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It’s impossible to discuss The Gilded Age (both the show and the era) without mentioning the Astor Family.

Founded in the 1780’s by John Jacob Astor, he made his fortune in fur and Manhattan real estate. The Mrs. Astor we keep hearing about in The Gilded Age was the wife of John Jacob’s grandson. Broadway great Donna Murphy is doing a great job of portraying Mrs. Astor and I’m becoming a fan of Amy Forsyth who plays her daughter Carrie. Carolyn Holding and Andy Taken make cameos as Helen Astor and James ‘Rosy’ Roosevelt in the first episode.

Caroline Astor was born Caroline Webster Schermerhorn in 1830 into a wealthy family in the family home at 1 Greenwich Street (way downtown near Bowling Green). Her father’s family had been in New York for 200 years and her mother was a Van Courtlandt, a family that had also been on New York since the 1630’s. In other words Lena as she was called, was the epitome of old New York. At the time of her birth her father was worth $500,000 (about $15 million today). She married William Backhouse Astor Jr. at Trinity Church in 1853. Despite the Astor’s having more money than her family,. She brought the Knickerbocker pedigree to the marriage.

They had 5 children:

  • Emily Astor, who married James John Van Alen and passed away at the age of 27
  • Helen Schermerhorn-we’ll discuss her in bit
  • Charlotte Augusta Astor, who married James Coleman Drayton. Their divorce was the scandal of 1892. She would later marry George Ogilvy Haig
  • Caroline Schermerhorn “Carrie” Astor-More on her later
  • John Jacob “Jack” Astor, who famously died on the Titanic survived by his 18 year old pregnant second wife Madeline Talmadge Force.

Like most women of her era, she spent the early years of her marriage raising her children and running her household. The difference was that Caroline had an inheritance, so she was less dependent on her husband than most woman at the time. In 1862 she built a brownstone townhouse at 350 5th Avenue, the current site of the Empire State Building. The house next door belonged to her brother-in-law John Jacob Astor III, which must have been awkward as she didn’t like his wife. She and her husband also built a “cottage” in Newport called Beechwood. Beechwood’s ballroom was large enough to fit 400 people, thus the term ‘The 400.’

In the years following the Civil War, New York’s population grew vastly due to the arrival of immigrants and new money families from other part of the United States. Caroline dominated society and acted as the gatekeeper for the upper crust of New York. She did eventually allow certain new money families into her inner circle such as the Vanderbilts (see my first blog for more info on that). Until 1887 she was considered THE Mrs. Astor. However with the hatesdsister-in-laws death, her nephew William Waldrof Astor expected his wife Mamie to take the title as he was now head of the family. But his wife was younger and not as socially powerful. In retaliation he moved to England (and later became a Viscount) and turned his house on 5th Avenue in to the Waldorf Hotel. The hotel was designed specifically to overshadow Caroline’s house. She famously said “There’s a glorified tavern next door.” Not to be outdone she tore down her house and built and built her own hotel, the Astoria. The hotels eventually merged to become the original Waldorf-Astoria. The hotel was torn down in 1928 to build the Empire State Building.

After leaving her brownstone, she settled with her son’s family in a new home on East 65th Street. She spent her last years battling dementia before dying in 1908. It took 3 women to take her place; Alva Belmont (the former Alva Vanderbilt), Mamie Fish, and Theresa Fair Oelriches.

Carrie Astor

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was born in New York City in 1861 and and grew up in the brownstone on the corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue. It was actually Carrie’s insistence own attending Alva Vanderbilt’s famous ball that elevated the Vanderbilt Family into proper society (see my first blog for more info). Carrie met Marshall Orme Wilson, of ‘The Marrying Wilsons’ in the early 1880’s and they fell in love. As he was the son of a Southern Civil War profiteer, he parents did not approve of the match. Reportedly Carrie starved herself until her mother gave in and agreed to let them marry. Their wedding took place at the Astor mansion and they would go on to have 2 sons; Marshall Orme Wilson Jr-who was Ambassador to Haiti under FDR, and Richard Thornton Wilson III. They lived in a house on 5th Avenue near her parents that was purchased for them by her father. After her marriage she became a leading society figure in her own right and shared Box 3 at the Metropolitan Opera with her sister-in-law Grace Vanderbilt rotating opening nights.

After her mother moved uptown, Carrie led the cotillion at the inaugural ball of Mrs. Astor’s new home. At this point Wilson had begun to built them their own new home one East 64th Street. When her husband died in 1926, he left her their home while her sons received the rest of the estate. Carrie outlived Wilson by 22 years and died at her son Richard’s home at 1 Sutton Place. After her death, her house was sold to the Indian government to house diplomats for $500,000.

Helen Astor

Not as much information is available about Helen as her sister Carrie. Helen was born in New York City in 1858 and married James ‘Rosy’ Roosevelt in 1878. They had 2 children; James Roosevelt “Tadd”Jr. and Helen Rebecca Roosevelt. She died at the age of 38 in the UK of unknown causes.

James “Rosy” Roosevelt

James ‘Rosy’ Roosevelt was born in 1854 to James Roosevelt I and his first wife Rebecca Brien Howland. After graduating from Columbia, President Grover Cleveland, who was his father’s friend appointed him first secretary of the US Legation in Vienna and then first secretary of the embassy in London. He married Helen Astor in 1878 and then had 2 children. When his father died in 1900, the estate was split between him and his half-brother Franklin. You may have heard of Franklin, he went on to become the 32nd President. He was remarried in 1914 to Elizabeth Riley and died at his Hyde Park home in 1927.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the Astor Family history there is a plethora of info on line and a lot of books you can check out. Stay tuned for my next blog where I’ll discuss the Downstairs members of The Gilded Age cast!

HBO’s The Gilded Age airs Mondays at 9pm and is streamable anytime on HBO Max

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Just like the Russell Family, I discussed in my previous blog (check out the link here), both the Brook and Van Rhijn Families are fictional. The Brook family is most likely of English descent and the name Van Rhijn is clearly a nod to the early Dutch arrivals to New York. I haven’t been able to figure out who (if any at all) this family is based off, there aren’t such obvious inspirations like the Russells. I thought in this blog, I’ll comment on the characters themselves and highlight some of my favorite Gilded Age New York Families.

Marion Brook

Marion Brook played by Louisa Jacobson (Meryl Streep’s daughter) finds herself without any living immediate family in The Gilded Age’s first episode and is forced to move to New York City with her Aunts because her Father has left her penniless. Marion questions the rules of New York society and seems to want to pave her own path. Another young woman from a prominent family comes to mind; Edith Wharton.

Wharton was born Edith Newbold Jones in 1862 in New York City in her family’s brownstone on West 23rd Street. She was known as “Pussy Jones” to friends and family (which makes me giggle a little bit). Her family was very wealthy and socially connected. It is thought that the term “keeping up with the Joneses” originally refers to her father’s family. Her mother was the descendant of a French Huguenot who arrived in America in 1686. Her father was first cousins with THE Mrs. Astor and she was also related to the Renssalaers (the most prestigious of the old Dutch families in NYC). So we’re talking OLD money and lots of family connections.

Wharton spent much of her early life in Europe, and she was fluent in French, German, and Italian. As a young woman she rejected the standards of fashion and etiquette for young ladies of the era. Edith began writing and telling stories at young age and attempted to write her first novel at age 11 (even though her mother forbade her from reading novels until she was married). She had her first work published at 15 and had a bit of success, but put writing aside for a decade and participated in New York society and was presented in 1879. At the age of 23 she married Edward Robbins Wharton and they traveled extensively.

As an adult Edith found great success as a writer and is most well known for her novel “The Age of Innocence” (check out the 1993 Martin Scorsese adaptation when you’re craving some Gilded Age film. Scorsese claims it’s the most “violent” film he’s ever made – violence being in the emotional sense). She won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature for this novel, making her the first woman to do so. She was also nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature 3 times. What makes Wharton’s point of view unique in her critiezation of the Gilded Age is that she was a part of society and had an inside view. She died in 1937, and her last novel, “The Buccaneers” was unfinished. There’s a great mini-series based off of the Buccaneers you can find on some streaming services, it is a personal favorite of mine!

Agnes Van Rhijn

Agnes Van Rhijn, played by the incomparable Christine Baranski, represents the old money traditions of New York City. She lives in a sensible brownstone in the Upper East Side and does not want to let the “new people” in. She follows the rules and constantly expresses her distaste with Marion’s refusal to see that there are some things that are “just not done.” She mentions in the first episode that she is related to the Livingston Family.

The Livingston Family migrated from Scotland to the Dutch Republics and then to New York in the 17th Century. Members include signers of the Declaration of Independence (Philip Livingston) and the Constitution (William Livingston), the wife of founding father John Jay (Sarah Livingston), a Secretary of State (Edward Livingston), the negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase (Robert R. Livingston), and many more in their massive family tree. Descendants of the Livingston’s include President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush, Eleanor Roosevelt, suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, much of the Astor Family, New York Governor Hamilton Fish, New Jersey Governor William Livingston, members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, Montgomery Clift and Jane Wyatt. Without a doubt this family is the definition of old New York and politically connected.

Oscar Van Rhijn

Oscar Van Rhijn is the son of Agnes, (played by Blake Ritson) and when he’s not trying to weasel his way into theRussell house, he’s carrying on a secret love affair with a man. I’m enjoying the fact that a gay character is being featured, though I wish Fellowes focused more on his struggle with his sexuality as he did with the character of Thomas in Downton Abbey. Since Oscar seems tolike a good time, I thought I’d focus on the Whitney family, known for being major figures in the breeding and racing of thoroughbred horses.

The American branch of the Whitney family was by John Whitney when he traveled from London to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1635. William Collins Whitney is the family member who started the tradition of breeding and racing horses. He was also the US Secretary of the Navy. Other notable family members include: Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (who opened the Whitney Museum), Eli Whitney (inventor of the cotton gin and interchangeable musket parts), Amos Whitney (who founded Pratt & Whitney), sculptor Anne Whitney, Benson Whitney (Ambassador to Norway under George W. Bush), Richard Whitney (President of the New York Stock Exchange), John Hay Whitney (Ambassador to the UK under Eisenhower and publisher ion the New York Tribune), and a plethora of businessmen, socialites, and scholars.

Ada Brook

Ada Brook is Marion’s Aunt and Agnes’ sister. She is unmarried and basically lives at the mercy of her sister. Cynthia Nixon does a great job of creating a multifaceted character who is meek but has a heart of gold. As Agnes’ sister she would also be well connected socially and from an old American family. I thought I’d wrap up this blog by covering a family most people have now heard of, The Schuyler Family.

The Schuyler Family was founded by Philip Pietrese Schuyler in 1650 when he emigrated to what was then New Netherland. Member of the family played a critical role in the formation of America and have ties to the Livingston Family, the Oyster Bay Roosevelts, the Bush Family, the Van Cortlandt Family, and the Van Renssalaers. Philip Schuyler (Revolutionary War General and Us Senator), Angelica Schuyler (Google – “Hamilton: The Musical”), Elizabeth Schuyler (Alexander Hamilton’s wife) and many more influential early American figures., including; Pieter Schuyler (first Mayor of Albany), James De Lancey (Governor of New York), Pierre Van Cortlandt (first Lt. Governor of New York), Pierre Jr. and Philip Van Cortlandt (Members of the House of Representatives), and others, which honestly are too many to list.

If all these families seem to be related to each other, it is because, they were. Like European royalty, old families in New York rarely married outside a small group of people who where viewed as their peers. Wharton even comments on this in “Age of Innocence.” If you’re interested in learning about more of these old New York families, I’d do some research on “The Four Hundred.”

In my next blog I’ll discuss the infamous Astor Family. HBO’s The Gilded Age airs Mondays at 9pm and is streamable anytime on HBO Max.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

When I first heard Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, was writing a show about The Gilded Age in New York City, I was excited — extremely excited.

Then I found out it would be full of some of Broadway’s brightest stars and I felt, Fellowes, had created a show for me personally. Like he reached into my mind and pulled this show out of all the places that give me joy. The Gilded Age has always fascinated me and the time period is one of my personal favorites in American History. Many of my colleagues and friends who aren’t as familiar with the era have asked if the show is factual and if the characters are real. I decided discussing the characters and episodes in a blog would be a great way from people to find out! Let us first focus on one of the main families featured on the show, The Russells. The Russells are a fictional family, but even though they didn’t exist in real life, they are based off a real Gilded Age family, the Vanderbilts.

Bertha Russell

Bertha Russel Vanderbilt Family

Bertha Russell, one of the main characters is clearly based off of real life society leader Alva Vanderbilt, who later became Alva Belmont. I’ll admit that my early obsession with the Gilded Age (the era, not the TV Show) revolved greatly around the Vanderbilt Family, so it was very easy to identify the influence here. Born into an aristocratic Southern Family, Alva married William Kissam Vanderbilt in 1875. William was the Grandson of “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the richest men in America (and possibly the inspiration for The Gilded Age character George Russell). Like Bertha, Alva built a grand house on 5th Avenue taking up an entire city block (though her home was on 52nd Street, not 61st where the Russells live). This house would ultimately lead to Alva’s acceptance into society, as she threw a masquerade ball to christen the house in 1883 with over 1,000 guests. Contemporary reports say the ball cost $250,000 ($6 million today) with $65,000 spent on champagne alone. An often repeated story tells that Vanderbilt felt she had been snubbed by Caroline Astor, queen of elite of New York society, so she purposely neglected to send an invitation to Astor’s popular daughter, Carrie. Supposedly, this forced Astor to come calling, in order to secure an invitation to the ball for her daughter.

Astor did in fact pay a social call on Vanderbilt and she and her daughter were guests at the ball, effectively giving the Vanderbilt family society’s official acceptance (Vanderbilt and Astor were observed at the ball in animated conversation). Both Carrie and Caroline are characters in the show, and Alva herself is mentioned as “having broken in to society.”

Alva would go on to divorce her husband and was subsequently snubbed by society. Shortly after, she forced her daughter Consuelo into a loveless marriage with the Duke of Marlborough. Some say she did this as a way to ensure her daughter had some autonomy as British peeresses were able to lead more full lives than their American counterparts. Others said she selfishly wanted to sell her daughter off to a titled Brit to gain more social clout in America. This was a very popular trend during the Gilded Age and the term “Dollar Princesses” was coined. Alva would later marry Oliver Belmont and became very involved in the American Suffragette movement.

George Russell

George russel “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Like Bertha, George Russell seems to be based off of a major member of the Vanderbilt Family. In his case it is “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt. When Vanderbilt died in 1877, he left an estate of $105 million ($2.8 billion today) making him one of richest men in American history. Vanderbilt was the definition of “new money.” Born on Staten Island in 1784, he quit school young and at the age of sixteen borrowed $100 from his mother to begin a ferrying business taking passengers and goods between Staten Island and Manhattan. He later expanded into steamboats and purchasing real estate as a young adult, eventually taking over operation of the Staten Island Ferry. As the 19th Century rolled on, he began to operate transatlantic voyages and bought control of a major shipyard

In the 1850’s he was put on the board of directors of several railroads and was elected President of the Harlem Line in 1863. A year later he sold all his ships to focus on the railroad industry. In 1869 he constructed Grand Central Depot to serve the Harlem line. This was replaced in 1913 by the current Grand Central Terminal.

Like George Russell, Cornelius Vanderbilt was a cutthroat business man, but unlike Russell he didn’t have aspirations of being accepting into New York society. He was know to spit his chewing tobacco in the vases at dinner parties and was very unrefined, to put It mildly. Traits I doubt we will see from George as the show progresses.

Larry Russell

Larry RusselCornelius Vanderbilt IIILarry Russell, son of George and Bertha, seems to have a resemblance to yet another member of the Vanderbilt clan, Cornelius Vanderbilt III. Larry seems to see right through his mother and carries disdain for her social ambitions and follows his own path. Cornelius Vanderbilt III (Great-Grandson of the Commodore) was actually disinherited and shunned by his parents. When he was twenty-three, he married Grace Graham Wilson (of the “marrying Wilsons,” look them up, they were a very interesting family) against his parents wishes and was cut off financially and emotionally. He loved machinery and would go on to earn a Masters in Engineering from Yale. He patented more than thirty inventions relating to locomotives and freight cars which brought him substantial royalties. During World War I he served as a Brigadier General with the National Guard, receiving the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal. After the War he frequently visited Europe, becoming friends with European royalty like Kaiser Wilhelm II. He died on his yacht in 1942 at the age of 68.

Gladys Russell

Galdys RUssel Consuelo VanderbiltAs with the entire Russell Clan, Gladys Russell is very much based off of Consuelo Vanderbilt, Alva’s daughter. Of all the books and research I’ve read on the Vanderbilt Family, I’ve read the most about Consuelo, and Gladys is a dead ringer character wise. Consuelo had a very strict upbringing that was often borderline abusive. As an heiress, there were many men who pursued her, but her mother was determined for her daughter to marry into the British peerage and have a title. Her mother engineered a marriage between Consuelo and Charles Spencer-Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. Consuelo had no interest in the Duke and became secretly engaged to Winthrop Rutherford. Her mother ordered and threatened her, even locking her in her room at one point. It wasn’t until Alva claimed Consuelo’s actions had given her a heart attack that the engagement with Rutherford was called off.

She married the Duke in 1895 and apparently stood at the alter weeping. Marlborough collected $2.5 million ($72.5 million today) as a dowry and was able to restore the crumbling Blenheim Palace. Consuelo and the Duke unsurprisingly had an unhappy marriage and divorced in 1921. The marriage was later annulled and when the Duke converted to Catholicism, Alva testified that she forced her daughter into the marriage. Mother and daughter maintained a much better relationship following this admission. Thou no longer married to the Duke, she maintained relationships with some of her favorite Churchill relatives, including Winston Churchill.

Consuelo would go on to marry French aviator Jacques Balsam and build a home in Florida called Casa Alva in honor of her mother. In 1953 she wrote an autobiography “The Glitter and the Gold” and died in Long Island in 1964.

Stay tuned for my next blog! I’ll delve into the show’s old money family, the Van Rhijns. Happy watching fellow history lovers! HBO’s The Gilded Age airs Monday’s ay 9pm and is streamable anytime on HBO Max.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

NYC during the holidays presents an overwhelming amount of places that
make for amazing picture backdrops.

With so much to do and so little time, we’ve compiled our 10 favorite holiday picture spots (5 of which can be seen on our Holiday Tour)!

1. Pulitzer Fountain

Donated to the city by Joseph Pulitzer’s estate and installed in 1916, this beautiful fountain sits right across the street from the famed Plaza Hotel in Grand Army Plaza (right next to Central Park). This year’s decorations feature handcrafted animal sculptures, icebergs, and 5,000 feet of lights. Bonus: You can walk down 5th Avenue and stop at all the holiday instillations.


2. Saks 5th Avenue

Through January 4, 2022

saks holiday

The iconic windows at the famous 5th Avenue retailer are “inspired by the theme of reconnecting with family and loved ones during the holiday season.” They asked children living in NYC to draw and describe their holiday dreams and then had amazing artists and engineers bring them to life in their windows. The famous sparkling lights show (which features 700,000 LED lights on their 10 story tall store) features Christmas classics like Darlene Love’s ‘Christmas-Baby Please Come Home.”


3. Rockefeller Center

Through January 2, 2022

Christmas as Rockefeller Center has become a NYC tradition ever since 1931 when Depression-era construction workers erected a 20 foot balsam fir and decorated it with home-made ornaments like tin cans. This year, America’s most famous tree comes from Elkton, Maryland (this first time the state has been represented), and features 5 miles of lights as well a Swarovski star weighing about 900 pounds!


4. Bryant Park

Through January 2, 2022

The Bryant Park Winter Villag

e is modeled after the winter villages that are very popular in Central Europe. Starting in 2002, the village was built to bring people to the park during the winter months. The booths feature local and handmade goods as well as food from some of the trendiest restaurants in the city. The skating rink is free, and they put up their own tree up, though this one is at the most 50 feet.


5. Macy’s

The annual holiday window displays at the Macy’s in 34th is a time honored tradition here in New York, Each year, Macy’s creates a brand new display for the holiday season. The window decorations take all year to plan and over a month to build. This year’s windows introduce “Tiptoe,” a reindeer recruit for Santa Claus as she sets out to follow her dream of joining Santa’s sleigh team.


6. Rolf’s

A German restaurant located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood, Rolf’s has become known for their elaborate decorations (that will be kept up all year!). Grab a beer, eat some schnitzel, and post on the gram!


7. Empire State Building

Once the world’s tallest building, the Empire State Building has become one of the most photographed in the city. The building is lit up to celebrate the holiday season, so it’s a great opportunity to take a holiday selfie!


8. Dyker Heights

Through New Year’s Eve

This Brooklyn neighborhood is home to some of the most over-the-top holiday decorations like life-sized Santa’s, sleighs, snowman, and music from loudspeakers. Some companies offer buses that take you to the neighborhood, but for budget travelers, the subway is a great option!


9. Natural History Museum Origami Tree

Through January 9, 2022

Since the 1970’s the Natural History Museum has presented an origami tree. For this 50th “Golden Anniversary” Tree, the theme is Gems of the Museum. It features 50 specifically created gold-colored models. Among the more than 1,000 pieces, the 13 foot tree has pieces inspired by the new exhibit Sharks!


10. Holiday Train Show

Through January 23, 2022

Returning for its 30th year, the Bronx Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train show has become a personal holiday tradition which I recommend to all of my guests. Model trains zip through a display featuring more than 175 NYC landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center. The display is made from organic material like bark, twigs, and leaves which makes the display even more impressive.


TopDog Tours Holiday Tour is Featured by Travel + Leasure

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

There were quite a few shows that closed during previews that are now getting the chance for a real run, and a few that we are excited to see open next year.

As a Musical Theatre major, I’m a little biased and am very excited about the 5 musicals I’ve listed below.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire broadwayI had the pleasure of seeing this show in tryouts in Seattle in January of 2020 before Covid. I immediately fell in love with this re-imagined version of the 1993 classic which starred Robin Williams as a divorced Father dressing up as a Scottish nanny to spend time with his children. Directed by Broadway legend Jerry Zaks and starring Rob McClure (Chaplin, Beetlejuice, Honeymoon in Vegas) the show has been beautifully updated for a 2021 audience. I recently got the chance to see it in previews and loved it even more as the creative team made some great changes to the show. The music is fun, and the story of a man who goes to great lengths to be with his family is even more poignant to me than it was In 2019 as I’m now a Mother. Rob Mclure does a fantastic job of making the role of Daniel his own (not an easy task as Robin Williams was such a tour de force in the movie) and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t receive a Tony nomination for his performance.

Stephen Sondheim Theatre

Currently in previews, opens December 5


Six

Cast of Six on Broadway

I have to admit when I first heard the concept for this show I was VERY skeptical. The idea of Henry VIII’s wives starring in a pop concert made me want to run for the hills. Then I listened to the soundtrack. The songs are very catchy and will absolutely get stuck in your head. They also find a way to teach the audience the stories of the famous six wives (get it?) without feeling like you’re sitting in history class. The all female cast has incredible vocals and features 3 people making their Broadway debut (which is always very exciting). At 80 minutes (with no intermission) this show is perfect for audience members who want to make the most of their time in the city.

Brooks Atkinson Theatre

Currently Running


Company

cast photo Company

A revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 show about the ultimate NYC single man Bobby who is encouraged by the “good and crazy people” his married friends to settle down, this new version features female Bobbie, a single woman in her mid 30’s living in modern day New York. The cast has been updated for 2021 and now features multi-racial and same gender couples as Bobbi’s friends. This is a transfer from London where it received great reviews. The cast is led by Katrina Lenk (Tony Winner for The Band’s Visit) as Bobbi and Broadway royalty Patti LuPone as Joanne. If nothing else, there are 2 reasons to see this show, and both are songs. Who would want to turn down the chance to see Patti sing “The Ladies Who Lunch,” where I am very sure people will actually “rise” at the end. The other is to see an amazing actress like Lenk tackle the finale song “Being Alive” which in my opinion is one of the most perfect musical theatre sings ever written.

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

Previews begin November 15, opens December 9


The Music Man

the music man flyerJerry Zaks helms his 2nd production of the season with what promises to be an amazing revival of the classic musical The Music Man. If this is half as good as his 2017 Hello Dolly, audiences are in for an evening of Broadway at its best. Choreographed by Warren Carlyle (who teamed with Zaks on Dolly and has choreographed other classics on Broadway like Kiss Me Kate and She Loves Me) the show stars Sutton Foster as everyone’s favorite librarian Marion Paroo and Hugh Jackman as conman/salesman/band leader Harold Hill. One thing that stands out to me right away is the size of the cast. In today’s world of scaled back budget shows, Music Man will have a large cast with a substantial sized ensemble, something that is very rare these days. I’m personally very excited for this production as Music Man is one of my favorite musicals and I’ve never had the chance to see a professional production before.

Winter Garden Theatre

Previews begin December 20, opens February 10


MJ the Musical

MJ broaday playbillThese days it seems that Broadway audiences are presented with several Jukebox musicals per season, and most recently the trend is biopic jukebox musicals (a term coned by my husband and fellow TopDogTours Guide Patrick Kelly). We’ve had the Cher Show, Tina, Summer, and Aint Too Proud on the Great White Way over the last few years. This season’s MJ the Musical seems to be fit into the mold these musicals all seem to follow. There is a young version of the music star and we watch them rise to fame and struggle with everything that means. What makes me excited about this production are a few things. Newcomer Myles Frost makes his Broadway Debut as Michael Jackson, and I am always about brand new talent leading a show as it is something that doesn’t not happen very much. I’m also a huge fan of Jackson’s much and you KNOW the dancing in the show is going to be insane.

Neil Simon Theatre

Previews begin December 6, opens February 1

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

  • 0:00 Introduction to New York Holiday Landmarks
  • 0:23 St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Historical Origins of Christmas
  • 1:34 New York Christmas Firsts
  • 1:54 St. Patrick’s Cathedral Midnight Mass History
  • 2:35 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree History
  • 4:27 Radio City Music Hall History
  • 4:48 The Rockettes History
  • 5:56 Bryant Park History
  • 6:30 Bryant Park Winter Village
  • 6:57 Macy’s Store History
  • 8:02 Macy’s Day Parade History
  • 9:08 Macy’s Holiday Window Display

 

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

To understand why John Wilkes Booth decided to gather a group of conspirators together on Good Friday 1865 to undermine the nation – killing the president alongside the failed assassinations of other members of his cabinet – one must look towards his life on the stage.

John_Wilkes_Booth,_assassin_CDV-1John Wilkes Booth was beloved by all, especially women, as a strikingly handsome figure with a face audience members would drop money just to look at, regardless of what show was on the playbill. He was also a bigot who considered African-Americans less than human and was furious that Lincoln would grant freed slaves their citizenship. Can’t forget that part. Yet, while John’s name is rather well-known today and even immortalized by theatrical legend Stephen Sondheim in his musical Assassins, he found himself overshadowed in life by his brother Edwin.

Calling Edwin Booth “The Other Booth Brother” during his lifetime would have been considered heresy. Not only was Edwin considered one of the great stage legends of his time but a performer who took his time with the language of Shakespeare. This would be a stark contrast to his father Junius Brutus Booth who spent much of his time on stage as a human tempest running around and swinging swords at ensemble members. “Fight call” was not a thing back in these days. While contemporary critics would praise Booth as a superior actor with a natural gift for the stage, his younger brother John was just a handsome face. It would not be fair to say that Edwin Booth incidentally found himself as his brother’s better. It was both their family circumstances and Edwin’s own financial decisions that would create a great divide between the two brothers that would never be healed.

Edwin Booth never had a childhood. He said so himself, saying that his boyhood days ended when he was conscripted by his mother Mary Ann Holmes to accompany his father on his theatrical tours. This was not so Edwin could have bonding time with his father but so he could look after Junius to make sure he did not drink away his earnings the family sorely needed. Not only were there bills to pay, but Junius’s first wife had moved from England to Baltimore so she could petition for divorce against Junius who had left her and her son to marry Mary Ann, a flower girl from Covent Garden, with whom he had ten illegitimate children. Marie Christine Adelaide Delannoy, the first wife, would terrorize the Booth family by following Mary and her children around Baltimore and screaming to anyone who had no choice but to listen that these children were bastards.

John_Wilkes_Booth_wanted_poster_new

The silver lining, if any, that Edwin could look forward to while playing the role of his alcoholic father’s guilty conscience was that he could learn the craft of acting at his father’s knee, even if he was asleep. One of Edwin’s first breakout rules at the age of sixteen was when he replaced his father as Richard III because Junius was too drunk to go on. Reviews were glowing. John could not help but feel that even if he could not see what his brother had to deal with from Junius it must have been a vacation compared to look after the Booth homestead where a strange woman kept following him and his family around calling them bastards. To make matters worse, when Edwin decided on a tour of California to stay so he could become his own man he had forsaken his role as his father’s keeper and sent Junius to travel home by himself. Junius never survived the trip.

Now indirectly responsible for his father’s death, something John and the rest of the family was keenly aware of, Edwin had little time to mourn as his star skyrocketed. At the same time, John sought to get into the acting profession himself but was kneecapped by Edwin. A border was drawn up across the country, several years before Fort Sumter and the Civil War, where Edwin would work all the more financially viable theaters in the North while John could have the theaters in the South which were often less profitable. This led to John spending much time in the south and at a perfect position to be scouted by the Confederate Secret Service towards conspiring against the President.

To really sink the knife in, the only time John was onstage with his brothers Edwin and Junius Jr. – Junius Jr. mostly kept to himself since his absence until now – was a production of Julius Caesar where John was denied the opportunity to play Brutus. Edwin claimed that John was not famous enough to play the assassin. A few months later when John Wilkes Booth shoots Lincoln he dives onto the stage, breaks his leg in the process and screams out to the audience what was identified as “Sic Semper Tyrannis!” While that is the Virginia state motto and can easily be a final cry from the Confederacy it also has a theatrical root. It’s Brutus’s line. Thus comes the theory that when John shot Lincoln he took one last curtain call so he could scream out to his brother “Who’s the famous assassin now?”

The Other Booth Brother: Exploring America’s Strangest Theatrical Familygramercy library boothEdwin Booth’s career would soldier on in Shakespearean classics like Romeo and Juliet as well as a career defining Hamlet. But Edwin Booth’s final years would be spent at the Player’s Club by Gramercy Park where Edwin would surround himself with greats like JP Morgan, General William Sherman, Mark Twain, and the like. His final years, as well as the Player’s Club and the saga of the Booths themselves can best be explored on TopDogTours’ Gramercy tour which includes the only tour of the Player’s Club available to the public. See the artifacts that shaped Edwin’s life and rediscover one of the largest names in theater, a name that has been largely overshadowed by the actions of his brother.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

New York’s wealthy elite took to the charming area just North-East of Union Square in the 1880s.

During what is now known as the Gilded Age, the wealthy top tier of NYC society lived in lavish mansions and brownstones while a large percentage of the population lived in abject poverty. Constantly trying to carve a piece of the city for themselves out of sight from the poor, the neighborhood of Gramercy came to be a permanent home for wealthy and powerful individuals. Today the area is still full of well-to-do residents but now is also known for its cultural centers and clubs. One of the first and most important contributions still remains: The Players Club.

Inside the Players Club

Iron Railings And The Two Masks Associated With Comedy and Tragedy Close Up On The Exterior Of The Players Club Near Union Square Park New York CityLocated at No. 16 Gramercy Park South sits a lovely Gothic Revival mansion with two large gas lights flanking the entrance. A large metal plaque of comedy and tragedy masks surrounded by bronze rays gives a clue to the people who call this club a home away from home. Built for actors, the Players Club gets its name from the once-common name for performers. Established New Years Eve 1888 by Edwin Booth, the most famous actor of his day. Booth elevated the status of the American actor.

At a time when actors were considered ruffians and second-class citizens, the fame and career of Edwin Booth changed everything for the art form. The club was very exclusive and still is to this day. Booth wanted to make the club not solely for performers but wanted to use his connections to esteemed men of other professions to mix and mingle amongst the actors, a genius move to ensure the reputation of actors as dedicated and worldly people deserving to enter the upper crust of polite society. Even the stuffy residents of Gramercy could not complain about all these actors hanging around if Edwin Booth was their friend. The other members were quick to donate art, books, and other curious artifacts to make the club into a form of museum. Each space in the clubhouse is unique, offering a look into the profession of theatre and into the lives of its many members over 130 years.

The Grill

Players-Club-Mark-Twain-Pool-Cue-Grill-Room-Gramercy-Park-Private-Club-NYCAn active restaurant for members to grab a bite and a chat with their fellow player, the grill also features a large pool table and cues on the wall. Up above the fireplace you can see original member Mark Twain’s personal pool cue. For artwork, typically you will find caricatures, many done by legendary Al Hirshfeld. There is even a Hirshfeld caricature of Booth, the only one he made for a person who was no longer alive. Also you can find the Players Bar and in the back, the ladies room is known as Lucile’s Loo for Lucille Lortel; known as the Queen of Off-Broadway! Head up the stairs to the impressive main hall for more artwork.

The Main Hall

This grand hall features a gorgeous 20-ton white marble fireplace designed by famed architect and member Stanford White, who converted the original 1844 building into the club. He was hand-selected by Booth for his remarkable achievements in the field of architecture. White worked the Players’ seal of the comedy and tragedy masks into the fireplace.

Above is a large portrait of not Edwin Booth but his father Junius Brutus Booth. The elder Booth was an esteemed actor in England but had a troubled life once he left for America with his 19-year-old mistress (Edwin’s mother). While he performed all over the country, his son Edwin was selected to follow him along since his drinking had become so bad he needed to be chaperoned. Sometimes he had to perform in his wake if he was incapacitated. Although Edwin had a complicated relationship with his father, the prominent placement of this portrait suggests the respect and love he had for the man. The room also features several other portraits, including a large portrait of Edwin Booth as Hamlet, the role he was most known for. Today the Main Hall is used for receptions and gatherings. Traditional black-tie events like the annual Players Founders’ Night and for Edwin Booth’s birthday usually begin here.

The Kinstler Room

The most represented artist at the Players is Everett Raymond Kinstler. Known as Ray to many of the members, he painted dozens of the portraits that adorn the walls of the club today. In this room you will find the likeness of Katherine Hepburn, James Cagney, and strikingly realistic portrait of Christopher Plummer. The only painting that is not a Kintsler in this room is the large copy of a portrait of Edwin Booth done by original member John Singer Sargent. Also see a selection of Booth’s own props and you can step out on the balcony and get an amazing view of Gramercy Park.

The Booth Room

Head to the third floor to see the most incredible part of the Players Club. Aside from all the amazing art and performance spaces in the club, the Booth room shows the private side of one of the most famous men who ever lived. This small bedroom was filled with the few things Booth collected after a life on the road. It is surprisingly humble. His bed, the very one he died in on April 7th 1893, is small. There is a small cot where his daughter Edwina stayed beside him until he passed. You can see her portrait right across the room from the bed, where Edwin could always see her. A touching bronze cast of their hands sits on the table. You can also see his vast pipe collection and believe it or not, you can still smell how much he loved smoking tobacco- the odor lingers. There are other portraits of photos of his family members, including the only picture of his infamous brother John Wilkes Booth you can find here. By Edwin Booth’s wishes, his name was never to be spoken in the club’s walls.

Besides these rooms there are many others to visit including one of the best performing arts libraries in the country, a small cabaret stage, and you can even find Mark Twain’s favorite poker table! The club is private and members only, so to get access you need to know a member or you can take a tour with Top Dog Tours, one of the only companies allowed to operate inside the club.

Book a tour of the Players Club today!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

The weather outside may be cold, but what could be a better way to spend a winter evening than at the theater?

Broadway has some amazing shows entering previews in the next two months and we could not be more thrilled! What is especially neat about this round of shows is that most are original musicals and plays. We have seen a lot of jukebox musicals and revivals this past year and it is always a treat to see something new. Up first, a show that has been taking the British theatre scene by storm the past few years:

Six- Brooks Atkinson Theatre

Six play flyerSix tells the story of Henry VIII six wives as if it were a pop concert. Each wife sings about their misfortune and abuse at the hands of the notorious monarch and whoever has suffered the most will be named the lead singer of the band. It is history retold as a reality TV singing competition with six powerful female leads. It premiered in 2017 at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest and has been running in the West End the last few years and is making its way to Broadway this Winter. Music, lyrics, and book are by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss.

Six will begin previews 2/13 and opens 3/12

The Minutes- Cort Theatre

Playbill for the MinutesSet at a town meeting in the fictional small city of Big Cherry, acclaimed American playwright Tracy Letts gives us this timely political piece. Letts also stars in this play alongside stage and screen mainstays Ian Barford, Blair Brown, and film star Armie Hammer. The Minutes is directed by Anna D. Shapiro. She and Letts were behind the smash hit August Osage County and this reunion is highly anticipated.

The Minutes will begin previews 2/25 and opens 3/15

Hangmen- Golden Theatre

The Hangman - Play billAnother West End transfer getting a lot of buzz this season is Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen. Besides doing well across the pond, the show is coming straight off a sold out run at the Atlantic Theatre Company. Hangmen is about a professional hangman on the day hanging is abolished and the unforeseen events that stem from that groundbreaking decision. This show stars Dan Steves and opens mid-March but will be gone mid June so be sure to grab your tickets early!

Hangmen will begin previews 2/28 and opens 3/19

Diana- Longacre Theatre

Diana playbillDiana is a biographical musical about Princess Diana’s life and her relationships with the media, the royal family, and the public. Coming off a great run at the La Jolla Playhouse, Jeanna de Waal and Joe Hartampf will reprise the roles of Diana and Charles. The book, music, and lyrics are by Joe Dipietro and David Bryan and directed by Tony winner Christopher Ashley. Anglophiles will want to make sure to not miss this new musical.

Diana will begin previews 3/2 and opens 3/31

Mrs. Doubtfire- Stephen Sondheim Theatre

Mrs. Doubtfire playbillRob McClure has gigantic (ladies) shoes to fill, playing the role of Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire in this new musical based off the iconic Robin Williams film of the same name. Coming from a highly regarded run in Seattle, Mrs. Doubtfire is sure to draw a big crowd this winter. With music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirtzpatrick and John O’Farell, the show is also directed by Tony winner Jerry Zaks. It is sure to be a riotous good time.

Mrs. Doubtfire will begin previews 3/5 and opens 4/5

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Many tourists avoid NYC in the winter months because they think it won’t be any fun in the cold.

But NYC is always a good time and there are a lot of benefits to visiting in February and March. Even if the temperatures are frigid, there is still plenty to do. Here are some ideas for your next winter trip!

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

statue of libertyIt seems like the activity you would want to do least this season but winter is one of the best times to go to the Statue. It can be very cold but since there are way less people visiting each day, it is a breeze to get on and off Liberty Island. If you can find a clear winter morning during your trip, you will get some of the most amazing photos- with less people in the background too! It is always best to go in the morning, but most times of year you need to be there by 9:30 AM at the latest otherwise it turns into a zoo, but in the winter you could go a bit later and sleep in a little more. A few things to keep in mind for a smooth trip: the boats leave every forty minutes so try to be where you need to be a few minutes early, otherwise you run the risk of having to wait for the next one. Bundle up since it can be windy on the island but other than that you can have the place mostly to yourself. The Ellis Island Museum admission is included with your ticket and is indoors so it’s a great place to spend a chilly day. With much less people around the museum tends to be more impactful and you can see everything much faster.

2. Get lunch or dinner in Chinatown

Chinatown NYCChinatown is a popular destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. In the summer, wait times at popular Chinese restaurants like the Nam Wah Tea Parlor and Joe’s Shanghai can be very long. During the winter though, you can almost always get a table anywhere. The streets in Chinatown are old and very narrow in some spots, it fills up very quickly and it can be frustrating getting past all the people. In the winter it’s much easier to walk down the street. You will notice a lot less tourists and more locals. Also steaming hot noodles, egg drop soup, and dumplings just taste better when it’s cold out.

3. Visit a Museum

Dinosaur bonesIt seems obvious, but museums are a great place to spend a cold afternoon. If you have always wanted to see classic museums like the Museum and Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art it really is best to go in the off season. In the summer, people end up forfeiting tickets they purchased since the line to get in to redeem them is simply too long. It is still a good idea to avoid the weekends since many more people come out, especially the NYC families taking advantage of the slow season. Also consider going to one of NYC’s lesser known museums, there is one for every kind of person on your trip. The kids will love any of the 5 boroughs children’s museums (Staten Island has a really nice one if you feel like being really adventurous!). History buffs will love the New York Historical Society, NYC’s oldest museum. Of course there are plenty of art museums; consider the Guggenheim or the Museum of Modern Art if you have never been. Some other off-the-beaten-track options include the NY Transit Museum (for subway aficionados), The Morgan Library (great for art and architecture), or the Science Museum. No matter what you choose you will not be dissapointed!

4. Go to Central Park (especially if it is snowing!)

Central park in winter If you notice a snowstorm in the middle of your trip, fear not. NYC gets snow frequently but we typically do not get many inches at once. While it can be messy to get around and it is probably not the best day to go to Times Square or to the Statue of Liberty, it’s the best time to go to Central Park! The park is amazing and worth a visit any time, but it is magical walking around in the snow. Even if it’s cold you will see a lot of people out, but while lots of people in one place can be a recipe for frustration anywhere else in the city, Central Park is big enough for them all and it’s so fun to people watch. You can see kids and cute dogs playing in the snow. It is the only place that is any fun to walk in the snow!

5. Visit the New York Public Library

Lion sculpture at NYC libraryVisiting the library, a typical rainy day activity you can do at home turns into an adventure in NYC. Next to Bryant Park and very close to Times Square and Rockefeller Center the New York Public Library is easy to find. It is a massive building with two larger than life lions at the entrance. Inside you can find the real stuffed animals that inspired Winnie the Pooh. You can also find beautiful art and several rotating exhibits. You might even see some oddball artifacts like George Washington’s recipe for beer and Charles Dickens’s favorite letter opener! If you have never visited this amazing NYC landmark before, this winter could be the perfect time!

“Don’t be super concerned with the cold weather,” says Liz, a tour guide with Top Dog. “We keep moving, our stops are short and interesting, you won’t be standing there shivering while the guide drones on about history. Our groups are smaller as well and we can tailor the tour to what the guests are interested in. We often get some of our best feedback during the winter.”

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Small Group Tour

“Visited Lady Liberty and Ellis Island on a cold, cloudy, rainy day. We really enjoyed the trip. Low crowds and no trouble seeing everything we wanted to. Liz helped us beat the lines, told us where to stand on the boat for great statue views, and taught us a lot about both sites. And she’s smart and fun. Happy we booked this tour.” – Eric L.

Three Neighborhoods Small Group Walking Tour

“Patrick our tour guide was welcoming, informative, and entertaining during our tour of the 3 New York neighborhoods. The history was interesting even with the wet and cold weather. We were introduced to “cronuts” and the delicious dumplings. Thank you Patrick – we definitely recommend your tour.”

To make your winter trip even better call (718) 806-1706 or visit topdogtoursnyc.com.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Poutine – Canada’s National Dish

PoutineIndulge in the ultimate Canadian comfort food: poutine. What’s not to love?  Double fried french fries layered with hot melted cheese curds and a meaty brown gravy. This is a decidedly decadent treat and Canada for sure loves its poutine. You’ll find poutine on menus all over Toronto and Canada, usually with these three staple ingredients; Fries, Cheese curds, and Gravy, but some places will jazz up this comfort food with different spins on the classic recipe.

Where does poutine, this national treasure, even come from? Well, It wasn’t even originally called poutine, it was first called 50/50. That’s where you get that first mixture of cheese curds and french fries. The next step in its evolution was when the brown gravy was added and it was then referred to as “mixte.” The name “poutine” as we know it today, appeared out of the Quebec in the 1950’s and only gained that name when large restaurant chains started selling the product. This names origin is probably due to the fact that other dishes made of potatoes are also called “poutiness”, but it could also be derived from the English word “pudding.”

Who invented Canada’s national dish?

The massive controversial origin to the creation of poutine will be argued by scholars for countless generations, but it is believed that poutine originated in the French speaking province of Quebec. Various places in the region claim the credit for this invention but one thing is for sure: poutine was definitely born in rural Quebec in the 1950’s… but to whom exactly should the origin of poutine be linked?

The most widespread story is that poutine originates from a restaurant formerly called Le Lutin qui rit in Warwick, in the Arthabaska region. In 1957, a client named Eddy Lainesse asked the owner Fernand Lachance to mix cheese curds with the fries. Conversely, a Drummondville restaurant called Le Roy Jucep registered a trademark stating that it is the inventor of poutine. Jean-Paul Roy, owner of this restaurant in 1964, is the first one to have served poutine as we know it today, i.e. “French fries, cheese and gravy.” Regardless of who created it, it is delicious and genius!

Toronto’s Annual Poutine Fest

Poutine festYou would think since Poutine has been around at least since the late 1950’s that Toronto would have been serving and celebrating it. But that’s not so! Long being associated with Quebec cuisine, it was perceived negatively and mocked, and even used by some to stigmatize Quebec society. Poutine later became celebrated as a symbol of Québécois cultural pride and it hasn’t been until recently that this culture has been celebrated, in a small way, across the boarder here in Ontario. This May 2020, the 3rd annual Toronto Poutine Fest will take place on May 22nd – 24th. The festival celebrates both Ontario & Quebec’s best food trucks. Yearly they return to the annual Toronto Poutine Fest to battle for the grand title of #1 Poutine in Toronto. The Poutine Fest is held in Yonge-Dundas Square over these fun filled 3 days! Featuring live music, a fun atmosphere and over 50 varieties of poutine! Get ready to stuff your face and have a good time!

Your traditional poutine is scrumptious…but this competition is not your Grandma’s Poutine! Everything from Vegan poutine to lobster and bacon, duck, taco poutine, buffalo chicken, land and sea, and even Italian style poutine…there is a poutine for everyone! So as we all gear up to celebrate Canada’s national gift of street food! Come with an empty stomach and open mind. For as I have discovered Canada’s favorite national dish has something for everyone.  Be sure to get your fill, as the dish is rarely found outside of Canada and the northern border cities in the United States. Check out TopDogTours: Toronto for tours that feature some of the best eateries and poutine stops the city has to offer! Bon Appetit!

 

Filed Under: Toronto Travel Tips

You should go to the Art Gallery of Ontario, and you should get lost in there.

Art Gallery of Ontario interiorI saw a play some time ago, the play was titled Red, and it was about Rothko, a famous painter whose work started in the 1920s. Rothko was most famous for layering coloured, geometric shapes on a canvas. They were also huge. Some of them measured eighty-five by sixty-five inches. He was also very, very particular about how these canvases were to be hung and displayed in the art galleries which produced his shows. Like, really particular, having instructions on how to light them, how high up they were to be displayed, and so forth.

Rothko paintingMy friend Amos saw the play Red at the same time as I did, and the show was wonderful, and it was the first time I learned about Rothko and his idiosyncratic behaviours, his temperamental nature, and his peculiar demands for displaying his work. Talking to Amos after the show, he told me that he never “got” Rothko, having seen pictures of his works in art books and so forth. But then Amos saw an exhibit of these works, and the exhibit showed off Rothko’s genius.

What had appeared as flat, boring geometry and pigment came alive. It pulsed, said Amos, and came out to meet you and imposed itself in your mind and in your space, and he said that suddenly at that moment he “got” Rothko. Rothko knew what he was doing and Amos had been hypnotised by the work of this master artist.

Look, you can go to an art gallery and take a wrong turn and wind up not knowing where the exit is, but if you really want to go and get lost, you have to experience art.

Take the exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario right now, the one titled Hito Steyerl: This is the Future. You can definitely get lost in this one. I don’t know how to pronounce the artist’s name, so don’t ask. I know that she’s from Germany, a filmmaker and a visual artist, and a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts.

Hito SteyerlThe exhibit features several works by Steyerl, and is about the Future. My personal favourite piece was called Liquidity, Inc., but I encourage you to get out and engage with this work. It’s something special and isn’t the kind of thing you normally think of when you think of an art gallery.

It takes up the whole fifth level of the David and Vivian Campbell Centre for Contemporary Art and it will take up all of your psyche as well. It is enriching, enchanting, and inspiring – this is art that can change you just in the viewing. It needs all that space, too, because this is an exhibit with gravitas. The scale of the thing is part of the wonder you will experience taking this in.

If you’re looking for something more like that, more traditional, go see the work of one of the revered masters. Early Rubens, which is pretty WYSIWYG: you get to take in the early works of the Flemish Baroque artist famous for his particular approach to illustrating women . In fact, he was so famous for his preferences for curvaceous women that the term Rubenesque has become common parlance for the full-figured.

In many ways, that’s a shame, because it has reduced Rubens’ works into one dimension, at best, or a punch line, at worst, and he really does have a fine command of form and composition.

If you think visual art is not engaging, I cannot recommend the Early Rubens exhibit enough. The Massacre of the Innocents realises the scene in the Gospel of Matthew where King Herod, hearing about a new king (the prophesised Christ child) from the three wise men, orders the children of the area murdered. The story is horrifying. So is the painting. The figures depicted hold movement despite the still nature of the art form. You can feel the motion, the roiling torment of the scene, the terror and agony is real under Rubens’ brush. There is a fluidity to many of Rubens’ pieces which I admire and envy.

Now, this might seem like the sort of thing you want to avoid, but it’s not. It’s engaging. Repulsive, yes, I suppose, but the power of art is the power to illuminate and magnify images and feelings like this. We need to feel these feelings and this art takes us there. In a weird way, it’s also kinda Christmassy, getting into parts of the story we aren’t so familiar with and may be a little uncomfortable, but worth the exploration.

Rubens Massacre of the InnocentsThe exhibit has a lot going for it, and not everything involves infanticide. Go see the works of a venerable master and discover why he is revered. Discover the art that created “Rubenesque” and make sure that his work is no longer one-note in your mind. Let it arrest you and take you somewhere sobering, detailed, and fluid.

Rubens runs until the fifth of January. Hito Steyerl: This is the Future will be at the AGO until February the twenty-third. Make sure you check out the Art Gallery of Ontario. These are just two of the wonderful exhibits that get displayed there, and there’s so much more going on.

Most people don’t think about art galleries when they book a vacation. Why would you walk around a stuffy building with your pinky out trying to pretend like you “get” it. Well, let’s be clear: visual art and galleries are two of the best things and most unique things a city can offer visitors and guests. But, also, don’t make the mistake of assuming you won’t “get it”. Remember what I said? About getting lost? Well, that’s all you have to do. Just take it in. Whether it’s a multi-media presentation by a contemporary artist, or the perennially arresting work of a recognised master, the best art is accessible. You just have to get lost in the art itself, let your mind see it, take it in, and yes, you will understand it. Even if that’s just a feeling or a sense of the image itself, that’s what art does.

Getting lost has never been so much fun, so easy, or so fulfilling.

https://ago.ca/exhibitions

Filed Under: Toronto Travel Tips

How To Enjoy a Drink and Maybe Pen the Next Great American Novel.

For a good chunk of history, writing and boozing have gone hand in hand. Some of the best books to ever have been written were penned because of, in dedication of, or in spite of the Devil’s drink. According to Lewis Hyde, four of the six Americans who have won the Nobel Prize for Literature were alcoholics: namely William Faulkner, Eugene O’Neill, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck. It comes as no surprise, then, that in the last century, if you had wandered into one of the many booze-soaked bars New York has to offer, you may have ended up sharing a tipple with a great American author. And luckily for us, many of these fine establishments are still around. Whether to drink at tables where many groundbreaking books were thought up, or to write your very own masterpiece, here are five fantastic literary bars you really shouldn’t miss exploring.

Chumley’s

ChumleysChumley’s is a drinking establishment with a frankly brilliant history to it. It started it’s life in 1922 as a Speakeasy by Lee Stanford Chumley, where patrons could snag a drink away from the prying eyes of the law enforcement. It is said that Chumley’s is where the term to ’86 it’ comes from, as next door was 86 Bedford St and the police would call ahead before a raid, to tell their bartender to ’86’ his customers, meaning have them exit via the 86 Bedford St. door, as the Police would be coming to the Pamela Court entrance, so no-one would be caught. The facade of the building collapsed in 2007, which led to it being closed for just under 10 years, until it reopened in 2016 with a complete refurbishment. If you head in there today, they still have all the covers of books written by authors who once drank in the bar adorning the walls. These include Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, Edna St. Vincent Millay, William Faulkner, e.e. cummings, John Steinbeck, Willa Cather, Theodore Dreiser, Ring Lardner, Eugene O’Neill and John Dos Passos to name but a few. For most of it’s history Chumley’s was a rather dank, dark dive bar, but after it’s refurbishment, it has reopened as a more upmarket restaurant and cocktail bar, so if you come here expect to pay a pretty penny. Chumley’s is featured on our Ghost Tour, if you want to hear more about the building and a spooky story or two, too!

White Horse Tavern

White Horse TavernIf you are looking for something more affordable with as much literary history to boot, you can’t really go wrong with the White Horse Tavern in the West Village. It has been run continuously since 1880 and so is vying for the title of the second-oldest bar in NYC. It is here where apparently in November 1953, after a massive bender, the poet Dylan Thomas stopped in to have his very last drinks on the way back to the Chelsea Hotel before passing away. It’s where the Beat poets liked to drink, and where locals mixed with the early folk music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. The likes of James Baldwin, Anaïs Nin, Bob Dylan, Norman Mailer and Hunter S. Thompson were often spotted drinking late into the night here. Jack Kerouac was famously chucked out of the bar on several occasions, and wrote that he spotted ‘Go home Jack’ written all over the urinals. Kerouac was, of course, the creator of the Beatnik movement and to find out more about them, the Bohemians and the folk scene which were all happening down in the Village, it’s worth checking out our Greenwich Village Tour.

Pete’s Tavern

Petes-TavernAnother bar with pressed-tin ceilings and a strong literary history but with a more ornate feel than the White Horse, is Pete’s Tavern, located near Gramercy Park. Dating back to 1864, Pete’s claims to be the oldest continuously operating bar/restaurant in the whole of New York City. And with a history that long, at some point a writer is going to have stumbled through its doors looking to quench their thirst. One such man was William Sydney Porter, also known as O. Henry, who is said to have written his well-known story ‘The Gift of the Magi’ here in the second booth from the front door. Pete’s Tavern actually appears in another of O. Henry’s, called ‘The Lost Blend’ under the name ‘Kenealy’s’, paying homage to it’s name at the time, which was Healy’s. Another writer was Ludwig Bemelmans who wrote the first Madeline book here, apparently on the back of a menu. Today, Pete’s Tavern offers a casual drinking spot with great Italian eats, and is a great place to stop off after you’ve taken our Gramercy Park Tour.

The Algonquin Hotel

Blue Bar at the AlgonquinFor a taste of something a little different, why not try the Alonquin Hotel? One of midtown’s grand old hotels and a world away from the cheaper, dive-y literary bars of the Village, the Algonquin offers a rich literary history and luxurious surroundings to match. To this day, you can sit at the Round Table where the 1920s writing/theatrical group, The Vicious Circle (composed of members such as Dorothy Parker, Alexander Woollcott and Robert Benchley) used to meet with such frequency that their name changed to match the table they were sat at. The Round Table was comprised of playwrights, critics, columnists and authors. One being Harold Ross who won so much money from other members of the Vicious Circle in a game of poker that he used the proceeds to start the New Yorker magazine with Parker as a book reviewer and Benchley as the drama critic. The Hotel’s Blue Bar is a must-see for visiting literary historians and for a martini, and no trip to the Algonquin is complete without seeing the plush surroundings of the hotel’s lobby, including a mini-chaise lounge for the Hotel’s resident cat.

McSorley’s Old Ale House

mcsorleys old houseLast but not least has to be McSorley’s Old Ale House. Established in 1854, McSorley’s rivals Pete’s Tavern for the oldest bar in New York, because records seem to suggest it was closed for a spell in the 1860s, so Pete’s lays claim to the title. A great place for decent pub food, two types of ale (no literally – that’s all they serve here) and memorabilia that hasn’t been taken off the walls since at least 1910, McSorley’s generally rates in the top historic bars in New York to visit. It’s literary past is vast, in 1923 e.e. cummings penned ‘i was sitting in mcsorley’s’, it was the subject of Joseph Mitchell’s New Yorker collection of stories ‘McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon’ (1943) and its patrons ran the gamut of writers to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant. Teddy Roosevelt, Peter Cooper, Boss Tweed, Woody Guthrie, Hunter S. Thompson, Brendan Behan, Paul Blackburn, LeRoi Jones, Christopher Morley, Gilbert Sorrentino, George Jean Nathan, Dave Van Ronk, Wavy Gravy and even Dustin Hoffman.

Though these are some of my favorites, New York’s history is long and eclectic, so you are bound to find bars rich in literary history all over the city. Some honorable mentions include:

  • Bemelman’s Bar in the Carlyle Hotel
  • Kettle of Fish
  • KGB Bar
  • Old Town Bar
  • Rose Club Bar at the Plaza Hotel
  • Minetta Tavern
  • Caffe Dante

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

People cannot get enough of John Wick.

Between the three movies, the upcoming fourth installment, spinoffs, video games, and inexplicable inclusion in Fortnite, John Wick has relaunched Keanu Reeves’ career and turned into the action sleeper hit of the past five years. But Derek Kolstad’s franchise is not just a rollicking good time full of blood, bullets, and regret over having to regress into the cold-blooded lifestyles we swore we’d forgo because Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones killed your dog. It also provides a perfect opportunity to visit New York City to see where they filmed everything! Problem though. Maybe your partner would rather not spend the holidays in New York City tracing the path of Hollywood’s most famous killer. Maybe you have kids who are not old enough to watch Keanu Reeves kill a guy with a pencil. All reasonable concerns. So how can you enjoy a stay in New York that’s family friendly while indulging in the dark underside of Manhattan you’ve seen on screen. Thankfully, TopDogTours NYC has you covered. Also, spoilers, for all three installments of the Wick films.

The Continental

the beaver building

The Continental is John Wick’s most iconic location: a hotel for assassins where they can drink scotch, make eyes at other assassins, and hang out with Lance Reddick while they take care of “business” in the heart of the Financial District. Lucky for us – The Continental is two locations. The first is The Beaver Building located at 1 Wall Street Court where all the exterior scenes were shot. Interior scenes were filmed at nearby DelMonico’s at 2 South William Street. It makes sense that DelMonico’s is the site of The Continental because both are ridiculously trendy institutions. You won’t be able to pay in gold coins at Del Monico’s but you can pay (oh my god will you pay) to try famous American dishes they’ve innovated like the eggs benedict, Manhattan clam chowder and of course the famous Delmonico steak, or as you know it, a ribeye. DelMonico’s can be glimpsed on TopDog’s Downtown tour.

Bethesda Terrace

bethesda fountain john wick

This next location sits in the heart of Central Park. No, that’s not the Friends fountain, that’s Bethesda Fountain located on Bethesda Terrace! It’s been featured in pretty much every film that shot in Central Park. Billy Crystal and Bruno Kirby jog by here in When Harry Met Sally and, on the diametrical end of the film spectrum, the upper level is where Thor teleports away with Loki at the end of the first Avengers movies. It’s a beautiful sight during the day – especially the statue of an angel crafted by Emma Stebbins who is the first woman to be commissioned by the city for a public art piece. But at night the Terrace fills a different role. Should any assassin like Adrianne Palicki’s Ms. Perkins overstep the rules of The Continental this is where Winston (Ian McShane) summons rulebreakers to be killed.

Bethesda Terrace makes a return at the unforgettable end of John Wick: Chapter 2 when Wick is called by Winston here during the day to answer for shooting Santino D’Antonio in the Continental, breaking the hotel’s no-kill policy. Winston takes some mercy on John giving the assassin a head start before he calls in a contract for every assassin in New York to go after Wick. To show how hopeless the situation is for Wick, Winston makes a phone call that causes every sightseer in Bethesda to turn around, all assassins under Winston’s employ. As you take your family around Bethesda and show them the turtles in the lake nearby be assured that none of the other tourists in the park are assassins. Probably. Better book a Central Park tour with TopDogTours NYC so we can keep an eye out for you.

New York Public Library

new york public libray john wick

At the beginning of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John looks for an emergency stash in one of the books at the world famous New York Public Library, desperately clambering past the twin lion statues (Patience and Fortitude) to enter the library and somehow skip their security check altogether. The Library asks patrons to be quiet as they browse the over 75 miles of books so behavior like the sight of John killing a would-be assassin with a book is something you will likely miss on your trip through the library. Still! Take your kids into the children’s corner and show them the on-display original Winnie the Pooh toys owned by the original Christopher Robin AKA Christopher Milne. Just in time for the holidays, the Library and nearby winter village are a featured part of TopDogTours NYC’s Holiday Tour!

Doyers Street

Doyer's Street John WickAfter fighting off the assassin at the library, John has to tend to his wounds with a Sbackalley doctor in Chinatown. Said clinic is Chinatown’s famous Doyers Street, once known as the bloodiest street in America for all the gang wars that occurred here by the Tong gangs of Chinatown. Hatchetmen, foot soldiers armed with literal hatchets, would throw down on this very street where today the most conflict comes from those waiting to get a spot at the Nom Wah Tea Parlor which has been serving dim sum cuisine since 1920. Take a walk down Doyers on our Three Neighborhoods tour!

Grand Central

grand central station nyc

Grand Central, the largest train station in the world, has been home to many films over the year and John Wick is no different. In Chapter 3, John Wick is walking through the concourse when he is approached by Mark Dacascos’ ultra-efficient killer, Zero. The two exchange a glance, they’re about to throw down and prove who is truly the better assassin…

And then a tour guide with a flag leads a group in between the two hitmen completely throwing everything off.

…

Maybe you can tour this one on your own… or as part of our Superheroes of New York walking tour!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

It’s T minus two days from the event I don’t know is happening yet and my wife and I are talking while the kids are eating dinner. “Oh!” she says, with that tone which means she almost forgot to tell me something. Now I know that there will be an information steam roller coming down on me and I have to step out of the way. It’s happening, I just need to know what it is. “I almost forgot to tell you,” (yup) “we’re going to the Ripley’s Aquarium on Saturday. My mom is coming, and so’s my brother and his family.”

Cool. That’s cool. I can roll with that.

ripleys aquarium canadaI’ve got three kids and there are a limited number of times I can plug them into the television to distract them and give me some breathing space before I cross over the bad parent line. I don’t want to cross that line. That means I am always on the lookout for wonderful, fun, distracting, educational (if possible) things to do with the family. Family time is very important. Family or not, I’ve got something that will scratch a lot of itches for you and yours, whether that means a family, friends, or just trying to find something wonderful to do with your afternoon.

Ripley’s Aquarium is right near the highway (Gardiner Expressway) right there with the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, and Union Station. Which, if you’re noticing, means it slots right in to a busy day (or couple of days) spent downtown, allowing you to see the Aquarium as well as several other major Torontonian attractions. It’s also such a convenient spot whether you’re coming in by bus, subway, car, or just staying at one of several high-quality hotels within walking distance of Ripley’s Aquarium.

So what’s inside?

Fish.

It’s an aquarium.

But, just in case that didn’t sell you, let me tell you a bit about that trip I made with the family…Mermaids with Kids

We decide to take the GO train in because the kids (especially my son) love trains and it’ll be a treat to ride one. We meet the in-laws at the station and board the train and the kids are definitely into it. But not as much as they will get into the aquarium itself.

The first room inside is a balcony overlooking a massive pool, and the pool is teeming with marine life. Turtles languorously drift about. Schools of fish, some multi-coloured, some camouflaged in beige and grey, go to and fro in search of food. Sharks lance through the water, calm, ever-moving, and even in an aquarium they feel as sharky as they should; part of the joy of discovering the ocean and its denizens is the threat and the danger of that watery world.

I point out the many, many fish to the kids and wonder to myself what happens if the caretakers don’t feed those sharks enough. I mean, I know what happens, I just wonder if that’s all part of the life-cycle of fish in an aquarium just as it is for fish in the wild…

Below the balcony we can see people, too, under the water, traveling through a long tube. They look up while we look down, and once we penetrate into the depths of the aquarium, we too will walk this transparent corridor and gaze around at the spectacular life hidden beneath the surface of the waters of the world.

Every room subsequent to the first one has its own surprises, its own treasures, its own experiences. You can touch a pair of buttons by one tank to experience a mild electrical charge. The tank next to the buttons is full of electric eels. Of course, you’re not being shocked, it’s not dangerous or anything, but once again you get to have that sense of the treachery of underwater life. It’s a struggle down there (not that it isn’t up here).

If you want to go through Ripley’s Aquarium and learn about marine life, there is plenty to learn. Panels, videos, and print-outs tell you all about the lives of the fish and the plants and even the ocean itself. If you crave knowledge, this is a great trip. I mean, if you’re a marine biologist it’s probably not new information, but for a guy like me, it’s plenty fascinating.

If you just want to go and bask in the awesome wonder of the sea, you can do that. You don’t have to “learn”. This doesn’t have to be bland and “educational”. But for goodness’ sakes, just looking is majestic. To see the way a sea creature moves, hides, or blinks is fascinating. To look at the colours and the terrain (is it terrain when it’s no longer earthen?) is inspirational.

But I got something else that day…

See, my oldest child is in kindergarten. I see her off to school in the morning, and in the afternoon I pick her up. In between I have the other two. I play, I read, I feed, and I try to get some freakin’ work done (!) with them all day, but my oldest, well…I don’t see her as much as I did before school. I almost never get one-on-one time with her as I did before her siblings came along.

shark in aquariumMy youngest loves her grandma and stayed with my wife’s mom the whole time. My son stayed with my wife. My oldest girl stuck with me. Not clingy, not afraid to explore, but just present with me. Talking to me about the fish, holding my hand, wanting “up” to see something better. I got a day with her in a way that I haven’t had in a year and a half. I’d tell you the price of the ticket, but for that day, who cares? What price wouldn’t I pay to spend that amount of bonding time with my daughter?

I mean, we’ll have a link around here to tell you the price, but you see my point.

Whatever you’re going for: a spark of knowledge, a flicker of awe, or family time long-craved, what can I say? Try Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown TO.

288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9

Filed Under: Toronto Travel Tips

When most people think of New York City theatre, they think of the flashy lights and big names of Broadway.

But the truth is that the entire city is brimming with quality theatre for all audiences! In fact, the term ‘Broadway’ as we know it today just means the theatre can hold more than 500 people–it has nothing to do with the quality of the show going on inside! Check out the five theatre companies below for some incredible performances that may be off the beaten track.

New World Stages

New World Stages Theater New YorkHome to five different performances spaces in its convenient midtown location, New World Stages is a superb option to see Off-Broadway shows! Numerous productions have found their second life at New World Stages, including the Off-Broadway productions of Avenue Q, Jersey Boys, and Rock of Ages. There are shows for every age group at New World, so if your family can’t decide what to see, you can all still head over to 50th and 8th to find a great variety package all under one roof.

STOMP – Orpheum Theatre

Orpheum_TheatreFor an experience like no other, don’t be afraid to venture downtown to the Orpheum Theatre. STOMP has been running at this East Village location for over

25 years and its unique blend of percussion and acrobatics makes this show a crowd pleaser for audiences worldwide. This intimate space is located on a strip of 2nd Avenue that is overflowing with unique bars and restaurants. Grab a pre-show cocktail at literary hotspot and bar KGB or a sweet snack at New York City’s famed Vanleeuwen Ice Cream just around the corner.

Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center

Harold-and-Miriam-Steinberg-CenterMany people have heard of Roundabout Theatre Company. Their famous revivals of Cabaret and She Loves Me are cherished pieces of theatre. But did you know that this non-profit theatre company actually has five spaces around the city? One of those spaces is their Off-Broadway complex, the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center. Located just off of Times Square at 46th and 6th, this venue houses both the Laura Pels Theatre and Roundabout’s Underground space, a playground for up and coming young playwrights. Adam Gwon’s legendary show Ordinary Days got its start in this underground space and his latest work, Scotland PA is finishing its run at the upstairs theatre, the Laura Pels. Who knows what new work you might get to experience with a visit to the Steinberg Center!

The Public

Actresses on Stage at The Public TheaterFamed launchpad of A Chorus Line and Hamilton, The Public is another downtown location to catch the hottest new shows. With five theatre spaces and a cabaret venue inside, The Public has a variety of options to choose from. It’s also home to The Library, a swanky spot for dinner and drinks before the show. Don’t forget to step outside the building and take a moment to enjoy the historic exterior before you go home.

Out of the Box Theatrics

For a truly unique experience, visit the site-specific shows produced by Out of the Box Theatrics. Though each show is a relatively short run, you’ll find star-studded casts and non-traditional casting that brings each piece to a new height. Like many young, Off-Broadway companies, OOTB has a strong point of view and a lot to say. Their shows are sure to get you thinking, whether it’s a well-known favorite like You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown or a brand new play like last summer’s premiere of The Pink Unicorn. If you feel inspired to participate in the art, look for OOTB’s monthly open mic night while you’re in town.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

I once discovered that Grease 2 is literally unwatchable.

Grease 2 Trailer Sanp

I was down in the United States, and I was on my own for one of the first times in my life, taking a weekend screenwriting course in San Diego, and I had made a crucial error in calculation: in my haste and excitement, I had forgotten to pack a book.

So there I sat in my motel room, flicking through channels, and I caught the tail end of Grease. Turns out it was a Grease movie marathon because the next thing on was Grease 2. I made it two and a half minutes in before shutting it down. With literally nothing else to do, I discovered that Grease 2 was, for me anyway, unwatchable.

I also learned a valuable lesson, a rule I quote to everybody: always have a book on you somewhere. But the real takeaway is not to get caught in a strange city without any clue as to what’s going on. If I had known about some great live shows in the area, I might’ve been able to check out something cool, something unique, and bring home an experience.

Vacations away – trips somewhere – are all about experiences: great experiences. Wherever you’re going, you want something great to do. You take a few photos to jog your memory, but really, it’s all about the experience.

So, it’s December, and you’re looking for…live theatre? Great!

Let’s prevent boredom and grab some beautiful, wonderful memories with some wonderful shows.

Mirvish

Ed Mirvish Theatre Toronto

There’s always the big stuff, of course. Mirvish runs the biggest musicals, those wild and heady extravaganzas that tend to excite and enchant any visitor to the city of Toronto. Playing all through December are productions of Cats and Anastasia. If you’re here from December 13th onwards, Come From Away will be playing, and all of these promise to be the kind of song-and-dance showcases that will satisfy any big musical theatre fan.

But you might have heard about those. You certainly will have heard about them by the time you’ve driven or walked anywhere in town. Posters tend to abound for that sort of thing. And I’m not saying that I shouldn’t have told you about them, but rather, what you should do is ask an insider. I have a few insiders. I spoke with some of my theatre-going, theatre-loving, in-the-know friends and asked “What are you excited about this December in Toronto?” And here’s what they said…

It’s Christmas season (happy holidays, everybody!) and there’s a good chance you’re out for a classic. There are two versions of Charles Dickens’ evergreen classic A Christmas Carol that are well worth seeing, as far as my friend Phil is concerned. Soup Can Theatre is performing a version of the Yuletide yarn at the historic Campbell House. It sold out last year, so that says all you need to know about buzz…

Campbell House

Campbell House TorontoThe Campbell House is this great, old manor built in 1822, which is right in that Dickensian period (albeit an ocean away from Dickens). The oldest remaining building in the town of York, the building is preserved for its history, and serves now as a museum and a gateway to the past…

Gateway, indeed! The version of A Christmas Carol being presented there (running until December 22nd) is immersive, site-specific theatre. The tale isn’t performed as a “normal” theatre production, you’ll be in the thick of the action, moving through the mansion to witness the show, almost like you are one of the ghosts haunting Scrooge’s house and heart: unseen, but present. This is the kind of thing that live theatre can offer audiences which they simply cannot get elsewhere. You can’t travel with the characters on TV, only observe them, but at Campbell House, you’re as part of the ride as it gets!

White Mills Theatre

White Mills Theatre is also presenting A Christmas Carol. Their version, too, is immersive, and takes place in a historic site – the Spadina Museum – and also promises a musical component. They have re-set the tale in 1907, so this one pushes on the tale even further, and might mix things up enough if you’re looking for a really fresh take.

Soulpepper

Phil knows (as I do) that you might be seeking some non-Christmas-specific shows. He had one more show for you (and me) to check out. Bad Hat Theatre is at Soulpepper right now (December 6th, anyway) with a production of Peter Pan. He said it was a familiar story with a “new spin”, although he didn’t go into further detail. Just go see it, you’ll be delighted, I’m sure (Phil knows his stuff). It’s a little over an hour, perfect for young audiences if you’re traveling with little ones.

I have more than one friend (I swear it; I’m not making that up) and I got recommendations out of another one. Ready for a bit of a mystery? He wanted to remain anonymous. Didn’t want to seem biased. But he does exist…really…I have more than one friend…

Coal Mine Theatre

Mystery Man gave me my own mystery. He didn’t “name names”, only hinted at good shows. He told me to check out Coal Mine Theatre... Alright…! I’m always game for a mystery, and goodness knows, hunting and finding hidden gems is one of my favourite things to do in a city, new or familiar.

Here’s what I found…

Coal Mine Theatre is presenting a show called Between Riverside and Crazy through December 22nd. It is a story of ex-cop Walter Washington and his encounters with a “…slew of bizarre characters, each a celebration of the flaws that make up human nature.” Sounds like a mystery worth solving…

Absolute Comedy Toronto

Absolute Comedy Stage Performance and AudiencedLet me also tell you about a man named Dave… David Brennan is a friend of mine who used to live around here (Hamilton), then moved to Ottawa. He’s a stand-up comic and a stand-up guy, and he’ll be in Toronto from the 5th of the December to the 8th, performing at Absolute Comedy Toronto. You never know what to expect with stand up comedy, of course, but I love Dave’s work. I once saw him do a stand up bit which I tell people about to this day for its audacity, talent, and sheer gumption. I won’t wreck his bit here, of course. If you’re really curious, I guess PM me.

But that’s the real thing, isn’t it? You want to find your own gems. So, that’s a few recommendations from me and my insiders, but that doesn’t mean you have to go to one of those. Get out there. Snoop around. Find out what’s going down so you can become your own insider and make a wonderful series of memories for your vacation! Drop us a line to let us know what you’ve found, maybe throw a comment in so others can find it, too.

But whatever you do, wherever you go, just remember to always bring a book.

You don’t want to wind up watching Grease 2.

Filed Under: Toronto Travel Tips

Check out our two newest tours:

Kensington Market and Chinatown Tour

Downtown Toronto Tour

toronto city
kensignton market bellevue Park
Otto's Berlin Doner in Toronto
sculpture in toronto
toronto building
toronto water

Filed Under: Toronto Travel Tips

The weather is finally starting to turn around here in NYC and spring is officially here!

On a nice weekday afternoon I decided to join many other tourists and New Yorkers for a stroll through Central Park. I spend a fair amount of time in the park as a local, but it is never enough! The park is amazing in every season, I even got lost in it during a snowstorm a few weeks ago! That being said, spring is one of the best times of year to visit since the temperature is more moderate than the summer or winter. This time there was a nice breeze and the plants were just starting to bloom in some areas. The next few weeks seem like they will be perfect for visiting of the city’s greatest treasures! Here is some of what I saw this time on my walk in Central Park.

Horse Carriages and The Pond

Horse carriages in central parkI began my walk at Grand Army Plaza which was buzzing with activity from people meeting up to others trying to catch cabs. The biggest change I noticed was the horse and carriage stand being moved from off of 59th st to just inside the park. People seemed to have no trouble finding them and cars were not as close as they were before, they seemed to have a bit more space in general. I saw a few families hopping up into the carriages and trotting off into the park which is a classic Central Park activity. I continued on into the park past the beautiful pond. People were taking photos of some birds enjoying the water. From the pond, I encountered what was once known as the children’s area of the park. I walked through the former Dairy, past the chess and checkers house down the 65th street traverse to the grand Carousel.

Central Park Carousel

Although I really wanted to, I decided not to ride the Carousel and left it for the families and kids, although there were a few adults riding solo. This carousel is fourth in park history. The original is said to have been powered by a live donkey and horse, trained to start and stop on command. The next two were destroyed in fires. The current one was found in an abandoned Coney Island trolley terminal and dates back to 1908 and was restored in the ‘90s. The Carousel is especially popular with children and couples of all ages on dates. Check it out when you come visit! I decided to walk uphill to an area known as the Mall next.

The Mall

Not for shopping, but originally for showing off, the term mall refers to a formal feature of a proper (European) park; a long promenade where people would gather to stroll. This was an important part of being considered a member of the American upper class; you would leave your carriage and walk amongst the common folk, which set this mall apart from the ones found across the pond. Today it is a still a place where people from all walks of life gather. The other day was no exception, I saw people from all over the world posing for pictures, looking at the amazing bronze statues scattered down the promenade, and browsing the photos and posters for sale on carts and tables set up throughout. The shade from the American Elms made it a little cooler than the rest of the park but it was still plenty warm from the sun peaking through the branches. Walking through the mall you cannot help but feel like you are in a movie, since so many have been shot here including Home Alone 2, Enchanted, and Spiderman 3. At the end of the mall, I stopped to admire Bethesda Fountain and the Lake.

Bethesda Fountain

A trip to Central Park is not complete without a visit to its centerpiece: Bethesda Fountain. In the center of an impressive pool is a sculpture of an angel touching down on top of fountain. When I went the water was not yet flowing, it was also a bit windy so that may have been for the best. People were sitting down inside the dry pool which was an interesting site considering normally it is full of water and coins! I walked to the other side of the fountain and took a look at the Lake, which comes up right to the edge of the brick paved path.. Lots of people were boating and enjoying their time on the water, the Loeb Boathouse also seemed very inviting across the way. I decided to keep walking to one of my favorite parts of the park, The Ramble.

The Ramble

I have been to most areas in the park at least once, but one area that I have not explored fully, and don’t know if I ever will is the wooded area known as The Ramble. This part of the park was designed to look as natural and rugged as possible, while still providing properly marked paths and trails. I decided to wander up a way I never had before and found myself seemingly in the middle of a forest. There were few people and the trail was a bit steep, but I got some incredible views of the Lake from above. There was also a small creek formed from the lake and some rocks. After about fifteen minutes I found myself back in the busy part of Central Park that is near the Museum of Natural History. The sounds of the city, traffic, and bikes came back all at once, and I noticed how nice it was to be tucked away in the middle of the quiet Ramble. After all that walking, especially in the hilly areas, I decided it was time to go.

There is so much more to see in Central Park, I actually meant to visit two of my other favorite places in the park: the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and Delacourte Castle but I guess I will just have to visit them next time. If you are planning a trip there are so many other places to consider like the Central Park Zoo and The Wollman Rink! Also consider taking a tour with Top Dog Tours, we provide a lot of interesting information and will take you to some of the highlights of the park, including some of the ones I got to see this time. No matter what, as long as you get to visit Central Park you are sure to be impressed by the most popular urban park in the world!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Downtown Manhattan has always seemed cutting edge and modern.

A favorite location for skyscraper designers, the Financial District (now sometimes known as FiDi) attracts as many tourists and trendy locals s it does bankers and businessmen. All this new development cannot change the fact that Downtown is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It is even older than America, having been settled by Native Americans for many generations before the Dutch established a shipping port and fort in 1625 known as New Amsterdam. Wall Street was originally as far North as the settlement extended! New York City also played a major role in the American Revolutionary War and some of these sites can still be visited today. Check out some of them the next time you find yourself Downtown.

Fraunces Tavern

a historic site nyc

What better place to start a historical walking tour than at a bar! It’s what the founding fathers would have wanted; during colonial times it is estimated there was one bar for every TWENTY people in the British colony known as New York. This land was originally owned by the first NYC mayor to be born in the colony, Stephanus van Cortlandt who gave it to his son-in-law Stephen DeLancey. DeLancey then sold the building to a man named Samuel Fraunces who turned it into a bar, originally called the Queen’s Head. By the 1770s, this bar was the secret headquarters for the Sons of Liberty. This bar was involved in the city’s very own “tea party” in 1773 when patriots forced a British ship captain to apologize for attempting to bring tea to New York during the tea crisis. They then disguised themselves as Native Americans and dumped his tea in the harbor, just like in the more famous Boston Tea Party. The tavern was also involved in negotiations with the British and the “Long Room” was the site of a fancy turtle feast George Washington held for his troops post-Revolution. He allegedly took each officer aside for a private word after delivering a speech of gratitude. After the war the bar served as the offices of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and War. Today it is partly a museum dedicated to the American Revolution, George Washington, and the Sons of Liberty and also has a restaurant and a whisky bar.

Bowling Green

nyc building with police cars and sculptureNot far from Fraunces Tavern is a small park and public square aptly known as Bowling Green where people would play lawn bowling during colonial times. It was also a meeting place, and is still used for gatherings of all sorts today. A lot has changed around the area, but the park is still known by the same name and looks similar to how it does today. One big difference would have been a giant gilded statue of King James III on horseback that was in the middle of the park from 1765-1776. On July 9th 1776 after a reading of the Declaration of Independence in City Hall Park just a bit further uptown, some of the Sons of Liberty came down to Bowling Green to tear down the statue and get rid of all signs of British rule. They tore down the statue, cut it into pieces, and sent a bunch of the statue down to Connecticut to be melted down into musket balls to shoot at the British! That is some pretty good revenge! Historians also believe crowns were once adorning the top of the fence posts surrounding the park and the rioters sawed them all off, and if you run your hand over the tops of one these posts, you will find it to be rough. That fence has stood the test of time! Today there is a fountain and seasonal flowers to enjoy.

Trinity Church

Built in 1698, if this building had not been burned down once (in 1776 during the Revolution) and was damaged by snowstorm in the 1800s, it would be the longest continuously used building in New York City history. Now it is under a major renovation once again, but it still is very impressive. The large spire made it larger than any other structure for many years, people even informed travelers if they were sailing into New York Harbor to look for Trinity to know they had arrived. Although the clergy was required to be Loyalist during the war, after the Revolution, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton as well as many other prominent New Yorkers worshipped at Trinity. Hamilton even advised the church on financial and legal matters, had five children baptized there, and of course is buried on the grounds. Hamilton and his wife Eliza are the most popular graves in the site and the biggest draw for Trinity today, although they are still an active church with services that can be attended by all.

Federal Hall

Federal Hall - NYC - As seen on foot.The original Federal Hall was built in 1703 and saw a ton of incredible events within its walls including the drafting of a message of protest sent to King George III in response to the levying of the Stamp Act and the libel trial of John Zenger which led to the establishment of freedom of the press, later part of the Bill of Rights.After the war, this would be the first Capitol Building for the country before the capital moved from Philadelphia and then down to Washington DC.This was where George Washington’s inauguration as the first President was held. Although this was an incredibly historic building, when the capital moved out of New York, it was determined unnecessary and the original was torn down in the 1790s. About thirty years later, it was rebuilt and served as a Customs House and Sub Treasury with millions of dollars worth of gold and silver until the Federal Reserve Bank was established in 1920. Today it is a national monument and offers rotating exhibits as well as a permanent collection dedicated to George Washington including a replica of his desk, the Inaugural Bible, and a recovered piece of the balcony he was sworn in on, the only thing remaining from the original structure.

Battery Park and New York Harbor

New York HarborWalking back downtown, towards Fraunces Tavern but continuing as far south as you can go, Battery Park and New York Harbor sit at the tip of the island. Today known for its views of the Statue of Liberty and for leisure, battery park was originally meant for defense. The “battery” in the name refers to a battery of cannons that defended the colony since the days of the Dutch settlers. The Battery continued to be used throughout the American Revolution and was the center of Evacuation Day celebrations at the end of the war. Later on Castle Clinton was formed on an artificial spit of land in the harbor in 1811, meant to defend the city during the War of 1812, later a landfill encircled the fort, connecting it to the rest of Manhattan. It later became one of the cities most popular parks and still enjoyed by many to this day. During recent excavation in the park, a part of the original Battery Wall was uncovered and can be viewed inside Castle Clinton today. New York Harbor is just as breathtaking now as it was during colonial times. Although less shipping occurs in this harbor than in the past and the vessels sure are different than you would have seen in the 1700s it is not hard to understand the value of these waters. New York would not be nearly as important to the country without its advantageous harbor. Once teeming with sea life and beavers, later becoming the most important shipping port in the country, it makes sense the British did not want to give it up without a fight! Without the Sons of Liberty and the founding fathers, we might still have been British subjects to this day. Although New Englanders (especially Bostonians) might think they have the monopoly on Revolutionary War sites, New York offers as much history in a smaller area. Take a walk and see it for yourself!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

Chinatown is one of the best places you can visit on your trip to NYC.

It is drastically different from all the other neighborhoods and offers sights and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The food in Chinatown cannot be beat in terms of variety and price and there is one item sure to be on the menu at nearly any eatery you choose: the dumpling! In case you have not had the pleasure, a dumpling is dough wrapped around a filling of some kind. The varieties are endless and many cultures have their own version; whether it be the Italian ravioli or the Polish pierogi, or even Nepalese momos! In Chinatown they are usually called “dumplings” and even if they are listed under another name on the menu, the staff is sure to know what you are asking for. Planning a trip to Chinatown and don’t know where to start? Here are five of the top rated dumpling houses in the city!

1. Joe’s Shanghai- 9 Pell Street

joe's shanghai dumplingsJoe’s Shanghai is a legend in Chinatown for my favorite kind of dumplings: SOUP DUMPLINGS! If you have never had them before, you have to give them a try. Also known as xiao lao bao, they are a little messy, but seriously delicious! They offer two kinds of soup dumplings; crab and pork or just pork. I really love the crab and pork. Joe’s Shanghai and it’s sibling Joe’s Ginger are run a little differently than your average restaurant. You will most likely be sharing a table with other diners and they will probably assume you are their for the soup dumplings, you may even have to ask for a menu! But trust me, this is the perfect place to start off your night of dumpling hopping!

If you want to try something a little different, but very authentic, try one of their whole fish steamed, braised, or spicy!

2. Tasty Dumpling- 42 Mulberry Street

tasty dumplingsAnother great spot known particularly for their dumplings is, of course, Tasty Dumpling. These guys offer a wide variety of dumplings, hence the name. You may want to try their classic chive and pork or one of their rotating specials. I opted for the chicken and mushroom this time, which I really enjoyed. The dough is on the thicker side and the filling was savory and surprisingly flavorful. This is definitely the place to go to please a lot of people since the also offer nearly every variety in both fried and steamed. They even have frozen dumplings you can take home and make yourself!

They also have great soups, try their chicken and corn or hot and sour soup!

3. Wo Hop- 17 Mott Street

fired dumpling mealWo Hop is one of the most famous Chinese restaurants in NYC. They even sell their own T-shirts! They are classic; to get inside you have to go down some stairs and all the waiters wear old fashioned jackets. Apparently not much has changed about the space since 1938, although they rotate their pictures of patrons and visiting celebrities often. Sharpie-signed dollar bills line the walls as well as graffiti! Wo Hop offers several styles of dumpling and is most famous for its wonton (aka dumpling) soup, but this time I wanted to try their pan fried pork dumplings. They were large, moon-shaped and were delicious with their sauce. Wo Hop is a legendary late night spot they are open till 7 am! These dumplings are sure to hit to spot after bar hopping in the Lower East Side!

Still hungry? Try their famous wonton crisps, they’ll give you a huge bowl for 50 cents!

4. Vegetarian Dim Sum House- 24 Pell Street

vegetarian dumplingsIf you or someone in your group is vegetarian, Chinese cuisine can sometimes be challenging depending on which restaurant you choose. But Vegetarian Dim Sum House lives up to its name. They offer a few different kinds of veggie dumplings, some fried and some steamed. I heard the steamed spinach dumplings were particularly good. They were huge! They come three to an order, but that’s all you need. You also can’t find a green dumpling a lot of places, even in Chinatown. If you are looking for one of the healthiest Chinese restaurants in they city, you cannot go wrong with Vegetarian Dim Sum House!

They also have awesome veggie spring rolls and a wide variety of healthy (and not so healthy) vegetable dishes.

5. Fried Dumpling- 106 Mosco Street

Fried dumplingsIt’s all in the name. This truly is a hole-in-the-wall place that serves locals, tourists, and nearly everyone who stumbles upon it for the simple reason that they are the cheapest! You can get five dumplings for $1.50, which has all of our other places beat. They are fried pork pot-sticker type dumplings but they are really tasty (actually worth much more than they sell them for) and they have been a Chinatown favorite for years. They are able to keep their prices so low because they are small and no-frills. They offer a few other things, but they continuously sell these fried dumplings all day so they are sure to be fresh.

People really just come here for the dumplings but they also offer steamed buns that tend to sell out if you want to try more!

6. Bonus: Shanghai Asian Manor

Shanghai manor dumplingsEvery New Yorker has a favorite Chinese restaurant and this one is mine. There are a lot of great things to pick from on the menu. The thick udon noodle dishes are very popular, as well as their chicken dishes. But they also have amazing soup dumplings and I couldn’t help but include one more spot.These soup dumplings are a little smaller and thinner than Joe’s Shanghai, but I like these a little more. They have two kinds: pork and truffle. Truffle soup dumplings are hard to come by and if you are a fan, you should give them a try!

Give anything else here a try and I’m sure you will see why I like it so much!

Now that you have some ideas, you can think about what kind of dumplings you want to try. All of these places are within a few blocks of one another so you really can try them all! There are also many other places along the way you should try out, sometimes wandering around until you stumble upon a place you like is the best way to find your new favorite restaurant. One more piece of advice, many of these establishments are cash only, so stop by an ATM along the way. Happy Dumpling Hopping!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

Here at Top Dog Tours, we love dogs of all shapes and sizes.

NYC offers so much for dog owners from great pet shops, the best parks, and even pet friendly bars! One of the best opportunities city pooches have to socialize would be at one of many dog runs. Dog runs give dogs a chance to run, sniff, and play with one another in a safe, fenced-off enclosure. Since most NYC owners do not have a yard and leash laws are strictly enforced, the city offers many of these dog runs and it is a gift not just for dog owners- but for the entire city alike. Giving walking tours all around NYC, we often visit parks and where there are parks, there are dogs! What could be better than exploring a beautiful park with a knowledgeable guide and getting the chance to see some local pups at play! Here are some of the best dog runs to bring your pooch or grab a bench nearby just to watch.

J. Hood Wright Park Dog Run

hood wright park dog runLet’s start off with a hidden gem. Some of the largest dog runs in the city are just 20 minutes away from Midtown Manhattan in historic Washington Heights. Here you can find several clean and spacious dog runs. J. Hood Wright Park is on the West side of 173rd st. It is a small park, but has a nicely sized dog run where both big and small dogs can play together. Many parks in the city have two areas- one for large and one for small dogs only. This is one of the best for dogs who love to socialize with dogs of all sizes. You can also find a nice playground for the kids, a recreation center, and a large grassy area with rocks to climb on. Our Top Dogs love it! The best part of this dog run though, is the scenic views of the George Washington Bridge. Here is our furry friend Meeko posing just outside the dog run!

Ft. Tryon Dog Run

Just a little bit further North you can find another park in Washington Heights that is often a hot spot for tourists and New Yorkers alike: Ft. Tryon Park. This park best known for the Cloisters Museum, an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a must-see for fans of Medieval art, fashion, and architecture. The park also has a natural, rugged, forest-like character, it feels like stepping back in time! It also boasts the city’s largest public dog run: the Ft. Tryon Sir William dog run. The park (and dog run) are named after William Tryon, the last colonial governor of the city. It is a full acre and has over 350 regular users! It also has a small dog area with a seperate entrance which is helpful for small timid dogs. The rest of the park is also a great place to get some exercise for both dogs and humans alike. It’s almost like getting out of the city while still being right in Manhattan. Look at Nemmy having a ball in her favorite dog run!

Union Square Dog Run

union square dog runUnion Square is one of the city’s busiest parks but has so much to see! From interesting works of architecture like the Decker Building to statues of Presidents Washington and Lincoln- even the most expensive public art installation is city history can be found in compact Union Square! It also offers some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options around. This is a relatively small dog run, but you can’t beat the variety of dogs that visit here. People from all over the world and from around the corner come together in this little park. It is best for the dogs who always want to say hi to everyone, no matter where they come from. On our Gramercy tour, you can learn about the history of the area and all the local highlights, while checking out some cool pups. Take a look at all these pampered pooches!

Riverside Park

Riverside park dog runScenic Riverside Park is one of the best places to take your dog in the city. There are long walking trails and lots of grassy patches and not just one but THREE dog runs so you are sure to find the best one for your picky pooch. Our favorite is just outside 87th st. You can find some of the friendliest dogs in the city on the Upper West Side. This park also has off leash hours at 9 AM and 9 PM just like its big brother to the east, Central Park. Since many of the dogs and owners know each other, there is a sense of comfort and ease more so than some of the other, more crowded dog runs. After your fun romp in the dog run and nice stroll in the park, you may want to visit some of the other highlights of the park: The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is a beautiful stone tower honoring those who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. It was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 and is still historically the location of Memorial Day ceremonies. Our friend’s Diesel and Ruby took a night time stroll to see the monument and Buddy is chilling in the grass!

Washington Square Park

Washington square dog runOur guests always comment on how incredible the dog run is in Washington Square Park. Sometimes we take a short break to use the restrooms that are conveniently located just outside the dog run, and sometimes that break ends up being a little longer so our guests can admire the amazing dogs! This is also quite a large dog run, great for big dogs who need to run around. This park seems to have the widest variety of breeds and some very interesting owners too. Take our Greenwich Village historical tour or our Ghost tour if you prefer an after dark visit to the park. You can even hear about the spirit of a ghost dog! This is our fluffy pal Fritz getting to know some new buddies!

There are over 30 dug runs in Manhattan alone. Whichever you choose, you cannot go wrong! You will be sure to see some awesome pooches. Just a few things to keep in mind: the city has a “no dogs without people and no people without dogs” rule so if you are travelling sans furry friend just grab a bench nearby and watch to your heart’s content. Also make sure if you bring your dog to make sure you scope out the situation and make sure it is safe for your dog and their size/energy level matches the other dogs. Also be a good New Yorker and clean up after them! To learn more about these fabulous parks, take a tour with your favorite dog-loving company Top Dog Tours!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

If you’re a fan of comedy, odds are you’ve heard of New York City.

Well, if you’re a human on planet earth you’ve probably heard of New York City, BUT this fact doesn’t make the theme of this blog as clear. By your probable reaction of “oof” to that mediocre joke, you might have guessed that – yes – the next page or two is dedicated to comedy! More specifically, comedy in New York City.

I would argue that New York City is one of two major comedy hubs in the United States – the other one being the Second City, AKA Chicago.

LA is a close second for me and mostly due to it being the home of The Groundlings, which gave us Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Will Forte – thank goodness. That being said, if you’re visiting New York with the aim of laughing, you might feel a bit overwhelmed and rightfully so. There is so much #content being made in this city, it’s hard to decide between which shows will make you laugh with them and which will make you laugh at them. Therefore, I’m going to take this moment to outline some of my favorite comedy spots in all of New York City. And AWAY… WE… GO!*

*First epic comedy spot entails spotting Billy Eichner of Billy on the Street on the streets of New York. Fun fact: I have done this, but I ran away because I was shell-shocked.

Studio 8H, NBC Studios, 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Saturday night live posterOdds are you’ve heard of Saturday Night Live. And if you’re looking for a hot ticket in comedy – and I mean hot ticket – this is right up your alley. In fact, tickets to SNL are such a hot commodity that scoring one is like winning the lottery. You have to literally win their lottery to get any sort of advanced ticket. How do you enter? Mark your calendars! Every August you have the chance to submit an email with your information explaining why you should be an audience member. There is, however, another option. You can try your hand at stand-by tickets. Each Saturday morning before taping you can line up outside of Rockefeller Center to take a swing at scoring a stand-by ticket to the 8pm Dress Rehearsal or the 11:30pm Live Show. The tickets are distributed one per person at 7:00am – so be sure to line up well before then!

Now let’s get to some shows you can actually book in advance!

Comedy Cellar

The Comedy Cellar is a small, cramped comedy club in the basement of a building on Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village. Sounds great, right? But it’s so much more than that. It is an icon and staple in the comedy world and a place where many famous comedians – new and old – have honed – and continue to hone – their craft. It was founded in 1982 by writer and comedian Bill Grundfest with the goal of opening a sort of playground for comedians. It was to be a place where comics have the chance to explore and to fail – both necessities in the creation of good comedy. For example, Grundfest has mentioned that Jon Stewart “bombed for six months” when first performing at the Comedy Cellar. And look at Jon now. Jon Stewart isn’t the only person you might’ve heard of that has performed here. Excuse me while I name drop: Colin Quinn, Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, Mike Birbilgia, Nikki Glaser, Dave Attell, Marc Maron, Chris Rock, Judy Gold, Michelle Wolf, Sarah Silverman, and so on have graced the stage of the Comedy Cellar. They have multiple shows every night with 5-7 comics having around 20 minute sets – and don’t be surprised if one of your favorites drops in for a surprise set. Give them a call or check online to make a reservation!

*For any comedy historians and lovers, right next door to the Cellar is Café Wha, a popular club in the 60s where some comedy legends you might have heard of – Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, Richard Pryor – have performed. Check out both of these iconic spaces on our Greenwich Village Tour!

Caroline’s on Broadway

If you’re visiting New York, odds are you’ll stop by Times Square. (Aren’t you loving this “odds are” motif?) And while you’re there, you should check out another one of New York’s best stand-up nightclubs – Caroline’s on Broadway. It’s literally on Broadway between 49th and 50th. This club also originally opened in 1982, but this time by Caroline Hirsch (we see where the name comes from). Some legendary comics have performed at this venue, including Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Billy Crystal, Rosie O’Donnell, Jay Leno, Tracy Morgan, Kathy Griffin, and so on. Having multiple shows seven nights a week, you’re sure to strike gold if you book a show at Caroline’s. You can even say you saw a show on Broadway to your theater friends and you technically wouldn’t be lying.

Upright Citizens Brigade

If you’re in the mood for a show where a couple of wacky people get a random suggestion and completely make up scenes right in front of you then improvisational comedy is the right option for you. And the best of best of improv comedy in NYC – or at least the most well known – is the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). UCB was originally an improv and sketch group born in Chicago in 1990 – they arrived in New York and opened a theater by 1999. Founders Amy Poehler (Queen), Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, and Ian Roberts probably didn’t know then, but their small theater would go on to flourish into a phenomena and powerhouse in the comedy scene. If you don’t believe me, go stand in line for one of their most popular shows or try to book a spot in one of their 101 classes without following their twitter to receive notifications at the exact moment when a class opens up. The institution now has three New York locations – and two in LA – giving you all the more opportunity to catch a hilarious show. My favorite is the trademark ASSSSCAT 3000 every Sunday 7:30pm and 9:30pm at UCB Hell’s Kitchen which often features a surprise celeb monologist – AND the 9:30pm show is FREE (!!!!) if you’re willing to wait in line a bit. Check out their site for schedules and for your chance to learn improv!

More?!

How could there be more?! Like I said, there is pretty much endless #content coming out of the comedians here in NYC and therefore no shortage of hilarious shows and places to catch them. I could write novels about all the theaters, but for now here’s a list of some spots (some fancy, some underground) that offer hilarious stand-up, improv, sketch, musical, variety, and what-have-you shows:

  • The Bell House
  • Broadway Comedy Club
  • Caveat
  • Club Cumming
  • Gotham Comedy Club
  • Improv Asylum NYC
  • Late Night Show Tapings
  • Littlefield
  • Magnet Theater
  • New York Comedy Club
  • People’s Improv Theater (The PIT)
  • The Stand

Union Hall

More…

There’s more?! Yes… But you’ll just have to see for yourself.

 

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

As a Tour Guide and a New Yorker, I’m often asked which neighborhood in New York is my favorite.

Ice creamTypically, what someone is really saying is that they have a free afternoon and want advice on places to check out that aren’t classic tourist attractions. They want to experience a few new, unique, only-in-New-York experiences that cater to locals but are still exciting for someone visiting the city. Almost every time, my recommendation is the same: if you want to go off the beaten path, spend a lazy afternoon in Greenwich Village and just try to blend in. While you’re there, take yourself on a mini food tour, hang out at one of the amazing cafés near Washington Square Park, and enjoy a much needed break in a vacation otherwise packed with visiting New York’s never-ending tourist attractions. So, whether you’re looking for that unique New York experience or just want to take an afternoon to slow down and let your feet recover, consider this guide to a lazy day in Greenwich Village as my gift to you.

New York is known for its world class restaurants and for the sheer number of food options available on every block.

Chloe food, NYCIn Greenwich Village, one of the artistic and cultural centers for New York City, those food options tend to come with a more unique and experimental twist. For example, one of my favorite options is By Chloe, a vegan restaurant with menu items like Vegan Whiskey BBQ Burgers or Sweet Potato Fries dipped in Beet Ketchup. This vegan hot spot is beloved by the neighborhood’s artistic crowd and its population of NYU students, so you can almost guarantee that you’ll be the only non-local. Or, if vegan food is new to you and you’d like a vegan option that’s less experimental, try Red Bamboo, a popular vegan restaurant specializing in vegan comfort food. And yes, if you’re confused by what that term even means (like I was), it easily exceeds expectations. I have yet to try something at Red Bamboo that hasn’t blown my mind.

A full meal or a quick snack?

Pommes FritesIf a full meal sounds like too much and you’re simply looking for a quick snack, check at Pommes Frites, a Belgian Fries restaurant that boasts more than 30 different dipping sauce options. Or you could stop by the Creperie NYC for arguably the best dessert crepes in America. Just don’t expect warm southern hospitality at either location, as you’re more likely to be served by someone resembling the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. Embrace it. It’s all part of the experience. If your sweet tooth is somehow still not satisfied, check out the hugely popular Dō, a dessert spot that serves up scoops of delicious, safe-to-eat cookie dough. Seating in most of these locations is also limited, so plan to enjoy your food while strolling around the Village like the artistic Bohemian that you are. Bonus points if you link arms like you’re on the cover of a Bob Dylan album (yes, that photo was shot in this neighborhood).

What is your mood?

Next, it’s time to decide what kind of mood you’re in and make your way over to either one of my favorite hole-in-wall cafés in the city. If you’re in more of a classy, artistic mood, grab a cappuccino and settle into a table at Café Reggio. This cute coffee shop isn’t just a Greenwich Village icon, it’s also the home of America’s very first Cappuccino. Founder Domenico Parisi introduced the Cappuccino to America at this location in the 1920s, and the popular spot has since been featured in countless movies like The Godfather Part II or the award winning Inside Llewyn Davis. For extra social media points, take a quick photo next to the original espresso machine from the store’s opening that is still displayed prominently against the café’s back wall.

The uncommons, GreenwhichFeeling more in the mood for a quirky, all-afternoon experience? Look no further than The Uncommons, a board game café located just a few blocks from Café Reggio. At the Uncommons, each guest pays a small cover charge ($5-$10) for their own table and access to any board game or party game you’ve ever heard of. You’ll be surrounded by all types of New Yorkers, from a couple casually playing a silly card game on their first date, to a group of friends getting together to play Settlers of Catan, to a table full of die-hard board game fans whispering about killing Zombies on Mount Everest in some crazy, epic board game you’ve never heard of. Even if you just go to observe and people-watch, it’s a worthwhile experience. Personally, I recommend grabbing a small pile of games that look exciting (there’s no limit to how may you can play) and trying each out until you’ve found your favorite. If any game seems too difficult or too boring, simply toss it back in the box and move onto the next one. Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask the staff which games they recommend and play whichever game promises the biggest laugh.

Washington Square Park

Finally, before you leave the Village for your next adventure, make sure you take a leisurely stroll through Washington Square Park. The Washington Arch is probably the most recognizable landmark in the neighborhood, and the fountain nearby is typically surrounded by dozens of street performers, artists, and some of New York’s most colorful local inhabitants. To blend in, simply sit on a nearby bench, sip your coffee, and let the sights and sounds (and smells) of the park wash over you. However you decide to spend the rest of your evening, you can feel rested and satisfied knowing that, at least for an afternoon, you blended in with the New Yorkers.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

New York City gets a reputation for being noisy, crowded, and expensive. But there is one month of the year where that is not true. Although it may seem like a terrible time to travel to the North East, savvy tourists know February cannot be beat in terms of pricing and availability. If you want to have the place (almost) to yourself, you have to come visit this time of year.

1. It’s Waaaaay Less Crowded!

Many tourists are scared to travel to NYC in the winter because of the cold weather. The average daily high temperature is around 32℃, which is too cold for some, but if you can brave the elements, you can enjoy a much more empty city. The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and many other popular attractions report shorter lines and wait times. So as long as you prepare and dress warm you can enjoy less hassle and get a more individual experience. Many tourists find they enjoy this time of year more than the heat of summer. New Yorkers also enjoy the extra elbow room too and are sometimes even friendlier despite the cold! The peace and quiet brings out the best in everyone.

2. There are Incredible Events All Month Long

Even though February is the shortest month of the year it is jam packed with fun events! If you are coming at the beginning of the month you may be interested in getting some great deals on hundreds of NYC eateries for Restaurant Week! You can get a 2 course meal for $26 or 3 courses for $42. Participating restaurants include the Atlantic Grill in Lincoln Center, The Brooklyn Chop House, The Bombay Bread Bar and more! Both New Yorkers and tourists alike love to get dressed up and get a great deal on a fancy meal. It only comes twice a year, this time it runs January 21st through February 8th, just in time for an early Valentine’s Day treat. If you’re coming toward the end of the month and have some children to entertain the Intrepid Museum Kids Week may be perfect for young ones interested in anything airplanes, boats, and space! It runs February 17th through 23rd. Also check out the New York International Children’s Film Festival, which offers events and workshops as well as movies from all around the world. It begins February 22nd and continues through March 17th. Of course if you need a reason to visit the Big Apple this month, there is always Valentine’s Day!

More information about these events can be found at these links:

  • https://www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week
  • https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/KidsWeek
  • https://nyicff.org/

3. Valentine’s Day Fun

There are so many rom-coms set in NYC for a reason: it is one of the most romantic cities in the world! You can take a walk across the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge which is breath-taking with a light coating of snow. Central Park is especially romantic this time of year and is also mercifully empty. Wander off the beaten track and you can find yourself a moment of solitude in the middle of the big city. You can take a night-time harbor cruise see the lights; many companies offer warm cabins where you can watch from indoors with a hot chocolate or delicious cocktail. Restaurants may be really busy and reservations hard to make but what is great about NYC is that even grabbing some dollar pizza in Times Square with someone you love can be just as romantic as a fancy dinner back home. Some other fun date ideas include visiting the Statue of Liberty, going to the observation deck of One World Trade, or museum wandering.

4. The Deals are Amazing in February

One of the hardest things about visiting NYC is securing a hotel room. They can be so incredibly expensive and sell out quickly many times of the year. Christmas, New Years, and during the summer the rates can rise exponentially. February is one of the easiest and cheapest times of year to get hotel rooms and airfare.Sometimes Valentine’s Day and the surrounding weekend can be a little tricky, especially for the most popular hotels but you are sure to find a deal if you do a little searching! Some hotels will even offer packages which include entrance to museums and top tourist attractions to entice you further. Since it is less crowded you will get more personalized attention and there are concierges who can even help plan your trip!

5. It Might Even Snow!

New York City in February We get an average of 7 inches of snow here in New York City in February. Some years it is more, some is less but February usually brings us at least a little snow. You can get some amazing pictures on a snowy day, especially in the parks. Some people even plan trips to visit the day after the snow hits just to experience the winter wonderland-like atmosphere. Even if it doesn’t snow on your trip, you can enjoy another great winter activity: ice skating at one of the city’s public skating rinks! At least if you do not see snow on your trip, you can enjoy the ice all winter long!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve come to New York for one thing, the food.

But where do you even start on this delicious journey? There are so many options and between shopping at Herald Square, seeing a Broadway show, and paying your respects at the 9/11 memorial, you don’t have much time to scout out authentic cuisine. However, there is one cuisine, among all of the fancy tasting menus and the mouthwatering food cart halal, that you cannot leave New York without trying: New York City pizza! So below I have provided a small selection of pizza options for the different type of foodie in you just to give you a small insight into the food adventure your taste buds are about to embark upon.

For The Historian

Before we get started on famous pizzerias, let’s take a little tour down memory lane and explore pizza’s origins. How did New York City become so well-known for its pizza? Where did it all start and Why? Well the where is simple enough, it all started in historic Little Italy. Between 1880 and 1920 more than 4 million Italian immigrants arrived to America and New York is where a lot of them decided to make their start as an American. Sometime in between 1897 and 1900 Little Italy reached its peak population at 10,000 Italian Americans living in a two square mile area. And it’s during this time, at the beginning of the twentieth century that New York got its signature dish. Combining the traditions of wood-oven bakeries with the new technology of a coal-fueled oven, the thin New York pizza with its sauce in the center and its characteristic crisp was born. Credited to creating the first pizzeria is Gennaro Lombardi and Antonio Totonno Pero, who started selling 5 cent pies out of their grocery story in 1905. And the rest is history. The trend of slices vs. whole pies took hold in the 1940s and now you can’t walk down the street without seeing someone claiming to have “the best slice in town.” Pizzarias of all different varieties are continuously popping up in this metropolis of delicious delights and even though Lombardi’s (https://firstpizza.com/) in Little Italy is still churning out delicious slices and pies on the daily, that is only the first of many places you should try on your foodie tour.

For The Authentic: Song’E Napule

Song'E Napule Pizzeria NYC

Song’E Napule (146 W Houston St.) is the place to go if you want to be transported straight to Naples due to both the cooking and the clientele who consist of mostly expat Italians. At Song’E Napule they bake all of their pies in a wood-fire oven and don’t limit themselves to just pizza. They serve up other treats like Pollo Alla Milanese and Pulpetta Al Sugo (meatballs in tomato sauce) and even homemade pasta. This restaurant is quite small and in high demand, so expect there to be a wait, especially on the weekends. But if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, this is the place to go. Their website can be found here: https://www.songenapulenyc.us/

For The Hipster: Roberta’s

Robert's Pizza Brooklyn

For those willing to brave Brooklyn you will be well rewarded when you stumble upon Roberta’s, a trendy spot hidden amongst the gritty warehouses of Bushwick. Located at 261 Moore St, this is another wood-oven locale with pizzas sporting names such as Bee Sting, Axl Rosenberg, and Cowabunga Dude. Thanks to their creative topping combinations such as honey and chili and hipster friendly vibe, Roberta’s has made its mark on New York pizza history. A more in depth review of this Brooklyn classic can be found here: https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/robertas

For The New Yorker: Patzeria

Patzeria Pizza NYC

Located across the street from the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 46th, Patzeria is a Midtown hole in the wall, that is known for their simply delicious pizza and meatball subs. This is the place to go if you don’t want any frills or fuss with your pizza, just the grease and New York City tap water that is rumored to the key to New York’s pizza success. They do delivery as well, but nothing beats wandering around the Great White Way with a classic New York slice in hand.

Take a look at what Patzeria has to offer here: https://www.patzeriaperfectpizzanewyork.com/

For The Wallet: Dollar Slice

Starting around 2008, the dollar slice phenomenon is said to be a result of local businesses listening to the college students, the cab drivers, and other New York locals who needed sustenance fast and cheap. As usual, everyone claims to have been the first to create this cheap eats concept, but with a little research you can trace the trend to two different businesses: Two Bros and 99cent Fresh Pizza. These two establishments have utilized small shops with cheap rents located on busy pedestrian areas to sustain their unique business models. To learn more about the man who has taken it upon himself to rate every dollar slice in town go here.

And to learn more about dollar slice’s history: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/16/nyregion/16pizza.html

For The Curious

If you would like to know more about the history of NYC pizza or get in touch with those in the know, here are some links I used for this blog and other personal knowledge. May your food adventures be fruitful and your bellies full!

  • https://www.thirteen.org/program-content/when-little-italy-was-big
  • https://www.triplemint.com/blog/the-history-of-little-italy-nyc/
  • https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/14/nyregion/new-york-today-history-of-nyc-pizza.html
  • https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/new-york/articles/a-brief-history-of-new-york-pizza/
  • https://www.seriouseats.com/2018/10/new-york-pizza-slice-history.html

A NYC Pizzaria

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

This weekend I spent an amazing afternoon exploring one of NYC’s most iconic spaces: Battery Park!

At the southernmost tip of Manhattan sits an oasis of green grass, historical monuments, and incredible views of New York Harbor. You could spend an entire day wandering around and seeing all the park has to offer, but even a quick walk is a great break from the hustle and bustle of lower Manhattan. It was very cold out but it didn’t bother me or the many others out exploring one of the cities best parks! Here is just some of what you will find in Battery Park.

Historical Sights

Castle Clinton in Battery ParkBattery Park is full of history! It is the home of Castle Clinton, a former military installation, now the location of Statue of Liberty tickets. Visit this circular brick building if you want to connect with the many different lives of Battery Park. There is a small museum where you can see how Castle Clinton served many purposes to New York over the generations- it was even an aquarium! Castle Clinton is now a National Park site and is perfect for the history fans. One of my favorite statues in the park is just outside: a larger-than-life sculpture called “The Immigrants” which depicts the myriad of emotions and felt by immigrants as they arrived in a new land, which for many years was right here in Battery Park. Check out some of the other breathtaking monuments the park has to offer.

Statues and Monuments

Statues in Battery Bark NYC

Throughout the park you will find over a dozen monuments, some of my personal favorites in all of NYC in fact! There are some patriotic war memorials including the New York Korean War Memorial and the Norwegian Veterans Memorial. The most famous is the incredibley moving East Coast Memorial. It honors the 4,601 missing American serviceman who died in combat in the Atlantic Ocean during WWII. It is symbolically aligned with the Statue of Liberty and features a majestic bronze eagle and 19-foot granite slabs with the name, rank, state, and organization of the deceased. The American Merchant Mariners’ Monument, located on a breakwater in the harbor, recreates a real-life photo of Merchant Mariners in a sinking vessel after a German u-boat attack. Three sailors try desperately to pull up another that has fallen overboard. Depending on tide levels in the harbor, sometimes all you can see of the fallen man is just a hand rising out of the water. It is a dramatic and effective work of art, definitely a must see! Also find a gorgeous statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano and a plaque dedicated to Emma Lazarus. While you are monument-hopping in the park don’t forget to walk along the harbor edge and see the amazing views!

New York Harbor

Battery Park near the HarborBattery Park runs along the iconic New York Harbor. While it was a bit windy while I was there, the breath-taking views make it more than worth a visit no matter when you choose to visit. If you don’t have time for a visit to the Statue of Liberty this trip, a photo with the island in the background is a necessity. During my visit I saw lots of people posing with their families and couples taking engagement photos, so a bench along the harbor is the perfect place to people watch. You can see lots of boats crossing the harbor on their way to Jersey City or Governors Island and of course you can’t forget about the Statue Cruises boats on their way to Liberty and Ellis Island! Battery Park offers lots of activities for people of all ages, but one attraction in particular is perfect for the children in your life.

The Seaglass Carousel

Battery Park CaroselDesigned to replicate life under water, the Seaglass Carousel is a fun ride for you and your family. When redesigning the park, officials wanted to add light and came up with a creative idea: a colorful carousel celebrating aquatic life, harkening back to the aquarium days of Castle Clinton. It features thirty larger-than-life custom made fiberglass fish. Fun fact: it does not have the traditional center pole of many carousels; rather utilizing four turntables under the floorboards! This is a perfect photo op that kids of all ages-even the teens- seem to truly enjoy. The Seaglass Carousel can be the cherry on top of a perfect NYC outing, but before you go, I recommend taking a second to enjoy the lawns of Battery Park.

The Lawns

Battery Park with NYC SkylineEven though it was chilly, I still saw many people enjoying the green space Battery Park offers. NYC can be so hectic. Grassy lawns are scarce downtown, and this park is an essential oasis for tourists and locals (and their dogs) alike! There are often blue chairs available to sit and relax. I decided to catch up on some reading and watch the line for the Statue of Liberty unfurl throughout the park. I hope you enjoy your visit to this legendary NYC park, you are sure to have a great time no matter how you choose to spend your afternoon!

Find of more information about all Battery Park has to offer here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/battery-park/highlights/page/1

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

Where to find your tour guide on her day off

So you’ve been to all of the rooftop bars, spent more than you wanted on a NYC helicopter ride, eaten a 5 course tasting menu in midtown, but you still don’t feel like you’ve seen the real New York. Well that’s because you haven’t! Don’t be scared to explore the outer avenues of Hell’s Kitchen or to journey through the artsy alleyways of Greenwich Village. There you will find the real New York, the dive bars where the creatives and out of the box thinkers gather to sip on 5 dollar wells and revel in the sweat and grime that comes from everyday hustlin’ in the big city. If you need a place to start your adventure into the real New York, these 5 historical dive bars are a great place to start. They are all unofficial landmarks in their own right, in a city that is constantly changing these establishments have stood the test of time all while keeping their cheap prices and chill attitudes.

Rudy’s

Rudy's Bar NYC

(Hell’s Kitchen-627 9th Ave)

Rudy’s is the home of 7 dollar pitchers of beer and free hot dogs. Legally around since 1933, but is rumored to have a been speakeasy frequented by Al Capone in the 20s. On the weekends expect this place to be filled to the brim with finance workers and young artists alike either enjoying cheap beer, scarfing down the hot dogs, or lounging in the backyard. This no frills, New York staple is a perfect place to go when you want to feel like a local.

Bettibar

Bettie Bar NYC

(Hell’s Kitchen-373 W 46th)

Located above the Hourglass Tavern on Restaurant Row, this cozy apartment converted into a bar sports an all night happy hour and amazing mashed potatoes. Bettibar has been a local hot spot for over 30 years due to its skilled bartenders and homey charm. If you were curious as to where Broadway casts and crews go on their night off, Bettibar is it.

Corner Bistro

Corner Bistro NYC

(Greenwich Village-331 W 4th St)

Further down the island, there is an unassuming bar tucked into the corner of West 4th and Jane called Corner Bistro that claims to be “the last of the bohemian bars” in this area. Upon entering you’ll be hit with a Cheers-like atmosphere where everyone is a regular and the bartender is as integral as the building itself. Known for their cheeseburgers and wood paneling, this West Village standard will have you feeling like a real New Yorker in no time.

Art Bar

Art Bar NYC

(Greenwich Village-52 8th Ave)

A few blocks down the road from Corner Bistro is the infamous Art Bar, which has been getting West Village natives “drunk for cheap” for over 20 years. Decorated with graffiti and plush booths, this is the place to be to spot local celebrities and enjoy the works of up and coming artists all while sipping a tasty cocktail from a comfy couch near the fireplace. There is also a kitchen that serves a wide variety of delicious food (including vegetarian options) all night long.

The Library

The Library Bar

(Alphabet City-7 Ave A)

If you fancy hitting up the Lower East Side during your visit, The Library is a must. Not to be confused with the Library bar at the NoMad Hotel, this Alphabet City dive is home to grungy tattooed bartenders, raucous punk rock blasting from the jukebox, and a projector that plays a different B-Movie every night. If you are looking for a truly hole in the wall experience, The Library should be on the top of your list.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

The Polar Express Meets The Golden Age of Hollywood

“One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” Now, this is not always the case – in fact probably never the case – for busy New Yorkers.

You can thank the lovely writers of one of my favorite Tom Hanks movies – The Polar Express – for this dose of inspirational quote; but you can thank the New York Transit Museum for making the quote somewhat a reality for nostalgic and holiday-happy New Yorkers this season. That’s because it truly doesn’t matter where the train is going when that train is… the Polar Express! Yes, that’s right. This season, you can ride the Polar Express right in the heart of the city!

Well… not quite. These trains won’t take you to the North Pole (didn’t we establish it doesn’t matter where they’re going?), but the hidden treasure Holiday Nostalgia Rides sponsored by the New York Transit Museum are still all kinds of magical. From now until December 30th you can hop on an MTA train and be transported – literally and figuratively. And no, not to post-apocalyptic New York, which I would imagine might be something like a dirty, empty subway car at night, but to the refinement, drama, and panache of the 1930’s.

The Lady vanishes Shot
Shot from The Lady Vanishes.

Here are the deets: On Sundays from November 25th through December 30th you can hop on one of the museum’s vintage 1930’s R1-9 train cars with just one swipe of your MetroCard! The train will make express stops along the F line track between 2nd Avenue and 47th-50th Streets – Rockefeller Center and will then travel up to 125th Street along the A/C/D lines.

Here’s a look at the exact stops – maybe you’d like to travel in style on your way to an otherwise intended destination.

station stops list nyc
Courtesy of New York Transit Museum Site

The trains will depart from 2nd Avenue at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. From 125th Street they will take off at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Don’t be late!

IND R1 ‘CITY CAR’ NUMBER 100
IND R1 ‘CITY CAR’ NUMBER 100 (1930). From New York Transit Museum Collection.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you love anything vintage and you love a theme party. So what could be more fun than a vintage theme party? That travels through the greatest city on Earth? Goodbye 1920’s lawn parties on Governor’s Island, hello 1930’s glamour parties on subway cars! New Yorkers and visitors alike have taken this opportunity to dress up in their finest 30’s garb and celebrate the holiday season with flair. So make tracks and get out to the subways to star in the film of your life – think Polar Express meets Golden Age of Hollywood.

yue wang for coopersquared
Photo: Yue Wang for coopersquared.com
Photo: amNY

 If trains aren’t your cup of tea, we’ve got you covered.

The Holiday Nostalgia Rides aren’t just limited to trains, you may just find yourself on one of the museum’s vintage buses from the 50’s or 60’s. The buses will be on the M42 bus route, running East to West (and vice versa) on 42nd Street. Union Square and Herald Square will also have old-fashioned buses you can explore. The schedule for the buses? A little more flexible – they’re picking you up Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm from December 3rd until December 21st.

Bus #3100, 1956. From New York Transit Museum Collection.
Bus #3100, 1956. From New York Transit Museum Collection.

You might be thinking, “Wow. There are so many holiday things to do in New York. Should this be one of them?” Absolutely. Make no mistake – the Holiday Nostalgia Rides travels up the F line (AKA 6th Avenue) in Manhattan on purpose. The museum says this route is not just practical, but was chosen “as an ode to the holiday shopping season.” That way, your travel can be part of your holiday excursions. An end in-and-of-itself, not just the stressful means to an end. You can stop off at the Rockefeller Tree, see the window displays on 5th Avenue, visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park, or even end your night at Radio City – who’s Christmas Spectacular is… spectacular.

Now, if you’re still feeling overwhelmed with holiday sightseeing, I’ll let you in on one brilliant secret: take a tour. In fact, TopDogTours offers a two-hour New York Holiday Tour that brings you to all the must-see destinations and gives you some local and historic insight that you wouldn’t have heard on your own.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

New York is a Mecca of great desserts with world class bakeries and cafes on practically every corner.

However, there are a few iconic places that rise above the competition and become sought-after stops by New York locals and tourists alike. These bakeries are spread out across New York’s most popular neighborhoods, so trying to visit them is both a great self-guided New York tour and a dessert lover’s dream come true. Whether they rely on eye-catching, Instagram ready looks or just simple pastries made better than you’ve ever had them before, these five locations are the perfect stops if you’re looking for a new, unique foodie experience in New York. So grab your family and friends for an afternoon, come hungry, and enjoy your very own Manhattan Pastry Crawl!

milk bar pieMilk Bar Midtown

Our crawl starts in Midtown with the iconic Milk Bar, part of a dessert empire owned by celebrity chef Christina Tosi. This unassuming spot shot to fame when Tosi began selling her now famous Crack Pie at a small bakery in the East Village in 2008. From there, she went on to create Naked Layer cakes with unfrosted sides, a Compost Cookie with odd ingredients like potato chips and pretzels, Birthday Cake Truffles made from leftover baking scraps, and a soft serve ice cream that tastes exactly like Cereal Milk. After Milk Bar’s meteoric rise to fame, Christina Tosi became a judge for the cooking show Masterchef on FOX, and Milk Bar has been the subject of an entire episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix. This trendy spot is the perfect first stop on your Pastry Crawl.

nyc doughnuts

Dough Doughnuts

Located just a few blocks south of the iconic Flatiron Building, Dough Doughnuts has attempted to perfect a refined version of the treat made throughout the world. Judging by the constant stream of both tourists and locals, they seem to have succeeded. Dough’s huge doughnuts are made in small batches throughout the day in full view of the store, so everyone can see the doughnut making process. As they say on their website, “buying a doughnut is an experience, not just a product.” Our suggestion? The Lemon Poppy is one of their most popular doughnuts, or try the Hibiscus for a unique, Instagram ready experience. Your taste buds (and follower count) will thank you.

Breads Bakerycinamon bread nyc

How does a spot with a simple name like Breads Bakery keep up with the other Instagram-friendly options in New York? By simply being one of the best. Breads specializes in artisanal, handmade breads and pastries using traditional techniques from pastry chef Uri Scheft’s hometown of Tel Aviv, Israel. Their chocolate babka with dark chocolate and Nutella has been a neighborhood favorite since the bakery opened in 2013, and the decadent treat quickly rose to the level of New York icon. Just a few blocks south of Dough and west of bustling Union Square, this simple shop with a mom-and-pop feel is not one to be missed.

fancy pastry

Dominque Ansel Kitchen

Opened in 2011, this simple bakery may be responsible for starting New York’s pastry craze. They are most famous for the “Cronut,” a flaky pastry that’s a cross between a donut and croissant. This simple pastry idea took New York by storm, and with only a limited supply made daily in-house, the Cronut soon began selling out every morning within moments of the bakery opening. In their heyday, lines started before 6am, and desperate pastry lovers paid enterprising locals to stand in the line for them. The pastry was even named one of TIME Magazine’s best inventions of the year in 2013! Though the cronut is still notoriously difficult to get, Ansel has created a variety of other innovative desserts to satisfy dessert lovers, from a shot of vanilla milk in a chocolate chip cookie glass to the Frozen S’more.

Need a break from dessert before our final stop? SoHo is one of the best shopping districts in New York! Wander through stone streets and past historically landmarked buildings to find some of the best chain stores, designer boutiques, and pop-up shop surprises in New York.

Schmackary’scolorful pastries

Our final destination brings us back to Midtown for a cookie shop that has become a staple of New York’s theatrical community. Loved by actors and fans alike, Schmackary’s has been around since 2010 when owner Zachary “Schmackary” Schmahl opened a store to test the boundaries of typical, acceptable cookie flavors. Beyond just bringing in crowds for their exciting cookies, Schmackary’s is known for their Broadway Bakes fundraiser that puts some of Broadway’s biggest names like Idina Menzel or Sara Bareilles behind the cookie counter to take selfies with customers, sing a capella versions of their favorite show tunes, and (of course) serve great cookies. With over 45 unique flavors on a constant rotation boasting clever names like The Yogi Bare, The Hangover, or The Great White Way, this cute shop is sure to have a little something for sweet tooths everywhere.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

One of the most common questions I get as a tour guide from both tourists and locals alike is about Broadway; more specifically how to score a good, but cheap seat.

And honestly despite Broadway being one of our biggest industries in NYC, this is not an easy question to answer. There are so many avenues to choose from and it’s hard to know which paths are the right ones and which ones are laden with pitfalls and booby traps. However, I believe that despite it’s overwhelming nature everyone deserves to breathe in the “magic perfume” of a Broadway house and spend their vacation watching their childhood fantasies come alive in the Lion King or a grandiose gothic classic like Phantom of the Opera. So in an attempt to keep theatre fun and stress free, I am going to list and link all of the surefire ways to get a ticket to a Broadway show and what to look out for if you want to make your first experience calamity free.

Do Your Research

So first thing’s first. What show do you want to see? There are over 40 different Broadway houses, so that means there is a possibility of having up to 40 shows to choose from. And you might only have time for one. But don’t panic. This is the fun part. This is when you get to have total control over your viewing experience. Do you want something funny or romantic? Classic or contemporary? Musical or play? Once you decide this the rest of the buying process will be simpler. A great resource for everything currently running on broadway including the shows’ age restrictions, synopses, and cast lists is Broadway.com. This is where you will be able to find the show or shows that are right for you.

Online

So you’re on Broadway.com and you’ve settled on three choices for shows: Lion King, Anastasia, and Once On This Island, but now you have another choice to make. Do you buy the in advanced or once you get to the city. For a lot of people this is a no brainer. Broadway.com will let you buy tickets straight from their reputable website at full price. But there is a catch. Whether you’re on telecharge, ticketmaster, or broadway.com there will be a very hefty service fee added to your tickets. So a $177.00 Lion King ticket turns into a $244.00 dollar ticket at checkout, which is a big difference. Also, when buying online you must make sure you are buying from a reputable site. The safest bet is to buy directly from the Broadway show’s website to buy the ticket (i.e. chicagothemusical.com). And in spite of staggering fees sometimes buying in advanced, online at full price is the only sure way to get a ticket. A family of four is never going to win the Lion King lottery, I’m sorry, but it’s not happening.

Box Office

If you are a local or happen to be in town a few days before you want to see a show, going to the box office of the theatre is another great option for full priced tickets. The theaters open at 10am most days and they don’t charge you outrageous servicing fees. This also gives you the chance to explore the historical theatre district, look at the flashing lights of Times Square, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Broadway star out of costume.

Scalpers

Don’t buy tickets off the street. I repeat: DON’T BUY TICKETS OFF THE STREET. Sure they have laminated I.D. cards and they’re screaming at you about Lion King deals, but I could find a way to laminate a card if I really wanted to and it’s New York everyone is assertive. They’re just trying to make a profit. They will have fake online services, they will stand next to Tkts in Times Square dressed in red coats to tempt and trick tourists. They are not reputable, they are scalpers. Some are rumored to have been there since the dawn of time. Sporting nicknames like Richie the Rat and Momma, these old standards of Broadway are either going to sell you fake tickets or tickets that are completely overpriced and you won’t know it until you’ve signed your life away.

Discounts: Rush and Lottery

So you don’t want to pay the online fees, you’ve successfully navigated the Times Square scalpers, but the Box Office’s full price tickets for Anastasia are still too steep. This is where discounts come in. There are 4 popular ways to get discounts on Broadway shows: Rush, Lottery, TodayTix, and TKTS by TDF. Rush and Lottery are handled by theatres themselves. Rush refers to when you go to the box office of a theatre the morning of the show and buy a 30-50 dollar ticket with no fees attached. Lottery refers to when you submit your name either online or in person in the hopes of being chosen for a 10-50 dollar ticket. Each theatre and each show is different so two great websites that list all of the rules for rush and lottery are playbill.com and broadwayforbrokepeople.com. They are updated regularly and very clearly lay out everything you need to know about these processes. Now if you don’t have the time or the energy to test your luck with the lottery or to get up early and sit outside of a theatre at 6am for a rush(looking at you Mean Girls) there are two other ways of getting discounts.

TodayTix

This is a popular online service that does unfortunately have fees but they do same day deals for a lot of Broadway shows like Head Over Heels and they host online lotteries for shows like Cursed Child. They also have a very user friendly app. The seats aren’t generally the best but a seat in a theatre is a seat. If you’d like a discount for your first purchase, you can use this promo code: PMJAG.

TKTS by TDF

TKTS is a 50 year old theatre discount legend. Their main location is under the red steps in the middle of Times Square and they are known for selling same day discounts on premium seats for most Broadway shows. Since these are premium seats offered, still expect to shell out anywhere from 60-120 dollars per ticket, but all three of their locations post their actual prices after the fees and taxes so you’ll know what you’re getting into before waiting up to an hour in line (90 minutes during high tourist season) for a ticket. General rules of thumb for Tkts: download the app to keep track of what’s available that day. You can’t buy off the app, but it does show you the list of shows and prices. Check the weather so you can make sure you’re properly prepared to wait in line. Consider using the other 2 locations not in the middle of Times Square, there might be less of a wait. Always have a few options beforehand. If 4 seats together to Anastasia is no longer a possibility by the time you get to the front of the line, you’re going to need a second plan. Tkts accepts cash and credit card and their 5 dollar fee goes to supporting theatre accessibility programs for students and for children with autism. Tdf even has its own online membership that gives access to cheap online tickets if you pay an annual subscription. More info about tkts and tdf is here: https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/TKTS-ticket-booths

Remember To Have Fun!

This is by far the most important tip of all. No matter how you get your ticket, no matter how far you’ve traveled, at the end of the day you get the chance to take part in history and merriment and see a Broadway show, a New York and American cultural staple. So get a drink from the bar, find your seats, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

Whether you are a tourist or a local, everyone wants an amazing photo for holiday cards or even just to show off during family dinners.

New York City offers countless opportunities for pictures any time of year but is particularly magical over the holidays! Many stores throughout the city have decorated storefronts and you can find an abundance of Christmas trees throughout the parks. If you are passing through on a short trip, you may also want to consider getting a nice family photo while visiting one of the sights on your list! Perhaps consider packing a few Santa hats or reindeer antlers, you never know when you will stumble upon the perfect location for your holiday card! Here are a few places to consider.

central park in winterCentral Park

Let’s start with a classic! Central Park is always a must see in any season. Although it is extremely popular (it sees an average of 40 million visitors per year!) the park is so large and has so many twists and turns you can find a private corner to yourself and have a photo shoot. You could get a photo with the charming turtle pond or the impressive Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Or maybe the kids would enjoy climbing one of the many large boulders scattered throughout the park for a more adventurous picture. There is even a castle in the park! You may need a little patience if you want a private photo with the Bethesda Fountain or walking down the long promenade known as “The Mall” since these are some of the more popular areas of the park but they are definitely worth it. The options really are endless!

south street seaportSouth Street Seaport

Another destination that offers something for everyone is the South Street Seaport district in Lower Manhattan. It is a historical shipping port, very essential to NYC commerce, dating back to the 17th century and still is a shopping destination in its own right. Today you will still find delightful brick paved streets lined with designer stores, boutiques, and unique eateries. They also offer a holiday market during the season, perfect for gift shopping. But what really sets this neighborhood apart from the rest is its grand vista of New York Harbor. You could grab a breathtaking family photo with the Brooklyn Bridge. Perhaps you would prefer a photo of you and your bestie in front of the pretty Christmas tree, standing on a charming, historical street. You cannot beat the Seaport district for a classy holiday photo, sure to blow all your relatives away!

Bryant Park

One of the best holiday markets in the city can be found in Bryant Park every year. There is an ice skating rink for you athletic families. There are dozens of vendors serving up delicious treats and handmade gifts. Anywhere you go in the Winter Village you are sure to find a wonderful backdrop for your family photo. Here’s a handy tip: one of the best Christmas trees can be found east of the skating rink and makes for an impressive photo. It is also much less crowded than its more famous counterpart in Rockefeller Center.

rockefeller center lights

Rockefeller Center

Speaking of Rockefeller Center, the number one destination every holiday season also has some incredible options for holiday photos. The legendary Rockefeller Christmas Tree is always worth getting a look at. If you come very early in the morning or late at night, you have a better shot at getting a more private photo. But there are some other cool holiday photo ops you may want to consider. How about the LEGO store? In the store windows and throughout the store you can find many gigantic lego models, some of which are holiday themed! There is also the most popular ice skating rink in the city, featuring the Prometheus statue. You are also very close to St. Patrick’s cathedral, a beautiful building both inside and out which offers countless opportunities for pictures. The fifth avenue store fronts are also a great place to window shop and may offer the perfect backdrop for the holiday card! Explore Rockefeller Center and the surrounding areas can fill even the most grumpiest person with the holiday spirit!

cute couple in front of the statue of liberty

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is the top tourist attraction in NYC. Your ticket includes three short ferry rides of New York Harbor which offer incredible views and the perfect opportunity to snag a holiday photo with Lady Liberty. Consider getting some funny hats or maybe some matching sweaters and you can kill two birds with one stone: getting a great photo and visiting an incredible monument. There are many places to wander on the island, and you can get some amazing pictures with the skyline. The Statue of Liberty is sure to make an impressive addition to your family holiday card!

elis island tourBONUS: Ellis Island

If you take my last bit of advice and visit the Statue of Liberty, you are also able to visit Ellis Island which is truly one of the most valuable experiences available in the city, especially for American citizens. It also happens to boast some beautiful architecture which make a fantastic backdrop for a family photo. You can also search for your own relatives that came through the island during its time as an immigration center. It is a building with a fascinating history that may very well connect with your own family’s story. It is an excellent location for a truly meaningful holiday card, because at the end of the day, the holidays are about family.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

The Holidays are a big deal here in New York City.

We have some of the most oldest traditions and the biggest and brightest decorations. If you find yourself getting some Christmas-time blues or just want to have a great outing with your family, NYC offers some amazing opportunities for a day trip. Whether you like to shop or skate or take tons of pictures you cannot go wrong with a visit to the city during the holiday season. Take a look at some of my favorite excursions NYC has to offer!

The Holiday Train Show

A tradition for New Yorkers and tourists alike is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Manhattan but is more than worth a trip on the subway or Metro North. Located in the Bronx, The New York Botanical Garden is an incredible attraction any time of year. But visitors come back year after year for the Holiday Train Show. Fantastic for families with children of all ages, you can see model trains roll through a miniature NYC made out of plants! There is over half a mile of track and more trains than ever this year. They also add additional landmarks. The scaled Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Yankee Stadium are classics, but this year they have introduced a sailing element with two replica vintage ferry boats joining the display for the first time. This event is perfect for train enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and gardeners alike. It is a can’t miss attraction this holiday season.

You can f

ind more information here: https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/holiday-train-show/

Ice Skating

Another NYC classic Winter activity is ice skating. There are many places in the city that offer skating. The most popular rink is Rockefeller Center; Holiday Central here in Manhattan. Be prepared to wait, but you cannot beat skating in front of the Prometheus Statue with the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree soaring above you! If you were hoping to beat the crowds, the Wollman Rink in Central Park tends to be quieter due to the availability of other rinks during the holiday season. You can also check out the rest of the park with a cup of hot cocoa to finish up your day trip! Another fantastic holiday skating option is in the Winter Village at Bryant Park, nestled in the middle of its famous holiday market. No matter which rink you choose, you are sure to have a lot of active fun skating in the city!

Exploring Lower Manhattan

Go South to find many charming holiday installations alongside historical sites for a great day trip. You can visit Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated and then walk a few steps down the road and see the stock exchange, complete with its own fabulous Christmas tree! South Street Seaport is close by as well; a historical shipping port with brick-lined streets and lots of shopping options, it is always decked out for the holidays. Zuccotti Park has a wide variety of trees complete with twinkling tea lights, it makes a great photo op! The 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street Bull, and Battery Park are also within the vicinity. You could spend a whole day exploring all this incredible neighborhood which has even more to offer during the holiday season.

holiday tour group'in nyc

Holiday Market Hopping

One of my favorite things about the city this time of year is the wide variety of holiday markets. Taking on a European tradition of Christmas markets, NYC offers several great destinations for gift shopping and tasty treats. The most popular market is the Bryant Park Winter Village which offers over 170 vendors selling everything from handm

ade jewelry to fancy grilled cheese! It also has that skating rink I mentioned and a charming Christmas tree. They have a new pop-up food hall this year right called ‘The Lodge’ next to the rink if you work up an appetite! If you are more interested in supporting local crafters, the NY Holiday Handmade Cavalry is for you. This festival hops between various locations throughout the season and offers the opportunity to purchase something one of a kind. If you are lucky, they occasionally offer free goody bags to lucky shoppers with coupons and swag. The Chelsea Market location even boasts some tasty holiday cocktails! If you feel up to a Brooklyn adventure, the WinterFest located outside the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum, it a 40,000 square foot extravaganza with countless options for shopping and food. They have amazing mulled wine and they have a Santaland with a Mr. and Mrs. Claus who pose for photos. Other holiday markets can be found in Union Square and Columbus Circle. You could spend an afternoon visiting one or two markets or go crazy and spend a long weekend so you can see them all!

Bryant Park Winter Village is open through January 2nd.

NY Holiday Handmade Cavalry will be at Chelsea Market December 3rd-9th and at the Brooklyn Historical Society December 15th and 16th. You can find more information here: https://www.newyorkled.com/event/2018-holiday-handmade-cavalcade-markets-in-nyc/

WinterFest is open through December 3rd.

Union Square Holiday Market is open through December 24th.

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open through December 24th.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

New York City and world-class restaurants are often simultaneous thoughts; they go hand in hand.

delmonicos restaurant Celebrity chefs go into (and out of) business here and there’s no lack of the coveted Michelin-Starred restaurants scattered around the city. But what marks a restaurant as an unmistakable, quintessential New York City restaurant? Often it’s something unnamable. It’s written on the faces of the regulars who have been coming to the same place for lunch for as long as anyone can remember. Or maybe the restaurant has developed a particular internal culture because it’s had decades, or more to develop it. This internal culture can come off as a complicated but precise process of ordering food, whether substitutions are allowed, how to pay for your meal, etc., but if it’s a true New York eatery, some friendly customer or server, or even the owner herself will clue you in.

Some of these classic restaurants share common traits. They can be expensive, like Delmonico’s Restaurant, which offers a New York Strip for just under $50. Or it can be challenging to get a reservation, like at P.J. Clarke’s, who opened their doors in 1884. The restaurants mentioned below all have a definite “New York” air about them, and prices that won’t break your budget.

Dominick’s

Arthur Ave. 2335 Arthur Ave. (Bronx, NY)

The word “unfussy” is what first pops up in an internet search, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. A server will seat your party at a communal dinner table. No menus are passed out, but he or she will open a dialogue with you, ask you what you’re in the mood for or what you like to order in the way of Italian food. You’ll find they have hearty fare like steak Pizzaiola and baked clams. It’s a busy restaurant in the heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy. There’s quick customer turnover but at the same time, the servers don’t make you feel rushed. When you ask for the bill, your server will look at his notes and give you a number; just trust him; it’s usually an incredibly reasonable amount. So just remember a few tips at Dominick’s and relax into the experience: No reservations, no menus, and no checks. Oh, and it’s cash only, of course.

Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop

174 5th Ave.

Lunch counters went out of fashion back in the 1960s but at Eisenberg’s, customers can still grab a padded stool and watch cooks clad in white paper hats frying an order of eggs or
assembling a BLT. Eisenberg’s captures the nostalgia of a bygone era—when people socialized a little more freely and thought nothing of popping into a luncheonette alone for a coffee and
a slice of pie. Eisenberg’s menu items have an air of nostalgia, too, like the meatloaf with mashed potatoes or the liverwurst sandwich. The tuna melt is popular and customers, some of
whom have been eating here for 40 years, swear by the egg salad sandwich. It’s a friendly place with photographs that line the walls and an owner who knows many customers by name.
Credit cards are accepted.

Katz’s Delicatessen

205 E. Houston St.

For anyone on a quest for the most iconic restaurants that symbolize old New York, Katz’s Deli is a must. Long on the tourist hit-list, they differ from many other tourist-heavy places in that their food remains unbeatable. The secret is in their meat-curing process, which happens inhouse and takes up to a month to complete. Customers can choose corned beef or pastrami
on rye, with a side of the best deli pickle you can imagine, all washed down with a chocolate egg cream, which, ironically, contains no egg. Katz’s Deli is a true New York experience. You’ll
probably have to wait in a pretty long line to get in, but it moves quickly. Once inside, there is another set of lines to wait in, depending on what you’re ordering, so pay attention to the
signs. And at all costs, don’t lose the ticket you’re handed on your way in. It’s literally your ticket back to the outside world. Payment is cash only.

Zabar’s

2245 Broadway

Zabar’s is kind of a hybrid between take-out and eat-in. Technically, there is seating available at the bar that lines the back window, and also around the middle island encircled with stools, which really takes up much more room than it should for a café this size. If you dine in, it’s meant to be a quick eat-and-go kind of place. You’ll find if you linger too long, people will begin to hover over you in a quest for your coveted seat. It’s a great place for lunch: items include bagels, Panini’s, knishes, a variety of soups, and more. If you’re looking for a more leisurely meal, it’s best to take your Zabar’s goodies to nearby Central Park, or even find a city bench. Sometimes in New York, you have to improvise! Zabar’s accepts credit
cards.

Café Lalo

201 W. 83rd St.

Any good list of New York eateries must end with a discussion of desserts, and Café Lalo has some of the best in the city. With its exposed brick walls and old-fashioned French posters, the décor creates a European air. The floor-to-ceiling windows encourage customers to people-watch out on the brownstone-clad streets of the Upper West Side. And the dessert . They also serve a selection of Mediterranean-style dishes for those who need sustenance before sugar. A full bar is available, including alcohol-infused shakes if you want to combine dessert with drink. The whole affair is richly romantic, and if you’re wondering where you’ve seen the place before, a sign leading into the restaurant plainly reminds you that it’s the café from another Meg Ryan movie, You’ve Got Mail. (For the other Meg Ryan site, look for the sign hanging from the ceiling in Katz’s that indicates where Harry Met Sally). Café Lalo accepts credit cards.

 

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: New York Restaurants

statue of liberty in the fallWe’re offering a special discount to all of our newsletter subscribers for all tours booked in November*.

To get the discount codes head over to the sidebar -> (or the bottom of the page on mobile) and Join the Email list.

You will receive an email with the latest newsletter and discount codes good for:

  • 15% off any tour!

*Tours do not need to be attended in November, but booked in November. 

Thanks for being our guest!

 

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

New York City is fabulous but can be claustrophobic at times, too. All those buildings blotting out  the sky and humans jostling for space can leave you craving the countryside. When you start to dream of cool breezes and wildlife other than pigeons doing fly-bys into your personal space, it’s time to get out of the city.

Luckily there are plenty of ways to escape, all of them accessible via New York’s commuter rails. So hop on a train where you’ll snake along the Hudson River, barrel toward the beaches of
Long Island, or journey to the Garden State. The question is: where should you get off?

Metro-North

Beacon, NY

pandoricaThe main attraction here is Dia:Beacon, an art museum which features large-scale sculptures by the the likes of artists such as Richard Serra. The 300,000-square-foot museum was once a Nabisco box printing factory—wandering around you’ll notice the industrial vibe that the wide open space creates. Dia:Beacon sits on the banks of the Hudson River so there’s beauty inside and out.

A short walk away, the town of Beacon has cafés, pubs, art galleries, and antique shops to keep you busy all day. A local favorite is The Pandorica, a Dr. Who-themed café that welcomes “Whovians and non-Whovians alike.”

Getting there: take the Metro-North from Grand Central to Beacon. Travel time is approx. 88 min. Dia:Beacon is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring is another lovely little river town to poke around in. The main reason to head up this way, though, is for some peaceful and scenic hiking. Trekking up Breakneck Ridge will give you the best views of the Hudson Valley. The hike is rated as difficult. It’s pretty steep in some spots and rock scrambling may be involved. If that’s something you’re excited about, then the rugged views overlooking the Hudson River are totally worth the effort.

Head back into town afterwards for a much-deserved beverage or treat. Hint: Moo Moo’s Creamery doesn’t lie when they say they’re the world’s best ice cream shop.

Getting there: take the Metro-North from Grand Central to Cold Spring. Travel time is approx. 80 min. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Metro-North stops directly at the trailhead—get off at Breakneck Ridge station.

Long Island Railroad

Long Beach, NY

Brooklyn’s Coney Island and Brighton Beach serve a purpose on sweltering days but they’re city beaches, so they’re crowded beaches. Long Beach, on the south shore of Long Island, is a gift. It’s 3.5 miles of powder sand stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, and completely accessible by public transit.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Long Beach pretty hard; as a result there’s a brand new boardwalk. There’s also a wide beach, surf schools, and places to grab lunch, drinks, and ice cream. No need to lug your beach chair or umbrella; those can be rented once you arrive. It’s an easy summer-day escape.

Getting there: take the LIRR from Penn Station to Long Beach. Travel time is approx. 53 min.

Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay

In the center of this 400-acre opulent estate sits a Gilded Age-era mansion known as Coe Hall. William Coe earned his wealth in the insurance business and built Coe Hall as his country
home. Inside are hallways lined with decadently furnished rooms, including one that acted as a speakeasy since the home was finished during the early years of Prohibition.

Coe Hall is surrounded outside by intricately manicured gardens with pleasant pathways and beautiful foliage. The grounds serve as a public garden and educational arboretum. Orchids,
palms, and ferns grow inside a greenhouse, plus spectacular seasonal poinsettias and Easter lilies.

Don’t miss the sensory garden, where visitors can indulge in such pleasures as the taste of fresh blackberries and the smell of lavender.

Getting there: take the LIRR from Penn Station to Oyster Bay. Travel time is approx. 1 hr. 20 min. Take a taxi 1.5 miles to Planting Fields.

NJ Transit

Princeton, NJ

One of the prettiest sites in the Garden State is Princeton University. The fourth oldest college in the United States is a perfect specimen of Ivy League prestige. The overall design of the
campus is an architectural style known as Collegiate Gothic, which somehow makes it appear subdued and majestic at the same time. The college’s art museum is worth a look—they’ve
been collecting art since the college’s founding in 1746, so some pieces pre-date the American Revolution.

The campus sits on the edge of downtown Princeton, a charming and walkable city. There are plenty of places to grab a meal or sit in a café and rub elbows with Ivy Leaguers. Yankee
Doodle Tap Room is a casual place to grab a bite and check out the huge, original Normal Rockwell painting.

Getting there: take NJ Transit from Penn Station; change trains at Princeton Junction for Princeton Station. Travel time is approx. 1 hour 5 min. Princeton University is a 10-minute walk
from Princeton Station.

Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ

Soldier and flagSpend the day exploring 42 acres of large-scale art installations set on the former site of the New Jersey Fairgrounds. There is a selection of rotating and permanent exhibits. Besides being an open-air sculpture museum, the grounds serve as an arboretum; you can stroll on tree-lined paths or around a lake ringed with weeping willows, mixed in with spectacular artwork dotting
the landscape.

Over 2 million visitors come each year for the art, as well as the many workshops, tours, and lectures. Grounds for Sculpture is open year-round. It’s worth it to have a look at different times of year to see how the art interacts with nature—as the light and colors of the seasons change, so do the lights and colors of the sculptures.

Getting there: take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Hamilton Station. Travel time is approx. 1 hour 30 min. Take a taxi 2 miles to Grounds for Sculpture.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Lower Manhattan draws visitors to its narrow, maze-like streets with some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. To get to Wall Street or the Brooklyn Bridge, you have to head down that way. The launching point for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are there, too. And then there’s sleek One World Trade Center with its stunning 360 degree city views, and the peaceful and moving September 11 Memorial & Museum. Spend a day in Lower Manhattan and you’ll only add to the list of things you want to do there. Here are some suggestions on how to pass a pleasant afternoon on the southernmost tip of Manhattan.

Lower Manhattan Skyline

Food

You won’t go hungry in Lower Manhattan. Try Hudson Eats, located inside the shopping destination known as Brookfield Place. Hudson Eats offers casual but quality counterservice meals, river views, and something for everyone’s palate. Try bagels and lox at Black Seed Bagel, Cambodian sandwiches at Num Pang, or grab a slice at Skinny Pizza. Want a traditional, New York City deli experience? Get a hearty meal, hot or cold, at Stage Door Deli and finish it off with a homemade pastry. There’s good Greek food at Pita Press, and Irish fare like Shepherd’s Pie plus a $3.00 Bud Light Draft at O’Hara’s Restaurant and Pub.

On a warm summer evening, Stone Street is the hopping downtown place to be. Located in the Financial District, it’s one of the oldest streets in New York, evident by the very old and very uneven cobblestones. Several restaurants and bars line the street with lots of outdoor seating available.

Shopping

Brookfield Place is a shopping mall where you can load up on luxury items at Gucci, replenish your high-end athletic wardrobe at Lululemon, or indulge in a new Swiss watch at Omega. Interested in scoring deals instead? Century 21 is a popular department store with floor upon floor of luggage, sheets, clothing, beauty products, shoes and much more. New Yorkers have been loading up on discounted designer goods at Century 21 for nearly 60 years.

Museums

Museum Mile on the Upper West Side draws art lovers in droves, but Lower Manhattan has its share of interesting museums, too. The National Museum of the American Indian displays rotating exhibits of Native American art and artifacts. Other downtown museums include the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Skyscraper Museum, and the offbeat curiosities at Mmuseum, which is dedicated to “object journalism,” and shows items that contribute to the universal cultural history. Past exhibits have displayed ID cards found in the Pacific Ocean, the shoe thrown at George W. Bush’s head, and a package of Gluten Free Communion Wafers. Everything takes place inside an 80 square-foot freight elevator, small enough so that only three visitors can view the exhibits at a time.

Monuments and Sculptures

In 1991, while erecting a new downtown skyscraper, the remains of nearly 15,000 African people were found. It’s been estimated that the remains were placed there between the 1630s and 1795, and the site, now called the African Burial Ground National Monument is the largest known African burial ground in the United States. The skeletal remains belong to a mixture of enslaved and free Africans, and the discovery reignited an inspection into how much slavery contributed to the early construction of New York City.

'Fearless Girl' statue face off Wall Street Bull in New York

Two famous guerrilla art installations, Charging Bull and Fearless Girl symbolize two very different eras in U.S. history. In 1989, artist Arturo Di Modica placed the 7,100 pound bull in front of the New York Stock Exchange in the middle of the night, his tribute to the resilience of the nation’s economy. Fearless Girl showed up nearly 30 years later, in much the same fashion, the night before International Women’s Day in 2017. Fearless Girl, a bronze sculpture created by Kristen Visbal, defiantly faces Charging Bull, and has become a new symbol of the fight for women’s rights.

Sightseeing

Like many neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, the Seaport District has been in a constant state of development, but it seems to finally be settling in. Learn about the history of New York when it was an important port city at the South Street Seaport Museum. Tour their collection of historical ships on the museum’s Street of Ships, or even book passage for an afternoon sail from May to October.

There’s plenty of shopping and eating in the Seaport District, and lots of outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a day by the water.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Lower Manhattan

 

Get Your Guide Award Incredible Family-Friendly Experiences

Top Dog Tours wins the first annual GetYourGuide Awards for incredible travel experiences.

The list, announced on October 15th, celebrates excellence in the tours and activities industry by category and region. Winners were selected by a team of GetYourGuide judges using a proprietary algorithm across a variety of happiness metrics, including average review score, net promoter score, review language quality, booking volume, and number of reviews.

“Travel activities create the long-lasting vacation memories travelers remember most fondly and talk about years later,” said Johannes Reck, CEO and co-founder of GetYourGuide. “The tours recognized in the first annual GetYourGuide Awards for incredible travel experiences have enhanced millions of vacations worldwide, and we are pleased to recognize their contribution in helping travelers truly love where they’re going.”

 

Winning Tour: 

Marvel & DC Superheros in New York

Calling all true believers!  Take an in-depth look into the superhero and comic world in a way that only New York City can deliver. Check out iconic superhero movie sites, see where the writers and artists created your favorite characters, stroll down publishers row and see some of the most recognizable sites in New York City. Learn the answer to the age old question: Is New York Gotham or Metropolis? Excelsior!

Take the Tour!

Methodology:

To compile the GetYourGuide Awards, an internal team of destination experts analyzed and ranked GetYourGuide’s global inventory of 31,000 products in 7,500 destinations in key categories and regions. Analysis was conducted using a proprietary algorithm that assigns weighted values across a variety of happiness metrics, including average review score, net promoter score, and review language quality (analyzed through natural language processing) as well as bookings volume and number of reviews. Products that scored highly across these metrics met the threshold for a GetYourGuide Award and were selected for recognition. The 2018 awards recognize excellence for products booked between the dates of September 6, 2017 and September 6, 2018.

About GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is the booking platform for incredible travel experiences. Powered by a global team of over 400 travel experts, GetYourGuide helps travelers find the best things to do wherever they’re headed — including skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket-list experiences and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else. Since its founding in 2009, travelers from more than 155 countries have booked over 20 million tours, activities, and attraction tickets through GetYourGuide. The company is based in Berlin, Germany and has offices in 14 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.getyourguide.com.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Happy Fall!

We’re offering a special discount to all of our newsletter subscribers for Ghosts tours and Superheros tours booked in October*.

To get the discount codes head over to the sidebar or the bottom of the page (on mobile) and Join the Email list.

You will receive an email with the latest newsletter and discount codes good for:

  • $5 off group Ghost Tours
  • $10 off Private Ghost Tours
  • 20% off Superhero tours

*Tours do not need to be attended in October, but booked in October. 

We look forward to having you as a guest!

 

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

A Sweet Trip Through New York City

SoHo is for fashion lovers and foodies. It’s a chain store shopping mecca, but also home to designer boutiques and a smattering of independent bookstores. Whatever brings you to the neighborhood—maybe even just a wander through the pretty cobblestone streets—be sure to save room for dessert. Not so long ago, SoHo was a magnet for artists. The neighborhood’s artistic roots are apparent in the dessert cafés scattered around the neighborhood. They strive to serve delicious desserts, sure, but they’re also uniquely individual and constantly evolving with innovative treats that continue to delight sweets lovers. Try one (or two or three) of these decadent desserts the next time you’re in SoHo.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

a doughnut with a bit outWhen Cronuts first appeared on the scene, rumor was you had to get in line by 6:00 a.m. and hope they didn’t sell out by the time you got to the front of the line. You could buy exactly two Cronuts, flaky pastries that are a cross between a croissant and a donut. The Cronut took New York by storm and Dominique Ansel shot to fame. Now, it’s the go-to bakery for unique takes on old favorites, like a shot of homemade vanilla milk in a chocolate chip cookie cup. You’ll also find desserts you never imagined possible, like the Kiwi Sorbet Bar made with fresh kiwi sorbet. Ansel has won the most prestigious culinary awards that exist, and he continues to create new, innovative desserts. The menu is a work of art, from the most basic Carrot Cake to the more exotic Matcha Passionfruit Mousse Cake.

Eileen’s Special Cheesecake

Cheesecake lovers unite! Even in a city that created its own style of the dessert—New York-style uses lots of heavy cream or sour cream—Eileen’s is a standout. Classic cheesecakes with your favorite fruit topping are available, as are spirit-fused flavors like Bailey’s Irish Cream or Chocolate Bourbon. Need something even sweeter? Try the Coconut Custard or S’Mores. Eileen’s has been a neighborhood fixture since 1975, so she’s had over 40 years to perfect New York’s favorite dessert. Fortunately, she also ships to anywhere in the United States.

Georgetown Cupcakes

Cupcakes in boxTheir Instagram account has more than half a million followers, which makes sense when yylearn that the co-founders (and sisters) Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne comey from a fashion background. Their cupcakes are dressed up in a rainbow of colors—usually achieved with colorful buttercream frosting —and there doesn’t seem to be a fondant decoration they can’t create.

Over 100 cupcake flavors are available, including vegan and gluten-free options. Some of the more decadent-sounding flavors include Chocolate Ganache and Bourbon Vanilla. Their signature cupcake is Red Velvet, which comes topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting.

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates

Founder Larry Burdick spent his early years at a confectionary in Switzerland. At the end of the day, he got rid of his leftover chocolate by gathering it together and creating tiny chocolate mice for the neighborhood children. More than 30 years later, that tradition still stands, with an addition of chocolate penguins. They’re almost too cute to eat, but you’ll want to anyways so you can bite into the smooth whipped ganache they’re made of. You’ll find a beautiful selection of handcrafted chocolates here, too, to satisfy a sweet tooth or give as a gift. Co-owner Paula Burdick uses her background in textile and color design to perfect the packaging. There’s also a small but pleasant seating area where you can sit and sip on a hot chocolate.

Ladurée

It all started in 1862 when Louis Ernest Ladurée opened a Paris bakery. His wife convinced him to transform it into a “salon de thé” so Parisian women would have a safe, comfortable place to gather and socialize. That 19th century bakery has expanded into an empire, including tearooms in Japan, Hong Kong, London, and New York. Ladurée believes in providing their guests with both “visual and gustatory pleasure,” so expect to be wowed by the interior design as well as the desserts. On the menu are such delicacies as ganache-filled macaroons, and a variety of puff pastry desserts topped with fruit and Chantilly, the silken whipped-cream topping that takes its name from its French town of origin.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Soho

 

Belvedere Castle in Central Park is closed for the remainder of 2018 while it undergoes extensive, much-needed renovations.

Belvedere Castle NYCThe Gothic structure was designed by Calvert Vaux who, along with Frederick Law Olmsted, designed Central Park, which first opened to the public in 1858. Vaux didn’t intend for the castle to serve any real function except as an ornamental structure and eye-catching landmark.

It was strategically placed so that when pedestrians were down on the Mall, the castle’s waving flag beckoned them to come closer. When they headed for the castle, they had to walk by Bethesda Terrace and the Ramble on their way, catching some of the most beautifully designed areas in the park.

Over the years, Belvedere Castle took on a more important role than that of a “folly.” In 1919, the National Weather Service began using it as the official source of weather in Central Park. Those scientific instruments planted in its turret measure wind speed and direction.

From the castle’s perch on Vista Rock, panoramic views can be seen of the Great Lawn, Delacorte Theater, and Turtle Pond, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Central Park.

That wasn’t always the case, though. By the 1970s, the castle was empty and deteriorating. All of Central Park was in a dire state. The lawns consisted mostly of dirt, scattered with sporadic chunks of dying grass. Benches were rickety and broken, and Belvedere Castle was a frequent target of graffiti.

Belvedere Castle Bridge

Concerned citizens banded together and formed the Central Park Conservancy in 1980. The Conservancy is now a nonprofit organization tasked with the upkeep of the entire 843-acre park. The Conservancy works with the City of New York, but is responsible for raising the bulk of its annual budget each year. In 2016, they unveiled a ten-year plan to raise $300 million for major, long-term upgrades throughout the park. Their money comes in from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

In 1983, just a few years after the Conservancy came together, they restored Belvedere Castle to its previous grandeur. Since then, in addition to being an official
source of weather, it is one of the five visitor centers in Central Park. Inside the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, visitors can borrow Discovery Kits and then head out into the park to birdwatch, and investigate and record the area’s flora and fauna. Unfortunately, they’ll be closed to visitors until the castle reopens. Check here for the park’s four other visitor centers.

This is the most major renovation the castle has undergone since it was rehabbed from its dilapidated state in 1983. The planned renovations are massive and will repair and/or replace the drainage and waterproofing systems, the terrace pavement, windows and doors, and interior floors and ceilings. There will also be major upgrades to the exterior and interior masonry. The Conservancy also aims to make the castle and the path leading to it ADA accessible.

The work on Belvedere Castle is one of a handful of planned major renovations in the park. Other sites that will see upgrades include playgrounds, arches, and bridges, and there will be general improvements to landscape and infrastructure. Douglas Blonsky, the recently-retired CEO of the Conservancy said, “…we believe the time is right for a cultural renaissance for Central Park.” (On March 1, 2018, Elizabeth W. Smith took over as CEO).

In all, the park’s facelift is expected to cost $300 million dollars.

 

No specific date is set for the castle’s reopening, but for now, visitors will have to bypass the treat of Belvedere Castle, whose name translates in Italian to “beautiful view.”

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

Brooklyn Bridge

After you’ve crossed the 1.1—mile wonder that spans the East River, spied Lady Liberty out in the harbor, and taken tons of epic photos, you’ll have a few decisions to make. What should you do once you step off the Brooklyn Bridge? Two neighborhoods are at your fingertips: Dumbo, with its trendy-industrial vibe, and Brooklyn Heights, home to mansions, grand brownstones, and a lovely public promenade. If you have time, I recommend you see as much as you can, but some key things to do are listed below.

Explore

Dumbo, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of New York’s trendiest acronymed neighborhoods. There are pretty, cobblestone streets to wander among, and unique shops to poke around in. Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop is a poetry-only bookstore with a busy monthly lineup of author readings. TRUNK bills themselves as a “lifestyle boutique,” and sells clothing, art, and furniture created solely by local designers. The original location of Jacques Torres Chocolate is here, still creating mouth-watering chocolate treats. Dumbo has also risen as a respected arts district, and art lovers can spend the day exploring local galleries. Finally, any kids in tow will appreciate the colorful clothing and whimsical toys at Two Kids and a Dog.

Eat

If you see a long line waiting outside a two-story white building, that’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, which has earned their reputation for authentic New York pizza by perfecting their crispy crust in a coal brick-oven. Just a one-minute walk away is Julianna’s Pizza, also a beloved Brooklyn fixture with a long history of rivalry with Grimaldi’s.

Buzz Bar at Fulton Ferry Landing is easy to spot by its white, tented roof. Grab a cold beer and settle in for a few pleasant hours of watching the world go by. When you’re ready for dessert, get a homemade ice cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. There are plenty of options for all tastes in this area. You can get fancy at The River Café or satisfy your seafood craving at Luke’s Lobster. For a caffeine fix, hit Brooklyn Roasting Company, or indulge in a traditional French pastry at Almondine Bakery.

Play

Brooklyn Bridge Park, the borough’s playground on the waterfront, is perfect for fitness lovers itching for a bike ride or a scenic run. Children and adults are welcome to climb onto a beautifully restored horse at Jane’s Carousel, an antique merry-go-round set inside a box- shaped glass building that allows riders to take in the views as they spin around. The park also hosts many seasonal activities and events, most notably Movies with a View, a free summer film series under the stars.

Learn

Fulton Ferry Landing has a very long, very rich history. The first commercial ferry service between Manhattan and Brooklyn began here in 1642. The ferry service was a great success. It was the main mode of crossing until the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. American poet Walt Whitman wrote about the trip across the East River in “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” Literature lovers can find the poem engraved on the railings at Fulton Ferry Landing.

Appreciate Art

St. Ann’s Warehouse is a theater venue that’s become known for innovative and experimental performances. It’s a wonderful place to catch up on Brooklyn’s thriving theater scene. The building used to function as a Tobacco Warehouse and St. Ann’s has been key in revitalizing the Brooklyn waterfront in this area.

For frequent live music performances, check out Bargemusic at Fulton Ferry Landing. Fans say the acoustics on this renovated coffee barge, along with the spectacular views out onto Lower Manhattan, provide a musical experience like no other.

Brooklyn Brid

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Brooklyn

 

Governors Island was a recruitment depot during the Civil War, and a planning station for the D-Day invasion of World War II.

Governors Island NYCWhen it was an army headquarters, enlisted men lived there with their families, and then the Coast Guard took over in the 1960s. The island has served many purposes—mostly military—but now it’s a 172-acre oasis that sits just 800 yards away from Lower Manhattan. It’s the ultimate urban escape. Pack a lunch and hop on the ferry to laze away an entire summer day, and be back in the city with plenty of time to make your evening plans.

Remnants of military history dot the island, including two 19th century military forts, but now visitors are more likely to see a hip art installation than a military display. Since it opened to the public in 2008, Governors Island has become a favorite seasonal destination for those in search of innovative artwork, all types of festivals, and some green space to help you get back to nature.

Governors Island is open every day from May 1 – October 31. The following activities are offered every season, but have various operating hours. Before you head out, be sure to check the website for specific information, and for many more activities and events that the island hosts.

Bike

Biking on Governors Island NYCThere are seven miles of bike trails on Governors Island, uninterrupted by cars. Visitors can bring their own bikes on the ferry or rent one from Blazing Saddles, who also rents surreys, bike trailers for kids, and more. There’s a Citi Bike docking station on the island, too.

Climb and Slide

Completed in 2016, The Hills is part landscape art and part playground. It’s a series of four hills that rise 70 feet above sea level. They have inviting names like Grassy Hill, Outlook Hill, and Discovery Hill. The most popular by far is Slide Hill, where four winding slides are built into the hillside, including one that reaches 57 feet in length. Embrace your playful side as you charge down the longest slide in New York City.

Zip Line

Pairs can glide together side by side on the Flywire Zip Line. The cable is 300 feet long and the highest point of the experience reaches only 35 feet high, so it’s not too intimidating for people who don’t love heights.

Mini-Golf

An artist’s forum known as FIGMENT has designed an art-focused mini golf course on Governors Island for the last several years. So not only can you brush up on your mini golf skills, you can also see a sampling of the tremendous talent of emerging artists.
Cultural Events

Governors Island has become a haven for New York’s endless music, art, and cultural festivals and events. During last year’s season, events that drew in visitors included such diverse events as the Holi Festival, a Civil War Weekend, the NYC Poetry Festival, Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns, the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, and so much more.

What’s New?

Hanging out on Governors Island NYCIf you’ve ever wanted to camp in the sightline of the Statue of Liberty, the summer of 2018 is your chance. Governors Island recently announced that they’ll pair up with Collective Retreats, a hospitality startup that provides luxury camping experiences around the U.S. Guests will be able to stay overnight in a range of accommodation styles on a six-acre space reserved for this specific purpose.

Need to Know

Governors Island is open from May 1 – October 31. Weekday hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Ferries run from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Check the schedule for times and prices. Visitors can bring a picnic onto the island. Bringing your own alcohol isn’t allowed. Two food courts sell a variety of food. Alcohol is sold and can be consumed in designated areas. See the full list of rules and regulations.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Governors Island

 

Should I Get One Slice or Two?

Few topics will cause more debate among New Yorkers than where to find the best pizza. Opinions are plentiful and to make matters even more complicated, new pizzerias open and close all the time. Here’s a list of the absolute best, and in many cases, longest standing pizzerias in New York.

Artichoke Basille’s

These are the new kids on the block compared to the others on this list, which range from 40 years to more than a century old. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t earned their stripes. Francis Garcia and Sal Basille grew up working at their family’s Staten Island restaurant and in 2008, the cousins struck out on their own, and quickly became favored by locals and celebrities. They’re praised for their dough and fresh ingredients, and have been featured on such powerhouse programs as Jay Leno and Rachel Ray. In 2010, the cousins opened their second location and now have restaurants in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and even one in Miami. Traditional pies are served, as well as variations like Crab Pizza and Meatball Parm Pizza. Various locations

Di Fara Pizza

Like so many pizzaiolo before him, Domenico De Marco came from Italy and settled in Brooklyn, opening this neighborhood favorite in 1965. Legend has it that to this day, Dom, as people call him, handcrafts each pizza himself. He won’t divulge his secret ingredients, but it’s well-known that many of them are imported from Italy. He’s gained his legions of fans by using consistently fresh ingredients for over 50 years, for the occasional old Italian music that plays in the background, and for making each of his pies with lots of TLC.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn

Joes Pizza

Joe Pozzuoli hails from Naples—the city synonymous with mouth-watering pizza—and now well into in his seventies, he can still be found at his restaurant, making sure his namesake pizzeria stays true to its values: using simple but authentic ingredients, and only the best. Pozzuoli has a great love for the diversity of Greenwich Village, where he opened in 1975, and believes that he has a true understanding of what people want in a pizza. The people who work at Joe’s apparently appreciate Joe’s philosophy, too. His employees stay with him for decades, meaning there isn’t a constant staff turnover, which results in a consistently high-quality food.
7 Carmine St., Manhattan

John’s of Bleecker Street

Original owner John Sasso had to move locations once, and when he did, he dismantled his sacred coal- fired brick oven and moved it to his new restaurant on Bleecker Street. The pizzeria was bought by the Vesce brothers in the 1950s and remains in that family today, still using Sasso’s brick oven. The tin ceilings and original wooden booths lend it an old-world feeling. John’s is frequently included on “best of” pizza lists, and featured on travel and food programs.
278 Bleecker St., Manhattan

Lombardi’s Pizza

In the late 19th century, Gennaro Lombardi opened a grocery store on Spring Street, north of Little Italy. In 1905, he was granted an official license to run a pizzeria, which earned him the Pizza Hall of Fame honor of being the first pizzeria in the United States. Lombardi’s closed for a time in the 1980’s, but Gennaro’s grandson reopened it down the block in 1994 and still runs it today. Many customers come for the history, which is now over a century old and counting. Pies are still cooked in Gennaro’s original coal oven.
32 Spring St., Manhattan

Mario’s Restaurant

News clippings line the walls here, telling the story of Mario’s, which began in 1919, or rather, the restaurant’s story begins then. Mario Migliucci’s family actually left Italy in the early 1900’s and came to New York via Egypt, where they opened the very first Italian restaurant. Fast forward years later, and Mario was running his namesake restaurant in a neighborhood synonymous with Italian immigrants—Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Mario once famously turned down Francis Ford Coppola’s request to film a scene from The Godfather in the restaurant, a decision that he never wavered on and never regretted. Mario’s son Joe took over in 1998 after Mario died.
2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx

Rizzo’s Fine Pizza

Mostly European immigrants and born and bred New Yorkers lived in Astoria in the 1950’s when the Rizzo brothers, along with their brother-in-law, opened their pizzeria here. At the time, customers had one choice: a thin, crispy pie which eventually earned Rizzo’s a faithful following. The owners have changed with the times. People from every corner of the earth now live in Queens, and the pizzeria has expanded their offerings; however, they pride themselves on being pizza purists. In other words, you’ll never find a pineapple pizza on their menu. They also now have a location on the Lower East Side.
3013 Steinway St., Astoria, Queens
17 Clinton St., Manhattan

Rosario’s Pizza

The crispy crust and exactly right amount of cheese are what many customers cite as the reason for their loyalty to Rosario’s. People also love the owner, Sal Bartolomeo, who didn’t speak a word of English when he first arrived in America, but now regales his customers with stories of New York’s old days. The Lower East Side is a neighborhood in the midst of great change, but Sal is one of the constants. He loves his city and his neighborhood, and this is evident in his personality, and in his pizza.
173 Orchard St., Manhattan

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: pizza

 

The Start of a City: Visitors flock to The Battery in huge numbers, mainly to board the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

nyc battery park from aboveBut the 25-acre park on the southernmost tip of Manhattan is worth a second look. The Battery Conservancy was formed in the mid-1990s to address the disrepair the park had fallen into and since then, the area has become a thriving urban park. Its landscaped gardens and wide open, waterfront space are a far cry from the origins of The Battery, which earned its name in the 17th century when artillery batteries were positioned there to protect the settlement known as New Amsterdam. So, the next time you’re in The Battery, stick around—maybe even spend the day. You’ll find plenty to do, but here’s a list to get you started.

Tour Castle Clinton National Monument

castle clinton in battery parkIt’s one of many monuments in the park, but the storied history puts Castle Clinton in a category all its own. It came into existence as a military fort, intended to repel British attacks (which never came) in the War of 1812. Decades later, in 1855, it preceded Ellis Island in becoming the official processing station for new immigrants to the United States, which means that many of the 8 million people who arrived from foreign lands didn’t yet have the magnificent Statue of Liberty to greet them in harbor. She was dedicated in 1886, just four years before Castle Clinton stopped receiving immigrants. For about the next 45 years, the circular structure housed the New York City Aquarium. Since then, it has operated as a beer garden and a theater, and today it’s a national monument and ticket office for the Statue of Liberty.

Learn About History and Culture

More than 20 monuments are scattered throughout the park that pay tribute to the history, culture, and significant events of the city, state, and nation. Key war memorials include the American Merchant Mariner’s Memorial, which recognizes all merchant marines who have served since the Revolutionary War; there are also memorials to commemorate World War II and Korean War veterans. But the tributes aren’t all war related—a plaque honors Emma Lazarus, the poet who wrote the famous inscription on the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. There are also monuments dedicated to various groups of settlers and immigrants who have molded the city and country into what it is today. See here for a full list of the park’s monuments.

Enjoy Green Space and Solitude

Ride your bicycle or grab one from a nearby Citi Bike sharing station to peddle along the Battery Bikeway, which connects the Hudson River Park Bikeway and the East River Esplanade to provide one long, scenic bike trail. You’ll find air stations and restrooms along the way for your convenience. If you’re looking for a more sedate activity, take a meditative walk in the Labyrinth (designed to honor the one-year anniversary of 9/11), have a seat in the two-acre lawn space known as the Oval, or dip your toes in the water jets at Bosque Fountain. To see how local school kids are learning sustainable farming methods, visit the Battery Urban Farm, and if you find yourself in the park on a hot summer day, find relief in the shady forest of native New York trees in the Battery Woodland.

Ride the Sea Glass Carousel

The Sea Glass Carousel in Battery ParkThe spiral-shaped building was designed to look like a chambered nautilus, and inside is a collection of 30 shimmering fish which serve as the seats in this sea-themed merry-go-round. The light, movement, and music all combine to give riders a mystical, aquatic-like experience. The carousel opened in 2015 and honors the park as being the original location of the New York Aquarium, which eventually moved to Coney Island. Take note that the winter hours for riding the carousel are limited; check the website for specific times.

If you’ve experienced the attractions listed here, that’s a good start, but you’ve only just scraped the surface of all The Battery has to offer. There are plenty of restaurants where you can dine while enjoying New York’s iconic views—two favorites are Pier A and Gigino at Wagner Park. Museums just a short walk away include the National Museum of the American Indian, the Skyscraper Museum, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips

 

Essex Street Market, with its old-school butcher and fishmonger, and towering shelves stocked with items that can fulfill any grocery list, not to mention cafés, bakeries, and food stalls, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. It’s the kind of place where tourists might come in off the street to take a break and inspect their maps, while sitting at a table next to a throng of elderly gentlemen, sipping on coffee and discussing how much the neighborhood has changed.

On the wall near Davidovich Bakery, a large mural displays the timeline of Essex Street Market, one of NYC’s oldest and most storied indoor public markets. The most notable date on the timeline is 2018, when the market will move from its current location to a new, expanded space across Delancey Street. That’s after nearly 80 years of occupying the same building on Essex Street, so the story that this timeline tells is quite long.

In the early 20th century, the Lower East Side was teeming with immigrants; many arrived in the United States with very little money and investing in a pushcart was an affordable venture and a sure way to make a living.

By 1939, the Lower East Side was the most densely populated neighborhood in the city and the number of pushcart vendors was in the thousands. Peddlers sold everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing and eyewear, and residents could entirely fulfill their shopping needs without ever going into a store.

The problem with this, according to then-mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, was the congestion. Pushcarts competed with pedestrians, horse and wagons, and trolley cars for space on the neighborhood’s narrow streets. Firetrucks and police cars couldn’t get through if there was ever an emergency, creating a safety hazard for all.

LaGuardia’s solution was to create indoor public markets and consolidate the pushcarts under one roof, clearing out some of the clutter from the streets. Essex Street Market, originally made up of four separate buildings, was a result of this effort. It cleared up some of the pedestrian traffic, too. People could still get everything they needed from the nearly 500 indoor vendors, and the goods reflected the backgrounds of the immigrants, who were mostly Jewish and Italian at the time.

The market became a central gathering place for the community. Besides selling everything under the sun, kosher cooking classes were offered and during the lean World War Two years, advice was given to shoppers on how to manage on a budget.

Years went by and the demographics of the neighborhood shifted and changed, and Essex Street Market changed with it. Vendors came and went, but it remained the best place to shop in the neighborhood. In the 1970s, big supermarkets began to take over mom-and-pop businesses. Many vendors left but the market weathered the storm overall.

In 1995, a $1.5 million renovation consolidated the market’s buildings into one structure, finally getting all the vendors under one roof. Today, some of the older vendors remain, but a lot of new ones have taken their place. Community is still important to them. New York City Economic Development Corporation is the managing body, and is always on the lookout for new small-business owners. For those approved for a space at Essex Street Market, rent is subsidized and other services are offered to help them get their business off the ground.

The demographics of the Lower East Side have changed through the years and the vendors reflect that. Shoppers can still visit the butcher, who will cut their meat to order, and the fishmonger for all their seafood needs. They can still buy plantains and sugar cane, and freshly baked breads. And now artisan cheeses are available, along with craft beers, Japanese fusion food, alcohol-infused cupcakes, and freshly squeezed fruit juices. It remains one of the most interesting and diverse markets in the city.

Up until now, the only major renovation happened back in 1995, so their move across the street in the summer of 2018 is a big deal. They’ll be expanding, with 11 new vendors and two sit-down restaurants, and in their continuing service to the community, they’ll host talks, tastings, and other events, and will continue to be an important fixture in the neighborhood.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Lower East Side

A photo of a stone bridge in Central Park with Falling Snow.New York is many things—bright, loud, busy. As some visitors have noticed, it may not be the cleanest metropolis America has to offer. But it’s alive and exciting and for all its flaws, the city gives back in so many ways. One of those ways is when the snow starts to fall, dusting the city’s concrete in a clean, new layer of fresh snow, a layer that seems to mute the honking horns and draw at least a little bit of joy out of everyone, even frenetic New Yorkers. So if you’re lucky enough to be in New York on a snowy day, think about heading outside, where you’ll find plenty of others doing the same. Here are a few ways to spend the day.

Practice Your Ice Dancing Moves

Winter Village Bryant ParkThrow on your skates (or rent a pair) and take a spin on one of the city’s most iconic ice rinks. Wollman Rink in Central Park is located near Fifth Avenue, so skaters are treated to city skyline views while gliding around. Skating under the gaze of the famous Prometheus sculpture at The Rink at Rockefeller Center is also a popular choice, though the line can become long during peak seasons. Another good option is Winter Village at Bryant Park, where admission is free, though skates are available to rent. For a small city park, the rink is a good size, and skaters from beginners to pros seem to enjoy themselves. And if it’s really just too cold to lace up your skates outdoors, there’s always Sky Rink, the year-round indoor facility at Chelsea Piers.

Embrace Your Inner Child and Go Sledding

winter sledding in Central ParkIn Manhattan, as you travel further north, the terrain becomes hillier, so it makes sense that many of the best sledding hills are uptown. The most obvious place to play in the snow in such a densely packed city as New York is, of course, Central Park. For Pilgrim Hill, enter from the east side at 72nd Street. The hill is identifiable by the bronze statue of a Pilgrim perched at the top. A little further north, at 76th Street, is the wide, gentle slope named Cedar Hill. Another popular spot is inside Riverside Park. Enter at 91st Street and look for Hippo Playground. The hill is just to the playground’s east. And if you find yourself at the very northern tip of Manhattan on a snowy day, you’ll find plenty of kids and grown-ups flying down the hills of Inwood Hill Park. See here for an extensive list of sledding locations in all five boroughs.

Go on a Gallery Crawl in Chelsea

West Chelsea is loaded with art galleries, which means on a cold day, you need not walk for long stretches from place to place. Warmth (and chic art) is always only steps away. 303 Gallery was one of the first to move to the area and has been there since 1984, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the gallery scene in Chelsea boomed. Prior to that, SoHo had been the center of New York’s art world, but predictably, artists eventually got priced out of the neighborhood. Because many warehouses in the Meatpacking District were no longer in use, West Chelsea, especially between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, had a lot of empty space. SoHo gallery owners gradually began migrating here and it soon became one of the most important art districts in the city. Unfortunately, the same rent spike has begun to happen here, and artists are once again escaping to lower-cost neighborhoods, but for the time being, there are still plenty of galleries. See here for a map.

See an Art House Movie

A snow day is a movie day, always. In New York, why not take advantage of the many movie houses that offer experimental, independent films. Film Forum, one of the early art house cinemas, opened in 1970 with one projector and 50 folding chairs. It has evolved into a three-screen theater, showing political, cultural, and historical films that are part of today’s most important conversations. In SoHo, Angelika Film Center specializes in independent and foreign films, and also has a café in the lobby. IFC Center is a Greenwich Village favorite; in addition to their many movie selections, they host the country’s biggest documentary festival each fall. The film series at Museum of Modern Art is worth a look, too—their movies reflect the museum’s goal of promoting experimental art.

Get Toasty in Front of a Fireplace

New York City’s food scene, while world-class, can be overwhelming at times, so on a chilly day, it makes sense to limit your choices to those restaurants that will have a crackling fire ready to warm you up. And don’t worry—you’re not sacrificing quality for ambience. Many restaurants with a fireplace are also top notch eating establishments. Here are some favorites: The Writing Room, whose literary-themed décor only adds to the coziness; The Lamb’s Club, located conveniently in midtown, with a huge 18th century fireplace in its main dining room; Top of the Standard, the glitzy supper lounge in the penthouse of the Standard Hotel; One if by Land, Two if by Sea, recently voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the world; and finally, and the most modestly priced on the list, La Lanterna Caffe, a charming Italian restaurant with a year-round garden.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: winter

Chinatown in New York is a lively, historic neighborhood packed with restaurants, boba “bubble” tea cafés, souvenir shops and much more.

You’ll want to leave plenty of time to explore this culturally fascinating corner of the city, but don’t forget to take a break so you don’t run out of steam. Here are a few choices.

1) Chatham Square Library

The hush of a library has a calming effect, and while any spot in the heart of Chinatown may not be the quietest, the library is a good option for stepping off the busy streets for a few minutes. You can peruse the Chinese Heritage Collection, charge your phone, and use the restroom. This branch of the New York Public Library has been a gathering place since it opened in 1903, and provides a sense of the local neighborhood culture.

2) Columbus Park

This compact park was built during a more dangerous era in the city’s history, when the neighborhood was known as Five Points, an area made famous for its crime and corruption in the movie, “Gangs of New York.” Today, a stroll through the park will reveal a much safer and more pleasant resting spot. On any given day, you’ll likely see individuals doing Tai Chi, elderly men playing Chinese board games on the shady picnic tables, and women chatting and playing cards, pouring hot tea out of portable thermoses. There’s a nice community feeling, with space for everyone.

3) Jing Fong

This popular restaurant opened as a traditional dim sum hall in the 1970s and has been growing ever since. To prove it, their original seating capacity was 150 and they’re now up to a whopping 800 seats, making them a sure choice if you’re traveling with family or a large group. Jing Fong’s menu offers a huge range of dim sum favorites like BBQ Roast Pork Buns and Vegetable Dumplings, as well as a full selection of entrees. Plan to spend a couple hours here sampling their kitchen specialties in a welcoming, spacious environment.

4) Joe’s Shanghai

There’s fierce competition for soup dumplings in Chinatown but Joe’s Shanghai is often credited with serving the best. Their pork and crab soup dumplings earned them rave reviews in top-notch publications like Zagat Survey and The New York Times, but fans flock to Joe’s for other delicious dishes, too. Chinatown was actually their second location; they first opened in Flushing, Queens in 1995 and quickly became a favorite for locals and tourists alike. When you enter the Chinatown location, the welcoming staff and enticing smells will make you want to stay a while.

5) Mahayana Temple

This Buddhist temple was originally established as a gathering place for Chinese immigrants. Today, everyone is welcome to drop in for a few moments of peace. The entrance, marked by a red archway protected on either side by golden temple guardians, is unmissable. Inside, you can donate $1 for your fortune and peruse the gift shop on the second floor. To really unwind, take a seat in the main room. The chanting music, pleasant incense, and giant Buddha all contribute to a calming stillness. The temple is open to visitors every day 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

6) Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Back when they first opened in 1920, customers could drink tea and buy mooncakes and a few other baked goods. That was the extent of Nom Wah’s service until they gradually evolved to become one of the most beloved dim sum destinations in New York City. Everything about Nom Wah Tea Parlor beckons you inside—from the tiny but charming street they’re located on, to their bright yellow entryway, to the red booths and sit-in counter that lend it a retro diner vibe.

7) Renew Day Spa

A massage is the perfect ending to a day of wandering the chaotic streets of New York, and Renew Day Spa is a popular, inexpensive place to soothe those tired muscles. They offer a variety of services including Swedish and Hot Stone massage, Reflexology, and an ancient Chinese therapy called Tui-na, which promises to “bring stimulation to the muscles and blood circulation.” Their consistently positive reviews mark them as one of the most popular spas in the neighborhood.

8) Ten Ren’s Tea Time

“Heavenly Love.” That’s what the name of this tea shop, originally established in Taiwan in 1953, translates to. The cheerful café serves up whatever your choice may be—from hot and milky to cold and fruity teas—and their chairs are comfortable enough that you’ll want to stay awhile. And in case you didn’t have your fill in the café, Ten Ren’s retail shop next door sells every type of tea you can imagine. In fact, their mission to deliver the best quality teas to their customers has led to the opening of more than 100 tea shops worldwide.

9) The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

On the menu are homemade Asian ice cream flavors such as lychee, durian, and red bean, but they also serve flavors they call “exotic,” like chocolate chip and strawberry. This running joke, plus their nonstop output of quality ice cream has earned this family-run business over 40 years’ worth of devoted fans. It’s not the best spot to rest tired feet, since there are actually no seats inside, but their colorful space and seemingly endless selection of ice cream will hopefully wipe away your fatigue.

10) Yu Zu Tang Foot Spa

There is a dizzying selection of foot massages to choose from in Chinatown, but Yu Zu Tang Foot Spa is consistently popular with locals and tourists alike. Staffed with skilled, professional reflexologists, it’s the perfect way to end a day of pounding the pavements of New York. Once they wrap up your foot massage with soothing warm towels, you may just want to stay for a massage, too. Go to Yu Zu Tang for a few minutes of solitude and a little self-care.

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Chinatown

 

Union Square New YorkUnion Square is one of the most perfect, most quintessential people-watching spots in New York City.

In one condensed location, you’re likely to see competitive games of chess in action, chanting Hare Krishnas eagerly passing out pamphlets, and the crowded, popular farmer’s market selling goods from Upstate New York farms. Or you might see people gathering for a passionate protest, whether it’s related to politics or animal rights (or both).

It’s a fascinating, chaotic crossroads, so just imagine all the interesting gems that are hidden in the many streets that spread out from the area. Like many of the city’s neighborhoods, there’s an endless selection of restaurants, shops, and museums here. To really get a sense of this lively neighborhood, find a seat on the steps and watch Union Square in motion. Then, get up and start exploring. Start with these recommendations, but also wander off the beaten path and see what gems you find on your own.

Strand 

If you’re a booklover in New York, there’s no reason to shop at large chain bookstores. Instead, seek out the many local shops the city has to offer, especially the much-loved Strand. The Strand was born in 1927 as part of “Book Row,” a stretch of six blocks of book stores, and has evolved into its current structure, which houses the famed “18 miles of books.” Here you’ll find a variety of new, used, and rare books on every topic under the sun. The Strand also hosts an eclectic mix of authors for book reading events; Lil Wayne, Salman Rushdie, and Patti Smith have recently made appearances. This is also your best bet for stocking on up literary souvenirs.

828 Broadway 

Olde Good Things

Stained glass, decorative iron, and vintage reclaimed chicken wire are just a few specialty items in this shop that specializes in “altered antiques.” They got their start by rummaging through New York’s dumpsters and turning trash into treasures. Now, local demolition contractors contact Olde Good Things when a building of historical or cultural value is torn down. Salvaged material like wood, metal, glass, and iron goes to the antique store’s factory in Pennsylvania and gets remade into cabinets, shelves, and tables. The store also contains plenty of goods for those who love to hunt for traditional antiques: chandeliers and lamps, metal signs, antique typewriters, and even an entire section devoted to door knobs.

5 East 16th Street

Barn Joo

This Korean fusion restaurant boldly faces out onto Union Square, so it’s not exactly a “hidden” gem, but it’s unusual—and a nice change—to find Korean BBQ outside of K-town. Barn Joo recently outgrew its flagship location in the Flatiron District and is now a tastefully decorated, large open space with a full bar. It’s a welcome addition, too, since Republic—the popular Thai restaurant that was next to Barn Joo—recently closed its doors for good. Barn Joo also has the advantage of being open late and if you’re into that scene, a club-like vibe seeps in later in the night.

35 Union Square West

J & S Imports

It wasn’t always the case, but J & S Imports, an importer of African arts and crafts, is actually so hidden that you might not even notice it when passing by. In their heyday, they supplied handcrafted African goods to dealers around the city, but as interest in that type of art declined, the owners had to downsize and move from their ground floor storefront to a smaller space upstairs. Now, when you enter what used to be their shop, you’ll find a sign telling you to ring the bell and wait for the elevator to come. Upstairs, you’ll find an interesting mixture of handcrafted products such as jewelry, carved African statues and masks, incense, and more. Owned by brothers Jaime and Simon Debbah for more than 40 years, J & S Imports is truly an example of a small, family-owned business.

865 Broadway

Flying Tiger

Flying Tiger wants to inspire their customers and also make them smile. That’s why their stock turnaround is relatively quick. They bring in 300 new products each month, which means you can shop here fairly often and find new treasures each time. Everything in this Danish outpost is whimsical, colorful, and extremely cheerful. Come for unique party decorations, kids toys, fun souvenirs, and much more, all super affordable and sure to be unique.

920 Broadway

Rubin Museum

Take an easy walk west of Union Square to get to this Himalayan museum. World-class art and multimedia exhibits, films, and concerts all contribute to their mission, which is to bring an understanding of Himalayan culture to New York City in order to spark discussions, open minds, and form connections between two such different ways of life. A recent exhibit showed the works of French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, and featured candid photos of everyday people in mid-century India, as well as images of Mahatma Gandhi on the last day of his life. The museum also offers a weekly meditation session, an eclectic gift shop, and K2 Friday Nights, when the museum’s café turns into a cocktail lounge with a pan-Asian menu and regional music.

150 West 17th Street

Happy wandering and let Top Dog Tours know what new and interesting places you find near Union Square!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Union Square

Greenwich Village earned its bohemian reputation early on, and artists and free-spirits of all stripes still flock here today.

There’s a nice mix of tourists, locals, and students, and it is home to some of the oldest cafés and restaurants in the city. You could spend an entire day exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and historic landmarks and still have plenty to do, especially if it’s nightlife you’re after. So what should a good visitor do after exploring the Village in the daylight? Even after the sun goes down, the options are endless, but here’s a good place to get started.

Cocktails to start the night off right…

A photo of the Stonewall Inn - Greenwich NYYou could imbibe in a different place every night and still not make a dent in the Village’s bar scene. The best part is that there’s truly a watering hole for every taste. For an evening of wine-tasting, Amelie Wine Bar is a cozy, not-too-expensive restaurant with a wait staff knowledgeable about all things wine. The focus is heavily on French vino, but there are also several offerings from around the world. Before calling it a night, try a handcrafted cocktail form Little Branch, an underground cocktail lounge with comfortable booths and an old-fashioned, speakeasy vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the bartender’s choice. And finally, do not miss the Stonewall Inn. Their origin as the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement makes them a cornerstone of American history. It’s also a fun place to dance the night away.

Restaurants to feed your foodie…

The Meatball Shop NYCSometimes a name says it all. The Meatball Shop has earned devoted fans for their variations on the much-loved dish. You can order your meatballs classically prepared with beef, but spicy pork, chicken, and even veggie options are available. While certainly not a vegetarian’s delight, the menu also offers a nice variety of non-meat side dishes. If you’re in the mood for inexpensive, vegetarian fare, Mamoun’s Falafel is another Greenwich Village fixture. For more of a sit-down vegetarian experience, try by CHLOE, which serves a fully plant-based, locally-sourced menu. As with all good veggie restaurants, they serve their own version of Mac N’ Cheese, as well as a full list of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and homemade ice creams. Sevilla is the go-to place for tapas and sangria. Like many old-school New York institutions, Sevilla has been family-run since they opened their doors in 1941.

Theater and Entertainment for those artsy types…

Check out the listings at Barrow Street Theater. With only 199 seats, this off-Broadway venue provides an intimate setting for their eclectic mix of productions that have earned them a solid reputation for great theater. Currently showing through May 2018 is Sweeney Todd; theater-goers will enjoy sitting in the middle of a recreated pie shop, and can even opt to dine on “pie and mash” before the show. For arthouse cinema lovers, check out IFC Theater, which features a wide variety of independent movies and also champions foreign and documentary films. Check their listings for festivals and special weekly programs, too. And finally, while Cornelia Street Café is more restaurant than theater, their underground space frequently puts on an interesting selection of live musical performances, storytelling, poetry readings and more.

Coffee and Dessert to curb that sweet tooth…

A photo of Cafe Reggio - Greenwich NYCaffe Reggio has a full menu but their old-world charm makes it the perfect place to share a sampling of their delicious Italian pastries. In business since the 1927, Caffe Reggio is credited with introducing cappuccino to Americans for the first time. The Uncommons bills itself as Manhattan’s first board game café, so check it out if you’re in the mood for a coffee and also feeling a little competitive. They serve a pretty standard menu of coffee drinks (beer is also available), but the draw is their huge library of games. Mille-Feuille Bakery closes at 7:00, a little on the early side for night owls, but it’s worth it if you’re in the mood for a decadent French dessert. To top off your evening with a traditional Italian coffee drink like an affogato al caffe, which consists of vanilla ice cream with espresso poured on top, stop by Amorino. If you’re in the mood for simple-but-good, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream is the place—they make their ice cream locally in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and keep their recipe down to just a few simple ingredients.

Jazz clubs to snap and tap your feet to…

The word “jazz” cannot be uttered in this neighborhood without mentioning the Village Vanguard, who proudly proclaims to have represented “jazz across many generations and aesthetic viewpoints” since 1935. The Village Vanguard was owned and operated by one man, Max Gordon, for more than six decades. After his death, his wife Lorraine—a lifelong jazz fan and author now in her 90’s—took over, and still runs the iconic club. For a decidedly different experience, head to Fat Cat. In addition to nightly performances, patrons can drink inexpensive beer and satisfy their competitive nature in games of Ping Pong, pool, and shuffleboard. For an informal jazz club where you can pay one price and hear jam sessions all night long, try Smalls. Their intimate basement setting is just right for snapping your fingers to the music of the rising jazz artists that Smalls likes to feature.

Greenwich Village is one of New York City’s greatest neighborhoods. The only letdown you’ll experience is not getting to do everything you planned!

Filed Under: New York City Travel Tips Tagged With: Greenwich Village

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