New York City
November 4th, 2007 at 01:10pm
Under New York City
New York City, with a population of 8.1 million, is the most densely inhabited city in the United States. The city is home to a vast number of migrants from over 180 countries. The city houses a large number of international organizations and is one of the world’s four major global cities. It is only to be expected that such a mega city would have a dining culture and that would pamper the taste buds of its residents and visitors alike. Regardless of the economy, at any given point in time, New York City restaurants never cease to do large business volumes.
One of the popular restaurants in New York, Delmonico’s is renowned as the first restaurant in the United States. It has been serving customers in this amazing city for more than 160 years. Today New York City has more than 18,000 eating establishments and yet new ones are setting operations every day. The city boasts of restaurants catering to every human need. The restaurants here offer a wide variety of cuisines, ethnic cuisines, pizza, steak, sushi, hot dogs and fusion cuisine.
Restaurants in New York are available for every kind of occasion or mood whether it is breakfast, brunch, power lunches or fine dining. One of the reasons why restaurants are a lucrative investment for many is the vast immigrant population in the city. Catering to the specific tastes of these communities by serving them food from their own parts of the world ensures a steady stream of customers. There are many Chinese, Italian, Indian and Mexican restaurants in New York that are definitely worth a try even for people who don’t belong to these communities. New York also has its share of romantic restaurants, steak houses and vegetarian friendly establishments.
The availability of a vast choice in cuisines, themes, atmosphere and pricing has contributed to the increasing tendency to eat out amongst people in New York. A visitor to New York wishing to dine out is advised to read restaurant reviews, check star ratings, make table reservations and pay attention to tipping customs.
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By admin
November 4th, 2007 at 01:04pm
Under New York City
New York City, aptly named “The Big Apple” and the “city that never sleeps,” represents one of the great international centers of finance, politics, communications, music, culture, and fashion. Home to numerous, world-class museums, venues, and sights, this city is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. Imbued with a rich sense of history and culture, there are many attractions for visitors to see and visit.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is another must see in New York, but don’t bother going into the museum unless you really want to. Visitors aren’t allowed to the top of the Statue of Liberty anymore because of security issues. You are thoroughly frisked in an exhaustive security check, and have to reserve a time to visit in advance. You would be better off seeing the Statue of Liberty from the ferry that takes you to Ellis Island. The Immigration Museum at Ellis Island is worth a visit, and it is free. The ferry ($10) leaves every 25 minutes from Battery Park and stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Central Park
Possibly one of the more infamous locations in New York, Central Park is the stuff of American legend. With its beautiful greenery, sprawling lawns, and lakes, Central park in highly popular with outdoor enthusiasts and concert goers. It hosts a number of concert venues and is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Zoo.
Times Square
Another bit of American history, Times Square is a must-see for posterity. In actuality, Times Square is impressive, but it is also highly commercialized and caters mostly to tourists. The “old “Times Square is located near Broadway and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It has become quite seedy, and thus a “new” Times Square, located blocks away from the old Times Square, has emerged that is a family-friendly, highly commercialized area of themed restaurants, theaters and hotels.
Cathedral of St. John The Divine
The Cathedral of St. john the Divine is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and has been a work-in-progress for over a century. Beautiful Gothic architecture and exquisite stained glass windows only add to the loveliness of this amazing building. If you’re in New York, don’t miss the cathedral. It is an incredible sight, and one that rivals the European churches it emulates.
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is yet another staple of American history, having housed some of this century’s most amazing musicians and performers. Unless you can afford the tickets for a concert, be content wandering through the beautiful building and looking at pictures of past performers and beautiful people.
Empire State Building
This famous building sits on the equally renowned fifth avenue and was for many years the tallest building in the US. Synonymous with New York, this building, more than any other, personifies the sleek, urban, and cultured New York atmosphere.
World Trade Center Site
The site of the of the September 11th terrorist attacks has become popular with visitors. If you were in New York prior to 9/11, you will be astounded at the emptiness. The previous twin towers have been replaced with memorial pools that are quite beautiful, and various plaques are on display documenting the history of the WTC.
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is the epitome of Art Deco architecture and one of the most beautiful and well-known buildings in the world. Visiting the lobby is a must, but you’re not allowed up top unless you are on business.
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November 4th, 2007 at 01:01pm
Under New York City
New York City is unknown to none. One of the vibrant and significant metropolises on the globe, the city of New York is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. The dream to vacation in New York seems to materialize only for the rich. However, this is not actually the case like. There are more than a thousand methods to explore the wonderful city while keeping an eye at your pocket.
The Outlandish Attractions
New York is deemed to be city that is awaken 24 hours a day. This is because of the lively places like Chinatown- a famous site for films, Downtown, Central Park, the East Side, Little Italy (swarming with Sicilian culture and known for its sausage that is shipped across the world), Greenwich Village(that speaks the language of Bohemian artists through their work of art) and West Side. The Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty (marked one amongst the wonders of the world) and the Rockefeller Center summon people from every corner of the world.
Visiting the New York museums will be lifetime experience. Some of the eminent museums, their saga being sung by the whole world are nestled in New York. These are – the African-American Wax Museum, the Hudson River Museum, the Alternative Museum famous for striking art, the China Institute that parades the Chinese culture, the Hispanic Society of America, the National Lighthouse Museum, Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site that is assumed to be the oldest church in New York and last but not the least the Skyscraper Museum.
The Kids’ Amusement
Children can have a gala time in the New York City for the Central Park Zoo that is located in the middle of the Fifth Avenue and 64 th Street is open throughout the year. The zoo has some of the exclusive species of plants and animals. To educate the children and adults about wildlife, the zoo organizes a program at the Wildlife Theater. The best part of the zoo visit is the negligible amount for tickets like just $1 ticket for kids between 3 to 12 years of age. But this is not enough for the young ones. They can enjoy ice skating at the Rockfeller Center and Central Park at very cheap prices. The Wollman rink too has a good name in this regard.
The Children’s Museum of Arts at the Lafayette Street, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Children’s Museum of Native Americans (that displays charming puppet shows, singing, dancing and information about the Native Americans) are places worth enjoying and visiting for kids on their destination New York.
With the Kids’ Nights on Broadway program, children between 6 to 28 years get an opportunity to view free plays if an adult with them purchases a full ticket. Some of the loveliest plays like Beauty and the Beast, the Lion King and the Little Women etc. are at display here.
The Christmas Extravaganza
Though the metropolis is vibrant and convivial all 365 days, yet the best time to visit New York City is the Christmas time when the city is bustling not just with people but also Christmas trees, gifts, candles etc. and when the carols are in the air. The magnificence and splendor of the city is at its peak during this season. The city offers a multitude of Christmas shows and there is a huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. The wonderful lightening of this tree fills every heart with feeling of divinity and devotion. The sparkling of the tree and other decorations and preparations in the city mark the onset of the Christmas season and a reason to celebrate.
All in all New York is a dream destination to live your vacations. The place is heaving with luxury hotels, resorts and other places of entertainment, still a budget traveler can experience the wonders of this place. All one needs to do is a little judicious planning and research before heading there. The internet offers complete information about the accommodations including the rents, the rates of hotels and cuisine, which tour to take… and every basic thing that one needs to know. Some prudent planning can make your dream to visit the New York City come true.
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July 14th, 2007 at 10:59am
Under New York City
When a single night’s stay in New York City costs half of your monthly mortgage payment, budgeting a trip to the Big Apple can be tricky. Before you rule out a trip this summer (or refinance your home), consider adding these top summer picks to your itinerary. All are family-friendly and best of all — free!
It was enjoyed primarily by the city’s elite in the late 1800s, but today Central Park attracts a wide swath of New Yorkers and tourists. Join in the action — jog the 843-acre park’s 6.1 mile loop, throw a Frisbee on the Great Lawn, or sail a model boat on Conservancy Lake. The park encompasses three of the city’s best free summer traditions — Public Theatre’s Shakespare in the Park, the New York Philharmonic’s Concerts in the Parks, and the SummerStage concert series.
Ask the Forums: “Where’s an inexpensive lunch spot on the Upper West Side?”
How many of the city’s museums can you jam into one trip? Thanks to the pay-as-you-wish hours of several city museums, your answer depends on how much your eyes and feet can bear. If you’re on a tight travel budget, plan accordingly and be ready for elevated levels of elbow bumping.
Cooper-Hewitt, Tuesday, 5-9 p.m.
MOMA, Friday, 4:30-8:15 p.m.
American Folk Art Museum, Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Whitney Museum of American Art, Friday, 6-9 p.m.
Guggenheim Museum, Friday, 5:45-7:45 (last entrance at 7:15)
Ask the Forums: “What New York museums are best for history buffs?”
Catching a glimpse of a Hollywood legend on your trip is not out of the question, but for a true, larger-than-life encounter with your favorite film stars of yesteryear head to Bryant Park for its free weekly outdoor film screenings. Films begin at dusk, but moviegoers arrive early to enjoy a dinner picnic. Check out this summer’s schedule, which includes such classics as Annie Hall, The Sting, and Casablanca.
Ask the Forums: “Where do the celebrities go in NYC?”
The borough of Dodger’s fame is back and booming, so a visit to Brooklyn is a must-do. Cross the East River via the Brooklyn Bridge’s footpath to DUMBO, a gallery-packed neighborhood just under the bridge on the Brooklyn side. Fresh ice cream and your trip’s best photo-op await on the Fulton Ferry Landing Pier. If it’s a hot day, take the A/C train to High Street in Brooklyn to limit your walking time on the return trip.
Ask the Forums: “Where is the Brooklyn Bridge?”
The musical program of the River to River Festival, a summer-long arts festival, offers an incredible range of acts, from up-and-coming hipster bands to boomer legends. All concerts are free and held outdoors in public venues throughout Lower Manhattan, including South Street Seaport.
Ask the Forums: “What are some non-touristy NYC clubs that feature live music?”
For sweeping views of Lower Manhattan without the long lines of the Ellis Island/Liberty Island Ferry, hop aboard the free Staten Island Ferry connecting Manhattan to Staten Island. On sunny summer days, the 25-minute ride is best enjoyed on the ferry’s open-air deck.
Ask the Forums: “Will I get a good view of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry?”
Your stroller-bound wild child should appreciate a trip to the formidable Bronx Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals. General admission is by donation on Wednesdays; some of the zoo’s newest exciting exhibits, like Congo Gorilla Forest, require an additional fee.
Ask the Forums: “Is there anything else to see in the Bronx other than the zoo?”
Coney Island’s salty shores may be murky, but its boardwalk is great for people-watching. A few snapshots of Astroland, the beach’s old-school theme park, are essential. The theme park was bought by a real-estate company in 2006 and will close at the end of this season.
Ask the Forums: “Is Coney Island Worth Visiting?”
Harried New Yorkers head uptown to Wave Hill, Bronx’s 28-acre public garden and arts center, for a quick slice of serenity. The facility’s multiple gardens, conservatory, and art gallery, not to mention the best views of New Jersey’s Palisades, make this one soulful spot. It’s free on Tuesday, Saturday mornings (9-12 p.m.), and every day during December, January, and February.
Ask the Forums: “Where do couples go in New York for a little romance?”
Millions of commuters flood into Grand Central Station each weekday, but how many truly know the terminal’s history? Take a tour with veteran guide Jason Ferate for a quick introduction to the station’s nooks and crannies. Mr. Ferate leads several tours, including a free 90-minute tour on Friday afternoons at 12:30. The tour leaves from the front of the Whitney Museum on 42nd Street.
Ask the Forums: “Have you taken Mr. Ferate’s tour?”
Pick up gardening tips and inspiration at Bronx’s New York Botanical Gardens, a 250-acre spread of 50 gardens. The grounds may be toured free on Wednesdays and 10-12 a.m. on Saturdays. Admission to the garden’s conservatory and special exhibit area is $16 for adults.
Ask the Forums: “Should I go to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden?”
Nothing like a morning paddle on the Hudson to wake the senses! The Downtown Boathouse, a non-profit kayaking club headquartered in the Hudson River Park, has been making this an opportunity for visitors and locals alike for over a decade. Walk-up public kayaking is free, open to all skill levels, and is offered on weekends and holidays from May 12 to October 14.
Ask the Forums: “Can you name the 100 Best Things to Do in New York?”
There’s nothing like the sights and smells of a crowded New York Street Festival — take it all in at one of these famous block parties this June:
June 1-3: Feast of Anthony of Giovinazzo, Mulberry Street between Broome and Spring Streets.
June 3: 2nd Avenue Street Fair, 2nd Avenue from 66th to 86th Streets.
June 9-10: Big Apple BBQ Block Party, Madison Avenue from 23rd to 26th Streets.
June 12: Museum Mile Festival, Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Streets.
June 23: Pride Fest, 8th Avenue from 14th to 23rd Streets.
By admin
July 5th, 2007 at 03:44pm
Under USA+ New York City
When it comes to the ‘original and the best’, there’s only one place to eat an authentic cheese steak - in the city of its invention: Philadelphia. First offered as a tasty snack in 1952, the cheese steak - a long roll sandwich filled with thinly sliced steak and smothered in cheese - is as intertwined with the history of Philadelphia as the Declaration of Independence.
At street vendors, quality restaurants and even at the city’s fantastic new sporting venue Citizens Bank Park – home of the Phillies – you can buy cheese steaks everywhere. But, for the universally acknowledged best cheese steaks in Philly you must seek out Pat’s and Geno’s restaurants in the Italian market in South Philadelphia.
Legend has it that in 1930 hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri decided to use chopped up steak as an alternative to the usual wiener and thus inadvertently invented the steak sandwich. Acting on the advice of a cab driver who eagerly sampled the alternative hot dog, Pat opened his own restaurant in the Italian market area of South Philadelphia, modestly called ‘Pat’s King of Steaks’.
Just across the street from Pat’s you’ll find Geno’s. Although slightly clouded by claim and counter-claim it is generally thought that in 1952 Geno’s employee Joe Vento added Cheese Whiz to the steak sandwich and renamed it a cheese steak. Pat’s promptly followed suit but offered a selection of different cheeses to add to their steak sandwich. This event provoked bitter rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s, which is still in evidence today, and many native Philadelphians still disagree about which of the two establishments produces the best cheese steak sandwich. However, as they’re located on the same street, it’s easy to visit both restaurants and make up your own mind!
You won’t want to eat cheese steak during your entire break so, when you’re not seeking out the city’s culinary delights, there is much to see in Philadelphia. The established historic district offers all the sights within a comfortable walking distance. Here you can visit the house where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and also view the Liberty Bell. If you prefer not to walk take a horse-drawn carriage or even a modern-day Duck tour instead. The city is also home to the MLB’s Phillies and the Eagles of the NFL, and offers an exciting nightlife
By admin
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:19pm
Under New York City
When student travel tours are scheduled for New York City, the main item on the itinerary is art and culture, with some standard points of interest, like The Statue of Liberty and Times Square, included. Here is a descriptive sample itinerary for a New York City student field trip, which balances art and cultural highlights with visits to interesting destinations in Manhattan.
Always use a professional educational travel consultant when planning a trip to New York City. Certified tour guides must be used in New York City, and motor coach drivers must be well versed in street layouts and traffic patterns. An educational travel consultant will select qualified individuals to work with an educational tour. The goal of educational travel is to deliver the highest quality learning experience to the group, and to keep the student travel tour on schedule.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Student travel tours planned in advance can easily complement classroom activities. “Modern Teachers” is a MoMA program that allows educators to customize educational tours of the Museum. Working closely with materials on MoMA’s website http://www.moma.org/modernteachers/, an educator can construct a lesson plan to coincide with the field trip to MoMA. This exciting tool for educators is complemented by video lessons on the world’s greatest artists. With advance notice, educational tour groups can visit MoMA with a docent.
Metropolitan Art Museum
At the Metropolitan Art Museum, an emphasis on the classics benefit the student travel group, and give them a well rounded approach to art history. The brand new Greek and Roman galleries offer glimpses into the world of the ancients with 5,200 pieces from the permanent collection now available for public viewing. The Cloisters is located at Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan and recently reopened in 2006. It represents the world of medieval art and architecture. Other exhibits, lectures, and special programs are also available to student tour groups. Have an educational travel professional schedule a guided student tour for the Met in advance.
A Student Tour of the Empire State Building
Have a qualified educational tour consultant schedule a group tour of the Empire State Building in New York City. The Empire State Building was constructed in 1930, during the beginning of the great depression, greatly reducing building costs. The 86th Floor Observatory offers a commanding view of Manhattan and has been the site of filming “Sleepless in Seattle” and “An Affair to Remember.” The building has a unique history surrounding its construction. The impetus for building the Empire State Building was a contest between Walter Chrysler (Chrysler Corporation) and John Jakob Raskob (General Motors) to see who could build the tallest skyscraper.
Guided Tour of Manhattan
Half-day student tours of Manhattan usually begin at Central Park, the northernmost point in Manhattan, and end to Battery Park, the Southernmost point. The tour covers some major points of interest in Manhattan such as Central Park, Times Square, Soho, City Hall, Wall Street, The Statue of Liberty, and much more. In addition to seeing points of interest, student tour groups will also learn about the artistic and commercial history of Manhattan on this tour.
Educational Tours: See a Broadway Musical While in New York City
Almost every student travel group wants to experience at least one Broadway Musical while in New York City. Tickets for popular shows need to be procured in advance by a student travel company. “Wicked”, “Chicago”, and a “Chorus Line” are popular Broadway musicals appropriate for student travel groups. Off Broadway productions are also available. Book student travel group tickets in advance through a qualified educational travel company to obtain student seating together and receive the best price per ticket.
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