Weekly Highlights: Oct 7-13
Bhakti Yoga Center: Chill Vibes and a Mellow Flow
The weekend started with a peaceful flow at Bhakti Yoga Center, a studio in the East Village rooted in Vedic tradition. I attended Bhakti Hour, a relaxed yoga class that gave me the space to stretch, breathe, and truly unwind. It was the perfect way to center myself and let go of the week's stress. The studio has a serene, intimate vibe—ideal for anyone looking for a low-key practice.
Lower East Side Stroll: Pumpkin Leche Cake and Movie Set Magic
Midweek, I met up with a friend for a classic Lower East Side stroll. Our first stop was Rawsome Treats, one of my FAVORITE places in the neighborhood. It’s a cozy little spot that specializes in raw, plant-based desserts. Their offerings are entirely gluten- and dairy-free and made from natural, wholesome ingredients. Please RUN, do not walk, to try their seasonal Pumpkin Leche Cake. This gluten-free, dairy-free treat was amazing and made with raw ingredients like cashews, pumpkin purée, and coconut milk. Creamy, rich, but still light—the perfect autumn indulgence.
We continued wandering down Orchard Street and stopped by the infamous photo booth. While I’m still undecided if it lived up to the hype, it was a fun little memory to capture. And to top it all off, we stumbled onto a movie set! Orchard Street was shut down for a Timothée Chalamet movie, and it was so exciting to see the cameras, props, and production happening in real time.
Gallery Night: Immersing in Art
One of the highlights of my week was Gallery Night, a weekly event where galleries across the city open their doors for an evening of art, culture, and creativity. It’s a fantastic way to explore different art styles and meet people in the NYC art community- we saw quite a few of the artists!
My favorite artist of the night was Robert Pokorny, showcased at the Anna Zorina Gallery. Pokorny’s work caught my eye with its playful, graphic style. There’s an energetic, almost whimsical quality to his art that really pulled me in.
Flatiron Bathhouse: Stepping into Wellness
Towards the end of the week, I ventured into the world of bathhouses and visited the Flatiron Bathhouse. The experience was luxurious, offering a variety of thermal therapies like saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and even a Himalayan salt lounge (which I didn’t see but read about).
As a dermatologist, I always weigh the benefits of these wellness experiences. Saunas, in particular, help to open pores, enhance circulation, and promote detox through sweat, which can leave your skin glowing. However, it’s essential to stay mindful of skin safety. Prolonged heat exposure can dehydrate your skin, so staying hydrated is crucial. Also, communal areas can sometimes harbor fungi, so I recommend wearing flip-flops (they provide them here, but I was a bit weary) and thoroughly rinsing off afterward to protect your skin.
Beyond bathhouses, I’m excited to explore NYC’s wellness scene more, especially trends with skin benefits. I’m particularly interested in infrared saunas, which are said to penetrate deeper than traditional saunas, promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. Another trend on my radar is cryotherapy, which involves brief exposure to extreme cold. It’s supposed to help with inflammation, boost circulation, and even support skin rejuvenation. Finally, I’m looking forward to trying LED light therapy, a non-invasive treatment that can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and combat acne. Stay tuned- I’ll give you the honest take on what’s worth it, and what should remain in the World of Woo-Woo that NYC loves <3