Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Read the latest articles by Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner at Thrillist

New York

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

This summer, for a quick trip from the stuffy confines of the city, head for the sandy shores of Rockaway Beach in Queens.

The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Rockaway Beach Day 

James Andrews1/Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Amex_873513_Jun22

In a city so pivotal to the LGBTQIA+ movement, embarking on a journey across NYC to connect with our vibrant queer communities and discover the sites of groundbreaking moments in history can provide for a truly moving experience.

15 Historic LGBTQIA+ Sites in NYC You Need to Visit

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

"The best pizza in New York City" is a bit of a misnomer.

The 30 Best Pizza Places in NYC

Nation

Courtesy of Avaline

Drink

These Canned Wines Need to Be in Your Cooler

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

If you drive about an hour away from the chaos of the Puerto Vallarta Airport, down the highway through a bay surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Madre Mountains looming hefty in the skyline, palm trees and tropical greens waving for miles, you’ll arrive in Riviera Nayarit.

Riviera Nayarit Is Mexico’s Dreamiest Beach Escape

Photo: courtesy Toby Stull; design: Davianna Absera/Thrillist

Amex_691069_Jun21

Toby Stull grew up on the water, spending time on boats in his hometown of Branford, Connecticut, before he could even walk.

How Captain Toby Stull Brought Sailing to Long Island’s LGBTQ+ Community

Photo Courtesy Neon Cowboys; Design: Davianna Absera/Thrillist 

Shopping

Shopping - Deals, New Products & Gift Ideas From Across the Web - Thrillist

Why shouldn’t a cowboy hat symbolize inclusivity and equality?

How Neon Cowboy Hats Helped Make Country More Inclusive 

Photo: Shutterstock; Illustration: Marissa Dickson/Thrillist

Campbells_512361_Jan21

The pandemic derailed our 2020 travel plans, keeping us dreaming of being, well, anywhere else.

How to Get Started Planning Your Next Big Trip

Hack The Holidays

Image Copyright Stephen DeVries / Offset.com|Illustration by Allie Pakrosnis 

Yummly_575955_Dec2020

With more people staying put for the holidays, many home cooks may be tackling a festive main course for the very first time, which can be borderline scary.

How to Tackle Intimidating Holiday Roasts Like a Pro 

The 14 Best Bagel Shops in NYC 

Courtesy of Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.

Nothing says summer in NYC like a lobster roll, and after months of eating mostly out of our own fridge, it feels like we’ve earned it (price tag and all).

Where to Get Lobster Rolls in NYC This Summer

Courtesy of Pilot

Local NYC cuisine may evoke images of cheese slices or hot dogs, but nothing is as New York as the freshly shucked oyster.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner’s Recent Articles

The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Rockaway Beach Day

Here’s how to do it right this summer.

15 Historic LGBTQIA+ Sites in NYC You Need to Visit

Discover important spots around the city that epitomize the vibrancy of the queer community and bring a voice to underrepresented narratives.

The 30 Best Pizza Places in NYC

From iconic and historic pizzerias to new additions ranging from indulgent burrata-topped pies to plant-based pizza.

These Canned Wines Need to Be in Your Cooler

From orange wines to bubbly whites, these portable varieties are some of our favorites.

Riviera Nayarit Is Mexico’s Dreamiest Beach Escape

Swim with whale sharks, lounge in a bungalow, eat birria.

How Captain Toby Stull Brought Sailing to Long Island’s LGBTQ+ Community

When he burned out on a law career, the seafaring life came calling.

How Neon Cowboy Hats Helped Make Country More Inclusive

Sometimes you need to stand out to fit in.

How to Get Started Planning Your Next Big Trip

The pandemic derailed our 2020 travel plans, keeping us dreaming of being, well, anywhere else.

How to Tackle Intimidating Holiday Roasts Like a Pro

With more people staying put for the holidays, many home cooks may be tackling a festive main course for the very first time, which can be borderline scary.

The 14 Best Bagel Shops in NYC

From old-school spots to new wave techniques.

Where to Get Lobster Rolls in NYC This Summer

If you can’t get to the beach, take one to the park.

Where to Get Oysters in NYC This Summer

Hint: Grab them to go or dine al fresco.