The Weekender: Coffee benefits, 30 shows to watch and a summer vacation quiz

Plus: Your wine starter pack.

View in browser|nytimes.com June 7, 2025 This week, hundreds of thousands of Times readers doodled, wrote poems and found surprising uses for household items. These projects were part of Well's 5-Day Creativity Challenge. If you missed it, and you can still get your synapses firing by dipping in now. "Intentional daydreaming," which was the exercise on Day 3, seems like a solid weekend activity. So does making the soup Yewande Komolafe, a cooking writer, says got her back into the kitchen. Or reading one of the thrillers that our columnist Sarah Lyall named the best of the year (so far). And, the Tony Awards are on Sunday! Michael Paulson, who covers Broadway, has made his predictions. We'll be reporting live from the red carpet at 5:30 p.m. E.D.T. See you in the comments? — Farah Miller Getty Images YOUR HEALTH That cup of coffee may have a longer-term perk. Here's what we know. → Thea Traff for The New York Times ON BROADWAY George Clooney, Audra McDonald, Daniel Dae Kim, Sarah Snook and 37 more Tony nominees shared the obstacles that shaped them. → Katherine Marks for The New York Times HOME TOUR The choreographer couple behind "Buena Vista Social Club" shared the special touches that make their home so cozy. → Jillian Freyer for The New York Times MADE IN AMERICA Jacob Long bet his family, his livelihood and his personal philosophy about craftsmanship on a risky plan. → Erik Winkowski THE CREATIVITY CHALLENGE Want to feel happier, lighter, less stuck? Try these fun daily activities. → Tony Cenicola/The New York Times STARTER PACK For aspiring wine lovers, these six bottles are a great introduction. → Paul McDonough TOP 100 This year, our critics named a new No. 1 pick for best restaurant in New York City. See the full list. → Jonathan Hession/Netflix WHAT TO WATCH Couch potatoes, rejoice: Here are 30 shows to watch this summer. → The New York Times WHAT TO READ Looking for a great thriller? We've got twisty, suspense-laden books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. → Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich. WHAT TO COOK Yewande Komolafe was sidelined by illness for more than a year. This soup got her back in the kitchen. → Michael K. Wilkinson AROUND THE HOUSE You can't block HVAC vents, but you can make them less noticeable. Here's how. → Clockwise from top left: John Francis Peters for The New York Times; Michelle Litvin for The New York Times; Nate Abbott for The New York Times; Michelle Mishina Kunz for The New York Times SUMMER VACATION How much do you know about these summer hot spots? Take the quiz. → Thanks for reading. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here, and be sure to check out more lifestyle stories from The Times. This edition of The Weekender was edited by Farah Miller and Kellina Moore. You might also like the Evening newsletter. Catch up on the biggest news, and wind down to end your day. Get it in your inbox If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times about The Weekender. To stop receiving The Weekender, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018