Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 116790 articles
Browse latest View live

This app wants to help you explore your sexual fantasies

$
0
0

undercoversSometimes people don’t try new things in the bedroom not because they aren’t curious, but because they're easily embarrassed. It can be hard to talk openly about a sexual fantasy, even with someone you’ve been intimate with for a long time.

But now there’s an app designed to take the awkwardness out of exploring new sexual avenues — and it might just save a few relationships in the process.

The app is called UnderCovers, and the premise is a simple one. You and your partner are both presented with a series of 99 possible kinks, from role-playing to soft bondage to different types of threesomes. Then you have three options: yes, no, or maybe. If both partners select “yes,” they are notified, similar to Tinder.

If you say “maybe,” UnderCovers includes a nifty little feature which opens up a chat box for you to have a dialogue. And though you might just want to have that discussion in person, the idea of being able to say “maybe” you’d like to do something if you talk about it is useful for opening up communication.

UnderCovers, which was built by a German team, isn’t the only app making a play for this market. PlsPlsMe, which focuses more on building sexual profiles of users, is currently in private beta and set to release later this year.

PlsPlsMe app

"All the research we're doing, one out of three Americans adults say they have a hard time talking about their sexual desires with a partner," PlsPlsMe cofounder Graceann Bennett told Business Insider in May. "And we also know that over half of Americans wish people were more open-minded when it came to sexual exploration, so there's this gap between what we want and what we're asking for and getting."

Both these apps are trying to close that gap — and help partners stay turned on by each other for a long time.

You can download UnderCovers for iOS or Android.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best new iPhone and Android apps you might have missed recently

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The most expensive and extravagant vacations in the world











How to wear flannel without looking like a lumberjack

$
0
0

The Autumnal Equinox is fast-approaching (Sept. 23), and with it comes a parade of flannel. 

Thanks to its comfort, ease, and warmth, the brushed cotton fabric will be as popular as ever this fall/winter — and not just among Brooklyn hipsters and lumberjacks. 

In case you haven't jumped on the flannel bandwagon yet, here are a few tips to get you started.

Stay away from super heavy fabrics

J Crew

Erase thick flannels from your mind and your closet. While brands like Pendleton and Woolrich make fantastic flannels, their shirts have a bulky feel that might make you look like you own a blue ox. 

For ease of layering and a less chunky look, choose flannels that are advertised as light or mid-weight. This J Crew herringbone flannel lets you wear the trend minus the heft. 

Remember that flannel does not mean plaid 

Oliver Spencer

Plaids and flannels appear together a lot, but not always. In fact, a solid-colored or mélange flannel is an even classier look that bypasses the whole "woodsy" aesthetic. Non-plaid flannels are also easier to match and work into your wardrobe. This Oliver Spencer flannel is a perfect example.

Have some fun

Oliver Spencer

Patterns aren't just for spring. If you're bored of solids and plaids, inject a bit of fun into your fall and winter with some novel patterned flannels. While not for everyone, a subtle pattern, such as the one on this Oliver Spencer shirt, is a step above your average flannel.

Layer, layer, layer

APC

In fall, layering is really the name of the game. Flannels — especially lightweight ones — are ideal layering pieces, whether under a fleece, a puffer vest, a denim jacket, or a wool coat. They go with just about everything and can serve as the first, second, or even third layering piece, depending on the weather.

The corduroy jacket on top of this A.P.C. flannel shows the case in point.

SEE ALSO: The sturdy English shoes every Bond fan needs in his closet

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The story behind the famously offensive twitter account that parodies Wall Street culture










How to fly like a pro

$
0
0

Traveling to far away places is exciting, but getting there is often anything but exciting.

Even for the most seasoned of travelers, long haul flights can be tough. Luckily there are some small things you can do to make a long flight seem a little less long.

Take a look at the infographic below to see how you can make yourself more comfortable on your next trip.

BI_Graphics_How to fly like a pro

SEE ALSO: 26 tips to help you survive a long haul flight

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's what actually happens to your bag when you check your luggage at the airport










The 34 best hotels in Europe

$
0
0

4x3 best hotels in europeEurope is renowned for its historic sites, incredible food, and its luxurious hotels.

We recently published a list of the 30 best hotels in the world

We pulled out the top hotels in Europe and ranked them here.

To create this list, we aggregated five notable hotel rankings made by elite travel publications and websites:Travel + Leisure's World's Best Hotels, Conde Nast Traveler's Top 100 Hotels and Resorts, TripAdvisor's Top 25 Hotels in the World, Fodor's 100 Hotel Awards, and Jetsetter's Best of the Best Awards.

Read the full methodology here.

SEE ALSO: The 30 best hotels in the world

FOLLOW US: BI Travel is on Twitter!

34. Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris, France

Located on one of Paris' most famous and expensive streets, the Hotel Plaza Athenee is one of the most famous hotels in Europe — and that's saying something. Opulent but fashionable, stark, cutting edge new interiors mingle with chandeliers and antiques. The hotel also has incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and is home to the super trendy Le Bar, as well as Alain Ducasse's signature restaurant.

Rooms start at $922 per night for two



33. Sheen Falls Lodge, Kerry, Ireland

Formerly a 17th-century fishing lodge then an 18th-century estate belonging to the Marquess of Landsowne, this 300-acre property stretches across forests and gardens, ideally located between Kenmare Bay and the the Sheen river and its waterfalls.Sheen Falls Lodge keeps guests busy with fishing, falconry, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and clay pigeon shooting, as well as its indoor pool, spa, and gym.

Rooms start at $140 per night for two



32. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

The view here is priceless, and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo makes the most of it with lake-view salons and terraces aplenty. The elegant, palatial, and historic hotel — a Greta Garbo favorite — also has three pools, including a floating one on the lake, a three Michelin-starred chef, a gym and a huge spa. Rooms are lavishly old world, with lots of gilt and gold.

Rooms start at $544 per night for two



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: People were baffled by 50 sharks circling in shallow waters off the English coast










Japanese billionaire asks $50 million for enormous Manhattan mansion with secret passageways

$
0
0

7 East 76th Street Limestone Mansion Upper East Side

A six-floor mansion on the "Gold Coast" of Manhattan's Upper East Side has just been listed for $50 million.

The home, at 7 East 76th Street, is chock-full of secrets and amenities spread across its 14,000 square feet. Among its 20 rooms are a wine cellar, maid's quarters, two art galleries, a recreation room, and a sunny solarium.

The property is being sold by Japanese billionaire philanthropist Bungo Shimada, according to the Wall Street JournalShimada told the Journal that maintaining the home in "top form" requires too much effort for his lifestyle. Stan Ponte of Sotheby's International Realty has the listing.

Keep scrolling for a tour of this historic piece of New York real estate. 

SEE ALSO: The 10 most expensive homes you can buy in New York City right now

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Less than a block from Central Park, the townhouse mansion is built entirely of limestone.



Erected in 1898, a massive addition was completed in the 1920s and other updates were made in the late '90s. Historical details like the gorgeous mansard roof have been preserved over the years.



Inside, the entrance parlor has immaculate and original 12 feet high ceilings.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: New aerial footage shows aftermath of explosion in China










Scientifically proven things men can do to be more attractive

The richest billionaires under 35 and how they got their money

Here are the destinations you absolutely have to visit in 2016

$
0
0

iStock_000048558912_Medium

A survey conducted by Skift.com revealed that 42% of Americans failed to take a single vacation day in 2014. In fact, Americans are taking less time off today than at any point in the last 40 years. 

Often times people avoid going on vacation because of the stress that goes into planning an entire trip for themselves or their loved ones. Where will you stay? What will you do? What will you eat? How will you stay on budget?

Fortunately, aspiring travelers don't have to go about it alone. Companies like Apple Vacations take the stress out of planning an amazing trip by offering a number of all-inclusive packages. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, seeking adventure, or want to connect with nature, Apple Vacations has a travel option for you. With an all-inclusive package, your flight, food, lodging, and if necessary, visa, is taken care of. And the best part is, you'll know exactly what you're paying for everything, up front. 

While 2015 is nearly over, but there's plenty of time to plan for 2016. Check out our list for top 2016 travel destinations, below. 

 

appleVac_key

Cuba: Brush up on your salsa dancing skills.

For those searching for a trip filled with rich music, art, dancing, and food, look no further than Cuba. The small island, which sits only 90 miles from US shores, is sure to fulfill the most culturally starved traveler. Cuba is home to some of the world’s warmest people, and contrary to public perception, the country is safer to travel to than some islands in the Caribbean. 



What to see, do, and eat in Cuba:

When visiting Cuba, the city's capital, Havana is a must-see. Travelers can take part in architectural walking tours within Old Havana, visit countless museums, and even take a ride in an antique car. Be sure to take a stroll around Central Park and visit El Capitolio — the National Capital Building — and the Havana Cathedral in Cathedral Square. The cities of Camüguey and Santiago de Cuba are also worth a visit. And if you're a cigar lover, or simply enjoy seeing things made by hand, head out to Cuba's tobacco region in the small town of Viñales. There, you can get up close and personal with the tobacco farmers responsible for the world's best cigars. The art scene in Cuba is hard to ignore. In recent years, tourists have come to the country seeking to purchase artwork from renown artists both young and old.

Visitors can't leave Cuba without enjoying its delicious cuisine, ranging from Cuban sandwiches to arroz con pollo to plantains to dulce de leche. In the past two years, the country has seen an uptick in the amount of restaurants in Havana and the food scene has become extremely competitive. Wash all those dishes down with a few Cuba libres made from the country's renowned rum. Havana Club Rum and Santiago Rum are hailed as some of the best rum in the world.



How to get there:

Although traveling to Cuba for tourism is not yet legal, US travelers are allowed to venture to the island under certain conditions such as for educational purposes, humanitarian work, and research. A hassle-free way of visiting Cuba is by purchasing travel packages through agencies. “Even though some credit card companies are authorized to be used in Cuba now, a lot of US debit and ATM cards don’t work in Cuban ATMs,” says Michael Zucatto of Cuba Travel Services. “So either you bring a bunch of cash with you or you work through a tour operator to make sure you can pay for your hotels, flights, and transportation in advance.”

Zucatto’s Cuba Travel Services company works in tandem with Apple Vacations to book exclusive Cuba packages for US travelers. Apple Vacations currently offers two packages to the island. The Havana Getaway tour includes one night in Miami, and 4 nights in Havana, while the Colors of Cuba tour that features one night in Miami, two nights in Trinidad, and four nights in Havana. Each package is chock-full of cultural experiences ranging from salsa dancing lessons to architectural tours to Cuban cigar rolling demos.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider









Here are the destinations you absolutely have to visit in 2016

$
0
0

iStock_000048558912_Medium

A survey conducted by Skift.com revealed that 42% of Americans failed to take a single vacation day in 2014. In fact, Americans are taking less time off today than at any point in the last 40 years. 

Often times people avoid going on vacation because of the stress that goes into planning an entire trip for themselves or their loved ones. Where will you stay? What will you do? What will you eat? How will you stay on budget?

Fortunately, aspiring travelers don't have to go about it alone. Companies like Apple Vacations take the stress out of planning an amazing trip by offering a number of all-inclusive packages. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, seeking adventure, or want to connect with nature, Apple Vacations has a travel option for you. With an all-inclusive package, your flight, food, lodging, and if necessary, visa, is taken care of. And the best part is, you'll know exactly what you're paying for everything, up front. 

While 2015 is nearly over, but there's plenty of time to plan for 2016. Check out our list for top 2016 travel destinations, below. 

 

appleVac_key

Cuba: Brush up on your salsa dancing skills.

For those searching for a trip filled with rich music, art, dancing, and food, look no further than Cuba. The small island, which sits only 90 miles from US shores, is sure to fulfill the most culturally starved traveler. Cuba is home to some of the world’s warmest people, and contrary to public perception, the country is safer to travel to than some islands in the Caribbean. 



What to see, do, and eat in Cuba:

When visiting Cuba, the city's capital, Havana is a must-see. Travelers can take part in architectural walking tours within Old Havana, visit countless museums, and even take a ride in an antique car. Be sure to take a stroll around Central Park and visit El Capitolio — the National Capital Building — and the Havana Cathedral in Cathedral Square. The cities of Camüguey and Santiago de Cuba are also worth a visit. And if you're a cigar lover, or simply enjoy seeing things made by hand, head out to Cuba's tobacco region in the small town of Viñales. There, you can get up close and personal with the tobacco farmers responsible for the world's best cigars. The art scene in Cuba is hard to ignore. In recent years, tourists have come to the country seeking to purchase artwork from renown artists both young and old.

Visitors can't leave Cuba without enjoying its delicious cuisine, ranging from Cuban sandwiches to arroz con pollo to plantains to dulce de leche. In the past two years, the country has seen an uptick in the amount of restaurants in Havana and the food scene has become extremely competitive. Wash all those dishes down with a few Cuba libres made from the country's renowned rum. Havana Club Rum and Santiago Rum are hailed as some of the best rum in the world.



How to get there:

Although traveling to Cuba for tourism is not yet legal, US travelers are allowed to venture to the island under certain conditions such as for educational purposes, humanitarian work, and research. A hassle-free way of visiting Cuba is by purchasing travel packages through agencies. “Even though some credit card companies are authorized to be used in Cuba now, a lot of US debit and ATM cards don’t work in Cuban ATMs,” says Michael Zucatto of Cuba Travel Services. “So either you bring a bunch of cash with you or you work through a tour operator to make sure you can pay for your hotels, flights, and transportation in advance.”

Zucatto’s Cuba Travel Services company works in tandem with Apple Vacations to book exclusive Cuba packages for US travelers. Apple Vacations currently offers two packages to the island. The Havana Getaway tour includes one night in Miami, and 4 nights in Havana, while the Colors of Cuba tour that features one night in Miami, two nights in Trinidad, and four nights in Havana. Each package is chock-full of cultural experiences ranging from salsa dancing lessons to architectural tours to Cuban cigar rolling demos.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








The 15 most expensive cities for tourists to visit

$
0
0

Miami

UBS just released its price and earnings report.

The report compares purchasing power in 71 cities around the world.

One part of the study looked at what one night costs in various cities across the globe.

In order to come up with these costs, UBS looked at an overnight stay in a first-class hotel for two people, along with two restaurant dinners including a bottle of wine, a taxi ride, two public transport tickets, a rental car, paperback book, phone call, and postage for a letter.

According to UBS, the average city break costs $615.

Keep scrolling to see how much the 15 most expensive city breaks cost.

 

SEE ALSO: The most expensive countries for tourists to visit

FOLLOW US: BI Travel is on Twitter!

15. Manama, Bahrain: $720



14. Doha, Qatar: $740



13. London, England: $750



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: This surfer's paradise — where officials say debris from MH370 washed up — is better known for deadly shark attacks










Thrillist flew hundreds of people to a swanky Arizona hotel for a weekend of parties

$
0
0

hotel thrillist phoenix

Men's lifestyle and ecommerce site Thrillist took over the W Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a party-packed weekend.

Dubbed "Hotel Thrillist," the two-day event included a food festival, pool party, two late-night soirées, and lots of Jack Fire whiskey. 

Lil Jon even stopped by for a DJ set before spraying the 200-person crowd with Champagne. 

SEE ALSO: The 'Insta-famous' sons and daughters of New York's elite let me into their circle — here's what it was like

DON'T FORGET: Like Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Hotel Thrillist is the company's biggest event of the year. Nearly 200 people were flown in just for the occasion.



The weekend kicked off with a food festival hosted by Arizona-based celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, who made a fried chicken banh mi with red dragon sauce and kimchi pickles. Here, Thrillist founder and CEO Ben Lerer gives the banh mi a try.



Sixteen local restaurants brought some of their most interesting creations, including Central Bistro, whose chef Greg Guevara made a chilled sweet corn soup with shrimp and brown butter mushrooms.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: Inside the insane life of Facebook billionaire Sean Parker










This guy traveled to every country in the world before turning 40 — here are the countries he thinks everyone should visit

$
0
0

Gunnar Garfors Norway

Gunnar Garfors visited all 198 countries in the world by the time he turned 37.

So when people ask him which country was his favorite, he has a hard time picking just one.

But there are 12 countries he thinks everyone should visit at some point in their lives.

Keep scrolling to see what those countries are, and why he thinks they're worth visiting.

SEE ALSO: This guy visited every country in the world before turning 40 — here are the highlights from his journey

SEE ALSO: The man who traveled to every country in the world before turning 40 reveals his packing strategy

Romania

"Transylvania, best known for its castles, mountains, and, of course, Dracula, will stun you. Not to forget the parties in the capital, Bucharest. And Romanians even know how to make great beer."



Madagascar

"There is no doubt about the French having 'visited.' The gourmet options in Antananarivo are world-class, until it comes to the bill.You will think they have forgotten most of what you ordered."

"The coastline, the lemurs, and the baobab trees will gobsmack you."



Iceland

"You know that big island in the middle of the Atlantic? It's been battered and beaten by winds and waves for a million years, and it is still there!"

"Just bring your swimming gear, and sit in 40-degrees hot natural springs while your hair will freeze and get covered by snow. Unreal."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: 8 travel hacks even frequent fliers don't know










Go inside the rarely seen underbelly of New York's famed Woolworth Building

$
0
0

The Woolworth Building Tour

Not just any old tourist can waltz into the Woolworth Building.

Once the tallest building in New York City, the Woolworth has been recognized as a historic landmark since 1983.

Completed in 1913, the building was equipped to maintain its own electricity, heat, subway entrance, and barber shop.

With tenants such as Nikola Tesla and the Manhattan Project — the team that helped develop the atomic bombs during World War II — the building has been coveted by historians and New Yorkers for decades.

After the building's observation deck closed during World War II, the building was closed to tourists until 2013. Even now, access is somewhat limited.

Luckily, Untapped Cities has given a handful of tours inside the building to show what it's like after all these years. We joined them for their September tour, which even included an exclusive look at the basement.

SEE ALSO: Japanese billionaire asks $50 million for enormous Manhattan mansion with secret passageways

The entrance to the lobby of the Woolworth Building faces Broadway, in New York's trendy Tribeca neighborhood.



Once inside, we were greeted by our tour guide, Roy Suskin, who serves as the building's manager.



F.W. Woolworth earned millions from his chain of five-and-dime stores between 1879 and 1913. He used his newfound wealth to pay for the building and its flourishes.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: More trouble for Subway's Jared Fogle...










The modern gentleman's guide to dressing in layers

$
0
0

The seasons are transitioning, and so must our wardrobes.

As the air becomes crisp and nights grow darker, dressing for the weather is like trying to hit a moving target. The simple solution is to be prepared for anything.

It's called layering. You may have heard of it.

Here's how it works: You form an outfit with multiple layers. When it's cold, you put on more layers; when it's hot, you take them off. All of the pieces should work together and separately. It sounds simple but there are quite a few pitfalls, like overdoing it on color or being clumsy about hemlines. 

Here are some tips on layering outfits correctly for fall. 

Layer from chunkiest to thinnest fabric, keeping lighter pieces closest to the skin

Club Monaco

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but think about it this way: You wouldn't put a sportcoat over a thick and chunky wool cardigan, but you would put it over a thin Merino wool, V-neck sweater.

Each visible layer should work with the outfit — and on its own

uniqlo

The skill of layering is being able to shed layers without sacrificing style. For this you must make use of the full color and material palette at your disposal.

For example, this model can lose his puffer coat and still look smart in his sportcoat and gray sweater. He can also ditch the sportcoat and the sweater and look great as well. Still another option is to get rid of the sportcoat but keep the puffer coat. Layering gives you options.

Be careful with color

Levi's

Limit pops of color to one layer, as the blog Effortless Gent preaches. Too much color can make you appear clownish, or like you have no idea what you're doing. Keep the bright piece close to your skin, so more of it is covered up, and you'll be good to go.

While your other layers should have some similarities and not be too disparate, watch your grays and beiges. You don't want to accidentally wash yourself out in a sea of blah.

Mind your hems

Club Monaco Layering

As Art of Manliness' Antonio Centeno says, the hems on your outer layers should be longer than the ones on your inner layers. Flout this rule and you'll run the risk of looking goofy and unbalanced.

Tucking can help with this if your shirt tails are too long in the front or back. 

Know the purpose of your layers

Barbour

Each layer has a purpose, says Centeno. The key to layering is to dress purposefully and style pieces in the right manner. In the above photo, the coat provides a protective, weather-proof barrier to the elements while the wool sweater insulates. The important thing is to layer for the weather you're going to experience.

SEE ALSO: How to wear flannel without looking like a lumberjack

DON'T FORGET: Follow Business Insider's lifestyle page on Facebook!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 5 Classic Men's Shoes For Work And Play










A Japanese retailer is successfully getting men to like shopping


Here's what it's like to eat at the world's oldest restaurant

$
0
0

Botin restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Madrid is one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurants, Restaurante Sobrino de Botín.

First opened as an inn, the landmark eatery was founded in 1725 by French cook Jean Botín and his wife. It is the world's oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of Records.Today, Botín is famed for its rustic Castilian cuisine, including succulent roast meats fired in an oven that's close to 300 years old. 

Keep scrolling to see what it's like to feast on whole suckling pig and delicious Spanish wine at the world's oldest restaurant.   

SEE ALSO: 20 restaurants that will make you want to book a flight to Spain

FOLLOW US: BI Life is on Twitter

The restaurant's name was changed from Casa Botín to Sobrino de Botín ("nephew of Botín") when Mrs. Botín died and her nephew took over. It is now owned by the González family.



Botín has four floors and the air of a traditional Spanish tavern. There are three dining rooms: the bodega ("cellar"), the Castilla room, and the Felipe IV room.



The most famous dishes here are the cochinillo asado ("roast suckling pig") and the cordero asado ("roast lamb").



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: 8 ways to open a beer without a bottle opener










The ultimate guide to tipping at hotels

$
0
0

Tipping is an etiquette minefield at the best of times, and a highly divisive issue that splits cultures and companions. And it doesn't get any easier on vacation, leaving even the most seasoned traveler confused.

But tipping doesn't have to be a test you feel like you've failed every time you see an outstretched hand. Check out this handy guide to tipping at hotels and tip like a pro.

BI Graphic_Hotel Tipping Etiquette 

SEE ALSO: How to tip in 24 countries around the world

Follow us! Business Insider Travel is on Twitter

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: More trouble for Subway's Jared Fogle...










This dilapidated villa once served as a Caribbean getaway for drug kingpin Pablo Escobar

$
0
0

escobar villa

The "King of Cocaine" was the son of a poor Colombian farmer, but by the time he was 35, he was one of the world's wealthiest men, earning $420 million a week in revenue. 

At the peak of his power, infamous Medellín cartel boss Pablo Escobar, the original "El Patron," supplied 80% of the global cocaine market and owned a number of ostentatious properties.

Here's a look at his abandoned island compound in the Caribbean.

All photos republished with permission from Stefaan Beernaert 

 

 

 

SEE ALSO: Pablo Escobar: The life and death of one of the biggest cocaine kingpins in history

Located 22 miles from Colombia's port city Cartagena are the 27 small coral islands that makeup the Islas del Rosario.

Source: LonelyPlanet



Escobar built a massive waterfront villa on the largest of the cluster islands, Isla Grande.



Juxtaposed with Escobar's mansion are the approximately 800 islanders on Isla Grande who sustain themselves by fishing and farming.

Source: AtlasObscura



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: The Coast Guard seized this submarine and 16,000 pounds of cocaine — then it sank










The 29 coolest new businesses in New York City

$
0
0

4x3 coolest new businesses in nyc

Many will agree that being your own boss sounds like an appealing lifestyle, but few have what it takes to make it as a small business entrepreneur.

We sought out the freshest, most innovative businesses in New York City, focusing our search on places that have opened within the last five years.

Though we included some tech startups, we mostly focused on brick and mortar shops, since we already published a list on the hottest startups in New York.

Some of these businesses, like a mobile app designed to help you find parking, aim to make your life easier, while others, like a cat cafe, will just make your life more fun.

Did we miss any cool new businesses? Let us know in the comments section.

SEE ALSO: The 21 coolest new businesses in Los Angeles

FOLLOW US: Business Insider is on Twitter!

Alumnifire

Online platform, based in New York

What it is: A superior professional networking platform for college alumni.

Why it's cool: Many college graduates don't take advantage of their alumni networks, but they should, as nine out of 10 alums would prefer to hire fellow alums. Alumnifire aims to offer a more usable alumni network. Alumnifire allows users to post discussion topics and to private message one another with the end goal of helping connect more job hunters with those hiring.



B.E.C.

148 Eighth Ave., Chelsea, Manhattan

What it is: A bacon, egg, and cheese mecca.

Why it's cool: The mac-and-cheese of breakfast foods has found a home in NYC. Bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches have long been a comfort food, but B.E.C. is taking it to the gourmet level.

B.E.C. combines toppings like tomato compote with pickled jalepeños to make its bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches desirable far past the breakfast hour. They also offer a selection of hearty soups and salads throughout the day.



Bierleichen

582 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood, Queens

What it is: A heavy-metal German-style beer hall.

Why it's cool: Queens' new beer bar offers 10 beers on tap, delicious German food such as bratwurst and pretzels, and live music.

If you're not feeling the meat and potatoes, never fear — the bar also offers vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free sausages. And it's all guilt-free, as part of Bierleichen's proceeds go to New York City's Coalition Against Hunger.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








The 25 coolest speakeasies in America

$
0
0

franklin mortgage & investment co company

Over 80 years ago, bartenders and drinkers alike kept the nation's booze knowledge alive in speakeasies during prohibition. 

While the temperance movement is long gone, the hidden bars prevail. From upscale dress codes to passwords, these establishments transport you back to a time when drinking was an experience.

We dug up the hottest and most exclusive speakeasies throughout the US, where you can sip a proper cocktail and lose yourself in the atmosphere.

Melissa Stanger and Melia Robinson contributed to an earlier version of this post. 

SEE ALSO: 30 iconic American hotel bars everyone should have a drink at

FOLLOW US: Business Insider is on Instagram

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

The Chapter Room
5600 Roswell Rd.

Join the Brewniversity craft beer loyalty club to gain access to this modern-day speakeasy in the basement of the Taco Mac, which puts a large emphasis on craft beer. The Chapter Room maintains no fewer than 18 different kinds on draft at a time, as well as many others in bottles. Cozy up to Bobb, the bar's "overseer," and you may also have access to the rare and limited edition beers in his secret stash.



AUSTIN, TEXAS

Midnight Cowboy
313 E. 6th St.

Midnight Cowboy was formerly a massage parlor, and still sports the original "Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage" sign out front. Reservations are required and parties can't exceed eight people. Ring the buzzer marked "Harry Craddock" to enjoy creative cocktails, and be sure to leave all your mobile devices behind — they have no place at this lounge.



BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

The Owl Bar
1 E. Chase St.

The Owl Bar is nestled in the historic Hotel Belvedere, which has been serving fancy mixed drinks, beer, and wine for over 100 years. During prohibition, owl statues around the bar would appear to wink if there was whiskey in the basement. The bar served as the stomping grounds for a number of famous and non-famous Baltimore natives. 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider








Viewing all 116790 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images