What a year 2016 has been. While we have had to say goodbye to some amazing people, like David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, and Leonard Cohen, the year has been filled with positives. Juno reached Jupiter’s orbit and has sent back great images, medical breakthroughs in the treatment of ALS and Alzheimer’s, and the Cubs winning the World Series. And these inventions prove that creativity and innovation are alive and well.
More 2016 Bests
Books
Reading is a favorite activity, and I’m often asked for recommendations. Some are old, some are new, some I’m reading for the second or third time. Time has a great list of the top books that came out in 2016.
Movies
2016 was a great year for the cinema. From the latest Avengers installment to award-winning indie films to great kid movies, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Catch up on any you missed with this list of top films on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plays
Here in New York, we have no shortage of great plays, both on-Broadway and off. Hamilton stole the show at the Tony’s and can still be seen in New York and Chicago, but there are many plays worth seeing if you’re around the city for the holidays.
TV Shows
Curling up at home to watch a favorite TV program on a cold night is often far more inviting than braving the cold. This year’s shows run the gamut from legal thrillers to comedies that prove laughter is the best medicine. Business Insider put together the top 18 shows you can watch right now.
Albums
Also offering a wide variety of styles and genres is the music of 2016. While many of us were busy replaying our David Bowie and Prince collections, new music, from new and not-so-new acts filled us with emotion. From Justin Timberlake to New Directions, pop is still popular, as these top hits reveal.
Restaurant
The world’s best restaurant, Osteria Francescana, reminds us that great food, like great art, is one of life’s treasures. We can learn a lot from Osteria Francescana and its head chef, Massimo Bottura, about how to deliver a great experience.
Airports
For those who travel often, the amenities and thoughtfulness put into the design of an airport really make a difference. One of my favorite airports is the San Antonio International Airport, but U.S. airports have a long way to go to be make the list of top airports in the world.
Hotel
The best hotel experience I had this year was at the 21C in Bentonville. The stay resulted in a weekend full of great art and architecture that led to an imagined conversation with Frank Lloyd Wright. I’m looking forward to the 21C opening in Nashville in the spring.
Christmas Markets
From France and Germany to San Francisco and Toronto, there’s something for everyone at the markets – food, decorations, gifts for everyone on our list, and plenty of people watching. This is my list of the best Christmas markets in the world.
Wishing you the best for the rest of 2016.
