The New York City Traveler

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

2 Comments

New York City can be quite an inspiration for creative-types.  Musicians from Frank Sinatra to Billy Joel, Duke Ellington to Run DMC have been so taken by the city that they have made New York City the center of their songs.  Here is a short list of some of the my favorite songs featuring New York:

“New York City Rhythm” Barry Manilow
“City of Blinding Light” U2
“I Love New York” Madonna
“No Sleep Till Brooklyn” Beastie Boys
“Christmas in Hollis” Run DMC
“New York State of Mind” Billy Joel
“Take the ‘A’ Train” Duke Ellington
“Autumn in New York” Ella Fitzgerald
“Bleecker Street” Simon & Garfunkel
“Theme from New …read more

Comments Off

_uacct = “UA-4134009-1″;
urchinTracker();

New York City is known as one of the priciest cities in the world, but there is a huge selection of fun activities that don’t cost a thing!  Here is a list of 10 free finds in the city– in no particular order.

Staten Island Ferry  Why pay for a harbor cruise when you can do like the New Yorkers and take the Staten Island Ferry. 
Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology  While The Metropolitan Museum of Art may charge an arm and a leg, this hip joint is always free.
New York Public Library  Branches all …read more

3 Comments

Check out the Cupid Is Stupid Party at The Town Tavern (map).  All night drink specials include $5 Cosmos, $4 mixed vodka drinks, and $3 champagne.  Free manicures and tarot card reading from 6-10pm.  
You are guaranteed to score in Williamsburg at Union Pool (map).  Music, pool, and drinks equal a good time in Brooklyn.    
Work out some aggression at the Anti-Valentine’s Day boxing class at Crunch Fitness in the East Village (map).  Stay after class and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  7:15pm-midnight  
Online dating and speed dating have nothing on The PIT Dating Game.  The People’s Improv Theatre’s yearly homage to …read more

Comments Off

Top of the Rock, the observation deck of Rockefeller Center, is a great place to take in a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan.  It’s open until midnight and lacks the long lines that plague the Empire State Building Observation Deck.
He made a name for himself at Le Cirque, but he continues to impress with his edible creations.  Share some chocolates, truffles, or chocolate covered strawberries from Jacques Torres Chocolate.  Locations in Dumbo, West Village, and a new location on Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side.
The Valentine’s Day Poetry Reading at NYU’s Jurow Hall isn’t like any other, it will feature …read more

Comments Off

With Christmas safely behind us and 2008 in the near distance, I thought it would be fitting to take a look back at the year that was in New York City:

January 1, 2007 brought Elliott Spitzer’s inauguration as Governor of New York. Nine months later, Spitzer found himself in the middle of the immigration debate by issuing an executive order directing that New York State allow illegal aliens to be issued driver’s licenses. The State Senate overwhelmingly voted to oppose the plan leading Spitzer to seriously backtrack.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and New York State Senator Hillary Clinton …read more

2 Comments