How to Be Outside, Inside Featuring Dante Hillmedo

New York is a fast-paced metropolis with its own distinct soundtrack and unmistakable sonic character. But if you slow down just enough, you’ll realize that the city’s visual language is just as captivating. Dante Hillmedo is a Bronx-raised visual aesthete and filmmaker who’s reached impressive heights in his storytelling craft — some of his videography clients include Hov, Michael Rubin and Essence. He recently expanded into the realm of full features and his debut film, Butterfly, took the honors for “Best Feature Film” at the Spring 2025 Big Apple Film Festival. 

Dante’s favorite ‘quiet-leisure’ moments in NYC include 4DX movie experiences, nature strolls through sprawling parks, and wax figure museum excursions.

 Explore his picks below: 

Okayplayer: Where do you go in NYC when you want to be outside without being outside? 

Dante Hillmedo: Regal Theaters is always catching up on a good movie or two, usually the one in Times Square for the 4DX experience. Madame Tussauds, is always cool to visit every now and then to see what new figures and experiences have been added since they update them regularly. If you're a fan of bowling like me, you're no stranger to Bowlmor. The one in Times Square is where I'll drop in from time to time.

Where do you go when you want to be around people but not with people?

The area around the Vessel near Hudson Yards is always a busy spot to just hang if you want to be around people without actually being with people. When the weather's nice, Central Park is always a vibe when you want to just be outside and enjoy nature a bit with fellow New Yorkers.

What does your perfect NYC day look like?

I feel that a perfect day in NYC would be catching a few movies at Regal Times Square, get some gaming in at Dave & Buster's, then having dinner at Mastro's on 6th Ave; love their lobster bisque and their lobster mac & cheese.