Michael's Writing
For The New York Times
Selected reporting and features written for the Travel, Metro, Styles, Real Estate, and more.
Real Estate
Is Long Beach Island’s Audacious Architecture Being Washed Away?
The beloved summer getaway off the Jersey Shore has been a playground for modernism. But a new wave of Hamptons-style mansions may steal its identity.
Travel
Railway, Meet Milky Way: 5 Great Stargazing Trains
On nighttime excursions in dark-sky hot spots like Norway, New Zealand and Nevada, all you have to do is relax and look up. The stars will do the rest.
Travel
Venice for Less: A $1,000 Weekend Test
In a city known for high prices and dense crowds, a shoulder-season trip proves it’s possible to avoid both.
Metro
Commuters, Rejoice! The New Portal Bridge Is Ready for Riders.
The old Portal Bridge disrupted rail commutes in New Jersey for decades, frequently getting stuck when it swung to let boat traffic pass. Now a new bridge is open to the public.
Metro
As They Wait (and Wait) for 'S.N.L.' Tickets, These Fans Become Friends
Getting a seat inside the studio at 'Saturday Night Live' involves persistence and good humor. Some people build their weekends around it.
Metro
These Rocketry Hobbyists Are Not Just Playing Around
At a rocketry club's monthly launch, some of the projectiles flew as high as 4,500 feet, carrying onboard cameras, GPS trackers and altimeter-activated parachutes.
Travel
Chasing Waterfalls in Madeira's Misty Mountains
The island, a Portuguese territory, is only 35 miles long, but its mountains are laced with scenic trails, tumbling cascades and inviting villages.
Styles
A Rare Chance to Eat Like a Seal
Devoted fish fans converged in Hudson Yards for the Russ & Daughters Herring Pairing party, a New York tradition that returned this week after a six-year hiatus.
Metro
Locomotive 4207, on the Rails for 60 Years and Still Hauling Commuters
New Jersey Transit relies on more than 20 old-school diesel engines, including the United States' oldest locomotive in regular passenger service.
Travel
Meet the Leopards of YouTube
Livestreamed safaris have turned the elusive cats into internet stars with thousands of devoted fans. And they can be visited in person, too.
Travel
6 Spectacular North American Train Trips
The trains are destinations in themselves, offering a mix of spectacular sightseeing, onboard dining and glorious open-air observation cars.
Travel
Riding the Rails, Literally, on a Pedal-Powered Bike
Rail-biking uses specially designed vehicles that are pedaled along disused railway lines. It's easy and fun and uses existing tracks for recreation. One writer gave it a try in the Catskills.
Travel
All the Adventure, a Fraction of the Cost: The D.I.Y. Orient Express
The luxury version of this classic train journey costs almost $50,000, but for $1,000 or less, you can book the rail trip from Paris to Istanbul yourself.