The New York City Traveler

History is alive at every corner in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., but “Old New York” barely exists anymore.  There is one standout exception, one of the last existing buildings from New York’s golden age of commerce still stands and is open to visitors: Merchant’s House Museum.   
The Merchant’s House Museum is a restored 19th-century row house that is located in the now eclectic East Village.  The house, built in 1832, was the former residence of the Tredwells, a prosperous merchant family.
The architecture of the house is considered a transitional architectural style.  The outside is in the federal style while …read more

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River to River, a downtown festival that stretches from June to September with various events, is will underway.  Featuring world-class performing arts and free admission, the festival takes place in a variety of Downtown Manhattan public venues, from Chambers Street to the Battery on Manhattan’s southern tip, and includes Governors Island. 
There are a number of free events virtually everyday.  Highlights of the summer festival include:

Otis Clay and Ryan Shaw June 11  Free
Sonic Youth  July 4  Free
Folk Music Festival on Governors Island  July 26  Free
The Big River Project: The Music of Johnny Cash  July 26  Free
Seaport Music Festival  …read more

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I have a new favorite “cheap eat” in Manhattan: Nicky’s Vietnamese Sandwiches in East Village.  Nicky’s has been a favorite of Lower East Side residents for years, and now I know why… this may just be the best sandwich I have ever tasted.
Nicky’s traditional Vietnamese sandwich ($4.50), or bánh mì, is made with pate, Vietnamese ham, roasted ground pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and mayo on a baguette.  The sandwich is perfection, touching every taste bud in your mouth: the salt of the ham and pork, the sweetness of the carrot, the fresh crunch of cucumber and carrot, …read more

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This year, St Patrick’s day not only falls during Lent, but also during the sacred Holy Week.  The Archdiocese of New York is taking a hands-off approach, keeping religious celebrations separate from civic celebrations.  If your beliefs are as flexible as the Catholic Church and you’re not worried about being excommunicated, here are a few great establishments that will have you speaking Irish Gaelic in no time!
Uptown

The Kinsale Tavern (map), an Irish bar on the Upper East Side, is my personal favorite bar, if only for the fact that they serve Brahma, my fave Brazilian beer. Don’t worry, they have …read more

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Marking the opening of the first tavern in Boston in 1634, today is officially known as Tavern Day. In New York City there is no better place to kick back a few ales than at the East Village establishment that has been the source of inspiration for over a century, McSorley’s Old Ale House.
McSorley’s Old Ale House, has had ale flowing freely since it was founded in Manhattan in 1854. Famous patrons are said to have included Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, among others. The famous bar has found itself to be the subject of countless books, songs, paintings, …read more

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