The New York City Traveler

Visit the rainforest of Brazil without leaving the jungle of New York City.  Amazônia Brasil has a four-part exhibit that provides insight into the complex Amazon of Brazil.  Learn about how climate change is affecting the diverse ecosystem of the rainforest, visit a re-creation of an Amazon village, and meet indigenous artisans and shamans.    
Amazônia Brasil – Main Exhibit:  South Street Seaport, Pier 17
South Street Seaport has been transformed into a re-creation of the Brazilian rainforest.  In the 13,000-sq.-foot experience, visitors can see the sights and sounds of the Amazon and walk through a replica of a Amazon village.  Lending …read more

1 Comment

The warm, beautiful weather we have had recently in New York has given us the hope that we can put away our big coats and boots.  This last week I walked the streets of Soho to see what spring fashion trends I am seeing on the locals on the streets of New York City. 
 
Leggings   All of the major fashion mags may have said that leggings are out but there are still quite a few girls rocking this look on the street.  Remember, these are not to be work in place of pants, so always wear this look …read more

Comments Off

The 2008 Tribeca Film Festival debuted Wednesday night with the lukewarm reception of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s comedy, Baby Mama.  This weekend, marking the first full weekend of festivities, more independent, foreign films will make their New York, North American, and World Debuts. 
As I sit here in a Tribeca coffee shop, cinemaphiles to my left and right are are pouring over the 2008 TFF Official Guide, trying to decide which films they want to put on their list.  Here is a short list of films that the feel are noteworthy:    
Friday, April 25th

Eden (Ireland)   Adapted from an award-winning …read more

4 Comments

Somebody must be smiling on New York City because New York’s own resident weatherman Sam Champion says we can expect clear skies and temperatures in the 60s for the Tribeca Drive-In, the Tribeca Film Festival’s classic outdoor screening series.  The three day event will screen three movies: a 25th anniversary celebration of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the family-friendly Meerkat Manor, and the winning film of the Fans’ Favorite Football Flick. 
Thursday, April 24th

Thriller  Filmmaker and “Thriller” video director John Landis will be on hand for a special 25th anniversary screening of Michael Jackson’s 1984 music video, plus the classic Making …read more

2 Comments

The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) kicks off next week, Wednesday, April 23rd and individual tickets will be available to the general public starting tomorrow, Saturday April 18th.  This is your chance to be part of the downtown event that Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro made famous. 
There is something for everybody at this year’s TFF.  The festival will feature films from Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, as well as from New York.  Such special interests as Women’s Issues, Environmental Issues, Political lssues, Health Issues, and Social Issues will be covered in films.  There will be films for …read more

Comments Off

Located just a stones throw away from the posh and trendy Tribeca Grand Hotel, the Tribeca Tavern couldn’t be more different.  This neighborhood bar hasn’t lost its charm and accessibility, even after the neighborhood went trendy.
The menu is well-rounded featuring all of the normal bar appetizers (onion rings $4.50, chicken fingers $7.25, buffalo wings $7.25), a selection of burgers from $7.75-$10, and 12″ bar pies (a.k.a. pizza) for $10 and up.  My menu favorite is “The Cowboy Burger,” a sirloin burger topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce.  Yes, it sounds like a bit much in …read more

Comments Off

New York is a great place for kids during Easter.  The plethora of parks in every borough host Easter egg hunts and festivities.  Here is my short list of egg hunts:
Eggcellent Easter Egg Hunt | South Street Seaport (map) | Saturday, March 22, Noon-4pm   This Trinity Church-sponsored egg hunt will also have games, crafts, live music, and snacks.  Free
Spring Fling Egg Hunt | Brooklyn Bridge Park (map) | Saturday, March 22, 11am-2pm  Over 15,000 multi-colored, candy-filled eggs will be hidden across the city section of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the adjoining Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.  There will be separate …read more

Comments Off

If you ever find yourself walking around the neighborhoods of Tribeca, you may notice an unmarked brick building on the triangular plot of land where Sixth Avenue meets Church Street. There will be a friendly door man stationed outside the entrance, but you will see nothing more. Who would think that the understated building is considered the home-away-from-home to half of Hollywood and Wall Street moguls alike… it is the Tribeca Grand Hotel.
The eight-floor, 203 room Tribeca Grand Hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in Lower Manhattan. Superior king rooms start at $399 per …read more

1 Comment

The original Old St Patrick’s Cathedral is located on a quiet residential street in Nolita and is far cry from a busy Fifth Avenue location.  The quaint old cathedral also more makes up for what St Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown lacks in charm and character. 
The corner stone of Old St Patrick’s Cathedral was laid on June 8, 1809 and the church serves as the  Archdiocese of New York until the new St Patrick’s Cathedral was opened in 1879 in Midtown.  The church still holds various masses throughout the day and visitors are welcome to check out the beautiful interior. …read more

Comments Off

See how Manhattan glimmers in the early morning sun and Lady Liberty’s torch is a beacon in the night sky.  Some of the best views of Manhattan can be seen from the waters of New York Harbor.  Luckily you don’t need one of those mega-yachts docked at North Cove Marina to cruise the harbor. 
Guidebooks recommend taking a sightseeing tour and most visitors to New York choose Circle Line Tours Downtown.  Circle Line offers a selection of tours, the most popular being the cruise of New York’s Liberty Harbor.  The tour on the newly renovated Miss New York lasts …read more

5 Comments