Hotels on East 79th Street in New York City

Escape the fast-paced lifestyle and tourist-packed streets of New York City by booking one of the few hotels near East 79th Street, a primarily residential district dotted with high-end brownstones and a few casual restaurants and boutique shops. Tucked away in the elite Upper East Side, the street is just steps from marquee landmarks, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park attractions, such as Belvedere Castle, a small but ornate 1869 structure, and Delacorte Theater, home to the famed “Shakespeare in the Park” productions. Budget hotels are a rarity in the area with most hotel rates running on the higher side.

A Rose by Any Other Name

• Enjoy upscale accommodations at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, on 76th Street. The lavish hotel has opulent suites outfitted with such perks as monogrammed bathrobes, slippers, oversized umbrellas, laptops for personal use and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the park and Manhattan skyline. The luxurious spa is decorated with chandeliers and frosted glass and provides massage and skin care treatments. The hotel offers perks for young guests as well, such as in-room baby-proofing services, child robes and slippers, cribs and monitors, changing tables and bottle warmers. Pets under 25 pounds are allowed and receive dog beds, treats and bowls during their stay. The hotel also offers dog-walking services.

Surrey with the Fringe

• Housed inside a historic 1926 building, the Surrey is another high-end hotel on 76th Street. Dine in elegance at Cafe Boulud, a gourmet French restaurant owned by celebrated chef Daniel Boulud and winner of the prestigious one-star Michelin rating in 2014. The hotel provides complimentary seasonal bike rentals and Cafe Boulud will also pack picnic lunches for your ride. Book a romance package and receive a bottle of champagne, turn-down service and a couples massage. Refined accommodations include salons, penthouses and suites equipped with possible amenities of fireplaces, soaking tubs, terraces and private access to the rooftop garden.
• Mark It on a Map

• Set on 77th Street, the Mark Hotel provides luxurious accommodations, including many guest rooms with views of the courtyard gardens, deep-soaking tubs, complimentary daily shoe shines and free delivery of the newspaper to your room. Upgrade to a suite and possible perks include heated towel racks, fully-equipped kitchens and walk-in closets. The "Suite Car" package ensures a car and driver during your stay if you book at least a one-bedroom suite. The hotel provides specialized services for kids, such as custom-designed strollers, snacks and toys.

Frankly Chic

• Tucked away on 87th Street, the Franklin Hotel has guest rooms with such luxurious perks as high-end toiletries, chandeliers, terry bathrobes and complimentary overnight shoe shines. The boutique hotel also provides free amenities, such as European breakfast buffet each morning, wine and cheese receptions in the evening and specialty coffee drinks in the lobby throughout the day. Explore the area via the "Culture and Cuisine" package which includes tickets to the Whitney Museum of American Art and a local restaurant guidebook.

Read More ..... »

Hotels Near West 34th Street in New York City

Covering just seven blocks in Midtown, West 34th Street packs a wallop in a short stretch. Although the street itself is home to standard attractions, including movie theaters and major chain stores, it’s surrounded by such iconic New York landmarks as Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Herald Square and the Empire State Building. Although West 34th Street includes only one hotel, neighboring blocks provide a host of lodging options.

The Miracle Street

• Regency Inn and Suites is the lone hotel on NYC's West 34th Street. The hotel provides budget-friendly accommodations, beginning with free breakfast each morning. As a guest of the hotel you’ll also receive discounted access to a nearby fitness center. Affinia Dumont, a boutique hotel with all-suite accommodations, is on East 34th Street, just three blocks east of West 34th. All of the guest rooms have full kitchens, and some have sweeping views of the city and in-room telescopes. Special perks provided include grocery delivery service, complimentary wine hours and an on-site nutritionist that directs you toward healthy dining options throughout the city.

Heading South

• Head just south of 34th Street and you’ll find a host of lodging options. Fairfield Inn and Suites Midtown Manhattan, on West 33rd Street, has many guest rooms and a rooftop observatory with views of the skyline. Grab a drink from the seasonal rooftop bar and enjoy complimentary hot breakfast each morning. The hotel also has coin-operated laundry facility and a small convenience store in the lobby. Hotel Stanford is a small boutique hotel on West 32nd Street. The lobby includes an elegant wine bar and a casual coffeehouse. Guest rooms provide amenities such as a revolving collection of newspapers and magazines; slippers, umbrellas and adapters are available upon request.
• Navigating Northward

• Make your way north to West 35th Street for an assortment of hotels. Wingate by Wyndham Manhattan Midtown provides basic accommodations, including guest rooms with microwaves and refrigerators. The hotel serves complimentary breakfast each morning, while the on-site Asian restaurant offers lunch and dinner. The hotel also has limo and car service upon request. TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South has large rooms, some of which accommodate up to eight people. Book unique rooms based on your interests and needs; these include fitness rooms with exercise equipment and workout clothing, family rooms with bunk beds, and technologically-savvy rooms with 3-D televisions, intricate sound systems and popcorn machines.

Broadway Bound

• West 35th also has some hotels set just steps from the bright lights of Broadway. Enjoy lavish perks at Hotel Metro, including a seasonal rooftop garden terrace and guest rooms with high-end toiletries, rain shower heads and whirlpool tubs. The hotel also has an elegant on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is free and served daily. Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street has a lobby bar with outdoor seating and big-screen televisions that typically show sports. There’s also a 24-hour convenience store in the lobby that sells beverages and packaged snacks. For an added touch, the hotel’s romance package includes sparkling wine, and the comedy club package provides admission to nearby stand-up hot spots.

Read More ..... »

How to Visit New York City in the Winter With Children

New York City has a unique charm in the wintertime. During the Christmas season, the city is alive with holiday cheer. Winter can also bring a beautiful dusting (or blanket) of snow, giving New York a fresh, clean look. Bundle up the kids and visit the Big Apple for some fun winter excitement.

Things You'll Need

• Walking shoes Camera

Tips For You

1. Arrange transportation from the airport. There are three major airports in and around New York City. If you will be taking an international flight, you will probably fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is located in Queens; or you might fly into Newark International Airport, which is in Newark, New Jersey. Newark also handles domestic flights and is less crowded than JFK Airport, but you'll need to travel a bit further to get to New York City. LaGuardia Airport, also located in Queens, is another option.
2. Take advantage of the public transportation once you get into the city. The subway system will get you just about anywhere you need to go. You can also take the bus or a cab to get to your destination.
3. Book lodging. New York City has several hotels that cater to families traveling to the Big Apple. The Doubletree Times Square is great for its convenient location and kid-friendly amenities. Cribs and strollers are readily available, and guests can even request a child-proofed room. Rooms are equipped with Sony Playstations, and kid-friendly food items are available for room service. The Hilton Times Square is also in the heart of the New York City bustle. The rooms are high up (the lobby is on the 21st floor) and offer great views of the city. The hotel is a part of a mega-entertainment complex. Visitors might want to catch a flick at the 25-screen movie theater or visit the wax museum. Shopping and restaurants are also available.
4. Visit the museums. When the cold winter winds blow, families with children may want to experience New York--inside. A favorite attraction for young and old is the Museum of Natural History. Kids will enjoy walking among the prehistoric giants found in the dinosaur halls. If the kids get hungry, take them to the museum food court. Another museum to visit is the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which has five floors of hands-on activities, based around book or TV themes.
5. Go ice skating. Ice skating in New York City is a favorite activity for visitors, as well as the locals, during the winter months. If you happen to be visiting during the Christmas season, and don't mind the crowds, try the Rockefeller Center's ice skating rink. Decked out in holiday decorations, and shadowed by the famous Christmas tree, it's a festive place to skate. If you want the fun of ice skating without the crowds, you can go to Bryant Pond. The admission is free, but there is a charge for skate rental.
6. Go shopping. Shopping in New York City is an experience that's hard to find anywhere else. For instance, the Toys R Us in Times Square has an indoor ferris wheel, a 34-foot animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex and a life-size Candyland board game--complete with candy. Girls will want to visit the American Girls Place, which not only has the famous American Girl dolls displayed, but also a cafe and a live musical theater.
7. Experience the holiday season. New York City really does the Christmas season in a big way. If you will be traveling during Christmas time, make sure you see the window displays at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and other window fronts. Take the family to see the famous Rockettes, and the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Read More ..... »

New York City Tours From Minneapolis

Touring New York City from Minneapolis is an exciting adventure. Many different travel options exist to suit your needs. Depending on the number of people in your party, you can charter a private vehicle, hop aboard a public bus or fly. The travel time between cities is almost a full day via bus or car, so take that into account when you make your plans. Flying is more expensive but cuts down on travel time, thus giving you more opportunity to explore the Big Apple.

Minneapolis Charter Bus

• The Minneapolis Charter Bus, part of US Coachways (uscoachways.com), has more than six buses and three vans you can reserve to travel to NYC. Depending on the size of your party, you can request the Motor Coach, the Mini Coach, the Party Bus or the Lincoln Limousine. Total travel time is approximately 21 hours one-way. At time of publication, the average cost for a 56-passenger charter bus for one week is $5,000 door-to-door. This price does not include gasoline, but it does include a driver. If you do not wish to charter a bus, take a passenger bus service for a cheap, efficient way to travel.

Online Travel Websites

• For a last-minute tour to NYC from Minneapolis, browse through online travel websites for vacation packages. Various packages feature car rentals and flights between these two cities. At time of publication, you can fly to NYC from Minneapolis and tour the city for four days (three nights) for $829. This price includes three nights of lodging at a hotel in downtown Manhattan and round-trip airfare.

Guided Tours by Bike

• Once you are in NYC, rent a bike and go on a guided tour to see the famous local sights. At the time of publication, rentals and tours are available for half a day or a full day. The price of the tour depends on which one you sign up for and the number of people in your group. Tours are customized to fit the ability levels of riders. Bike the Big Apple (bikethebigapple.com) provides specific tours on certain days of the week. For example, you can sign up for the Friday Night Tour of Manhattan and then wake up early and join the Delights of Brooklyn bike tour, which takes place every Saturday morning.

New York City Sightseeing Tour

• Continue your tour with the New York Sightseeing Tour Company (citysightsny.com). Packages range from night tours, day tours and those that take you through all the major boroughs. Some tours will also take you through a New York winery. The double-decker buses come equipped with air-conditioning, radios and seat belts. At time of publication, the Classic New York City Double-Decker Bus Tour starts at $84 for adults and $61 for kids. The tour stops at the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and downtown Brooklyn.

Read More ..... »

Sights to See in the Catskills

Visitors to the Catskills may find it difficult to believe that this serene rural region is just a few hours from the hustle and bustle of New York City. For generations, this mountain range in southeastern New York has drawn travelers and artists with its natural beauty; in the mid-1800s, the Hudson River School landscape painters immortalized the valleys, mountains and forests across the Catskill region. Today, the many sights and attractions in the Catskills still attract those seeking scenic views.

Views

• For scenic views, head out to the Catskills' many parks and nature areas. Spend an afternoon or several days exploring the natural beauty of North-South Lake Park. The largest park in the Catskill Forest Preserve, North-South Lake Park offers swimming, camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and some of the best views around. Climb 2,250 feet to the former site of the Catskill Mountain House -- a 19th-century hotel that drew several U.S. presidents -- or take the short walk from the South Lake parking lot to Alligator Rock, an oddly shaped rock formation that's had "teeth" added over the years. For panoramic views that span the Hudson River Valley -- and New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut on clear days -- head to the Five State Lookout. Just outside of East Windham, this state-maintained lookout sits atop the Mohican Trail.

History

• For a glimpse into the past, visit a Catskill museum. The Bevier House Museum in Marbletown is housed in a home dating to the 1680s. Originally a one-room house built by Dutch settlers, today this restored building contains artwork, artifacts, furniture and cultural items from the region, including Civil War memorabilia. The museum is open from May through October, Thursday through Sunday. Tour the locks at the the D&H Canal Historical Society and Museum in High Falls. Set in a 19th-century church building, the museum contains working artifacts from the Delaware and Hudson Canal's heyday, as well as art and artifacts from centuries past. Now a national historic landmark, visitors can take a tour of the locks along the canal on weekends from May through October.

Arts

• Experience the Catskills' rich artistic traditions at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild. Set on a 250-acre campus in Woodstock, this working artists' colony has been promoting the arts in the region since 1902. The colony houses potters, metalworkers, painters, sculptors and performing artists. The Byrdcliffe shop is open Wednesday through Sunday and the colony hosts a regular series of events. The Mainly Greene project has transformed main streets in Greene County into living art galleries; from Catskill to Prattsville, artists, galleries and venues along the Rip Van Winkle Trail offer a series of events, showings, talks and performances throughout the year.

Natural Beauty

• See the subject that inspired authors and artists -- from "Sleepy Hollow" author Washington Irving to painter Thomas Cole -- up close and personal at Kaaterskill Falls. This 260-foot waterfall crashes down over two levels of gray stones. A visit to the falls is a 1.4-mile hike that begins about three miles west of Palenville. Take a stroll or a paddle through RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, a 480-acre preserve near Catskill. This swamp is home to bald eagles, great blue herons and more than 30 species of dragonflies, as well as river otters, muskrats and beavers. RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary is open year-round and offers cross-country skiing trails in winter.

Read More ..... »

Things to Do in NYC If You've Never Gone Before

New York City can be an overwhelming place for a first-time visitor -- or even for a 50th-time visitor. Let’s face it, even if you live there 365 days a year, New York can be an overwhelming place. If you’re a New York novice just looking to get your bearings in the United States’ largest, busiest city, there are some basic but nonetheless exciting activities you should experience before moving up a level to “grizzled New York denizen” status.

New York From the Sea and Sky

• The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise has been circumnavigating Manhattan since 1945. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise boasts views of 101 city sights, including a close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Vouchers can be used for any cruise, so scheduling is convenient. After taking in the whole island from its watery perimeter, a trip to the observation deck of the Empire State Building is like a real-life version of Google Maps. The whole city lies before you. The 102nd-floor deck is the highest location in New York accessible to the public. Lines can be long, so buying tickets online is recommended.

A Day in New York Is a Walk in the Park

• At the center of the island of Manhattan, 843 acres stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street, is Central Park. The park can serve as an oasis from a busy day of touring the sights of the city -- or it can be a destination in itself. The first landscaped park in the country, Central Park features hiking and biking trails; lush, rolling lawns perfect for sunbathing; a concert facility where national music acts perform throughout each summer; and even its own lake. A stroll to the butterfly gardens in the park’s North Meadow is an excellent getaway not only for the colors and tranquility, but because not many people know about the “secret” gardens. So on a sunny day, they’re your best chance to get a few moments away from the crowd. The best part of a walk in the park? Admission is free.

Neon Lights Are Bright on Broadway

• You can be forgiven if you think “Broadway” is a street. It is, but Broadway refers to the 40 theaters clustered around the Times Square area, which centers around Broadway the street, 7th and 8th Avenues, from 41st Street to 52nd. While some shows flop and last only a matter of weeks on Broadway, others seem to run forever. “The Phantom of the Opera” has run for more than 25 years and shows no signs of slowing. Other long-running shows include “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” “Mamma Mia” and “The Book of Mormon.” Broadway shows play eight times per week -- nightly plus afternoon matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays for most shows. The easiest way to pick up a Broadway ticket is to stand in line at the TKTS booth, which has stood at 47th and Broadway for more than 40 years. But online sites such as Broadway.com and Theatermania.com offer tickets in advance, often at a discount, without the wait.

Want to Buy a Bridge? Or Walk Across One?

• Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, another of New York City’s many iconic locales, is one of the most beautiful ways to see the city. Start walking at the Manhattan Municipal Building across from City Hall downtown. If you’re unsure where to go, on any nice day, there is a crowd of walkers and cyclists you can follow. You’re now walking over the East River, and it’s worth a stop halfway across to take pictures or just contemplate the bustle of activity below and all around you. When you exit the bridge in the Brooklyn district called DUMBO, you’ll have an appetite. Grimaldi’s, always a candidate in the race for New York’s best pizza, is right there under the bridge.

Read More ..... »

Places to Go in Queens, New York City

When it comes to tourism, New York City's four boroughs that aren't Manhattan often get overlooked. It's understandable, but also a shame. Those other four boroughs, including Queens, contain fascinating and worthwhile sights that may fall off the general tourist's radar. But if your interests lie in sports, history, art and nature, making a few stops in Queens might be a good idea on any trip to the Big Apple.

Pro Sporting Events

• Queens is home to the New York Mets, who play at Citi Field in Flushing Meadows Park. Citi Field replaced the Mets' former home of Shea Stadium at Flushing Meadows and is notable for being a baseball-only designed ballpark that can't host football games as Shea did. The ballpark features many classic design elements reminiscent of the grand old baseball venues, such as Ebbet's Field, which once stood in Brooklyn next to Queens. Tours of the facility are offered throughout the year. Tennis fans flock to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows each year for the U.S. Open. The 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium is part of the complex, considered the largest tennis stadium in the world.

Museums

• Not all of New York City's renowned cultural institutions are in Manhattan. In fact, Queens is home to some of the city's more enthralling and specialized museums. They may be a lot smaller than, say, the Met or the Guggenheim, but you'll find some entrancing exhibits housed in museum galleries east of the Queensboro Bridge. For film buffs, a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image is a must. If you have children in tow, the New York Hall of Science is geared toward them with its many interactive learning displays. Art aficionados should check out both MoMA PS1 -- a branch of the Museum of Modern Art devoted to displaying experimental art in a historic space -- and the Queens Museum of Art.

Parks and Green Space

• If you have time to visit only one park in Queens, make it Flushing Meadows. Not only does it contain Queens' most well-known attractions, there's also a healthy dose of green space to boot. Head to Forest Park for a stroll through a real patch of woods and to Astoria Park for amazing city skyline views from the walkway along the banks of the East River. Surprising to many first-timers, and maybe even to some locals, Queens is home to a National Park at the Jamaica Bay Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The enormous, protected bay also contains a wildlife refuge that's a significant bird sanctuary and a popular spot for birders.

Historical Sites

• A good place to begin exploring area history is at the Kingsland Homestead in Weeping Beech Park. Built in 1785, it's a fine remaining example of the farmhouses that were once found throughout the area during colonial times and is now a house museum open for tours on selected days of the week or by appointment. More farm history can be found at the Queens County Farm Museum, a still-working farm dating to 1697 that claims to be the largest remaining undisturbed tract of farmland in New York City. From 1943 until his death in 1971, jazz great and cultural icon Louis Armstrong called the same house in Queens home. Today, that house is the Louis Armstrong House Museum, devoted to covering the life and legacy of the legendary musician.

Read More ..... »

Hot Spots for Photography of New York City Architecture

In a city that defines monumental architecture in the modern age, a look at New York City's skyline is like a history lesson in modern architecture. While many cities have towers taller than New York's, none can lay claim to such a complete collection of modern and contemporary architecture -- to a skyline that illustrates the development of modern architecture and where the world's first skyscrapers stand among modernist glass towers, imaginative post-modern creations and even Gothic church spires. New York City offers architecture enthusiasts treasures at every corner, but a few sites stand out as the perfect place to stop and take a few pictures.

Midtown East

• Midtown East is home to some of New York City's most emblematic buildings. On 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building is the iconic image of the city -- so often photographed and filmed that it can almost seem like a cliche. The Chrysler building on Lexington Avenue is another art-deco building offering good photo opportunities, with its sleek steel finishing reflecting city lights and sunsets. Just down the street is the huge Grand Central Terminal, notable both for the ornate details of its beaux-arts exterior and the interesting lighting in its cavernous classical interior. For more modern architecture, head up Park Avenue to Mies van der Rohe's 1958 Seagram Building, a defining work of the functionalist international style.

Rockefeller Center

• While most visitors head straight to the ice-skating rink, Rockefeller Center is actually a huge art-deco building complex running from 47th to 52nd street in Midtown West. The complex includes both recognizable buildings like the GE Building and a series of plazas and open spaces with monumental works of art. The carefully planned and well-spaced complex provides for interesting photographic vistas and more air than in most of Midtown. Among Rockefeller Center's most famous sculptures is the massive gold-leaf statue of Prometheus stealing the fire from the Gods in the central sunken plaza. You can also climb to observation decks in several of the buildings to take photographs of the Midtown skyline.

Harlem

• Before minority migration to the area and Harlem's famed artistic Renaissance, this corner of Manhattan was a tranquil suburban housing area for some of New York's wealthier residents. Architecture from that period can still be seen in Harlem's ornate Gothic churches and residential architecture like the town houses on Strivers' Row and the Astor Row Houses. Today, these elegant row houses make Harlem one of the few places in Manhattan with buildings low enough to let in good photographic light throughout the day. The vibrant and multi-ethnic neighborhood also provides fascinating images of how its residents have breathed new life into many of the neighborhood's historic landmarks.

Financial District

• The southern tip of Manhattan -- today the city's Financial District -- is where New York began. It's also home to a stunning diversity of architecture from different periods, from colonial fortresses and churches to the huge neoclassical old Custom House and some of the world's first skyscrapers. The area around City Hall is especially notable, with the 1913 Woolworth Building and the 1912 Municipal Building demonstrating early skyscraper designs by Cass Gilbert and McKim, Mead and White respectively -- looking more like elongated Gothic churches than modern steel towers. In the distance, you can also see Frank Gehry's -- of Bilbao Guggenheim fame -- recent contribution to the city skyline, the dynamic, crumpled steel towers of 8 Spruce Street inaugurated in 2011.

Read More ..... »

NYC Day Trip Itinerary

Visiting New York City in just one day means merely scratching the surface of the Big Apple. But if you're within reach, get an early start and make the most of it. As the song goes, "I'll Take Manhattan," since Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, too, are simply more ground than anyone can cover in 24 hours or less. Get your walking shoes and let's explore the heart of Manhattan on the East Side, West Side and around Central Park.

Midtown Manhattan

• At East 50th Street, the Fifth Avenue Channel Gardens leading to the GE skyscraper at 30 Rock feature changing seasonal floral displays. Follow the Promenade toward Sixth Avenue where in winter months ice skaters have twirled beneath the giant Christmas tree since 1936. In summer, the sunken plaza reverts to an outdoor cafe with impressive views of the masterpiece statue of a giant, gilded Prometheus. Maximize your time by combining Radio City Music Hall's Stage Door Tour of the 1932 art deco palace with a tour of NBC Studios and Top of the Rock. Time should allow for a photo opportunity in front of the 15-foot bronze Atlas statue and a peek inside St. Patrick's Cathedral, right on the doorstep of Rockefeller Center.

Upper East Side

• At East 42nd Street, admire the outstanding interiors at Grand Central Terminal with a self-guided audio tour before following Fifth Avenue north. Shopping enthusiasts may choose to walk on parallel Madison Avenue, enjoying window displays and browsing at specialty stores and art galleries. While it's said that one cannot appreciate everything in the enormous Metropolitan Museum of Art, if you're looking for a change of pace, you'll find the 18th century Frick Collection, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum along Museum Mile. On the side streets, pass by uniformed doormen to take in glimpses of marble-floored apartment building lobbies, well-groomed brownstones and designer chic boutiques to sum up the tony atmosphere of the Upper East Side.

Central Park

• If Broadway is the heart of New York City, Central Park is the lungs. Here, city residents and visitors alike can bike, walk, skate and run through the 843 acres of gently landscaped green spaces. Head for the Garden of Peace at Strawberry Fields near West 72nd Street, a memorial for John Lennon, who lived across the street. Take a spin on the colorful carousel mid-park at 64th Street, walk through the mini-zoo, ride through the park on a horse and buggy or visit the popular Alice in Wonderland sculpture. Those with energy to burn can rent a row boat at The Lake where lunch and drinks are served in the waterside cafe. Among the 21 playgrounds and 36 bridges, under one of the 24,000 trees or seated upon one of the 9,000 benches, you're sure to find just the right spot to enjoy Central Park.

West Side

• You'll be able to squeeze in a Broadway show matinee if you've scheduled a Wednesday, Saturday or a Sunday afternoon around it. Just stop in at the TKTS booth at Times Square to buy a discounted ticket. Turn east from Broadway at 42nd to stroll through pretty Bryant Park where tables and chairs are set out behind the New York Public Library. Proceed south along Fifth Avenue to 34th Street for your next memorable moment: a visit to the Observation Deck at the Empire State Building. The skyscraper is open 365 days a year until 2 a.m., so there's little chance you'll run out of time for this 86th floor attraction, which offers jazz and spectacular views by night as well. Or, go even higher to the Top Deck on the 102nd floor.

Read More ..... »

List of Dinner Tours in New York City

New York City is not only one of the world's top tourist destinations, with world-renowned sights such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, but is also home to numerous types of cuisine from around the world. Take a bite out of the Big Apple that will really fill you up by going on a sightseeing tour that includes dinner.

Walking Tours

• Burn off a few calories before you chow down by taking a walking dinner tour. City Food Tours offers two tours that take place in the evening -- the NoLIta: Eat a Bite of Ethnic New York tour and the Flavors of New York tour. On the NoLIta tour, you will explore the Manhattan neighborhood tucked away between Little Italy, Chinatown and SoHo while you sample fresh mozzarella, Banh Mi sandwiches and authentic New York cheesecake. Flavors of New York takes you through the East Village and includes Ukrainian pierogis and old-style egg creams. Walking Tours Manhattan is another tour company offering dinner walks. On the Comfort Foods Dinner Tour you'll visit the oldest pub in NYC and taste some of the East Village's best macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and cheesecake. The Little Italy Dinner Tour lets you visit this neighborhood's famous landmarks, then dine at the nation's oldest pizzeria.

Limo Tours

• Tour the sights in luxury while cruising in a chauffeured limo, then dine in style at one of the city's premier restaurants or nightclubs. Tour company Get Your Guide offers several dinner packages, including a one-hour limo tour of Manhattan followed by dinner at The View, New York's only rotating rooftop restaurant, and a "Private Romantic" package that includes a limo ride followed by a horse-drawn carriage tour of Central Park and topped off with dinner at the Russian Tea Room. Harlem Spirituals has a two-hour limo tour that ends with dinner and music at one of the city's jazz clubs.

Bus Tours

• See the city from a comfortable motor coach before you dine. NY Bus Tours offers the city's only double-decker bus night tour, which cruises past sights such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo and the Brooklyn Bridge and culminates in dinner at Planet Hollywood. Gray Line's luxurious Night on the Town package features a bus tour of downtown Manhattan, dinner in Little Italy and an hour-long boat cruise complete with champagne, then finishes up at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

Harbor Cruises

• Take in the city lights and the world-famous New York skyline from the water as you cruise the harbor on a luxury yacht, enjoying a gourmet dining experience. Bateaux New York offers a three-hour dinner tour with menu items such as red curry pork, bouillabaisse and chicken piccata. The World Yacht Dinner Cruise offers music and dancing as well as menu choices, including filet mignon, salmon and a vegetarian portobello mushroom dish. The Spirit of New York dinner cruises feature a live DJ, carving stations with sirloin and pork loin and a vegetarian pasta entree.

Read More ..... »

Beach Weekend Getaways From New York City

Summer in New York City means free movies in Central Park, outdoor concerts and hansom cab rides. It also means suffocatingly hot days and subways that feel like saunas. Spring and fall bring more comfortable weather conditions, but as exciting as the Big Apple can be, sometimes you just have to get out of town and head for the beach. It is unnecessary to battle airport lines to fly 1200 miles to Miami, when you can find a beach getaway so close to home that you can be wriggling your toes in the sand in just an hour or two.

Chill Out on Fire Island

• Just 61 miles from NYC, Fire Island is host to a collection of resort communities variously catering to singles, couples or families. Take a taxi or limo from Manhattan to catch the ferry for a quick ride to the island. No cars are allowed in any of the communities, but The Palms in Ocean Beach offers its guests free use of bicycles and little red wagons. Take time to go clamming on the beach, bicycle down the boardwalk or bring your surfboard and catch a wave at a sandbar break.

Beach, Boardwalk and Doo Wop

• Put on your saddle shoes and prepare to travel back to the 1950s in the retro town of Wildwood, New Jersey. 155 miles from Manhattan, the Doo Wop Motel District -- officially called Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District -- is home to a collection of gaudy, kitschy motels with fantasy themes, colorful paint jobs and flashy neon signs. Whether you prefer the Jetsons-style decor of the Satellite Motel or the unabashed cuteness of the Lollipop Motel, you will be just steps from the beach and the boardwalk. Affectionately called "two miles of smiles" by locals, the boardwalk offers five amusement piers where you can ride roller coasters, play carnival games and gorge yourself on cotton candy and hot dogs.

Casinos and Crashing Waves

• 126 miles from New York City, New Jersey's Atlantic City is generally thought of as only a gambling destination, but it doubles as a seaside getaway with clean, uncrowded beaches and decent surf. Even if you don't gamble, you'll get a good room rate at one of the casino hotels, often including coupons for a free buffet. All Atlantic City beaches are free, and you can stroll the 3.4 miles of sand, stopping at beach bars and restaurants along the way. Mississippi Avenue Beach is right in front of Trump Plaza and offers public restrooms and showers, as well as rental cabanas.

Connecticut Is for Crabs

• When thinking of beach getaways, Connecticut doesn't leap to mind, but drive 112 miles up the coast to the historic town of Old Lyme and you'll find Hawk's Nest Beach Resort. This collection of beach cottages has played host to generations of vacationing families in both summer and winter. In addition to swimming, bike riding and kayaking, the resort organizes scavenger hunts, weekly movies on the beach and a kid's talent show. Crabbing is a favorite pastime from May through November, but if you don't catch any blue crabs, the Blue Crab Steakhouse is just 5 miles down the road.

Read More ..... »