Guest post written by Alisha Miranda, Brooklynite and Travel Writer

For those of you bearing the thought of going out to explore this metropolis I call home, I salute you. Even a local like myself finds it difficult to leave the comfort of working from home in pajamas to brave the cold and be a socialite. But there are plenty of reasons to do so.

Winter, though harsh, can be quite beautiful and amazing in New York. It’s the perfect time to plan days of indoor solitude at some of the best cultural spots in the world, and they are only a subway ride away! So, with mother nature hinting at dropping temperatures, I’ve gone ahead and made my list of must do and see activities in New York City this season. Join me if you dare.

1. Tis the season for hot chocolate & coffee tastings!

There are abundant amounts of cafes throughout New York City. Ask anyone for their favorite shop and they’ll probably answer with a neighborhood pick. I’m lucky enough to live in Brooklyn where you can run into a cafe at just about every corner. With my daily commute becoming colder and what feels longer, it’s a perfect time to warm up on the subway ride with a new taste of caffeine – whether it’s hot chocolate, or coffee, or both! Here’s where to go if you want a good cup o’ Joe or frothy chocolate

The MudTruck – Astor Place, East Village

If you haven’t noticed, food trucks are huge here in the city. Better yet, many are kind to your wallet. Mud is one of my favorite trucks as it serves decadent desserts just when you need that extra kick. Usually parked out near St. Mark’s Place in the East Village, the 70s esque orange truck serves up a thick cupful of melted hot chocolate for $3.50. This drink isn’t for calorie counters, as silky dark brown chocolate is poured layer after layer into your to go cup. Follow them on Twitter @mudpeople to see where they’re located that day.

Glass Shop – 766 Classon Ave., Prospect Heights – Brooklyn 

For the Brooklynites who join me in weekend wanderings, I suggest you swing by my neck of the woods to sip on a latte at Glass Shop. It’s easy to miss since the store front is bare save for a few benches and small fence out front, but inside it’s a quiet, charming cafe packed with worker bees on their laptops. Baristas here are plenty helpful and warm so don’t be afraid to ask them for a recommended hot drink. My drink of choice? A simple latte with the quintessential leafy, creamy swirl on top. If you’re lucky, you can grab one of their last olive oil cakes to snack on too!

2. Neighborhood Crawls

If you bundle up well enough, take advantage of quiet winter days to see a neighborhood you haven’t yet. One of my favorite activities in my borough of Brooklyn is to walk. My friends and I get together some weekends to go on neighborhood walks taking in flea market sales, window shopping, new bars and restaurants, and lots of photo ops. Lots of people ask me what neighborhoods I visit in Brooklyn and I always answer with these:

Prospect Heights, Bed-Stuy, Park Slope, Ft. Greene, Coney Island

If you want a well-rounded glimpse of how Brooklynites live, head to those areas. Bonus points if you join locals at Brooklyn Museum‘s Target First Saturdays party and make sure to take a stroll through Ft. Greene Park! If you are more of a history and architecture buff, can I interest you in an architecture walking tour?

3. Museum Days

Need some alone time? You probably do. When I have those days, I head out to a museum for some indoor refuge. There’s plenty of arts and culture to fill you with excitement in this city so it’s hard to make it out to all the museums we have, but I’m on a mission to visit one new museum a month. With ticket prices discounted or even donation-based, I have no excuse!

MoMA PS1 – Long Island City, Queens

DJ dance parties and art mingle here during the summer, but during the winter things get calm as the space focuses on highlighting experimental art for public viewing. There’s over 50 exhibits every year and they’re all free! Everything from historical surveys, art installations to music performances are hosted here which makes me think it’s time to see PS1 live finally.

The Cloisters – Ft. Tryon Park, Manhattan

If you’re more of a Met person, then you need to plan a day trip to The Cloisters Museum and Gardens in northern Manhattan. It’s an entire site dedicated to the architecture of medieval Europe, and though a pretty far subway ride, worth it for a group trip with friends. From looking at the pictures alone, you’ll feel transported back in time which is just the kind of break one needs from a city like New York. Don’t forget to call ahead for reservations!

Other places you’ll find me lurking this winter are the Comedy Cellar in the West Village in hopes of catching Louis C.K. live, Restaurant Week to wine and dine with friends, and food markets to shop local. Now taking friend requests to join me…

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Alisha Miranda is a proud Brooklynite with a love for city travel. Never far away from her smartphone and Macbook, she’s always searching for new things to do, foods to taste, and events to crash. You can follow her adventures in New York City on Tumblr, Foursquare, and Twitter.