New York’s Hidden Gems: Where Culture, Craft, and Conscious Living Flourish This Fall and Beyond

As the crisp air of fall begins to set in, New York offers a new layer of charm and discovery. The changing season is the perfect time to explore the city’s hidden gems—places that honor craftsmanship, sustainability, and culture. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge or 1 Hotel Central Park, these vibrant locales will connect you with the heart and soul of the city, offering moments of discovery and inspiration around every corner.

aNYbag

Our friends from Manhattan, aNYbag, reimagine waste by transforming discarded materials like grocery bags, polybags, and packaging into chic, durable totes—perfect for your weekend farmers market hauls. Whether you're browsing the fresh produce at the Union Square Greenmarket, picking up seasonal finds at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, or shopping local at the Columbus Circle Greenmarket, aNYbag’s functional, stylish totes are the perfect companion. Handcrafted from reclaimed materials, these bags not only embody environmental responsibility but also support the Plastic Pollution Coalition, a powerful global movement fighting to end plastic waste and protect our planet’s future.

Alder NYC

Just steps away from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Alder NYC in DUMBO offers minimalist skincare made with thoughtfully sourced, plant-based ingredients. Each formula is crafted to help protect your skin as the weather shifts, all while staying true to a low-waste philosophy. Supporting causes like The Trevor Project and EarthJustice, Alder NYC goes beyond beauty, embracing a sustainable, purposeful approach to both skincare and the planet. Stop by our Goodthings Takeover pop-up, where visitors will learn all about mindful skincare and self-care rituals.

Brooklyn Flea

As the cooler days of autumn approach, there's no better time to explore the unique treasures of Brooklyn Flea, just a few blocks from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic market offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind finds. Beyond its vibrant atmosphere, Brooklyn Flea also supports Brooklyn Community Services, a non-profit dedicated to helping vulnerable communities through education, housing, and job training programs.

Julie Thevenot Jewelry

Tucked away in NoHo, Julie Thevenot crafts jewelry that celebrates the beauty of nature with a modern twist. Each piece, thoughtfully designed with organic shapes and unique materials like resin and brass, feels like wearable art—bold, sculptural, and effortlessly chic. To make it even more meaningful, a portion of every purchase supports The Nature Conservancy, helping to protect the planet while you adorn yourself in something truly special.

Kinka NYC

Our friends at Kinka NYC bring nature to life with their curated selection of sustainable plants and hands-on workshops. Known for their eco-friendly approach to plant care, Kinka NYC not only helps breathe life into your space but also gives back by supporting Free Arts NYC, providing underserved youth with access to art and mentorship. Stop by one of our pop-ups, like the Sustainable Succulents event at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, where guests and locals can explore the beauty of succulents while connecting with nature—or visit their studio in the East Village.

Rosehip Social

Rosehip Social brings a thoughtful approach to floral design from its Red Hook studio, with a commitment to sustainability and locally sourced blooms. Partnering with Slow Flowers, they embrace eco-friendly practices to create arrangements that are as mindful as they are beautiful. Each piece reflects a deep respect for nature, offering a quiet, elegant way to bring the outside in.

Stems Brooklyn

As the days grow cooler, it's the perfect time to pause and remind yourself to stop and smell the flowers—literally. In Gowanus, Stems Brooklyn offers eco-friendly, seasonal floral arrangements that bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your space. With sustainability at the heart of their work, each bouquet is designed to reflect the changing seasons while minimizing environmental impact. Stems Brooklyn also partners with BloomAgainBrooklyn, giving a second life to floral donations for hospitals and care facilities.

The Elevated Acre

Hidden above the bustling streets of the Financial District, The Elevated Acre is a secret oasis where lush greenery meets sweeping views of the East River. It’s the perfect spot to pause and unwind after a morning exploring Union Square Greenmarket or Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket. A proud partner of GrowNYC, this rooftop retreat supports urban gardening and sustainability, offering a refreshing breath of nature amidst the city's energy.

The Ramble at Central Park

Just a short walk from 1 Hotel Central Park, The Ramble is a 36-acre woodland tucked away within Central Park. With its winding trails and thick greenery, it offers the perfect setting for a crisp fall stroll under the changing leaves. Managed by the Central Park Conservancy, The Ramble is dedicated to preserving this natural retreat in the heart of New York.

The Vintage Twin

The Vintage Twin transforms second-hand treasures into must-have modern pieces, redefining what upcycled fashion can be. Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, this eco-conscious gem donates a portion of every purchase to Fashion Revolution, championing sustainability, transparency, and ethics in the fashion world, seamlessly linking style with purpose.

Falling for Nature

Step into the magic of autumn at 1 Hotel Central Park and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, where every moment is thoughtfully crafted to connect you with nature and those you cherish. From serene walks through the vibrant fall foliage to warm, locally-sourced meals celebrating the harvest, enhanced by the comforting aromas and flavors of pumpkin spice, we’ve curated a lineup of experiences that make fall unforgettable.