If you like shopping... A Day in Midtown

Today, you will begin with a delicious, complete, and very fairly priced breakfast at Daniela Trattoria on 8th Ave. at W. 45th St.  With a full variety of breakfast items and an elegant atmosphere, Daniela is a perfect way to kick off your day.  Tomato & basil omeletes, french toast, and espresso are all on the menu.

(Directions: Walk east on 45th Street and take a left on 5th Ave.)

Next, we're onto an exciting day at Rockefeller Center!  A bit touristy?  Yes.  But fun too!  There are many things you can do while you are at Rockefeller Center; the following are your options.  I recommend choosing two so you still have plenty of time to enjoy other activities today.


Courtesy of Tishman Speyer/Photographer Bart Barlow

 "Top of the Rock" Observation Deck: You can see the entire city (Manhattan) from the top of the building.  Purchase tickets ahead of time on their website or in person.
Rockefeller Center Tour: Get an interesting glimpse into the history, art, and architecture that comprise Rockefeller Center. [They also offer a combo of the last two items for a much better deal$.]
NBC Studio Tour: Get an inside look at NBC Studios, including peeks at the sets of some of their most popular programs, like Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and NBC Nightly News.
Visit the Channel Gardens: Rockefeller Center's year-round outdoor garden.
The Ice Skating Rink: (November-April) Rockefeller Center's famous ice skating rink has appeared in dozens of movies.

Lunch today is, of course, at the Rockefeller Center Underground Concourse.  You have quite a few dining options, from AJ Maxwell's Steakhouse which offers burgers and steaks, to Wichcraft, where you can have an Asparagus Frittata Ciabatta, or a Grilled Flank Steak & Cheddar Sandwich.

(Directions: Walk south on 5th Ave. until you reach 34th St.; take a right on 34th St. and walk one block to 6th Ave.)

Next is a short tour of/shopping expedition to the famous Macy's at Herald Square on 34th St and 6th Ave.  This is the Macy's that was featured in the original Miracle on 34th Street (the one with Natalie Wood).  Macy's has stood at this location since 1902, and now boasts eleven floors.  

(Directions: Walk north on 7th Avenue 10 blocks to 44th St.; make a left and walk 1 1/2 blocks.  Or take a taxi.)

Next, you are up for an evening of live jazz/big band and dinner at Birdland Jazz.  You can make reservations by calling 212-580-3080.  Birdland is located on W. 44th Street between 8th and 9th Ave.  Live music goes from early evening to the early hours of the AM. 

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

A Visit To Staten Island

Caution: This itinerary is not for use on Mondays or Tuesdays.

@ ei8htstone

Start this day off with a big breakfast.  You are going to need your energy as you travel across New York Harbor and explore two of New York's finest boroughs.  Your starting point today is ei8htStone, fittingly located at 8 Stone Street @ Broad in the Financial District.  Waffles, pancakes, and all the traditionals are on the menu, along with yogurt parfait, smoked salmon, and eggs benedict. 

(Directions: Walk west on Stone Street and take a left on Broadway.  Take a right on State Street, then a left on the next street and keep walking - you will see the Staten Island Ferry Terminal /Whitehall Station.)

@ DOT The Staten Island Ferry

Your next mode of transport is an adventure itself.  The Staten Island Ferry is free, and once onboard, you can see the Statue of Liberty as you travel across the water.  Staten Island is the most residential of the five boroughs and is home to half a million New Yorkers.

(Directions: Take the S74 bus; get off at Richmond Road and Lighthouse Ave. Walk north to 338 Lighthouse Ave.)
 

@ Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art was founded in 1945 by art collector Jacques Marchais.  It houses culturally significant pieces and its architecture was even designed using a Himalayan style of design.  The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 1-5pm.

(Directions: Call a taxi.  (in SI, taxis are not readily available on the street.)  You may call and have to wait about 10-15 minutes for a taxi to arrive.  Here is the phone number for Village Car Service: 1-866-699-7983.  You will be going to 524 Port Richmond Ave.)

Next on the agenda is an early dinner @ Denino's (real NY pizza) and Ralph's Ices (just down the block).  Denino's has been around since 1937 and is a true family-owned New York business.  Try their delicious thin crust pizza along with a variety of other menu options that do not really matter since you will be stuffing yourself with pizza when you are here.  The fried calamari is actually delicious also, and is a great way to start off while you are waiting for your pie.  Denino's is located at 524 Port Richmond Avenue. 
After dinner, skip down the block to Ralph's Ices for a light and refreshing dessert.

(Directions: Call that taxi back to come pick you up and take you to the Staten Island Ferry for your trip back to the city.  Ferries run about every twenty minutes during rush hour, then every thirty minutes the rest of the time.)

You must be a little tired from your journey to Staten Island, so end the night with some drinks and light late night food.  The Red Lion in Greenwich Village is the perfect spot to unwind and listen to some live music almost every night of the week.  The cover charge is usually relatively low, and the atmosphere is very low-key.  That's on Bleecker St. at Thompson.

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

Romance is on the menu...

Today is a day of romance. 

The Garden is inside the Four Seasons Hotel on E. 57th St. between Park and Madison Avenues.  Specialties include Strawberry French Toast, Ham & Brie Omelet with an Endive Apple Salad, and Vanilla Mango Yogurt Parfait.  Begin your with breakfast in a secluded, forest-like setting. 

(Directions: Walk west on 57th St. and turn right at 5th Ave.  Walk north on 5th along the East side of the park.  Enter the park at 61st St. and follow the path NW to go to Loeb Boathouse.  (Central Park map is available here.))

Next is a stroll through Central Park and lunch at the Boathouse.  Enter on the east side of the park, and take in the greenery, flowers, fountains, and trees that make up over 800 acres of Central Park.  Central Park was created mainly during the 1860's as an area of natural beauty to which New Yorkers could escape.  The park was carefully planned and constructed by special committees designated by the City of New York. 

Lunch will be at Loeb Boathouse Lakeside.  On the menu are Scottish Salmon, Maine Lobster Roll, as well as chicken and steak options.

(Directions: Exit the park on the east side at E. 72nd St.  Take a taxi to Pier 83 (W. 42nd St.)

@ Circle Line

 In the afternoon, take a cruise around Manhattan.  The Circle Line Semi-Circle Afternoon Tour takes you around Lower Manhattan, up close to the Statue of Liberty and past the United Nations.  The afternoon tour time changes with the seasons, varying between 2:30 - 4:00pm.  See their schedule for details.


(Directions: Take a taxi to Midtown, Broadway and 46th St./NY Marriot.)

In the evening, you are off to the The View for dinner, drinks, and a killer view of the city.  From the 48th floor of this building, you can see all of Manhattan, plus bits of the outer boroughs.  This restaurant actually revolves to reveal a 360 degree view, and with its Midtown location, you really can take in the entire city.  To ensure a good table, you can make reservations online and request a windowside table, or call (212) 704-8900.

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

A Classic Day in New York

Breakfast today will be had at Cafe Lalo, at 201 W. 83rd St. and Amsterdam.  Their menu includes freshly baked breads and pastries, along with organic fruit, yogurt, and specialty dishes like the French Kiss Quiche and Dutch Breakfast.  The cafe opens up at 8am on weekdays and 9am on the weekends. 

(Directions: Walk east on 83rd St. for two blocks, and take a right on Central Park West.  The museum entrance is on Central Park W. at 79th St.)

Next, we are going to the Museum of Natural History!  (This is my favorite museum in New York.)  Public tours are available daily, or you can explore on your own.  The museum's five floors (including the lower level) offer exhibits of human origin with individual anthropological displays for different regions of the world, mammal and bird exhibitions specific to select continents, and interplanetary exploration experiences.  The museum's hours are typically 10am-6pm.  It should take you about four hours to thoroughly explore the museum, so plan to be here for lunch.

Lunch today may be had at the Museum of Natural History's Food Court, located on the lower level of the building. 

(Directions: Walk south on Central Park West.  Make a right on 64th St.)

Assuming that your mind is now rich with the knowledge of 143 years of curation and discovery, a short walk along Central Park West will bring you to your next destination.

Picholine is the enchanting setting for dinner tonight, with an elegant dining area and simple, sleek bar.  Wild Mushroom Risotto, Fava Bean Agnolotti, and Wild Striped Bass are just a few of the items on the menu.  Picholine's menu's origins are in Spanish, French, and Italian cooking.  It is chef-described as French/Mediterranean, and its menu changes seasonally.  Picholine is at 35 W. 64th St., just west of Central Park.

(Directions: Walk north on Columbus Ave. and take a left at 66th St.)

Music, films, and theatrical performances happen at Lincoln Center every night.  Lincoln Center has been a critical backdrop for the performing arts in NY since the 1950's.  Tickets and performance descriptions are available on Lincoln Center's website.

(Directions: Walk south on Columbus and take a left at 63rd St.)

After the show, stop in at PJ Clarke's on W. 63rd St. and Columbus Ave. for a nightcap.  PJ Clarke's original location on E. 55th St. and 3rd Ave. dates back to 1884.  Though the W. 63rd St. spot is only a few years old, it strives to stay in character with the original - with an old-time feel, a classic but unpretentious atmosphere, and big band crooners in the background.

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

Summer Day in New York

Caffe Reggio on MacDougal St. at W. 3rd has been serving New Yorkers since 1927.  According to the owners, Reggio was the first cafe in the U.S. to serve cappuccino!  On the menu, of course, are a variety of espresso drinks, milkshakes, fresh fruit yogurts, omelets, and pastries.  Reggio opens most days at 8am. 

(Directions: Walk north on MacDougal Street and take a right on Washington Square Park North.)

Enter Washington Square Park under the famous arch on 5th Ave. and Washington Sq. Park N.  This area has been an important gathering place for New Yorkers for three centuries, and is rich in American history.  The park has been a backdrop for authors, political enthusiasts, students, and neighborhood residents since 1827.  The fountain, chess play area, and George Washington monuments are just a few of the highlights of this magnificent landmark.

(Directions: Exit at the SE corner and take a right (go NW) on W. 4th.  Make a left on Cornelia and a right on Bleecker.)

Lunch is at Keste Pizza on Bleecker Street between Cornelia and Jones.  I am not going to call it true NY pizza, but it is true Neopolitan pizza.  Reasonable menu prices and pizza toppings make this an ideal spot for lunch in the Village.

(Directions: Walk north on Bleecker and take a left on Christopher St.) 
 
After lunch is a tour of Greenwich and the West Village.  There are some architecturally significant buildings in this area that have stood for centuries, soaking up New York's history.  There is a map for you here.

Our first stop is the Former U.S. Appraiser's Warehouse for the Customs Service of the Treasury Department, at 150 Christopher Street.  This structure was built in 1898 and is an official New York City landmark.  It currently serves as an apartment building.

Our next stop is the Jefferson Market Courthouse at 425 6th Ave.  This building dates back to 1873, and currently serves as a branch of the New York Public Library system.

Next is the former New York County Savings Bank on the SE corner of 14th St. and 8th Ave.  Even though it is currently used for alternate business purposes, the architecture of this building is still intact and very much worth viewing.  This building dates back to 1896. 
Also, right across the street from the aforementioned savings bank, on the NE corner of the intersection, is another very interesting building which appears to date back to the 19th century. 

Next, we head back to the Village for our last stop, Hemmerdinger Hall.  This building was created in 1895, and has been significant to New York University since that time.

(Directions: Cut through the park and exit at the SE corner on W. 4th St.  Go straight.)

Dinner is at Tio Pepe on W. 4th St. between 6th and 7th Ave.  If you can, dine on their outdoor patio.  Tequila and margaritas are the specialty, but they also have a full bar.  Tio Pepe's offers a mix of Spanish and Mexican cuisine.  The restaurant has evolved over the years since its opening in 1970,  from its previous reputation as a cool NYU spot to get a bite and have drinks to its current more hot-to-trot profile.  You will realize it is worth a visit to this place as you relax on its cool patio, sipping margaritas and soaking in the Greenwich village vibe.

(Directions: Walk north on 7th to 14th St.  Take a left.)

Darts, music, and drinks... In a low-key, unpretentious bar no less.  Here, you will not find rude bartenders, just-turned-21 year olds, or stuffy Gucci-ites.  Leave your hang-ups at the door at Flannery's, and prepare for a good time.  Flannery's is on 14th St., just west of 7th Ave. 
(And afterward, stop off for pizza at J's on 16th St. and 7th Ave.)

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

Majestic Ellis Island

Breakfast today starts off at Cafe Casano, 38 Little West Street near Battery Park.  Enjoy healthy items like granola, or richer ones like the strata (Italian quiche) and crossiants. 

(Directions: Walk one block south to Battery Park.)



Great Hall / @The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation

 Today, we are taking a trip to Ellis Island, one of the most important landmarks in New York's history, and personally significant for any of us whose families came to the U.S. between 1890 and 1954.  Ellis Island served as the immigration checkpoint into the U.S. during those years, and saw the passage of 12 million immigrants into the country, many of whom made NY their permanent home.  Passage to Ellis Island is available through Statue Cruises; boats leave approximately every twenty minutes from 8:30am to 3:00pm.   

The Ellis Cafe offers items such as salads, burgers, and hot sandwiches for lunch.

(Directions: Feel free to go back to your hotel to get changed next!  Exit Battery Park on the East side on Whitehall St., and you will find Whitehall Station.  Take the North/Queensbound R to 57th St./7th Ave. stop.  Walk south one block to 56th St. and take a left.)

Dinner tonight is happening at Benihana.  Benihana has locations throughout the U.S., but did you know that it started as a small, four-table restaurant on W. 56th Street in NY, around 1964?  Benihana was the first to introduce New Yorkers to the idea of dinner as a show in the Japanese live-action style of cooking.  The restaurant has two floors; the first floor houses the cocktail and sushi lounge, while the second floor offers the full dining experience.  You can make same day reservations on their website or just show up if you do not mind waiting a bit.  Benihana is on W. 56th St. between 5th and 6th Ave.

(Directions: Walk north on 5th Ave. and take a right on 59th St.)

You have had a big day, so it's time to end the evening with a nightcap at a very low-key place on the mid-upper East Side.  The Carriage House is located at 219 E. 59th St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave.  Choose one of their signatures like the Prickly Pear or have a nice bourbon to round out the evening.   
             
And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!

Be a Kid Again (or Take Yours)...

Today, you are going to channel your inner child, let loose and have fun in New York.  We begin the day with breakfast at Brooklyn Diner at 212 W. 57th at 7th Ave.  From healthy choices like the Vernon Brown Omelet to more decadent ones like the Valrhona Double Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Brooklyn Diner has a delicious something for everyone. 

(Directions: Walk two blocks east on 57th St. and take a left on 5th Ave.)

Followed by breakfast will be a trip to FAO Schwarz on 5th Ave. at 58th St.  With books, gigantic pianos, stuffed animals, and even the latest electronics, FAO has it all.  In its almost 150 year history, FAO has become the leading toy store in NYC.  Whether you shop or just play around, it is an amusing way to spend your morning and a must-go when you are in NY!!  (The store opens at 10am but guided tours are available at 9am.  Call 212-644-9400 x4244 to sign up.)  

(Directions: Walk north on 5th Ave and take a left at 61st St.  Viand is on Madison at 61st.)

Next is a fun lunch at Viand Cafe on Madison Ave. and 61st St.  Viand is a true NY diner with deli sandwiches, a long list of salad selections, burgers, and wraps, plus specialty items like the Monte Cristo, stuffed grape leaves, and matzah ball soup.  

(Directions: When you come out of the cafe, look to the West; there it is.)

Then, over to Central Park for an afternoon of exploration!  Here are some options:  bike rentals or row boat rentals at Loeb Boathouse (mid-park between 76th and 77th St. - available April-November); or wander around and get lost amongst the greenery (this is the option I would choose).  Central Park is over 840 acres large, and it is quite easy and fun to get lost in the vast wilds of trees, grasses, flowers, lakes, and sculptures.  But it is also easy to find your way back.  Maps are available here. 

(Directions: Here are directions from Central Park to our next destination: Swing 46.  But please, go back to your hotel room and change/get your dancing shoes on first!  Exit the Park on the Southwest corner 59th St./Columbus Cir.  Walk (or cab) south on 8th Ave. and turn right on W. 46th St.)

Now we're on to a killer evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing at Swing 46!  Swing 46 has live jazz or swing every night, plus an appetizing dinner menu, drinks, and a lively but elegant atmosphere.  This is the place to start and end the night.  Dance lessons are offered most nights beginning at 9pm.  That's 349 W. 46th St. between 8th and 9th Ave.

And that's your day in New York.  Get some rest, for tomorrow's a new adventure.
Need help getting around?  Try MTA's trip planner to find your best route!