The New York City Traveler

Located in a residential section of Staten Island, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is home of one of the largest collections of Himalayan artifacts in the United States. 
The museum was created an American woman, Jacques Marchais, in 1947 to share the cultural traditions of Tibet of the Himalayan region.  Built by Marchais, the museum is modeled after a Himalayan mountain monastery.  
The current exhibition, From Staten Island to Shangri-La: The Collecting Life of Jacques Marchais, celebrates the museum’s 60th anniversary by revealing the untold story of Marchais through selections from the museum’s permanent collection of books, photos, …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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For one week every year, Sailors, Marines, and Guardsmen take over Lower Manhattan. 
New York’s Fleet Week begins today with parade of ships and continues until Wednesday, May 28th with a full calendar of events. 
This is your chance to tour one of the majestic ships that will be docked in New York.  Complimentary tours on US and Canadian ships will be available on most days at the Lower Manhattan piers and on Staten Island.  There will also be Marine Corps helicopter raid demonstrations and Navy band performances. 
For a more information, a full list of events, including visitation …read more

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This morning, just after dawn, Punxsutawney Phil was roused from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob and was greeted by a crowd of over 30,000 people.  The fans that were anxiously awaiting Phil’s weather forecast didn’t receive good news and cheers turned to jeers upon hearing that, according to his handler, Phil saw his shadow and the United States will have six more weeks of winter.
But who needs a groundhog that lives in Pennsylvania?  New Yorkers have their own groundhog, Staten Island Chuck.  Staten Island Chuck, real name Chuck G. Hogg, is the Staten Island Zoo’s resident groundhog and, because …read more

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Cruise the Harbor with cheap booze: I recently sang the praises of the cheapest cruise in town but the Staten Island Ferry also happens to be one of the best places in New York to watch the fireworks.  Spectacular views of Liberty Island, New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.  Don’t forget to bundle up!
B.Y.O.B. and watch the fireworks without the crowds:  If you want to stay on land, Astoria Park (map) in Queens will have great views of the Central Park and Brooklyn fireworks.  Or, skip the crowds at Battery Park and go to Rockefeller Park (map) for views of …read more

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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

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