By Bill Mason

This year, I decided to switch up my summer vacation plans and do something I’d never done before: a cruise of Alaska’s Pacific coast. A week of fishing, helicopters and shuffleboard on the open sea with my friend Mark, this would be a real man’s vacation. A getaway from the full-throttle pace of New York.

By Benjy Kile

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of family retreats only hours from New York City. No matter what your sense of adventure may be, or the age of your children, fun can be found inside (and outside) an inclusive resort.

By Cotton Delo

In many ways, Kian Tajbakhsh was a quintessential New Yorker who loved eating sushi and browsing the aisles of the Strand bookstore. By night, the former New School professor would host musical gatherings in his Chelsea apartment and participate in seminars with his academic friends.

Entice your eyes and your taste buds at these posh restaurants conveniently located in or within steps of some of New York’s best museums.—Jessica Wang

FREE FOR ALL
This summer, there are more ways than ever to check out the latest bands – and even old favorites –without worrying about tickets.

OUTDOORS
Brave the heat this for these outdoor screenings of old favorites and next-big-things.—Heather Corcoran

THE BRYANT PARK SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL

What better way to stay out of the heat than by soaking up some fine art? Be it sculpture, painting or something a little more modern, the city’s major museums have plenty of indoor fun opening this summer.

OLD FAVORITES
Stick to the tried-and-true with new stagings of classic shows by acclaimed performers.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
This year the Public Theater presents two of the Bard’s best-loved plays for a romantic summer of theater. From June 5–July 8, Lauren Ambrose and Oscar Isaac star as the star-crossed lovers in the perennial favorite “Romeo and Juliet.” Then, from Aug. 7–Sept. 8, Daniel Sullivan directs “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The series is free, but be prepared to camp outside the theater for tickets for these popular performances. In fact, demand for tickets caused producers to extend the run from four to five weeks.

Artistic Director of the 13th Street Repertory Company
Edith O’ Hara is founder and artistic director of The 13th Street Repertory Company. O’Hara, 90, tells the Resident about her struggle to keep the non-profit company going in the years since its founding in 1972. She is currently directing “Line” by Israel Horowitz.—Melissa Swinea

By Elizabeth Valerio
Art is global and viewing the right collection can offer a unique view of a culture or destination. But with so many forms and artists to sample, how do you go about choosing the galleries to browse and the ones to skip?