While many choose to escape the city for Memorial Day weekend, others equally prefer to enjoy what NYC has to offer, as well as nearby destinations that offer a respite without the hassle of extensive travel and pricey accommodations.

Below you’ll find a few options to celebrate Memorial Day in Manhattan or along the Hudson River waterfront in New Jersey, just a short 10-minute ferry ride from NYC.

Manhattan Destinations:

The Marmara Park Avenue, is a staycation oasis. Nestled on Lower Park Avenue, the chic, stylish boutique hotel offers comfort, relaxation and lavish amenities.

This property has some of the city’s most spacious accommodations. All rooms exude the essence of a dream New York apartment, complete with bespoke furnishing, original wallpaper designs, and iPads with 24/7 virtual concierge service.

Beneath the lobby is the Wellness Center, which offers a Hammam, a traditional ancient Turkish experience performed on the  “Gobektasi,” a heated marble slab that follows authentic Turkish Hammam architecture. Other amenities include an indoor saltwater lap  pool and fitness center for hotel guests or a daily pass/monthly membership for non-guests.

After a day of relaxation, head up to the hotel’s rooftop, Balcón, that offers sweeping views of New York City’s skyline and serves small bites and craft cocktails, by Executive Chef Ömür Özkan. Balcónis open from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m daily.

Situated just off the renowned Park Avenue, the Marmara Park Avenue is steps from the Empire State Building, Macy’s Herald Square,  luxury shopping on Fifth Avenue, and near Grand Central Station Concourse, which can transport guests to any part of NYC in minutes.

Hotel bookings can be made here.

~~~
For lovers of Mexican cuisine, Casa Bond NoHo, is an ideal destination for Memorial Day weekend. The vibe restaurant offers refined classic Mexican fare and an ambiance Inspired by Tulum’s vibrant culture. 

Over the holiday weekend, Casa Bond will offer brunch and dinner complimented by creative cocktails and mocktails, to be enjoyed in their dining room, bar, or on their outdoor sidewalk café. From brunch, diners can opt for a bottle of cava and entree for $49.

Weather permitting, the restaurant will also open its fully retractable glass doors, creating an indoor-outdoor dining experience.

For those looking to elevate their holiday weekend, Casa Bond will offer live DJ sets on Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m in collaboration with Housematic Entertainment, who has specially curated a selection of deep house beats infused with Tulum vibes.

Hours of Operation: Brunch: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Dinner: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Brunch and dinner will be offered Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

~~~

For those looking for a healthy and light meal this Memorial Day weekend, Heritage Grand Bakery, Grand Restaurant and Pizza Bar, the environmentally-conscious and delicious restaurant-bakery, will be serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes and pizzas for brunch and dinner. The restaurant prioritizes regenerative farming practices and utilizes their in-house mill to carefully create the ingredients for these dishes, making for a meal that has high nutritional value, is easily digestible, and has low allergenic potential. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.

Conveniently situated across from Bryant Park, the historic New York Public Library, and easily accessible from luxurious Fifth Ave shops, this location is perfect for taking a stroll and sightseeing with family and friends amid the bustling atmosphere of Midtown New York City.

Menu highlights include, but are not limited to:

• Moroccan Spiced Lamb Flatbread, spiced ground lamb, pickled shallots, and a drizzle of citrus labneh on a thin, cracker-like Ancient Grain 100% population wheat flatbread dough.
• Ancient Grains Spaghetti—a vegetarian option—population wheat pasta with roasted mushroom and garlic, sprinkled with rich parmigiana
• Woodfired Branzino, roasted sea bass—cooked in their state-of-the-art wood-fired ovens—topped with a generous portion of pistachio chermoula, served with a side of haricot vert and a charred lemon

Hours of Operation: Lunch: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dinner: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

~~~

For standout Chinese cuisine and a family-friendly dining option in NYC, YAO, by Executive Chef-Owner Kenny Leung and Co-Owner Thomas Tang of the acclaimed August Gatherings, is a spacious 5,000-square-foot modern, Cantonese restaurant that has meticulously designed to display Chinese culture.

Located on Pearl Street, renowned for its rich history and family-friendly attractions, YAO is a short stroll away from South Street Seaport. It offers unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City skyline.

The menu showcases beloved dishes from August Gatherings along with modern and Traditional Cantonese dishes. Chef Kenny has designed a complex, yet intricate seven-course tasting menu, named “Jia Yan” as well as an expansive a la carte menu with signature dishes designed for sharing offers a selection of dishes to meet various budgets.

YAO also features three private dining rooms, a large dining area and an expansive a la carte menu, which makes YAO the perfect spot for a family meal or gathering with friends.

You may view the full menu here. 

Hours of Operation: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Reservations can be made via Resy. 

~~

Come hungry, stay for the music. Enjoy a night out on the town at NOFLEX NYC, a new media art lounge and restaurant situated on Fifth Avenue (30^th St.) in Nomad. This maximalist-designed space mirrors Seoul’s vibrant nightlife, boasting 72-foot LED wall  showcasing  digital artwork, color-changing tables, and a custom state-of-the-art sound system, ensuring an immersive dining experience.

The menu features an array of pan-Asian shared plates and craft cocktails, meticulously curated to blend diverse culinary influences from across Asia. A DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m. and once the dinner service is over, the restaurant turns into a lounge with bottle service.

Hours of Operation: Saturday: 5 p.m. – 3 a.m., Sunday: 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Monday: Closed

~~~

NJ Waterfront Destinations

Son Cubano, located on the picturesque Port Imperial Waterfront, invites you to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in style.
Lounge on the expansive patio overlooking the Hudson River and enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. Son Cubano is just a quick ferry ride from Midtown, Manhattan, that is just as enjoyable as it is scenic.

Soak up the sun and take in the scenery, while enjoying modern Cuban dishes and sipping on a creative craft cocktail or a crisp glass of wine from Son Cubano’s award-winning international wine and Champagne list.

For Memorial Day, Son Cubano will offer a Pig Roast Menu, featuring 8oz portions of tender pulled pork from of whole roasted pigs prepared on site. A specially curated creative cocktail menu will compliment the roast pig.

Hours of Operation: Brunch: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dinner: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

~~~

Blu on the Hudson brings a delicious dining experience to the waterfront in Weehawken, New Jersey, with a patio perfect for al fresco dining while soaking in spiraling views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline. It’s just a short ferry ride from Midtown, Manhattan.

For Memorial Day Weekend, Blu is open for brunch and dinner, offering a bold seafood centric menu by Executive Chef J.C. Ortega  accented by a top-flight steak program, homemade pasta, and a one-of-a-kind cocktail program.
To accompany the brunch and dinner menus, the restaurant offers a Beverage Program by Beverage Director Jeremy Le Blanche who substitutes fussy ingredients in favor of theatrical presentations and a global wine list curated by Sommelier, Adam Greer.

To view the full brunch menu please click here as well as the dinner menu here. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

Hours of Operation:

Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dinner: Saturday 5 – 10:45 p.m.; Sunday & Monday 5 – 10 p.m.