I have been posting for 3 years, and this is my 100th post... I hope to have 100 more, I love helping others take a bigger bite out of the Big Apple. Touring Gracie Mansion tomorrow, and will be posting about that this Saturday, so keep an eye out!!
Showing posts with label Staten Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Staten Island. Show all posts
With This Post...
I have been posting for 3 years, and this is my 100th post... I hope to have 100 more, I love helping others take a bigger bite out of the Big Apple. Touring Gracie Mansion tomorrow, and will be posting about that this Saturday, so keep an eye out!!
Grand Central Terminal...100 Years on February 1st
If you will be in the area, you should stop in...there will be exhibits, special offers, performances...all sponsored by Target. link
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON THE MAIN CONCOURSE
9:30 am — 10:00 am
West Point Brass & Percussion concert and presentation of colors by West Point’s Cadet Color Guard.
10:00 am — 11:30 am
The Grand Central Key Ceremony features surprise entertainment and presentations from more than a dozen well-known names and faces wishing the Terminal a happy birthday. Ceremony includes special presentations and appearances by:
• Cynthia Nixon, Award-winning actress and NYC resident
• Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins with an original
poem commissioned by MTA Arts for Transit
• Caroline Kennedy, Author and Preservationist, Honorary Co-Chair of the
Grand Central Centennial Committee
• Grammy Award-winning artist, Melissa Manchester
• Key Ceremony with Vanderbilt Family
• Keith Hernandez, Member of NY Mets World Series Champion Team
• The Celia Cruz Bronx High School Choir
• Peter Stangl, Grand Central Centennial Committee Chairman
• MTA officials, elected officials, and other special guests
• A surprise “sweet” delivery to cap off the event
Noon — 12:30 pm
Terminal receives special honors from the Guinness Book of World Records, the National Park Service, the US Postal Service new stamp release, the National Railway Historical Society, and the American Society of Civil Engineers, with electric violinist Sarah Charness providing a musical opening and closing for the program. Also, stop by the Station Master’s Office to see a replica of the Terminal made of Lego® bricks created and presented by LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.
1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
Celebrations continue in the Main Concourse with music and dance performances from:
• Dancing Classrooms, featured in the film “Mad Hot Ballroom”
• Keigwin + Company, acclaimed contemporary dance company
• The Knicks City Dancers and Kids
• The Westchester Philharmonic Brass Octet
• Cast members of the upcoming musical “Orphan Train”
• Staten Island’s Susan Wagner High School Jazz Band
• Electric violinist, Sarah Charness
7:00 pm — 9:30 pm
Music from Rhythm Collective and Grammy Award-winning big band Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks will keep Terminal visitors dancing and celebrating into the evening!
ALL DAY AROUND THE TERMINAL
Music Under New York performances
1913 PRICING FROM GRAND CENTRAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
*Only available February 1, 2013
• 19¢ ea. shrimp, 13¢ ea. mussels, 13¢ ea. clams at Pescatore
• 10¢ for a side of french fries at Tri Tip Grill *From 11am-3pm
• 5¢ small drip hot coffee at Financier Patisserie *Starting at 12 pm. Limit one per customer
• 10¢ shoe shine at Leather Spa
• 10¢ nylon watch straps from Central Watch *Limited to first 500 customers. Limit one per customer
• 25¢ piece of Legendary Fudge at Li-Lac Chocolates *Limit one per customer
• 19¢ slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar & Restaurant *Dine-in only
• 10¢ for bambini scoop of gelato or sorbet at Ciao Bella
• $2 for 100% silk scarves (unisex) at TOTO
• 6¢ loaf of rye bread at Zaro’s Bakery * Shuttle Passage and Grand Central Market locations only. Limit one per customer
• 75¢ Adirondack cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.
• 5¢ 1lb box of pasta with purchase of a Ceriello Sauce at Ceriello Fine Foods *until 4pm
SPONSORED GIVEAWAYS AT SPECIAL CENTENNIAL TABLES ON FEBRUARY 1
• Grand Central Centennial Luggage Tags
• Vintage train whistles from Target
• Granola Bars and trail mix from Archer Farms
• Mini men’s and women’s fragrance bottles from Vince Camuto
• Arrowhead studded earrings from Tia’s Place
• Spring rolls from Pescatore
• Financiers from Financier Patisserie
• Starbucks VIA Ready Brew from Starbucks
• “23” cookies from Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.
• Chocolate Hearts from Li-Lac Chocolates
• Package of Masala Chai blend from Café Spice
• Origins iPhone cases from Origins
• Swatch pens from Swatch
• 2 Deluxe samples and an invite to the store for a hand and arm massage from Jo Malone
100 FREE!
First 100 people to make a $50 purchase at Vince Camuto, receive a hot pink Camuto iPhone cover!
A Grand Central Terminal commemorative USPS Express Mail stamp will be available for purchase and cancellation at the Lower Concourse Information Booth from 10am until 3pm.
Main Site
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON THE MAIN CONCOURSE
9:30 am — 10:00 am
West Point Brass & Percussion concert and presentation of colors by West Point’s Cadet Color Guard.
10:00 am — 11:30 am
The Grand Central Key Ceremony features surprise entertainment and presentations from more than a dozen well-known names and faces wishing the Terminal a happy birthday. Ceremony includes special presentations and appearances by:
• Cynthia Nixon, Award-winning actress and NYC resident
• Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins with an original
poem commissioned by MTA Arts for Transit
• Caroline Kennedy, Author and Preservationist, Honorary Co-Chair of the
Grand Central Centennial Committee
• Grammy Award-winning artist, Melissa Manchester
• Key Ceremony with Vanderbilt Family
• Keith Hernandez, Member of NY Mets World Series Champion Team
• The Celia Cruz Bronx High School Choir
• Peter Stangl, Grand Central Centennial Committee Chairman
• MTA officials, elected officials, and other special guests
• A surprise “sweet” delivery to cap off the event
Noon — 12:30 pm
Terminal receives special honors from the Guinness Book of World Records, the National Park Service, the US Postal Service new stamp release, the National Railway Historical Society, and the American Society of Civil Engineers, with electric violinist Sarah Charness providing a musical opening and closing for the program. Also, stop by the Station Master’s Office to see a replica of the Terminal made of Lego® bricks created and presented by LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.
1:00 pm — 4:00 pm
Celebrations continue in the Main Concourse with music and dance performances from:
• Dancing Classrooms, featured in the film “Mad Hot Ballroom”
• Keigwin + Company, acclaimed contemporary dance company
• The Knicks City Dancers and Kids
• The Westchester Philharmonic Brass Octet
• Cast members of the upcoming musical “Orphan Train”
• Staten Island’s Susan Wagner High School Jazz Band
• Electric violinist, Sarah Charness
7:00 pm — 9:30 pm
Music from Rhythm Collective and Grammy Award-winning big band Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks will keep Terminal visitors dancing and celebrating into the evening!
ALL DAY AROUND THE TERMINAL
Music Under New York performances
1913 PRICING FROM GRAND CENTRAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
*Only available February 1, 2013
• 19¢ ea. shrimp, 13¢ ea. mussels, 13¢ ea. clams at Pescatore
• 10¢ for a side of french fries at Tri Tip Grill *From 11am-3pm
• 5¢ small drip hot coffee at Financier Patisserie *Starting at 12 pm. Limit one per customer
• 10¢ shoe shine at Leather Spa
• 10¢ nylon watch straps from Central Watch *Limited to first 500 customers. Limit one per customer
• 25¢ piece of Legendary Fudge at Li-Lac Chocolates *Limit one per customer
• 19¢ slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar & Restaurant *Dine-in only
• 10¢ for bambini scoop of gelato or sorbet at Ciao Bella
• $2 for 100% silk scarves (unisex) at TOTO
• 6¢ loaf of rye bread at Zaro’s Bakery * Shuttle Passage and Grand Central Market locations only. Limit one per customer
• 75¢ Adirondack cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.
• 5¢ 1lb box of pasta with purchase of a Ceriello Sauce at Ceriello Fine Foods *until 4pm
SPONSORED GIVEAWAYS AT SPECIAL CENTENNIAL TABLES ON FEBRUARY 1
• Grand Central Centennial Luggage Tags
• Vintage train whistles from Target
• Granola Bars and trail mix from Archer Farms
• Mini men’s and women’s fragrance bottles from Vince Camuto
• Arrowhead studded earrings from Tia’s Place
• Spring rolls from Pescatore
• Financiers from Financier Patisserie
• Starbucks VIA Ready Brew from Starbucks
• “23” cookies from Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.
• Chocolate Hearts from Li-Lac Chocolates
• Package of Masala Chai blend from Café Spice
• Origins iPhone cases from Origins
• Swatch pens from Swatch
• 2 Deluxe samples and an invite to the store for a hand and arm massage from Jo Malone
100 FREE!
First 100 people to make a $50 purchase at Vince Camuto, receive a hot pink Camuto iPhone cover!
A Grand Central Terminal commemorative USPS Express Mail stamp will be available for purchase and cancellation at the Lower Concourse Information Booth from 10am until 3pm.
Main Site
Things to do on Christmas Day
See a festive show Although only a handful of Broadway shows have performances on Christmas Day (and none are that kid-friendly), you can catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Holiday Circus in Brooklyn, Angelina Ballerina the Very Merry Holiday Musical and The Big Apple Circus: Legendarium on December 25. You can find discounts to most of them on BroadwayBox.com.
Play tourist Times Square's Madame Tussauds, Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium and Discovery Times Square with the cool Harry Potter exhibit are all open on Christmas. Other tourist spots that have December 25 hours are The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, which gives you a great, crowd-free view of the Rockefeller tree.
Enjoy Chinese and a movie Families of all ethnic backgrounds can experience this Jewish tradition at 92YTribeca, which is offering an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet followed by a double feature of Back to the Future Parts I and II. Best for tweens and up.
Or just see a movie Cinemas are open on Christmas Day and there are plenty of great family films playing.
Hang with the animals Although the Bronx Zoo is closed for the holiday, the Prospect Park, Queens and Central Park Zoos are all open. You can even watch the animals open their edible presents.
Take a stroll Walk up Fifth Avenue to see the stunning department store holiday windows before they're gone. Assuming it's not too chilly (or rainy or snowy), Christmas is also a great day to take a quiet stroll through one of our city's lovely green spaces. Central, Prospect, Flushing Meadows Corona and Van Cortlandt Parks are all open. Central Park is even hosting a free cross-park promenade tour at 12:30pm.
Celebrate at a Jewish museum Many of NYC's Jewish cultural institutions are open today and offering special family activities. Catch a Klez for Kids concert at the Museum at Eldridge Street and The Macaroons at The Jewish Museum; watch chef George Wong of Chopstix Restaurants carves incredible fruit sculptures at Brooklyn's Jewish Children's Museum; and enjoy a family celebration with crafts, live music and a movie at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Hit the ice
Wollman Rink in Prospect Park is closed for construction for the second year in a row. The new rinks are supposed to open next year.
More bad news for Brooklyn: The new McCarren Park Pool will not be turned into an ice-skating rink this season, according to the New York Daily News. Maybe next year.
Meanwhile, Aviator Queens Community Ice Rink, Battery Park City Ice Rink, Polar Rink at the American Museum of Natural History and Seaport Ice are all long gone.
Play tourist Times Square's Madame Tussauds, Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium and Discovery Times Square with the cool Harry Potter exhibit are all open on Christmas. Other tourist spots that have December 25 hours are The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, which gives you a great, crowd-free view of the Rockefeller tree.
Enjoy Chinese and a movie Families of all ethnic backgrounds can experience this Jewish tradition at 92YTribeca, which is offering an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet followed by a double feature of Back to the Future Parts I and II. Best for tweens and up.
Or just see a movie Cinemas are open on Christmas Day and there are plenty of great family films playing.
Hang with the animals Although the Bronx Zoo is closed for the holiday, the Prospect Park, Queens and Central Park Zoos are all open. You can even watch the animals open their edible presents.
Take a stroll Walk up Fifth Avenue to see the stunning department store holiday windows before they're gone. Assuming it's not too chilly (or rainy or snowy), Christmas is also a great day to take a quiet stroll through one of our city's lovely green spaces. Central, Prospect, Flushing Meadows Corona and Van Cortlandt Parks are all open. Central Park is even hosting a free cross-park promenade tour at 12:30pm.
Celebrate at a Jewish museum Many of NYC's Jewish cultural institutions are open today and offering special family activities. Catch a Klez for Kids concert at the Museum at Eldridge Street and The Macaroons at The Jewish Museum; watch chef George Wong of Chopstix Restaurants carves incredible fruit sculptures at Brooklyn's Jewish Children's Museum; and enjoy a family celebration with crafts, live music and a movie at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Hit the ice
- Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – Midtown East
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
212-332-7654 - Wollman Rink – Midtown West
Central Park, enter at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue
212-439-6900 - Citi Pond at Bryant Park – Midtown West
Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
212-661-6640 - Lasker Rink – Harlem
Central Park, enter at 110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues
917-492-3856 - Riverbank State Park – Harlem
145th Street and Riverside Drive
212-694-3642 - The Standard Ice Rink – Meatpacking District
848 Washington Street at 13th Street - Liberty View Ice Rink – Battery Park City
Wagner Park in Battery Park City, north of Historic Battery Park off Battery Place
- WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink – Staten Island
Clove Lakes Park, Victory Boulevard west of Clove Road
718-720-1010
- Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink – the Bronx
Broadway at 242nd Street
718-760-9001
Wollman Rink in Prospect Park is closed for construction for the second year in a row. The new rinks are supposed to open next year.
More bad news for Brooklyn: The new McCarren Park Pool will not be turned into an ice-skating rink this season, according to the New York Daily News. Maybe next year.
A Staten Island Christmas
The 3rd Borough on our Christmas Tour this year is Staten Island. I have fond memories of spending Christmas Eve on Staten Island, my grandmother lived here, and Christmas Eve was a must, and there were many fun times had...
This year...
The Nutcracker
The Staten Island Ballet's big, lavish take on the traditional Christmas Eve phantasmagoria. It has professional dancers, including special guest Charles Askegard, and settings, sumptuous costumes, a "magic" tree, and a contingent of irrepressible pint-sized dance students. Center For The Arts, College of Staten Island, Bldg. 1P, 2800 Victory Blvd., Willowbrook; SIBallet.org. December 15-16, 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $47 and $37 and can be reserved at 718-980-0500.
Beastly Breakfast With Santa
The peacocks, porcupines and pythons have been on their best behavior at this animal house, hence they've earned a visit from St. Nick. Feast on a breakfast buffet with the guest of honor before meeting some animals up close during a docent-led tour of the zoo, who will explain how they deal with winter weather. Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, West Brighton, 718-442-3100; StatenIslandZoo.org. Pre-registration required at 718-442-3101 ext. 33, December 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Members: $20. Non-members: $24 (Santa picture included). A paying adult must accompany a paying child. Kids under 3 get in free.
A Majical Musical Winter Solstice Celebration
Loria Ra and Karlus Trapp Productions present The Sistas of Soul Singers with special guest performers telling the story of the transformation and renewal of "Mother Earth, preceded by a crisis, which parallels the main character's transformation and renewal, also preceded by a crisis, through music, song, dance and the spoken word." Proceeds benefit The A.M.E. Food Pantry. Veterans Memorial Hall Theater, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace in Livingston, Staten Island. Call 917-971-5136 or visit Snug-Harbor.org. Dec. 21, 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 at ShowTix4U.com or call toll free 866-967-8167 (for more info call 917-971-5136). Note: Please bring a canned good(s) to the performance for the food drive.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre presents Charles Dickens' classic cautionary tale of redemption as seen through the eyes of Ebenezer Scrooge's long-deceased partner, the chain-rattling Jacob Marley. Playwright Tom Mula's interpretation of Scrooge's transformation is full of humor, horror and humanity and has become something of a holiday tradition for Island families during the past four years. Directed by Joseph Daly. Starring Jack Dabdoub, Charlie McLaughlin, Joseph Smith and Rina Sklar. Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd., 718-984-6046. December 6-7, 14-15 at 8 p.m. and December 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 ($12, students/seniors) at SISTNY.org.
The Christmas Show
The third-annual culinary and musical journey to the Old Country. Concert vocalist Jenna Esposito and her five-piece band supply the live soundtrack to the four-course dinner and wine pairing. Expect everything from classic carols to nostalgic Italian classics from this young talent, who's headlined everywhere from Feinstein's to Danny's Skylight Room. Lorenzo's Cabaret, Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave., Bloomfield, 718-477-2400 ext. 5; LorenzosDining.com. December 14 the dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. and showtime at 9:30 p.m. The price is $79.99 per person. Overnight packages start at $175.
Lots of things to do this holiday season on Staten Island!!
found here.
Next week...Christmas in The Bronx.
This year...
The Nutcracker
The Staten Island Ballet's big, lavish take on the traditional Christmas Eve phantasmagoria. It has professional dancers, including special guest Charles Askegard, and settings, sumptuous costumes, a "magic" tree, and a contingent of irrepressible pint-sized dance students. Center For The Arts, College of Staten Island, Bldg. 1P, 2800 Victory Blvd., Willowbrook; SIBallet.org. December 15-16, 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $47 and $37 and can be reserved at 718-980-0500.
Beastly Breakfast With Santa
The peacocks, porcupines and pythons have been on their best behavior at this animal house, hence they've earned a visit from St. Nick. Feast on a breakfast buffet with the guest of honor before meeting some animals up close during a docent-led tour of the zoo, who will explain how they deal with winter weather. Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, West Brighton, 718-442-3100; StatenIslandZoo.org. Pre-registration required at 718-442-3101 ext. 33, December 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Members: $20. Non-members: $24 (Santa picture included). A paying adult must accompany a paying child. Kids under 3 get in free.
A Majical Musical Winter Solstice Celebration
Loria Ra and Karlus Trapp Productions present The Sistas of Soul Singers with special guest performers telling the story of the transformation and renewal of "Mother Earth, preceded by a crisis, which parallels the main character's transformation and renewal, also preceded by a crisis, through music, song, dance and the spoken word." Proceeds benefit The A.M.E. Food Pantry. Veterans Memorial Hall Theater, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace in Livingston, Staten Island. Call 917-971-5136 or visit Snug-Harbor.org. Dec. 21, 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 at ShowTix4U.com or call toll free 866-967-8167 (for more info call 917-971-5136). Note: Please bring a canned good(s) to the performance for the food drive.
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre presents Charles Dickens' classic cautionary tale of redemption as seen through the eyes of Ebenezer Scrooge's long-deceased partner, the chain-rattling Jacob Marley. Playwright Tom Mula's interpretation of Scrooge's transformation is full of humor, horror and humanity and has become something of a holiday tradition for Island families during the past four years. Directed by Joseph Daly. Starring Jack Dabdoub, Charlie McLaughlin, Joseph Smith and Rina Sklar. Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd., 718-984-6046. December 6-7, 14-15 at 8 p.m. and December 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 ($12, students/seniors) at SISTNY.org.
The Christmas Show
The third-annual culinary and musical journey to the Old Country. Concert vocalist Jenna Esposito and her five-piece band supply the live soundtrack to the four-course dinner and wine pairing. Expect everything from classic carols to nostalgic Italian classics from this young talent, who's headlined everywhere from Feinstein's to Danny's Skylight Room. Lorenzo's Cabaret, Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave., Bloomfield, 718-477-2400 ext. 5; LorenzosDining.com. December 14 the dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. and showtime at 9:30 p.m. The price is $79.99 per person. Overnight packages start at $175.
Lots of things to do this holiday season on Staten Island!!
found here.
Next week...Christmas in The Bronx.
Patsy and Sandy
Patsy
Well this last week has been interesting. I got to celebrate a birthday at my favorite restaurant ever. Patsy's, in midtown Manhattan. This is one of the places that made my husband and I fall in love with New York City.
Sandy's Aftermath
Article about the upcoming NY Marathon
Breezy Point, Queens
Coney Island and the surrounding area
Well this last week has been interesting. I got to celebrate a birthday at my favorite restaurant ever. Patsy's, in midtown Manhattan. This is one of the places that made my husband and I fall in love with New York City.
I had the Veal Cutlet Parmigiana and my husband had the Bucatini all’Amatriciana. Now I am not very adventurous, and actually had the same dish way back when we first ate here, but it was just that good, I had to have it again. My husband last time had the Spaghetti and Meatballs and wanted to try something different.
The veal was just as I remembered, huge and delicious. The Bucatini was al dente and amazing. We normally do not get dessert, but they brought the cart around, and the Chocolate Mousse Cake just looked too good to pass up. It was delicious, especially paired with the house red wine.
After we finished, we walked around for a little bit, and then back on the subway to come home to Brooklyn.
Sandy
Ever since the 25th or so there was something about the latest storm coming that was looking very ominous. Not only was it a hurricane, but there was also another storm coming from the west. It was shaping up to be a superstorm. Sunday was pretty much spent going to the grocery store, and the hardware store to make sure that we had enough food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other necessities when there is a storm coming.
Monday was pretty much spent indoors for us. My intrepid reporter went out and got some pictures down by the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Monday night was the worst, but amazingly we never lost power. It was very windy and raining. I was on Facebook and twitter trying to find out what was going on. By Tuesday afternoon I was sick of the computer and took a break, watching Breaking Bad, Season 1. (Very good, by the way.) These were taken on Tuesday morning.
Our neighborhood was not hit too bad, the power went out in parts (never here) and there were a lot of downed trees. Other areas were a lot worse, Staten Island, Coney Island, and the Breezy Point area of Queens particularly were the worst. Manhattan below 34th Street is still without power. The subways are sort of up and running, but right now there is no way to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan by subway, you must get a shuttle bus:
Article about the upcoming NY Marathon
Breezy Point, Queens
Coney Island and the surrounding area
World's Largest Ferris Wheel?
NYC will soon have the distinction of having the world's largest Ferris wheel. It will be in Staten Island, just north of the ballpark in Saint George. It will surpass the world's largest now, which is in Singapore standing at 541 feet tall. The New York Wheel will also be bigger than the proposed Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas which is planned for 550 feet.
The NY Wheel is expected to carry 4.5 million passengers a year.
A few months ago, I rode the Wonder Wheel, in Coney Island. Wow. That one is only 150 feet tall, and I had a mini panic attack on it. I was doing fine until we came around the top, and all of the sudden there was nothing in front of us. I freaked. So I will have to ride the new one, and let ya'll know how it goes, perhaps even take the camera with me this time.
The full, 470,000-Square-Foot complex will feature approximately 100 designer outlet shops and a 200-Room hotel. The hope is that “The New York Wheel and the retail outlet mall will attract millions of visitors from around the five boroughs and around the world to Staten Island, not generally considered one of the major tourist destinations of the city. The New York Wheel is expected be open 7 days a week, 365 days per year (except on severe weather days and required maintenance days) from roughly 10 AM to 10 PM in the fall, winter and spring.
Rides will last roughly 38 minutes. In the summer, and on special occasions, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014, with the goal of hosting a grand opening by the end of 2015. The Wheel’s designer and manufacturer will be Starneth, comprised of members of the team that built the London Eye.
The NY Wheel is expected to carry 4.5 million passengers a year.
 |
| Artist's rendering of the New York Wheel |
A few months ago, I rode the Wonder Wheel, in Coney Island. Wow. That one is only 150 feet tall, and I had a mini panic attack on it. I was doing fine until we came around the top, and all of the sudden there was nothing in front of us. I freaked. So I will have to ride the new one, and let ya'll know how it goes, perhaps even take the camera with me this time.
The full, 470,000-Square-Foot complex will feature approximately 100 designer outlet shops and a 200-Room hotel. The hope is that “The New York Wheel and the retail outlet mall will attract millions of visitors from around the five boroughs and around the world to Staten Island, not generally considered one of the major tourist destinations of the city. The New York Wheel is expected be open 7 days a week, 365 days per year (except on severe weather days and required maintenance days) from roughly 10 AM to 10 PM in the fall, winter and spring.
Rides will last roughly 38 minutes. In the summer, and on special occasions, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014, with the goal of hosting a grand opening by the end of 2015. The Wheel’s designer and manufacturer will be Starneth, comprised of members of the team that built the London Eye.
Open House New York
Open House NY is a really amazing program that lets you see buildings and beautiful architecture that you normally don't get to see, and it is a great opportunity. One weekend a year, usually in the first 1/2 of October, is when it happens, and this year, it is this weekend. There are many things that need reservations, and they actually stopped taking reservations this morning at 9:30 am, but there is still tons to do without reservations! So much to see...
This is the website, and just click on weekend, then plan your weekend.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter. There are pages up top for both links.
Also check out the Unseen NYC Tours link...fall is a beautiful time to go on a walking tour!
This is the website, and just click on weekend, then plan your weekend.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter. There are pages up top for both links.
Also check out the Unseen NYC Tours link...fall is a beautiful time to go on a walking tour!
25 Fun Free things to do in NYC
In no particular order:
1. Any park in NYC. Put in your hotel address and find the closest one here. A nice break for the kids to relax. And you too...
2. The Staten Island Ferry. Great views of downtown Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty.
3. The Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays.
4. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays.
5. Libraries. The main library in Manhattan is amazing, as is the Central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, seen here.
6. Parades. From Saint Patricks Day to Thanksgiving Day and all of the ones in between. Some even in the other boroughs...
7. The Brooklyn Brewery. They give free tours on the weekends.
8. African Burial Grounds. They are currently renovating, but are scheduled to be open October 4. Check back here to find out the status.
9. City Hall. Lots of history here.
10. Coney Island. The boardwalk and beach are amazing.
11. Federal Reserve Bank. Free, but you have to make reservations.
12. Forbes Collection. I went years ago, and should really go back soon...
13. Grand Central Tour with Justin Ferate. About 2 1/2 to 3 hours, and amazing.
14. Greenwood Cemetery. A nice afternoon's walk in Brooklyn. Events sometimes held here also.
15. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge. Here is a great guide with the ins and outs. I recommend walking across to Brooklyn and checking out the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
16. South Street Seaport. Yes, it's shopping and restaurants, but still just going doesn't cost.
17. High Line. Really cool elevated park that used to be railroad tracks.
18. See a baseball game... Staten Island Yankees. So close to the SI Ferry you can walk.
19. Governor's Island. Weekends all summer. Free ferry, and tons of events.
20. Winter Windows. See the display windows of Barney's, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's.
21. TV Audience tapings. You'll need to have advance planning here, but so worth it. Whether it's Live with Kelly or SNL, here is a list of shows that look for audiences.
22. Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The Unisphere. Worlds Fair 1964. Big Park, surrounded by Queens Museum, Queens Zoo, NY Hall of Science.
23. MOMA. Free from 4 to 8 on Friday's.
24. American Museum of Natural History. Free for the last hour (4:45 to 5:45)
25. Brooklyn Museum. Free every first Saturday.
1. Any park in NYC. Put in your hotel address and find the closest one here. A nice break for the kids to relax. And you too...
2. The Staten Island Ferry. Great views of downtown Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty.
3. The Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays.
4. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays.
5. Libraries. The main library in Manhattan is amazing, as is the Central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, seen here.
 |
| from here |
7. The Brooklyn Brewery. They give free tours on the weekends.
8. African Burial Grounds. They are currently renovating, but are scheduled to be open October 4. Check back here to find out the status.
9. City Hall. Lots of history here.
10. Coney Island. The boardwalk and beach are amazing.
11. Federal Reserve Bank. Free, but you have to make reservations.
12. Forbes Collection. I went years ago, and should really go back soon...
13. Grand Central Tour with Justin Ferate. About 2 1/2 to 3 hours, and amazing.
14. Greenwood Cemetery. A nice afternoon's walk in Brooklyn. Events sometimes held here also.
15. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge. Here is a great guide with the ins and outs. I recommend walking across to Brooklyn and checking out the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
16. South Street Seaport. Yes, it's shopping and restaurants, but still just going doesn't cost.
17. High Line. Really cool elevated park that used to be railroad tracks.
18. See a baseball game... Staten Island Yankees. So close to the SI Ferry you can walk.
19. Governor's Island. Weekends all summer. Free ferry, and tons of events.
20. Winter Windows. See the display windows of Barney's, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, and Macy's.
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| Macy's 2011 |
22. Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The Unisphere. Worlds Fair 1964. Big Park, surrounded by Queens Museum, Queens Zoo, NY Hall of Science.
23. MOMA. Free from 4 to 8 on Friday's.
24. American Museum of Natural History. Free for the last hour (4:45 to 5:45)
25. Brooklyn Museum. Free every first Saturday.
Staten Island Ferry Redux
Many of you are saying wait a minute. She has been here before. You are right, but I never took pictures of the other side of the ferry. You know, where Brooklyn is. So I went recently, and took some. Today's post is mostly pictures.
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The tall building there is the Williamsburg Bank Building, which is right by the Atlantic Ave Subway Station. I actually have some closer up pics of this building that I will be posting next week.
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I was glad to have a very beautiful clear day. The breeze on the ferry was nice, and on the way to Staten Island I sat on the Brooklyn side, and the way back, was rewarded with the Statue of Liberty being closer.
I managed to get some shots of the Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bridges from the ferry.
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Way in the back is the Verrazano Bridge, to the left is Brooklyn, and to the right is Staten Island.
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The tall building there is the Williamsburg Bank Building, which is right by the Atlantic Ave Subway Station. I actually have some closer up pics of this building that I will be posting next week.
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I was glad to have a very beautiful clear day. The breeze on the ferry was nice, and on the way to Staten Island I sat on the Brooklyn side, and the way back, was rewarded with the Statue of Liberty being closer.
I managed to get some shots of the Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bridges from the ferry.
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This was taken from Staten Island, some tall grass with 1 World Trade Center in the background.
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I also got the picture of the other SI Ferry running that day.
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Staten Island Ferry
I finally visited the Staten Island Ferry last Thursday. And I am here to report that is has become THE place for tourists. There seemed to be more tourists than people commuting. Still haven't figured out what category I fit into, since I live in NYC, but I was there to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty. The ferry to and from SI is free, no reservations are needed...
It was COLD. Try not to go if it is too cold. My luck...it was 25 that day, and 45 the next. So always check the weather forecast. I got some great shots, but I was bundled up in my hat scarf and gloves. My face must have looked so red. Anyway, on to the pictures. I took so many, and they will be at the Unseen NYC Facebook page sometime today...
The buildings going up in the financial district...
Ellis Island...
Brooklyn Bridge in the front, and Manhattan Bridge in the back
One of the other ferries...
My new desktop picture...
It was COLD. Try not to go if it is too cold. My luck...it was 25 that day, and 45 the next. So always check the weather forecast. I got some great shots, but I was bundled up in my hat scarf and gloves. My face must have looked so red. Anyway, on to the pictures. I took so many, and they will be at the Unseen NYC Facebook page sometime today...
Heat Wave
It has been a bit warm here in NYC. Really warm. I got a new Canon Rebel (new to me!) and am dying to use it, but the weather has been unbearable, so we are spending lots of time indoors. I would like to get some shots around the neighborhood, maybe I'll post some here tomorrow. In the meantime, is there anywhere specific you guys want me to go? I am always willing to take your suggestions! It should cool off to the low to mid 80's next week, fall-like weather compared to now!! Hope everyone is staying safe, and cool! If you are in the 5 boroughs, here is a list of all of the cooling centers in the city.
Free NYC
I spent the morning at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, on a free tour. I had to make it about a month or so in advance, but it was worth it. The tour itself was about 1 hour, and I got to go down to where they keep the gold bars. A really informative tour! Afterwords I was able to check out the museum at my own pace, and there were some really interesting displays. After I left the bank, where unfortunately I was not able to take any pictures, I walked down to the South Street Seaport and got 2 hot dogs and sat and rested a bit. This was my view:
After this I went to the Staten Island Ferry and took it to Staten Island to get some photos of the Statue of Liberty. While I had a great view, my cell phone made it look like I was further away.
I also got a nice view of the Southern tip of Manhattan.
A very nice day, and I think I spent a total of $10, $5 for the subway ride there and home and $5 for the hot dogs. The tour and SI Ferry were both free.
Key to the City
We got a key to the city yesterday, and it only took an hour. We got to wait in line, talking to the people in front of us, and the people behind us, which I think is part of the point of this public art project. Now that I have a key, it will open 24 different locks around the city, in all 5 boroughs:
- BROOKLYN
- Brooklyn Museum
- Cabinet magazine
- Coney Island Branch, Brooklyn Public Library
- Gleason's Boxing Gym, Inc.
- BRONX
- Bronx County Courthouse
- The Point Community Development Corporation
- PostNet
- PS 73
- Centro Cultural Rincon Criollo
- MANHATTAN
- Bryant Park
- The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
- Gracie Mansion
- The George Washington Bridge
- Trinity Church
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- QUEENS
- Eddie's Sweet Shop
- The Louis Armstrong House Museum
- The Office of New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm, 25th District
- Tortilleria Nixtamal
- STATEN ISLAND
- Conference House Park
- Freshkills Park
- Joe Holzka Community Garden
- The Staten Island Buddhist Vihara
Most of the locks can be opened through Labor Day.
A Trip to the Staten Island Zoo
We got there ten minutes before it opened, and I recommend this, since by the time we left at 3pm, the place was crowded! For the first hour or two, there wasn't many people at all, and we even got to the snack bar right before the big crowd, at around noon.
The zoo is a nice size, and there is a petting zoo for the kids. Beware of the droppings on the ground, there are peacocks and various other birds that roam free. We hit the reptile house, and there were many snakes to see. It was like playing where's Waldo trying to find them! There are two Clydesdale horses, lots of goats, donkeys, llamas, and ducks. (and more!)
The best part of the day was sitting in front of the otter habitat, just resting, and the otters had been asleep for some time. One of the zookeepers came up and called one of them. She actually woke up and poked her head out of the little house they were sleeping in!! It was so cute. All in all a really great day, the food was not hte best, though, burgers were ok, but the chicken sandwich was tiny! I spent $18 for the three of us to get in. It is $8 for adults and $5 for kids 14 and under. The link to the zoo is here.
The Parks and their attractions
When you think of parks and main attractions in NYC, you think of Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, the Central Park Zoo, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is the Delacourt Clock located between the Zoo and the Children's Zoo at 65th Street:
But most of the tourists who converge to Manhattan forget about the other 4 boroughs, and I have a few museums and attractions all in or near parks from each borough that are must sees.
Lets start off in Brooklyn. All in the Prospect Park area there is the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the Brooklyn Public Library. The park itself is wonderful, a playground on the west side, fun for the kids!! At the main entrance to the park is this arch:
Up in Queens, there are a few to see, too. The New York Hall of Science is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, along with the Queens Botanical Gardens, Queens Museum of Art, and the Queens Zoo.
If anyone has seen Men in Black they will recognize this. This is the Unisphere an in the background the Observation Tower of the New York State Pavillion from the World's Fair.
On to the Bronx, and the biggest park there is the Van Cortlandt Park. What it lacks in attractions around it, it makes up for in the park itself. There are hiking trails, tennis courts, four playgrounds, and the country's oldest golf course. This is one of the entrances:
Still in the Bronx, there is the Bronx Park, home to the Bronx Zoo, and the Bronx Botanical Gardens.
I have saved Staten Island for last, not because it is the worst, but it is a different kind of animal. There is more car traffic there and a lot less in the way of pedestrians, so things are a little more spread out. In St. George, across from the ferry terminal is the courthouse and Borough Hall. Behind that is the St. George Public Library and the St. George Theatre. Also in the area is The Staten Island Museum, and the Richmond County Bank Ballpark, which is home for the Staten Island Yankees. In order to get to Staten Island , you would need to take the ferry from Manhattan:
All in all, New York City is not just Manhattan, and I think it is time that the tour books take some of the focus off and start putting in more of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
But most of the tourists who converge to Manhattan forget about the other 4 boroughs, and I have a few museums and attractions all in or near parks from each borough that are must sees.
Lets start off in Brooklyn. All in the Prospect Park area there is the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the Brooklyn Public Library. The park itself is wonderful, a playground on the west side, fun for the kids!! At the main entrance to the park is this arch:
Up in Queens, there are a few to see, too. The New York Hall of Science is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, along with the Queens Botanical Gardens, Queens Museum of Art, and the Queens Zoo.
If anyone has seen Men in Black they will recognize this. This is the Unisphere an in the background the Observation Tower of the New York State Pavillion from the World's Fair.
On to the Bronx, and the biggest park there is the Van Cortlandt Park. What it lacks in attractions around it, it makes up for in the park itself. There are hiking trails, tennis courts, four playgrounds, and the country's oldest golf course. This is one of the entrances:
Still in the Bronx, there is the Bronx Park, home to the Bronx Zoo, and the Bronx Botanical Gardens.
I have saved Staten Island for last, not because it is the worst, but it is a different kind of animal. There is more car traffic there and a lot less in the way of pedestrians, so things are a little more spread out. In St. George, across from the ferry terminal is the courthouse and Borough Hall. Behind that is the St. George Public Library and the St. George Theatre. Also in the area is The Staten Island Museum, and the Richmond County Bank Ballpark, which is home for the Staten Island Yankees. In order to get to Staten Island , you would need to take the ferry from Manhattan:
All in all, New York City is not just Manhattan, and I think it is time that the tour books take some of the focus off and start putting in more of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
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