcome, Lyle would love to invite those of whom live in the area to join them for a complimentary drink at the bar, offer until May 31st.

As the Smithsonian Institutes and other Washington DC Museums are reopening throughout this month, there is simply no better time to book a holiday to our glorious nations capital. Lyle highly recommends pre booking to visit The Smithsonian National Zoo, to finally meet baby panda Xiao Qi Ji. 

Lyle, the second U.S. property from the international hospitality company behind renowned hotels Sea Containers London, Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington, D.C, is located on New Hampshire Avenue in an early 1940s Art Deco building constructed originally to house apartments.   

Book your luxurious and relaxing holiday today at LyleDC.com

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The Best Wineries in Central Coast CA Wine Country

Gabriella Pryor

With warmer months and the hope of larger gatherings on the forefront of how summer will play out, one thing that is for certain is that the wine season is around the corner. Whether on a road trip down the PCH, or interested in a weekend getaway, Pinot and Chardonnay lovers alike can come together on the central coast tasting hot spots, located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

DAOU 

Paso Robles, CA 10am-5pm Mon-Sun

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Offering Virtual Tastings amidst the pandemic, DAOU Vineyards additionally offers an extensive variety of tasting and bottle options for those looking for a winery with a built in estate. Separated by categories of Discovery, Expressions, Reserve and Estate, there is enough variety to go around to even find an option your average vino novice would enjoy. 

Chronic Cellars 

Paso Robles, CA ,10am-5pm Mon-Sun

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One of the first things members of Chronic Cellars have to comment on is their fine wine but also graphic flair. Eye catching labels are just one of the many aspects of Chronic Cellars that makes them a tucked away gem. Red variety is the most popular with this local cellar however offer a couple of sweet pours for those out seeking white or rosé. 

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

San Luis Obispo, CA, 12am-5pm Mon-Sun

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If the beach is your main priority when visiting this part of California, Kelsey is a quick five minute drive from some of the central coast’s most popular beaches and surf spots. Red and Golden Delicious stand out to locals along with the barrel, coastal homey feel of the tasting area. Always coming up with different variations of wine flavor complexes, Kelsey is worth stopping by. 

Tobin James Cellars

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-6pm Mon-Sun

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Sophisticated outside tasting is perfectly matched with knowledgeable pourers having a surplus red, white and dessert wine variety. Located in the North of San Luis Obispo County, long-standing Tobin James and their radiating sun trademark makes the spot notable enough for it to be too hard to walk out without a bottle. 

Chamisal

San Luis Obispo, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

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Tucked away in the outskirts of San Luis Obispo, Chamisal’s tasting room has a classy upscale view with a strong sense of where the wine is really coming from. Tables featuring placemats with printed outlined glasses pair easily with keeping track of what wine you just sipped. Stunning views that don’t disappoint the further the tasting proceeds, is just one highlight of this rosé favorited vineyard. 

Justin Winery

Paso Robles, CA , 10am-3pm Mon-Sun

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Most commercialized of those on this list, Justin is one that can’t be missed if you’re looking for an Instagrammable landscape and tasty pairings to go with. Multiple tasting rooms offer options for regular members wanting to switch up their tasting atmosphere. Wine Club options include 6-12 bottles for those who can't get enough of Justin, but live outside of the Central Coast.

Halter Ranch

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

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One most memorable at Halter Ranch can be their large wooden table taking up the stunning tasting room, but another is that each type of wine is suburb. Aesthetically pleasing branding and photo opportunities offer a nice balance for the country and upscale vibes all around.

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The Thompson Hotel, The Most Luxurious Spring Holiday In DC

Annabella Pardo

Is there a more beautiful city for Spring than the lovely Washington D.C? With the gorgeous Cherry Blossom season around the corner, there is no better time to explore our nations capital than with a brilliant trip and a refreshing cocktail in hand at a luxe hotel bar.

After a long year of staycations in our cozy living rooms, we are more than excited to book a first class ticket and pack our suitcases with the cutest Spring assemble. This Spring, meet us at this magnificent and luxurious, The Thompson Hotel in Washington D.C.

The Thompson Hotel offers a refined historic beauty tale in their immaculate architecture and interior. Through a unique observation of any of their 225 rooms, a guest will find echoes of the colonial past, from soft, curving tables evoking a ship’s cabin to the rigid symmetrical lines framing the windows overlooking the dazzling river.

A brand new swanky rooftop bar? We'll grab our designer heels. Renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer brings his signature hospitality to D.C. with Maialino Mare, a fine-dining, Roman-style trattoria and Anchovy Social, the stunning open-air rooftop bar with elevated takes on classic cocktails and shareable snacks.

For this Spring, The Thompson's Cherry Blossom package includes Capital Bike Share passes to cycle to the iconic Tidal Basin. Once in the lawn, enjoy your basket of picnic goodies hand selected from the hotels top chefs, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the blossoms. After a beautiful day of gallery hopping and sight seeing, it is time for a personalized happy hour, relax with an in-room Cherry Blossom beverage flights. 

The Thompson Washington DC is situated in the heart of the historic Navy Yard, D.C.'s hippest and bustling neighborhood. View breathtaking scenes of the glistening waterfront, Nationals Park, and Anacostia Riverwalk Trail from the luxury accommodation. In the Navy Yard, visitors can find restaurants like Chloe, Due South, Bluejacket Brewery, coffee shops, as well the local District Winery. Delicious! We are more than thrilled for our luxurious trip.

Thompson Washington DC, 221 Tingey Street SE

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Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan

The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous works of American literature. Still studied to this day in schools and universities throughout the nation and around the world, JD Salinger's portrayal of teenage angst and alienation continues to strike a chord with readers today, almost 70 years after it was first published.

Most of the action of the novel takes place in Manhattan. After being expelled from boarding school, Holden heads to New York, repulsed by the phoniness of the people around him. Mid-century Manhattan is portrayed in great detail in the book, so the city is almost like another character in the narrative.

New York is a city that is forever changing, and the Manhattan that JD Salinger wrote about is gone forever. However, a lot of the same landmarks still remain. If you're a fan of The Catcher in the Rye, following Holden's progress through the city is a great way to explore.

Holden experiences New York on foot, and that’s the best way to follow his example. Drop your bags at a New York luggage storage shop and set out to see New York through the eyes of one of its most famous literary sons.

Pennsylvania Station

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan journey begins here. So it's a great place to begin yours too. The station was redeveloped in the 60s, so not much remains of the way it looked during Holden's time. But there are a few remnants here and there that will set the scene for your literary exploration.

Over the course of its existence, Penn Station has been the starting point of countless New York adventures. To this day, people arrive here from around the country and around the world, looking to start a new life in the Big Apple. While not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, its certainly an atmospheric place to visit.

You can get more of a glimpse of the way Penn Station would have been in the early 1950s on a guided tour.

The American Museum of Natural History

In the book, Holden walks from Central Park to the American Museum of Natural History, remembering his visits there as a child. He reflects on how the exhibits would never move or change, so that when you went back to see them again, the only thing that would have changed would be the visitor themselves.

However, the museum has changed since Holden's day. Many of the exhibits he fondly remembers have been removed, while others have been changed. Holden never steps inside the museum in the book, but there's no reason why you shouldn't.

With its displays of animals and plants from across the country, the American Museum of Natural History is a fun and educational place to visit for all ages. Kids will especially love the dinosaur displays that allow them to get as close as you'd ever want to a Tyrannosaurus rex.

Rockefeller Center Skating Rink

Holden Caulfield's journey through Manhattan takes place in the winter. For true authenticity, you may want to follow his example. If so, you'll be able to visit the outdoor skating rink in front of the Rockefeller Center.

This is where Holden goes on a disastrous date with Sally in the novel. Hopefully, your visit will have a happier conclusion. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent a pair at the rink and enjoy a classic New York winter activity.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Holden goes to the museum better known as the Met to meet his sister Phoebe. In a poignant scene, she asks to come with him on his planned journey west to live isolated from society.

Even if it didn’t feature in the novel, the Met is well worth a visit on any trip to New York. As one of the world's premier art museums, it features artwork from around the world, spanning the course of human history. The Egyptian gallery is home to William the Hippopotamus, the museum's mascot, as well as some mummies that Salinger mentions in The Catcher in the Rye.

Central Park

You can't visit New York without visiting Central Park. But for Salinger fans, the park and its pond have special significance. It's here that Holden wonders about the ducks, and whether they migrate in the winter when the water freezes over. 

The pond is very much still a part of New York, and you'll still see ducks on it just like Holden did. To this day, the New York Parks Board receives multiple inquiries every year, asking the same question Holden did about where the ducks go when the water freezes over.

Of course, Central Park is also one of New York’s best locations for people watching. If the weather allows for it, bring a picnic lunch and spread yourself out on the grass to enjoy this oasis of calm amid the bustle of Manhattan.

Central Park Zoo and Carousel

Holden Caulfield’s Manhattan journey is a vaguely circular wandering that brings him into contact with the same places over and over again. But it's at the Central Park Zoo, where he takes Phoebe to cheer her up, that the novel reaches its emotional conclusion.

Central Park Zoo is small but still in operation, housing snow leopards, grizzly bears, red pandas, sea lions, and other animals. The carousel is still there too. In fact, it's the same carousel that was in the park in Salinger's time, the one that Phoebe rides in the conclusion of the book. It's the perfect place to end your Holden Caulfield inspired trip through Manhattan.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Caulfield

https://catcher-in-the-rye.fandom.com/wiki

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-salinger-20100425-story.html

https://www.amnh.org/

https://centralparkzoo.com/exhibits

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Moving To San Jose: The Complete Relocation Guide

Are you planning to move to San Jose? If yes, then moving to San Jose is one of the best choices that anyone would make when someone is considering Northern California to shift to. San Jose is the capital of Silicon Valley with a population of nearly 1, 08,790. The relocation to San Jose is incredibly increasing due to ample job opportunities, great climate, beautiful aroma, universities, etc. As mentioned, the city offers ample job opportunities, and also it is a hub for many famous tech companies such as Adobe, eBay, IBM. So it's famous for business relocation thanks to the umpteen tech industries, parks, restaurants, etc. San Jose is a place where both singles and families can live and enjoy the true beauty of San Jose as a city.

When we talk about the least unemployment rate the first city that topped the list is San Jose. The unemployment rate here breathes the least unemployability as compared to other cities of the USA. Job opportunities here are widely opened for the workers situated in the areas of eBay, Apple, etc. "San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley". While comparing the crime rate, this city has no. Of crimes as compared to other major cities in California. Culture attraction is quite popular as it has the best nightlife and brings a plethora of opportunities in that field too. Undoubtedly, the housing cost here is unexpectedly high but it gets balanced when you have ample job opportunities as well.

Relocation Facts related to San Jose

●   It's a metropolitan area which is quite popular and a favorite destination for expats in Costa Rica.

●   If you're visiting San Jose for the first time then make sure you know some of the references as landmarks are used as references because not all the streets are named.

• There are numerous types of residence permits that enable expat in San Jose.

• It is a highly densely populated city and topped the list of highly populated cities in the United States.

San Jose: Contemporary Central America

San Jose, CA helps a key role in the making of contemporary Central America. This city is a cultural and economic focal point and growth and it's a transportation hub. So if you are moving to San Jose, you will place firmly at the unchallenged center of the entire central valley.

San Jose Housing Costs

Buying a house in San Jose is indeed expensive. The median price of buying a house in San Jose is around 1 million but this is also a fact that salaries are high and the unemployment rate is less. The cost of living in San Jose is not that high as compared to other cities in the United States. The advantage is that the unemployment rate here is very less and the average salary of an individual is elevated.

●   Monthly Rental prices

• 1 bedroom apartment- $2,200

• 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre-$1,500

• 2 bedroom apartment-$2,800

• 2 bedroom apartment in the city centre-$3,000

• 3 bedroom apartment-$3,400

• 3 bedroom in the city centre-$2,900

How to Save on Housing Costs?

As we all know how expensive it gets to rent a house in San Jose as the rates are high as compared to other cities in the United States. Here are two ways how you can save a ton on housing costs.

●   Share an apartment or house

San Jose is one of the expensive cities in the United States to live in. Also, housing costs are high. But if you want to cut down expenses on housing you can share the apartment. It is one of the ways to save on living expenses and many individuals look for roommates. You indeed have to share your bathroom and room with others but this will help you save at the end of the day.

●   Different Areas: Different prices

San Jose has the best market areas, and this is the reason why San Jose as a city is expensive, if you want to save on living expenses then live outside the city where rental and purchase prices tend to be lower compared to the city. If you're living in downtown San Jose means you're saving on the transport. It is close to many tech companies, restaurants, entertainment, etc.

San Jose Transportation

There is only one bus and rail system that runs all over San Jose. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is responsible for the rail and bus system which operates all over San Jose. As the city sprawls way too much, you might have to change transport more than one time to avoid the chaos and traffic. And if you live outside the city then the Caltrain transport system is prevalent. Let us see some of the examples of ticket costs

●   Adult single- $2.00

●   One day ticket-$7.00

●   Monthly season ticket-$69

●   Annual season ticket-$775

Cost of Owning a Car

Most of the people drive in San Jose and this makes the city a lot more congested throughout the day and night all over San Jose. If you're moving anywhere in the city and around the United States, you will need to keep the license with you and also address updated. If you're not an American then you can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months but after that, you will need an American license. And if you're studying in the United States be it San Jose or any other city in the United States you will be getting a 30 days foreign driver's license. If you want to save money on driving in San Jose then car-sharing or pooling is one way where you have to share your drive with someone or take a taxi, it is a cheaper option as compared to taking your drive-in, San Jose. You can use Uber and Liverpool for the same. By choosing either of the options will help you save a ton of money on a drive in San Jose.

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Getting Out of New York: Autumn Inspiration

Getting Out of New York: Autumn Inspiration

If you’re looking to take a short break away from the Big Apple, this fall, then this article offers some great inspiration on where to head to.

Whilst summer might be coming to a close, fall is a fantastic time to fall in love with travel, as it offers such a good chance to connect with nature and is particularly great for those with a passion for photography as you can capture the vivid colours of fall foliage.

That said, you don’t have to leave the city to treat yourself to the visual delights of fall, after all, rather than put on your walking boots and head into the wilderness you could dress up to visit one of New York City’s top rooftop restaurants where you can overlook the colourful hues found within Central Park, for instance.

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a weekend or two, however, here’s a few place to check out:

1. ASPEN, CO

There’s a limited window of a few weeks, in Aspen, when just before the cold weather starts to transform the tree-lined slopes into ski territory, you will find a picture perfect scene of red, yellow and orange hues that shimmer in the breeze… a photographer’s paradise, as this  backdrop is contrasted with the evergreens and mountain peaks, whilst the atmosphere in Aspen is much more chilled out than in the ritzy ski season.

2.  LAKE JACKSONVILLE, TX

If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, particularly if you’re into fishing, Lake Jacksonville  could be right up your street.

Whilst the area is particularly popular with campers, and hikers, you can easily find a nice hotel in Lake Jackson, Texas and dip your toes into nature rather than be fully immersed in it.  The lake is located around 3 miles from downtown Jacksonville and boasts well maintained facilities for camping.

3.  GREEN MOUNTAIN BYWAY, VT

Here, you’ll find an impressive array of maple, birch and beech trees lining an extremely beautiful eleven mile route that is one of the most colourful in New England.  The drive takes you from Waterbury, which is the quaint home of the world famous ice cream chain Ben & Jerry’s through two state forests as well as three state parks.  

4.  BOSTON, MA

Just up the road from New York, the more gentile vibe of Boston allows visitors the time it explore its beautiful parks and riverside walks without the frenetic pace that New York life brings with it.  A particularly beautiful spot is to head toward Harvard University where the collegiate charm is akin to something from a Hollywood movie, with its crisp leaves falling down against a backdrop of affluent intellectualism.

5.  COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OR

The eighty mile Columbia River Gorge is an impressive site to see in the fall, with its firs, cottonwoods, big-leaf maples, ash and twisted pines all putting on a spectacular show of colour explosions - which you can see whilst driving along this beautiful road, hiking in the hills, or even canoeing down the river.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Best Luxurious Hamptons Homes for August

Caroline Fiske

One of the most popular summer spots is in the Hamptons. But just because we are in the middle of a pandemic does not mean that you can’t have a great summer. As long as you are being cautious and safe by wearing a mask in public and social distancing then you can still have fun in the sun. If you want the Hamptons summer experience but you don’t know where to start, this article can most certainly help you out! Below are just some of the many gorgeous homes in the Hamptons for the month of August.

1.    “Bright sunny newly renovated Baypoint home 5-minute walk to the beach”

With just a five-minute walk to Foster Memorial Beach and a four-minute car ride to town, this Hamptons summer home is the perfect family home to rent! Located in a private waterfront community, there is so much to do for the whole family including boating, kayaking, and a ferry to Shelter Island. Featuring three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, an upper and lower wrap-around deck, and a lovely view of the water from the upper level, this home is a private Hamptons paradise.

2.    “3 bedroom Hamptons home near beach, vineyards, shopping, golf”

Surrounded by the beauty of all that nature has to offer, this house is located in a quiet neighborhood with downtown, restaurants, and beaches right around the corner. With a large backyard, an outdoor shower, an outdoor grill, restaurants by the water, yoga classes, paddleboarding, jet skiing, golfing, surfing, swimming, movie theaters, museums, water parks, aquariums, museums, ice cream shops, and an under five-mile walking distance to both the bay and the beach, the possibilities are endless for the whole family whether you are inside or outside of the house. Just because the beach club nearby is not allowing guests this summer due to the coronavirus doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time.

3.    “Stylish Renovated One Bedroom in the heart of Montauk”

This recently renovated home is just within walking distance of Gosman’s Dock, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and boating, you cannot sail away from this incredible opportunity. Despite the fact that it only comes with one bedroom and one bathroom, you can simply enjoy all that the Hamptons has to offer and this magnificent view above is just one of the many things that this house has to offer. There is also access to a private pool for you or for you and your guest to enjoy!

4.    “Renovated Beach House walk/bike to Montauk village”     

Walking or biking can take you just about anywhere from this house including to the center of town, the Montauk town beach, the Fort Pond Bay, or the Navy Beach. As the previous home, this home was also just renovated. It comes with a brand new kitchen with a dishwasher, an upgraded full bathroom, a mahogany deck with chaise lounges, an outdoor shower, a patio set, two bedrooms, plus a pull-out sofa in the furnished basement, a washer/dryer, high-speed Wifi, and a barbecue grill. If you already rely on walking and biking to take you places then this vacation spot is just the spot for you!

5.    “Private access Ocean beach steps away...Perfect home for family vacations!”

Take a deep breath in and out, this house is the essence of a calm vacation. With two full bathrooms on the first floor, one full bathroom on the second floor, a kitchen, a living room, a family room, a master bedroom with a private deck, a master bathroom with twin sinks and a shower built for two, and a giant lawn space, paradise in the Hamptons is waiting for you! The entire house is also cooled with central air and there is high-speed Wifi throughout the house as well. The distance from the house to the beach is just a five-minute walk, but if you prefer to drive there is a beach parking pass available. The owners live in the lower level of the house with a separate entrance, the rest of the house is yours and the owners are there if you need them.

If you got the coronavirus blues, there is no need to worry. These Hamptons summer homes to rent will get rid of those blues in an instant. August is just around the corner and summer will be over before you know it. So start planning your Hamptons summer dream vacation before the cool breeze of September rolls around.

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For Better Or Worse, The Definition Of The New York City Commute

Jessica N. Todmann

The rage of the global pandemic is pressing on. Although government officials, as well as the Average Joe and Jane’s of America, had been choosing to hold onto their optimism, recent news  is proving that the coronavirus won’t be bowing out on anybody’s timetable but its own. But of course, in order to do so, Americans have to continue honoring social distancing efforts, and wearing masks or facial coverings. During an end of June press conference, our own Governor Andrew Cuomo called on President Trump to sign an executive order requiring Americans to wear masks. But in a place like New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19 madness, we may find ourselves doing more to safeguard our health. That “more” could translate into cutting down on our usage of the MTA Transit System, if not avoiding it altogether.

Can New Yorkers break up with the New York City Transit? Anything’s possible. But it won’t be easy. NYC & Company (which according to their website is the “official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of NYC”), tells its readers that subways are the easiest way to get around the city and to hop on a public bus for the scenery. However, some New Yorkers are doing their best to avoid subways and buses. Queens based real estate agent Leah Niyazov is one of them, “I basically avoid the MTA and will either take an Uber, or my dad will drive me around.” With numerous clients and deals in motion across Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn, she’s operating her business from a safety first perspective. For Laura Szarvas, an Operations Coordinator at an international retailer who recently moved from Bushwick to Hoboken, the coronavirus has completely changed her commuting habits. Habits which are now pretty nonexistent. Having worked from home since the quarantine, she no longer heads into her Manhattan based office. “This is unbelievable for me. I used to take public transportation on a daily basis.” 

The actual numbers are astonishing. According to data posted on the MTA’s website, which is updated continuously, overall ridership has fallen dramatically in comparison to last year’s numbers. On Monday (July 7th, 2020), the MTA saw an over 80% drop in subway usage, a 52% drop in bus usage, and just over a 19% drop in ridership across the bridges and tunnels. It’s obvious that these numbers are a greater reflection of the many New Yorkers who are either working from home, or out of work altogether. However, as NYC continues its phase of reopenings and the threat of COVID-19 exposure continues to be a reality, we can’t help but consider the possibility that New Yorkers who are making a conscious effort to avoid the MTA are also figuring into the equation. The human congestion transit bus fleets and subway platforms commonly afforded to city dwellers may no longer be a price they’re willing to pay. “I do not commute via public transport, unless I have no other options.” Leah stated.

And then there’s Citi Bike. New York’s bike share system and the largest in the nation, according to their website; their blue bodied products and docking stations seemingly around every corner you turn. Although their presence has extended to the outer boroughs, there’s an obvious gap in presence for those that do not live on the isle of Manhattan. It’s clear that for many New Yorkers, there is no other option. People across the city will have to continue relying on the subway and bus systems in order to get around, especially those travelling between boroughs. And the MTA knows this. When reached for comment, they referenced transcripts available on their website and provided several links to various press releases. Overall, the corporation seems focused on sanitizing efforts and building out an infrastructure to support that, as well as social distancing. They’re deploying new vending machines that will dispense things like hand sanitizer and reusable face masks, 9,000 new digital screens serving to alert riders at street level when stations become crowded, due to service changes or delays so they have the choice ahead of time not to enter a station and enlisting the help of Dr. David Brenner from Columbia University for their new disinfecting ultraviolet light technology.

Although the MTA’s upped safety measures, confidence amongst their ridership is going to be very hard to maintain. When asked about how she felt taking the MTA , Laura said “I am totally uncomfortable and afraid of taking public transportation.” The fear isn’t really about touching dirty subway poles, it’s about the other people. Those select transit riders that operate as if there’s no pandemic abound. Both ladies expressed their concerns over commuters they’ve witnessed who were without face masks and within incredibly close proximity to one another. “Although there are social distancing rules in place, it doesn’t feel like everyone is following them.” said Leah.

Regardless of how commuters may feel about their “other half” in the straphanging sense, this relationship won’t be coming to an end. It may never fully rebound, as those New Yorkers who can work from home or are affluent enough to afford a car service might continue doing so; but, for the most part, the MTA can count on the loyalty of New Yorkers. Laura’s statement affirms this, “Basically, people will be on the train but scared or uncomfortable and we have to deal with it.”

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