Daycation

Sometimes the best thing about living in New York City is getting away from it. Luckily we are located near a number of spots that are perfect destinations for day trips. Last week my BF and a group of friends took the day off from work and enjoyed the mild weather in Riverhead, Long Island at the water park Splish Splash.

It was a 2 hour ride from the city, but filled up on coffee and breakfast sandwiches and with an assortment of CD's in hand, we were all up for the challenge. We arrived at about 1pm and were pleasantly greeted by a mostly empty parking lot. The $35.00 admission charge is a bit steep and it is $8.00 to rent a locker plus a $4.00 refundable key deposit. However, once we were all in our swim gear and slathered in sunscreen, it didn't seem to matter any more.

With child-like eagerness, we each grabbed an inner tube and headed to the nearest waterslide. There are about a dozen waterslides that are appropriate for adults as well as the "lazy river" and the wave pool. My favorite ride was the "Alien Invasion" which is a group (4 person) ride that speeds you through a short but very dark tube and then spits you out into a giant sideways cone. Momentum along with strategically placed water jets, push the inner tube from one side of the cone to the next like a pendulum. It was a blast! I also really enjoyed one of the older rides call the "Great Barrier Reef." It was not fancy or high tech, but man was it fast. It is one of those rides that takes your breath away and just at the point when you think you might be going too fast, you are shot out into the wading pool.

Splish Splash offered us an ideal summer day of playing hooky. In fact we were some of the last people ushered out of the park at closing time.

Insider Tips:

• Wear tevas or water socks. You are not allowed to wear flip flops, sandals, sneakers or other shoes on any of the rides. However tevas and water socks are allowed on most of them and honestly walking around the gravel paved water park in bare feet is unpleasant.



• Bring a lunch or money for food. Outside drinks and food are not allowed in the park. However they do provide a picnic area just outside the entrance and there are a number of food stands inside the park. Lunch will run you approximately $15.00 per person.



• You are allowed to bring plastic water bottles into the park. However no glass of any kind is allowed in.



• Bring lots of sun screen.



• Stop by P.C. Richards for a $6.00 discount coupon.

The Best BBQ in NYC

For the last 15 years, I have been conducting a very scientific study of the best barbecue joints in New York City. I have conducted exhaustive research and have employed a myriad of methodology for this study. I am proud to now present the findings to you.

TOP 5 BBQ JOINS IN NYC


DINOSAUR'S BAR-B-QUE in Harlem
Summer time is the time for barbecue and Dinosaur's Bar-B-Que on 131st Street and 12th Avenue offers the best in town. The roadhouse atmosphere and hot live bands are just garnish for the amazing cuisine. The food is spicy, surprising and comfortable. Their menu includes some southern favorites along with a few Cajun delights and even some worldly dishes such as churrasco chicken steak and Korean style beef ribs. They have a great bar and you have got to try their fried green tomatoes. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. The menu is moderately priced and their staff is very friendly and quick. Make sure to make reservations on the weekends because the joint is hopping. Check out their website for a schedule of entertainment and special events. http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/

SPANKY'S BBQ
From blackened catfish and gumbo to juicy burgers and succulent ribeyes, Spanky's offers anything and everything you could want from a barbecue joint. Their slogan is "Big butts, we got 'em" and if you ate there on a regular basis you'd have one too. The food is so good you will definitely want to wear pants with an elastic waist. Located in the middle of Times Square at 127 West 43rd Street they are very conveniently located and very reasonably priced. This is the perfect spot for folks looking for delicious down home food in the heart of NYC. Their rather entertaining website can provide you with a look at their menu and other helpful information. http://www.spankysnyc.com/

DALLAS BBQ
Admittedly he décor is a little cheesy. It looks like my grandfather decorated it, but the food is tasty and the portions are huge. The down and dirty, no-frills barbeque will leave you licking your fingers. My father loves the beef ribs and I always enjoy the brisket or the pulled pork. And believe it or not, their salads are good too. Of course Dallas BBQ is famous for their "Texas Sized" frozen drinks because really who doesn't enjoy a giant frozen, fruity, girly drink? Their plates are very inexpensive and there are lots of locations. This chain is quite popular in NYC so the atmosphere is often crowded and a little chaotic. Go to their website to find the location nearest you. http://www.bbqnyc.com/

VIRGIL'S REAL BARBEQUE
A traditional American barbeque restaurant you will leave Virgil's full and happy. Their menu draws inspiration from around the country offering Memphis pork ribs, Owensboro lamb, smoked Maryland ham and Texas brisket to name a few. With sides and appetizers that include hushpuppies and buttermilk onion rings any barbeque lover would enjoy the bill of fare. The atmosphere is pure small town Americana. Virgil's offers a moderately price menu and is located in Times Square at 152 West 44th Street just East of Broadway. For more information check out their website http://www.virgilsbbq.com/

HILL COUNTRY BARBEQUE AND MARKET
If you want an honest to god barbeque experience you should try Hill Country Barbeque. Nothing pretentious, nothing fancy, just some of the best barbeque you will ever have. Mostly smoked or dry-rubbed, their entrees are served on butcher paper and priced by the pound. And they know that the only thing better than good food is good music. Located at 30 West 26th Street they are easily accessible by public transportation. Get there early as they are often very crowded and sometimes literally sell out of food. http://www.hillcountryny.com/about_hill_country.php

Insider Tips:

• Don't wear a white shirt but do wear loose fitting pants.



• Ask for extra napkins or wet wipes



• If you can make reservations do. Otherwise show up early.



• Try something new. You won't be disappointed.

A quiet and introspective afternoon

My BF and I recently spent an afternoon at Grant’s Tomb. Located at 122 Street and Riverside Drive, the grounds of the stately building are a lush and peaceful. The adjoining playground and park was filled with families, students from the nearby Columbia University and folks from the neighborhood who were just out enjoying the beautiful weather.

One of the most interesting and memorable elements of the grounds is the fanciful mosaic benches that surround the monument. Pedro Silva and the City Arts Workshop sponsored the brightly colored artwork that was created by children utilizing Italian glass tiles in 1973. Some years ago, there was talk about removing the benches because they were "garish" and were devaluing the memorial. Contrary to that belief, I think the installation is actually an attraction and should be promoted as one of the unique elements of this landmark.

The quiet and unassuming memorial was erected on April 27, 1897 and the dedication parade featured over 60,000 marchers. Originally, plans had been made to bury Ulysses S. Grant at his alma mater, West Point, but he refused because his wife, Julia Grant would not be allowed to be buried next to him. Therefore Grant himself selected the alternative location where a place could be reserved for his beloved wife. Upon his death from throat cancer on July 23, 1885, his family finalized the location in Riverside Park because it was one of the highest elevations in the city and it overlooked the Hudson River. In a recess in the center of the room, stand the two majestic sarcophagi where President and Julia Grant rest side-by-side. Grant's tomb is currently the largest mausoleum in North America.

There are 2 simple displays that relate the notable incidents of President Grant’s life including his military career and significant events of his presidential terms. There are also some display cases that show a few historic mementos such as photos and remembrances given to the President from friends and loved ones.

Towards the end of his life, Grant and his family were plagued with debit from bad investments and were facing poverty and bankruptcy. Therefore, the former President accepted an offer from Mark Twain to publish his memoirs. Grant past away only days after finishing the work and it is said that his desire to complete it kept him alive. His memoirs were extremely popular selling over 300,000 copies and earning a substantial sum which provided the much needed financial income for his family.

It is generally acknowledged that a more adequate visitor's center would be needed to properly memorialize the contributions and achievements of President Grant. I agree. While there is beauty in simplicity, Grant was an incredibly important figure in American history and culture. He led the nation during one of its most uncertain periods following the Civil War and was tasked with reunifying a suspicious and war-weary population. He deserves a permanent installation that does justice to the service he provided this country.

Our trip to Grant's Tomb was quiet and introspective. The mausoleum itself is impressive and well worth the visit especially for folks with an interest in American history.

Insider Tips:

• Check out the Grant Monument Association's website for more information about the memorial and President Grant.


• Check out the National Parks Service website for special events.

Let’s Go Yankees

When you think of New York City, you think of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and of course the New York Yankees. The Pinstriped athletes are one of the most iconic symbols of New York City.

After the last game of this season, Yankee Stadium will be torn down and replaced with a bigger, newer, state-of-the-art stadium. (Currently the 2 arenas stand across the street from one another.) I wanted to attend a game in “the house that Ruth built” before it was razed. And so we purchased our tickets and headed out to the ballpark.

We had great seats, in the upper deck just right of home plate. We could see the entire diamond and it provided us with a fantastic view of all the action. We were surrounded by a seasoned group of colorful and opinionated fans who intermittently yelled out good natured one-liners at the opposing team.

We got into the spirit too as we root, root rooted for the home team. We leapt to our feet and cheered at the top of our voices when A-Rod hit the only homerun of the game. We chuckled and gave each other knowing glances when Derek Jeter bunted, making it to 1st base, but more importantly allowing another player to score a run.

I eagerly anticipated each of the traditional elements of the game. I couldn’t wait to grab a couple of franks and brews. I was delighted when the vendors called their wares “Beer Here!” and actually threw bags of Cracker Jacks to their customers in the stands. It tickled me when the diamond combers performed their coordinated dance routine to "YMCA" during the seventh inning stretch. I was touched as the 50,682 people who were in attendance at the game all got to their feet to sing “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

It was an outstanding evening. The Yankees shutdown the Oriels, 8 to nothing. The weather was perfect and we had a great time.

While it was all very lovely, there were a few things that made the experience… well, less than ideal. For example, I think there are too many distractions. Honestly, between the DJ and the ads, games and interviews on the jumbo screen there wasn’t really time to watch the game. Several times I found myself looking at the screen and missed some key plays.

Also, getting through security can be a hassle. No bags, satchels, briefcases or backpacks are allowed. Unless you are a regular attendee, you wouldn't know this. If you have a bag, you can check it at the bowling alley across the street from the stadium for $5. (But of course there is a line and that’s another 5 bucks you weren’t planning on spending). Security guards search all purses and pat-down some patrons.

Depending on where the seats are, tickets go for $12 to $400. Check out the Yankees' website for a complete schedule and ticket prices.


Insider Tips

• Don't bring a bag. I wish there was a list of rules I could point you to, but the closest I could find is the A to Z stadium guide.


• Bring extra cash. We only spent $25 per ticket, but we spent over $60 on food.


• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time to get through security and find your seats.


• Use public transportation. There is parking, but it is expensive and inconvenient. Subways and buses make stops at the stadium. I recommend HopStop.

Sunny day at the South Street Sea Port

Visiting the South Street Sea Port is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing, warm, sunny day in NYC. There are some great restaurants featuring mouthwatering seafood. There are boutiques and shops, the South Street Sea Port Museum, some very entertaining street performers, the Bodies exhibit and one of the best bookstores in the city, The Strand.

My BF and I choose an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating called Il Porto. Situated on Fulton Street, it was the perfect vantage point for watching the tourists and locals alike as they strolled down the promenade. We were also able to appreciate the colonial architecture that surrounded us. The restaurant itself however left something to be desired. The warm weather crowds overwhelmed the staff of Il Porto. After being seated we were presented with a basket of bread that was burned black and was simply inedible. We waited nearly 30 minutes before our waitress was able to come to our table. The entrees were very good, but over priced. (Although it is interesting to note that the closer to the water’s edge, the more expensive the food becomes.) The final issue was that there was only one functioning stall in the lady’s room, which translated into a half-hour wait to use the facilities. We found ourselves wishing we had opted for the upscale street food; hotdogs or fish-and-chips that were available on the pier or lunching at Carmine’s Italian Seafood restaurant (one of our favorites) just North of Fulton Street.

After lunch, we sauntered over to the pier, grabbed a mocha frappicino from Seattle’s Best Coffee and took in the street performers – a dance troupe and a magician. Then we drifted through the shops and stores at the mall followed by wandering through the neighborhood and checking out the pubs and restaurants that are not along the main fairway. To top off the afternoon, we visited The Strand, browsed through the new and used books and made a few purchases.

Good food, good companionship and a beautiful day, who could ask for more?

Insider Tips:

• If you haven’t seen the Bodies exhibit, I would recommend it. It is fascinating and educational. However some people may find it disturbing.
• The views from the restaurants on the pier are great and the food is tasty, but you might want to check out the other options in the area.
• Leave yourself some time to browse through The Strand. They offer $1.00 used books plus an incredible selection of new books as well.
• Give yourself a few hours and take your time. An afternoon at the pier is all about chilling out.
• Bring sunglasses.

Let's all go to the movies

This last weekend, my BF and I spent a casual afternoon at the movies. I know you can go to the movies in any U.S. town and at the NYC price of $12 per ticket; you might want to wait until you get back home and enjoy your local cinema. However like everything else in the Big Apple, going to the movies can be an experience.

The Ziegfeld Theatre
Originally build 1927 as a vaudeville show house, the Ziegfeld has been a part of American entertainment culture from the beginning. From 1955-1963 NBC used it as a television studio broadcasting the Perry Como Show and the Emmy Awards. It had a short 3 year run as a Broadway theatre but the building was razed in 1966 to make way for a skyscraper.

The current establishment was rebuilt just down the block from the original location in 1969. The Ziegfeld is unlike any other movie house in the city because of the grandeur of the décor that harkens back to the glamour days of the silver screen with read carpet and gold trim. The photos in the lobby and stairwell document the history of the Ziegfeld Theatre and feature the famous actors and celebrities that have appeared or performed there.

Now, before you start thinking it is all about nostalgia let me assure you that the theatre is awesome. It is the largest single-screen movie house in the city with a 52 foot screen and 1,131 seats. It is the spot for movie premieres and is, in my opinion, the best place to see big films like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean or Iron Man.
141 West 54th Street

212-765-7600
Info about the Zeigfeld


IMAX
If you like big screens, then you may want to catch an IMAX flick. Short for Image Maximum, IMAX is able to display images in a greater size and resolution than conventional film systems. A standard IMAX screen is 72.6 feet wide by 52.8 feet high. There are several IMAX theatres in the greater metropolitan area including:

AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX 1998 Broadway (between 67th & 68th Streets)
(212)50L-OEWS 638
http://www.amctheatres.com/

The American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
(212) 769-5650
http://www.amnh.org/

American Theater
1450 East Ave, Bronx
(718) 863-4900

http://www.bowtiecinemas.com/american-theater.html

And if you are up for a little drive you could visit the biggest "IMAX Dome" in the world at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.

http://www.lsc.org/


Movies in Bryant Park
This is one of my favorite summertime activities. Each year Bryant Park, along with some big corporate sponsors host movie nights in the park. You can bring a blanket and picnic, meet friends and enjoy a classic film and the warm summer night. This year 'wichcraft sandwiches are taking onsite orders which will then be delivered directly to your blanket. The lawn opens at 5:00pm for blankets (no plastic tarps allowed) and picnicking. The films begin at dusk (typically between 8pm and 9pm).

The park is located between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php

Independent/Classic/Art Films
If you are interested in films that are outside the mainstream, then New York is your kind of town. Small or obscure films that might not get screen-time anywhere else can usually find an audience here. There are several theatres that are dedicated to foreign, independent and/or art films. You can also find documentaries, classics and little known gems.

Film Forum

Film Forum is a not-for-profit cinema founded in 1970 with a "$2000 investment, a tiny 16mm Bell & Howell projector and a rented loft space on West 88th Street." It is currently housed in a hip 3-screen venue on West Houston. All of the screens are rather small and the seats are not the most comfortable, but the fare is worth the discomfort.
209 West Houston Street (west of 6th Avenue)

212-727-8110

http://www.filmforum.org/

IFC
Housed in the recently renovated Waverly Theater, IFC offers new independent, foreign, cult classics and documentary features. The theatres are state-of-the-art including High-Def digital and 35mm projection and cooshy seats. They also screen short films before every feature. While there you should spend some time perusing the Posteritati Gallery and the vintage movie posters from all over the world.
323 Sixth Avenue (at West 3rd Street)
212.924.7771
http://www.ifccenter.com/

Angelika Film Center

A few blocks East of Film Forum is another popular art film house, the Angelika Film Center. It has 6 screening rooms and like its sister cinema each screen is rather small. You also have the added bonus of the vibrating seats as the nearby subway trains roll past.

18 West Houston Street (at Mercer)

212-995-2000

http://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/

BAM Rose Cinema
BAM presents first-run independent, classic American and foreign films and documentaries. They have many programs that also include Q&As with filmmakers, actors and screen writers. Through their BAMcinématek series, they also host retrospectives, festivals, premieres and rare screenings with special guest appearances.
30 Lafayette Avenue between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street, Brooklyn.
(718) 636-4157
http://www.bam.org/events/film.aspx?sDate=5/13/2008&sRange=Week&sEvent=Film

Other popular movie houses
There are movie houses in most neighborhoods throughout the 5 boroughs. Here are some of my favorites.

The AMC Empire 25 and the Regal E-Walk 13 are located on 42nd Street directly across from one another. So let's say that your show is sold out, well just walk across the street and see what's showing there.

AMC Empire 25
234 West 42nd Street
(212) 398-3939

Regal E-Walk 13
247 W. 42nd Street
(800) 326-3264

AMC Loews 34th Street 14

312 W. 34th Street

(212) 244-8850

Regal Union Square Stadium 14

850 Broadway

(212) 253-6266

Here are some resources for finding show times and theatres near you:

NYC.com Guide to New York Movie Theaters
A great list of theatres in NYC.
www.nyc.com/movies

Wild about movies
This site offers discounts on movie tickets and concessions
www.wildaboutmovies.com/amc_loews_discount_movie_tickets/index.html

Fandango
Provides show times, theatre information and sells tickets for AMC theatres.
1-800-fandango
http://www.fandango.com/

Moviefone
Provides show times, theatre information and sells tickets for AMC theatres.
http://movies.aol.com/

Insider Tips:

• When going to Bryant Park, arrive early; the best spots get taken quickly.


• Order/pick up tickets early for Film Forum and the Angelica especially on weekends.


• Check for discount coupons and special events before hand you could save a bundle.

Walk it out

If you really want to become familiar with New York City and dazzle your friends with shocking facts, intimate knowledge or esoteric information about of some of the big apple's most notorious events, infamous characters or remarkable structures, then I would suggest taking a walking tour.

Maybe you are interested in seeing how the other half live and marveling at their posh residences and swanky hangouts. Maybe visiting the various outdoor art installations about the city is more your speed - discovering little known frescos or world famous sculptures. Or maybe you are more interested in seeing the locales associated with some of the most legendary scandals. Whatever you're into, there is a walking tour for you.

If, for instance you were to take a walking tour of Greenwich Village, you might learn how the Dutch settlers' agricultural habits in the 1600's influenced the curvy and meandering city blocks we know today. You might learn how an outbreak of yellow fever led to the construction of the colonial rowhouses or how the close quarters of Italian, Irish and German immigrants in combination with the establishment of NYU led to the bohemian atmosphere that the Village is famous for.

Are you really interested in structural design? If so then there are tours that explore the myriad of architectural styles here in NYC including: Romanesque, Classical, Baroque, Queen Ann, Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modern and Post Modern architecture. All of which can be seen in walking tours of different neighborhoods. There is a great tour of the Brooklyn Bridge that reveals how Emily Roebling, the world's first female engineer, and her family built the engineering marvel. There are even tours about the gargoyles in the city.

Speaking of gargoyles, perhaps you have a penchant for the macabre side of the city. If so, you might be interested in hearing of Nellie Bly's experiences as she went undercover as an inmate of the Bellevue Lunatic Asylum in the 1880's or the ghost stories and reported haunted places that influenced the writing of Edgar Allen Poe or Washington Irving. If you like that you would undoubtedly enjoy following in Harry Houdini's footsteps to see where his spiritualist investigations took him.

I joined an event this last week presented by The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation that revealed the theatrical influence of some of the Village's more noteworthy characters of the 1950's and 1960's. It was truly captivating to learn how some of these individuals got their start and how they were influenced by their cultural background and the neighborhoods in which they resided. It provided an entirely new perspective to a subject I was already quite interested in.

There are walking tours for any interest whether it is a literary walking tour that includes visiting some of the writers' favorite wateringholes or Broadway tours that share the secrets of the Great White Way or ethnic tours that explore the contributions of different ethnicities and how they have impacted the culture of New York City.

Walking tours are good exercise and a fun group or family activity. They are a great way to really get to know the city and you usually have a knowledgeable and friendly guide who can answer questions and who has insight into some of the more fascinating aspects of the city.

Here are some great sites to help you find the walking tour that's right for you.

The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
http://www.gvshp.org/

New York City Talks & Walks
http://www.newyorktalksandwalks.com/

Big Onion Walking Tours
http://www.bigonion.com/

New York City Cultural Walking Tours
http://www.nycwalk.com/

Central Park Walking Tours
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/walking-tours.html


Insider Tips:

• Ask questions in advance: How long is the tour? How much walking in required (distance)? Is it all outdoors or are you visiting establishments as well?
• Find the tour that is right for you. There is a tour for practically every interest. Don't go on a tour of warehouses of the 1700's when what you really want to see are battlements of the Revolutionary War.
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring a bottle of water