Inspired by last night’s extraordinary Gossip Girl return, Betty and Co. got all decked out and headed to Butter (the featured hot spot of the episode along with Socialista), and rumored to be especially fun on Monday nights when the lounge downstairs becomes stocked with stars like John Mayer, Madonaa, Olsens etc.

So on this one Monday that Betty decided to take part in the merriment - she could not have been more disapointed by the dismal, depressing, euro-trash scene. OMFG!

It is with deep regret that Betty must confirm Jenny Humphrey’s words are true, “Not going to Butter is so much better than going to Butter.” 

Guess you’d better stay home or pick a new nightspot girls.

When New York City life gets a little crazy and Betty feels like slowing things down, she heads to Hill Country (60 W. 26th St between Broadway and Sixth) for some of the best barbecue in New York.  The whole experience is like a mini-trip to Frontier Land at Disney, complete with mason jars for drinks and silverware, massive wooden tables and children running under-foot.

After ordering a cool beverage (Betty recommends the Hill Country Cooler - a combination of vodka, triple sec and Tang) you can sidle up to the pit masters for pork ribs, brisket and barbecue chicken by the pound.

Around 9pm each night, a band takes the stage downstairs.  Last week, Betty caught Yarn - a very listenable, totally swoon-worthy alternative country quintet.  They’ll be back this Wednesday, April 23rd.

For more info on Hill Country visit http://www.hillcountryny.com, and to listen to Yarn, head to: http://www.yarnmusic.net

Anywhere else in the country you can join “Planet Fitness” for $29.95, use one of the thousands of available eliptical machines, and cancel your membership at any time. Here in New York, joining a gym is a process equivalent to choosing a college - It’s an expensive, long term commitment with many options to consider.

1- The Basics. All gyms should give you a free pass to use their facilities for a week. In order to get this, you usually have to endure a very sales-pitchy tour. Don’t be pressured to accept the first offer, even if the sales associate offers a one-time only price. The deal will still be there after you’ve had time to use the gym for a week and think about it.

Make sure to check out the gym location you’ll most frequently use at the time you’ll normally use it, i.e. right before or after work, to get an idea of the locker room crowd level and equipment availability.
2- Financing. No gym will give you prices online or over the phone. This is because all gym members pay different prices, depending on their employee assistance plans, and ability to haggle. First - check out whether you’ll receive a discount for certain gyms through your employer or whether your health insurance offers gym reimbursement.

At all gyms, during certain times during (2 “durings”s- maybe say “of the year” )the year, initiation fees and rates are dropped, and you should always try to bargain your way out of them. Expect to pay more if you want a month-to-month commitment, and less if you sign up for a year or two years. If you do commit for the long term - know that the only way you’ll get out of it is with a doctors note or proof of a move at least 100 miles away.
3- Know your options.

New York Sports Club’s are scattered across the city on nearly every corner. These are the most prevalent and relatively inexpensive, starting at around $59 for initiation plus around $79- $99 a month for attendance with a one year commitment. This should include usage of any NYSC, any class at any time.

Equinox - A few cuts above, Equinox gyms offer spa like amenities, steam rooms and juice bars. Hip lighting and sleek decor with none of that typical locker room stench.

Golds Gym - Convenient to those who work in the financial district, where there’s a gigantic new location. This gym is cheaper, and has good classes, but has less frills and attracts more of a body builder crowd. There is also an older location in midtown west

New York Health and Racquet Club - Expensive and probably the most well-known to the New York Elite- you get a discount if you live in one of their buildings. An insider notes that this gym features “newer equipment, great amenities and intense instructors,” though the “price-tag and location” might keep you at bay.
4- Take advantage of NYC’s natural resources. Maybe you think you need to join a gym for the pre-bikini season crunch, but as the weather warms up, you may just need to get outside for a walk or run in Central park or along Hudson River Parkway.