The New York City Traveler

This is a guest posts from Mary Jo Mazanares, b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
Most people have things in their life that they’ve always wanted to do, but for some reason, have never gotten around to doing. I’m no different.
There are all sorts of reasons for putting off these experiences. Some are pretty valid reasons — affordability, time, or physical limitations. Some are not so valid reasons — procrastination, braggadocio, or unwillingness to put forth the effort.
Today’s post is about one of those things that I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t. I’ve used …read more

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*** Thanks to everybody who participated!  Congratulations to Catherine Copeland who won the New York City Prize Pack! ***
Everybody loves something for free!  The New York City Traveler is having its first giveaway.
The New York City prize pack includes:

City Walks with Kids: New York  A deck with 50 adventures for children and adults.  From exploring the city’s museums to finding the perfect hot dog on Coney Island, there is something for everybody!  ($14.95 value)
Streetwise Midtown Manhattan  Never get lost in Midtown with his handy laminated map.  Detailed index of bookstores, cinemas, colleges, concert halls, transportation, and more! ($6.95 value)
Luxe …read more

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The name may sound like M. Night Shyamalan’s latest horror flick, but if going to one of the area’s best beaches isn’t your thing, you can still beat the summer heat by taking a dip in the Floating Pool Lady. 
The Floating Pool Lady is a seven-lane freshwater floating pool that is located on a barge just off of Barretto Point Park in Bronx.  The pool has all of the amenities as your neighborhood pool, including a pool house, locker rooms, and restrooms, however the view of the Manhattan may just be unparalleled. 
Location:  Barretto Point Park at Tiffany …read more

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It was a wild finish in last weekend’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.  In the end it was reigning champ Joey Chestnut in a tie with former champ Takeru Kobayashi forcing an eat-off.  Here’s video in case you missed it on ESPN!     

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Independence Day is on Friday and nothing says America quite like pyrotechnic displays and hot dog eating contests at Coney Island.  Here’s what you need to know about New York’s two favorite ways to spend the Fourth.   
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2008   Bigger is better, according to Macy’s who has four barges loaded with 30,000 shells in the East River.  This year’s display will be synchronized to New York Pops’ new soundtrack “America Dances.”  For locals, tune your radios to 1010 AM while you’re watching the display, while the rest of America can enjoy the televised show, including …read more

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If Water Taxi Beach simply isn’t cutting it any longer, try a getaway to one of the New York area’s finest beaches.  Some are close enough for a day-trip while others are best enjoyed by spending a weekend. 

Rockaway Beach, Queens   Watch the longboarders catch some of New York’s best waves at this surfers delight.  Close to the city, Rockaway Beach Park offers a quick get-away.  Free admission.  A to Broad Channel then S to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St. 
Jones Beach State Park, NY   If you don’t want to wade in the surf of this 6.5 mile beach, try …read more

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Do you remember when baseball was pure?  There was no talk of steroids and no $200 million contracts.  It was a time when a family of four could go to the ballpark, order hot dogs and soda, and not spend a fortune.  A time when the kids on the field were there for the love of the game.  Would you believe that still exists?
Nearly every night from mid-June until the end of August, a group of starry-eyed 22 year olds lace up their cleats and take the field as a member of the Staten Island Yankees.  The Staten Island …read more

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If you head out to Coney Island this weekend you may think that Hollywood is recreating the classic Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah film Splash.  Alas, they are not.  The mermaids swimming ashore and marching down the street are part of the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Celebrate the sand, the sea, and the mythological mermaid at this parade of artistic self-expression. There are no Grand Marshalls in this parade, this year’s parade is being led by King Neptune Reverend Billy and Queen Mermaid Savitri D.  For more information, check out the Coney Island Mermaid Parade website.
In true Coney …read more

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Man-made waterfalls will grace New York Harbor this summer as New York City embarks on the largest, and most ambitious, public art project that the city has seen in years. 
Artist Olafur Eliasson, in conjunction with Public Art Fund, has created four 90- to 120-foot man-made waterfalls at locations across New York: Governors Island, between Brooklyn Piers 4 and 5, Manhattan Pier 35, and Brooklyn Bridge.  Click here for a map of waterfall locations.
The waterfalls may be viewed from various locations across the city.  The Staten Island Ferry and Governors Island ferry will provide views of the Brooklyn falls …read more

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Most cities in the US will celebrate Gay Pride this month and the mother of them all– Gay Pride Week 2008-New York City (also known as Heritage of Pride)– is less than a week away!  This year, the New York gay community has a little extra to celebrate with New York’s recognition of same-sex unions.  Here’s a schedule of New York’s gay pride festivities:
Sunday, June 22nd | The Rally  Hosted by comedians Judy Gold and Bob Smith, this kick-off to the week’s festivities will include performances by well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community as well …read more

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