Great Places to view NYC Skyline

If you are into photography and always wanted to snap a few photos of the dramatic Manhattan skyline of New York City, or maybe you just never got a chance to actually enjoy the view because you were always driving past it, well maybe we can help you out.

We all are aware that the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are probably the most common places to view the skyline. But before you have to wait in three long lines and struggle up those 354 steps check out some places you and your family can visit so you can have your own picture of the Big Apple landmark buildings this summer.

1. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the amazing views of the skyline especially at night.
2. Hudson River Park has one of the most exceptional views of the lower Manhattan skyscrapers.
3. Sail across the NY harbor on our New York City Sightseeing cruise to take pictures while being able to avoid the crowds.
4. Don’t forget, New York isn’t the only place you can get a good shot. Take a ride to Hamilton Park in Weehawken, New Jersey. It’s only a 15 minute drive and 30 minutes the most if traffic comes your way.
5. Last but not least, The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is known to be one of the best spots to get a clear view of New York City skyline without so many crowds in your way.

Photo credit: Flickr/danielfoster437

2013 4th of July CitySightseeing NY Fireworks Cruise

This blog post was originally posted on CitySights NY Blog and is being shared here because we thought you would love it. Enjoy!

The 4^th of July in New York City is like Arrested Development filming a fourth season: Awesome. Macy’s puts on one of the best firework displays in the world, streets are closed on the Hudson River so people can get a better view, and everyone has a good time. One popular way people choose to celebrate Independence Day is with a fireworks cruise, and ours is back once again.

The CitySightseeing NY 4^th of July Fireworks Cruise will sell out yet again, and this year we’re upping the ante. The cruise will board at 5:30 and depart at 6 p.m. for a trek on the water. Here are more details:

• Evening cruise around Manhattan Harbor
• View of the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show on the Hudson River
• DJ Performance on board
• Ticket price includes a hot dog, french fries and a soft drink per person
• Casual dinner menu available for purchase
• Cash bar

This cruise sells out every year, so you don’t want to get left behind!

The Largest Easter Egg Hunt in NYC

Remember Easter morning as a child, waking up and hunting for eggs? This Saturday, treat your kids to a one-of-a-kind experience in Queens: New York City’s biggest Easter egg hunt.

In St. Albans Park in Jamaica, Queens, celebrate Easter with an egg hunt like no other. In addition to the biggest Easter egg hunt in NYC, there will be music, rides, coloring contests and more. The celebration will be held this Saturday from 12 noon – 5 p.m.

For more information visit: www.affinityplan.org/EggHunt

Photo: Flickr / MDGovpics

Checkmate, Winter. Outdoor Chess is back

Checkmate! Outdoor chess players looking for their next opponent.

Spring is in the air! Which means that pawns, Queens, and Kings litter the streets again (the chess pieces of course). New York City is world renowned for playing chess in the great outdoors. Here are some places where you can witness masterful chess moves or even challenge the best yourself.

Washington Square Park

The cornerstone of Manhattan’s chess district. Famous for it’s stationary chess tables and atmosphere  This area was even featured in the film “Searching for Bobby Fischer” the classic film about a legendary player who used to frequent these tables.

Union Square

Chess masters from all over the world travel here to compete with the best. Don’t let that intimidate you though, for a small fee you can play with them. You can always just bring your own board and play with your friends too.

Bryant Park

Located by the gorgeous fountain terrace in Bryant park. This chess area will soothe you with tranquil bliss as you plot against your opponent.

Central Park

There actually exists a house completely dedicated to chess & checkers in Central Park.  The Chess and Checkers House,  offers 24 outdoor chess and checker tables.It has indoor as well as outdoor tables that attract players of all ages and abilities.

Marshall Chess Club

The oldest chess club located in NYC. This community of chess grand masters and enthusiasts, hosts plenty of chess tournaments all year round. Feel free to check out an event and spectate to learn amazing new techniques. If you’re feeling confident, you can always challenge members head on!

Photo Credit: Flickr / Charley Lhasa

Irish Pubs in NYC

Celebrate the Irish at an Irish pub!

Top the mornin’ to you Blarney. Ok I’ll stop with the Irish accent, but it’s hard not to when you got St Patrick’s Day on the mind. To prepare for St. Patty’s you gotta know what you’re going to drink and where you’re going to get it. Here are some great Irish pubs in NYC that’ll actually make you feel Irish.    There’ll be plenty of drinking and hangovers in the coming weeks, but its ok, there are plenty of Irish pubs in NYC that’ll cure and delay your hangover.

McSorley’s Old Ale House

Soak up the history at this old watering hole. This pub was established in 1854 and has long upheld bringing Irish traditions & drinks to the heart of New York City.

The Irish Pub

The name sums it up pretty well. Located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan this pub specializes in combining Irish and American food & culture into a fun, delicious experience.

Pig N Whistle

This Irish pub is famous for their home-brew Pig N Whistle ale. Rest assured it doesn’t contain any pig meat in it, so don’t be afraid to try it. Sorry to disappoint if you actually wanted some pig in your ale.

The Coliseum Bar and Restaurant

This recently renovated Irish pub has entered the modern age with a sleek design yet still maintains an authentic Irish atmosphere.

Paddy Maguire’s Ale House

Like drinking and horses? Then you’ll love this pub founded by Irish jockey, Paddy Maguire. Alcohol and horsies come together to celebrate Ireland in a unique way at this pub.

Photo Credit: Flickr / marco_ask

Written by Steve Carman

Feel like a movie star at these iconic restaurants

Muppets take a break from filming to enjoy the view.

Argo and Life of Pi got plenty of Oscar love this year, but what about New York City? None of the nominated films dealt with NYC, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate some famous locations that have been featured in films.

Everyone knows about all the iconic locations in New York like Times Square and Central Park. We’ve seen them plenty of times in film & TV, but there are also plenty of NYC restaurants that have been in the movies too.

Katz’s Deli

“When Harry Met Sally”

Yeah, that uhh… scene took place here. Don’t be clever and say “I’ll have what she’s having.” Trust me, everyone has said it. Enjoy Katz’s Pastrami sandwich though, but don’t fake it.

21 Club

“Wall Street”

Greed is good, but crispy calamari is way better. 21 Club is where Charlie Sheen’s character in “Wall Street” was taught the tricks of the trade, but you can enjoy the atmosphere without committing white collar crimes.

Sardi’s

“The Muppets take Manhattan”

Ms. Piggy may have dined here, but don’t let that stop you from  trying Sardi’s famous grilled marinated center cut pork chops .

Ben’s Pizzeria

“Louie”

This pizza place is prominently featured in every episode of comedian Louis C.K’s TV show.  Louis doesn’t eat the crust in the intro though. Not sure why, because it’s delicious.

Photo Credit: Flickr / J (mtonic.com)

Celebrate Chinese New Year’s this Weekend

Crowds gather to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Happy Chinese New Year’s everybody! Celebrate the year of the snake this Sunday with the annual Lunar New Year Parade & festival in Chinatown.

The 14^th annual parade will provide ample entertainment for all ages. Colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and extravagant dance performances will dazzle the eye.

Each year, activities are inspired by the zodiac theme, so hope you like snakes! Streets will be packed with thousands of people in attendance, alongside live music.

Can’t have a festival without amazing food. Vendors will be out and showcasing great authentic cultural dishes that will quench anyone’s appetite just by looking at it.

The parade starts at 1 pm this Sunday. Parade starts in Little Italy and goes throughout Lower Chinatown. Cultural festival & booths will be located in Sara Roosevelt Park (Canal & Forsyth St.).

Photo Credit: Flickr / heypatrick

Weekend Pick: Chelsea Bazaar

Photo Credit: Chelsea Bazaar / Facebook.com

This weekend, you surly will be getting together with friends and family and gathering in front of a TV to watch Super Bowl (or the stream of new and hilarious commercials that the football game so rudely interrupts). But what are you going to do on Saturday?

You’re going to go to the Chelsea Bazaar! Head down to the Altman Building in Chelsea where dozens of local businesses will be gathered together showing off what they do best. You can grab food, pick up homemade jewelry, or maybe find a new business that you never knew existed. You don’t need to trek around the streets on a bitter cold Sunday afternoon to find all of the best places in town, because they’ll all be at the Chelsea Bazaar.

The Chelsea Bazaar will be held on Saturday, February 2 at 135 W. 18^th St. Admission is free and the doors open at 11 a.m.

Grand Central Terminal Turns 100!

Grand Central Terminal turn 100 years old

Tomorrow, Grand Central Terminal is turning 100!

February 1^st is a big birthday for the most historic transportation hub in New York City, and they’re celebrating.  The party will begin at 9:30 a.m. with West Point Brass and Percussion and the West Point Cadet Color Guard’s presentation of colors. After that, you can expect celebrity appearances and performances by Cynthia Nixon, Keith Hernandez, The Knicks City Dancers, and many more including some surprise guests!

The Terminal will also receive honors from the Guinness Book of world Records, National Park Service, US Postal service and more!  There will be events for kids, music, dancing, and, oh yeah, trains and subways running all day.

Even better, all around the terminal prices will revert to the year 1913, when you could get a coffee for 5¢, fries for 10¢ and of course giveaways and contests throughout the day.

Like I said, they bring out all the stops for the greatest train station in the world.

Weekend Pick: Drawing Surrealism

Photo via themorgan.org

Starting today, the Morgan Library is opening up a new exhibition called Drawing Surrealism, and it looks so interesting that we’re making it our weekend pick.

Via the Morgan Library website:

Drawing Surrealism will offer multiple new perspectives on the emergence, evolution, and influence of this revolutionary movement. It will also explore the international impact of surrealist drawing by featuring important works on paper by over seventy artists from fifteen different countries, from Eastern and Western Europe, North and South America, and Japan.

The artists being featured will include icons like Salvador Dali and Max Ernst.  And the best part is that you don’t even have to fight the museum mile crowd to see such incredible drawings.

Drawing Surrealism will be on display at the Morgan Library & Museum from January 25 until April 21.