Tag Archives: New York

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What You’ll Find at the Long Island Aquarium

Father and son at aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium opened on Long Island in 2000 and is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis. With its fascinating mixture of science and nature, this is an educational yet entertaining attraction that is suitable for just about every age group.

Indoor Exhibits
The Long Island Aquarium boasts a range of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as special interactive displays. The indoor exhibits are always fun to explore, with the American Alligators, which are native to the southeastern United States, being one of the highlights. Archerfish, which actually spit at their prey, are another creature that you will see, as are the Discus Fish, which is one of the newest exhibits in the aquarium. Another must-see display is the Coral Reef, which is actually one of the largest all-living closed-system coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere.

Feeding penguins

Outdoor Exhibits
The outdoor exhibits at the Long Island Aquarium are where you will find a few of the aquarium’s larger creatures. The Penguin Pavilion is open year-round, and is home to African penguins, while the Sea Lion Coliseum is where you can go to watch majestic sea lions play together. The Otter Falls is home to two North American river otters, while the Koi Pond contains multiple species of koi, which are the national fish of Japan. For those who did not get enough of the alligators in the indoor exhibits, there are more to see outdoors at the Gator Invasion exhibit. This is open from June to September, as these are the months when the huge American alligators crawl up onto the banks of the Peconic River. From July to Labor Day, there are talks held at this exhibit to teach visitors more about these incredible reptiles.

Interactive Experiences
While watching the creatures of the Long Island Aquarium is definitely an educational experience, there is often so much more to be learned from being able to have the opportunity to directly interact with these animals, which is where the aquarium’s interactive experiences come in. The Penguin Encounter has guests meeting the African penguins up-close while learning how the aquarium keepers care for them, while the Pirate Snorkel Adventure will see you finding treasures below the water while swimming with a wide range of tropical fish. For those who are seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the Shark Dive might be just the activity for you, as this puts you nose-to-nose with some of the largest predators to be found in the ocean. If you are visiting the aquarium on a hot day, then do pay a visit to the Interactive Salt Marsh, which you will be able to walk through while being taught about the many inhabitants that reside here, from the horseshoe crabs to the whelks.

The Long Island Aquarium has frequently been voted as one of the best in the country, thanks to the way in which it emphasizes the importance of marine life, as well as environmental preservation. For those who are interested in marine life and the environment, this is a New York attraction that you will definitely not want to miss.

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Running in New York

Couple running on Brooklyn Bridge

Running has always been a popular way for New Yorkers to stay fit, and there are so many different routes to choose from. Whether you are seeking a classic run through the heart of the city, or a leisurely jog through meadows of wildflowers, here are some areas to consider if you have been looking for a few new running routes in New York.

Sunken Meadow State Park
The Sunken Meadow State Park boasts a wide range of topography, as well as incredible views out over the Long Island Sound, with Connecticut in the distance. There are several trails to choose from here, including the 3.7 mile Sunken Meadow Loop Trail, the two-mile Greenbelt Trail, or simply just running along the three-mile beach.

Joggers in Central Park

The Central Park Loop
For those who want an easily accessible run in the heart of Manhattan, but away from traffic, the Central Park loop is idea. The scenery that you will see within the park is varied enough to be interesting throughout the run, which stretches out for just under ten kilometres, and there will also be easy access to facilities, from restrooms to water fountains, as well as many other runners to provide you with some extra motivation.

The East River Run
The East River Run is the route to take if you are hoping to catch some gorgeous city views along your way. This run starts off at the top of Central Park, before going over the RFK Bridge to Randall’s Island, and then returning back again. This is a long run, measuring just over 16 miles, but there are ways to cut it short, such as by skipping Queens. The route itself is great as it avoids a large amount of traffic, meaning that you will be able to maintain a steady stride throughout.

The Five Bridges Run
The Five Bridges Run is another long route, measuring just under 17 miles. This route will take you to so many places around the city, and will have you crossing five bridges, including the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. Alternatively, you can shorten the route to just two bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, which takes the journey down to just over three miles. While this is a great route for those who want to see more of the city, it does take you through some heavily populated areas, so you are best doing this run early in the morning if you want to avoid large amounts of traffic, both road and foot.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

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Prospect Park
For those who enjoy running in parks, but find Central Park too busy, Prospect Park in Brooklyn is your next best option. The route stretches out for just over three miles, and takes you past some of Brooklyn’s most popular landmarks, from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch to the Grand Army Plaza.

Fitness and physical activity is such an important part of staying healthy, and New Yorkers have long since recognized this. From the greenery of the Sunken Meadow State Park to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, these are some of the best running routes in the city.

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Here’s What You Can See From the Chrysler Building

Chrysler Building, New York

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One of New York City’s most famous skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building was, at one short point in time, the tallest building in the world, before it was overtaken by the Empire State Building eleven months later. However, although it may not be the world’s tallest building any more, it is still one of the tallest in New York, meaning that it offers some of the most incredible skyline views in the city.

The Lobby
The lobby of the Chrysler Building is the only part of the building that is officially open to the public, although there are still several ways to access the top floors. The lobby is open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, and is an incredible example of Art Deco design, from the mural on the ceiling to the custom designed elevators.

Central Park
If you manage to make your way to the top floors of the Chrysler Building, one of the first features that will catch your eye is Central Park. This green oasis is the heart of the city, and the aerial view that you will have of it, surrounded by tall buildings and the grid layout of New York, will definitely impress.

Grand Central Terminal, New York

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Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the busiest train station in the entire country, but your view of this iconic station from the top of the Chrysler Building will give you the opportunity to see it without all of the crowds. The station itself is over 100 years old now, making this a truly historic part of the city.

The East River
A salt water tidal estuary, the East River is actually a waterway rather than an official river, and connects Long Island Sound to the Upper New York Bay. From the Chrysler Building, you will be able to see all of the twists and turns that the East River takes, and, on a clear day, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Island Tramway snaking its way around the river.

Times Square, New York

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Times Square
New York’s Times Square is world-famous, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. However, just like with the Grand Central Terminal, this is an attraction that tends to be filled with people, so those who want to experience it from a quieter point of view can do so from the Chrysler Building. While you will not be able to really take in the vibrancy of Times Square from above, you will still be able to see its flashing lights and exuberance, and you will soon understand exactly why it is so popular.

While there used to be a public observation deck at the top of the Chrysler Building, this was closed in 1945, and the top floors are now only accessible by the businesses that reside there, as well as those who are visiting said businesses. However, many determined urban explorers have still managed to find their way to the top of the building, and while it may take a bit of effort, the view that you will be rewarded with is most definitely worth it.

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Must See NYC Landmarks

New York City is filled with a mind-boggling array of famous landmarks, making it quite difficult for the first-time visitor to figure out which ones are actually worth seeing. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, these are a few of New York City’s must-see landmarks.

Times Square

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Times Square
Many would consider Times Square to be the most frenetic part of New York City, as this area of flashing lights and pushy crowds can definitely cause sensory overload. However, this is also one of the most iconic parts of the city, making it well worth a visit, although, if you do not tend to like chaos, you may want to keep this visit quite short.

Statue of Liberty

Chris Parypa Photography / Shutterstock.com

Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to America by France in 1886, and is not only still one of the greatest of American icons, but is also famous for being a world symbol of freedom. This is the largest statue in the world, standing at just under 152 feet tall, and weighing an impressive 450,000 pounds. While it is possible to visit Liberty Island and see the statue up-close, those who would prefer to view it from Manhattan can do so from Battery Park, which offers splendid views of New York Harbor. This is also the spot at which you can catch a boat to take you to the statue, as well as to Ellis Island.

Empire State Building

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The Empire State Building
Just like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is another of the city’s world-famous landmarks, and first opened its doors in 1931. While the exterior of the building is already impressive, it is well worth taking a trip to the two observation decks at the top of the building. On a clear day, you will be able to see up to distances of 80 miles, and can even peek into the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge
When the Brooklyn Bridge was first completed in 1883, it made record books for being the longest suspension bridge of its time. While many other bridges have since overtaken it, the Brooklyn Bridge is still a much-loved landmark in the city. To make it even better, the bridge is easy to walk across, and offers spectacular views no matter which side you begin on.

Central Park

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Central Park
One of the largest city parks in the world, Central Park is a lush, green oasis in the heart of New York, with many considering it to be the green lungs of the city. Within the boundaries of the park are a number of different attractions, from the Lake, which can be paddled in in the summer or ice skated on in the winter, to the Central Park Zoo to the Strawberry Fields. While it is easy to walk around the park, bikes are available to rent for those who would like to get from site to site a bit quicker.

New York City is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, these are just a few of the landmarks that you simply have to see when visiting the Big Apple.

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NYC Summer Arts and Dance

New York Wall Mural

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Arts and culture have always held an important place in the heart of New York City, and this focus on the arts is only increasing as the years go on. For those of you heading to the Big Apple this summer, here are a few of the arts festivals and dance events that you may be lucky enough to catch.

The Meadows Music and Arts Festival
The Meadows Music and Arts Festival is held in Queens each year in September, meaning that while the weather will still be warm, it will not be uncomfortably hot. The music lineup for the festival is always filled with big names, and this year is no exception, with artists such as Jay Z, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Gorillaz and Foster the People on the schedule. In addition to the music, the festival also showcases a number of artists, each one based in New York. Some of the artists in attendance this year include Dek, who is known for his vibrant street art, Minus, whose large-scale murals are instantly recognizable, and LOVENOTES, who creates emotional, female-inspired pieces.

Battery Dance Festival
Formerly known as the Downtown Dance Festival, the Battery Dance Festival is the longest-running free public dance festival in the city. The audience each year is wonderfully diverse, showing the true potential reach of the acts, with everyone from senior citizens to the working population in attendance. The festival is held in August each year, and features a wide range of dance acts, with everything from the Zeynep Tanbay Dance Project to the Buglisi Dance Theatre, all of which promise to educate and inspire at the same time.

Ballet dance

Fall For Dance Festival
The Fall For Dance Festival is held in New York City at the end of summer in September, and features everything from world-renowned dance companies to up and coming artists. From the beautifully talented Hong Kong Ballet to the primal moves from Australia’s Bangarra Dance Theatre, this is a festival that showcases dances from all over the world.

Allentown Art Festival
The Allentown Art Festival is being held this year on the 10th and 11th of June, and takes place in the Allentown Historic Preservation District, in Buffalo, New York. The festival is always attended by tens of thousands of guests, all of whom have a strong interest in the arts. There will be around 400 exhibitors on-site this year, each of whom have had to go through a vigorous selection process, guaranteeing that all of the arts and crafts on display here are of the highest quality. This is a festival that has quite historic roots, with its first edition held in 1958, and the quaint charm of Allentown itself certainly highlights the history behind this festival.

The arts have long since been an important part of New York City, and while they can be experienced throughout the year, the very best festivals are always held during the summer months. From the international dance acts at the Fall for Dance Festival to the daring street artists at the Meadows Music and Arts Festival, these are events that enthusiasts of the arts will definitely not want to miss.

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Enjoy Pinknic New York

New York

Pinknic New York debuted last summer in the stunning grounds of Governors Island, and featured a two day extravaganza of rose wine, champagne, food, and live music. This year, the festival is being held on the 24th and 25th of June, and promises to be even bigger and better than it was last year.

Pinknic Baskets for Two
As is the case with any picnic, the food is always one of the highlights, and Pinknic New York has hired celebrity chef Chris Santos once again to create three different Pinknic Baskets for Two. The first is a vegetarian basket, featuring everything from nori wasabi-dusted tofu to Thai-style papaya salad, while the second basket option is a nut-free one, with dishes such as the shaved charred sirloin sandwich and the grilled peach and burrata salad. The third Pinknic basket features a bit of everything, from a pork belly BLT to a truffled black quinoa. These baskets can be ordered in advance until the 9th of June, and then picked up by customers at the event itself. In addition to the baskets, there will also be a Pinknic Food Court available on site, with dishes including the sushi grade tuna tataki, and the jerk spiced all natural chicken.

Rose wine

The Drinks
Being a rose wine festival, it should come as no surprise that Pinknic only pours the highest quality drinks. This year, the rose wine will be sourced exclusively from Chateau D’Esclans in Provence, and there will also be rose champagne from Pommery, which will then be used to create decadent rose cocktails. Keep in mind that alcohol stops being served at 5pm, so you may want to stock up on your rose before that.

Live Music
While the food and wine takes centre stage at Pinknic, the live music performances are also a major part of the festival. From a live set by Classixx and Tortured Soul to a DJ set by Penguin Prison, the music that you will hear here is eclectic, and really adds to the lively ambience of the whole festival.

Woman in pink

Dress Code
While the dress code for the event is not mandatory, the sea of pink that you will see all around you is definitely impressive, and it is well worthwhile joining in by sticking to the dress code. The majority of the 12,000 guests here will be dressed predominantly in pink and white, and will be accompanied with rose-colored picnic blankets that have been designed by up and coming local designers. However, when picking your outfit, keep in mind that this is a picnic, meaning that you will likely be spending a large amount of time sitting on the floor. This makes comfortable clothing a must, as well as only wedges or chunky heels, as anything else will simply keep sinking you into the grass.

While Pinknic may be one of the newer festivals to enter New York’s summer festival scene, this is one that shows great promise. Not only is this the largest rose picnic in the city, but the incredible food and diverse music guarantees a memorable day out.

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Popular NYC Tours

New York City

Taking a tour of New York is one of the best ways to thoroughly explore different parts of the city, but with hundreds of tours to choose from, the endless options can make it quite difficult to know which to pick. Whether you want to take in the city’s landmarks, history or food culture, these are some of the most popular NYC tours available.

Big Bus Tours
Everyone will have noticed the large red double-decker tour buses that make their way around the city, and these belong to the Big Bus Tour Company, which offers a hop-on hop-off tour around the city. There are a variety of tour loops to choose from, such as the Downtown Loop, the Brooklyn Loop and the Uptown Loop, but for those who want to ensure that they do not miss out on anything, there are also combo tickets available that combine all of these different routes. Taking this tour is a guarantee that you will be able to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, from Times Square to the high Line to the Rockefeller Center. To top it off, the combo tour tickets also include a trip up to the One World Observatory, where you will be able to spend some time taking in the city’s skyline from above.

Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture Tour
New York’s culinary scene is thriving, and while Manhattan may be home to a tantalizing selection of fine dining restaurants, many would consider Brooklyn to be the hot new epicentre of the city’s food scene. The variety of culinary influences to be found in Brooklyn is extremely impressive, with everything from Polish pierogi street snacks to trendy farm-to-table restaurants, and this half a day tour gives you the opportunity to taste your way around this hip neighborhood.

One Day NYC Tour
The One Day NYC Tour offered by New York Tour1 is aimed at all of those overachievers out there, who want to take in all of New York’s top sights in as little time as possible. While there are seven and nine hour tours available, this tour lasts for six hours, making use of the subway, as well as plenty of walking, to get around the city. This immersive tour covers just about every New York landmark that you could want to see, from Times Square to Top of the Rock Observatory to Grand Central Terminal to the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Harbor Lights Cruise
Offered by the Circle Line, the Harbor Lights Cruise gives you the opportunity to enjoy the way in which the city’s skyline truly sparkles once the sun goes down. In addition to being able to watch the sun set over the water, you will be taken around the harbor to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks after dark. From the Empire Sate Building to the Manhattan Bridge to Battery Park, this two hour tour is perfectly accompanied by the boat’s fully stocked bar, guaranteeing a memorable evening.

An organized tour of New York not only gives you the opportunity to conveniently see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, but it will also teach you so much about New York’s history and past. Whether you opt for the two day hop-on hop-off bus tour, or an evening sunset cruise around the harbor, each of these tours showcase a unique aspect of the city.

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Grand Central Holiday Fair

Grand Central station

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As fun as New York’s festive markets may be, there are often times when you simply do not feel like braving the cold. For times like this, the Grand Central Holiday Fair offers the best of both worlds, with a sprawling festive market set within the legendary Grand Central Terminal.

Clothing
There is plenty of clothing to be found at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, with some of the women’s ready to wear highlights being Mariella de Leeuw and NatureVsFuture, the latter of which focuses on an eco-conscious approach to fashion. In terms of menswear, you will find vendors such as Margo Petitti and the Lodge Man Shop, while Cate and Levi, as well as Tuff Kookooshka, will be there to cater to children. In-keeping with the winter season, there will be quite a few knitwear vendors displaying their goods, selling everything from clothing to knitted accessories. Spratters and Jayne is one of these knitwear vendors, who create luxury scarves, wraps and gloves, while those who are wanting to learn more about how a simple cable knit scarf is such a versatile accessory should head for the Ping Wu stall.

Jewelry
There is always a wide range of jewelry vendors at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, and many of these pieces make fabulous gifts. any new york will be selling jewelry that has been handmade locally, while the Au Showroom will be showcasing work from Manhattan’s Diamond District. Saskia de Vries Designs is a boutique jewelry company that makes use of materials collected from all over the world, while the pieces from Blue Hound Jewelry have a distinct masculine feel to them with their industrial but tribal influences.

Holiday Ornaments
For those who want to purchase some extra-special holiday ornaments this year, there are a couple of vendors that you should definitely make a beeline for. The first is Craftspring, which is a Brooklyn based brand that partners up with women in Kyrgyzstan and other developing countries to create traditional crafts that make beautiful gifts and ornaments. The next vendor is The Glass Haus, which makes use of specialized techniques to produce everything from fused glass art to exquisite bevelled hangings, with many pieces created specially for the holiday season.

Home Gifts
Gifts for the home are always popular during the festive season, and there are some great vendors to choose from at the fair this year. The Joy Stember Metal Arts Studio stall will be displaying their contemporary pewter, brass, copper and silver pieces, all of which feature bold designs but elegant finishing, while Hardwood Creations will be selling their handcrafted wood objects, ranging from toys and games to furniture and kitchenware.

The Grand Central Holiday Fair runs daily from now until Christmas Eve, and is the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping for some one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you end up walking away with some cozy winter knits or some locally handcrafted jewelry, this is one of the top spots in the city when it comes to holiday shopping.

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Famous New York City Attractions

Empire State Building
New York is constantly pulsating with an exuberant energy, and it is no surprise that the city has frequently been ranked as the top travel destination in the world. From the iconic Empire State Building that towers over Gotham to the sprawling oasis of Central Park, these are some of New York City‘s most famous attractions.

Empire State Building
The second tallest skyscraper in New York, the Empire State Building was built in 1931, and while you may have to brave long queues before being able to reach the top, it is definitely a worthwhile experience. After taking in the art deco design of the lobby, you will then be whisked up 86 floors by the elevator to the first observation deck, or to the 102nd Floor Observatory where you will be 1250 feet above the city. From here, on a clear day, you will be able to enjoy views out across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and, of course, New York.

Central Park
New York City’s lush green playground, Central Park is another iconic feature of the city. Each year, millions of visitors descend on this 843 acre plot, which has everything from tranquil woodlands to open meadows. Ice skating here is a classic winter activity in New York, while the Central Park Zoo is always a hit with younger visitors.

Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island
Built in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was France’s gift to America, and, standing at 152 feet tall, is the largest statue in the world. Since this monument is located on Liberty Island, you can only access it by boat, but there are many ferry operators to choose from, as well as a wide variety of tours. Also on Liberty Island is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where you will be able to learn about the history of American immigration.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Known locally as the Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest, and most visited, art museums in the world. With over two million pieces of art that span five centuries, this museum is a must-visit for any art enthusiasts out there, as it offers a collection that simply cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

The High Line
The only elevated park in New York, the High Line stretches out for 1.4 miles, and was first opened to the public in 2009. Created on an abandoned railway track, this park snakes over the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Hudson Yards, providing visitors with panoramic views of downtown New York and the Hudson River. With the sweet scent of flowers and greenery filling the air, the High Line is at its best during the summer months, but is still worth a visit at other times of the year.

New York is home to an astounding array of different sights, from the arty to the historic, meaning that just about anyone will be able to find a famous attraction that appeals to them in the city. While each of these attractions are a must-see, keep in mind that they are also always popular with every other tourist that visits the city, so you will need to plan your trip carefully if you want to avoid the majority of the crowds.

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Best East Hampton Restaurants

East Hampton Restaurant
East Hampton has seen so many different restaurants come and go, but there are some that have managed to withstand the test of time. In addition to this, the culinary scene in the region has begun to really take off in recent years, and newcomers to the restaurant industry here are backed by talented and innovative chefs, ready to make their mark in New York.

Nick & Toni’s
Reminiscent of a Tuscan farmhouse, Nick & Toni’s is somewhat of an institution in the Hamptons, and is where you are most likely to spot your favorite celebrity. Three different dining rooms surround the restaurant’s centrepiece of a large wood burning oven, and the menu, which features Italian and Mediterranean influences, changes seasonally, making use of ingredients from the restaurant’s very own organic garden, as well as local farmers and fisherman.

The Lobster Roll
The lobster roll is a speciality dish in the region, and this casual restaurant sporting the same name, situated just off Montauk Highway, serves up some of the tastiest lobster rolls you will have ever tried. The Lobster Roll uses a recipe that dates back to over 50 years ago, and portions here are always extremely generous. In addition to the lobster rolls, their clam chowder, steamed lobsters and baked stuffed flounder are all worth sampling.

The 1770 House
The 1770 House, which is located in a historic inn that dates all the way back to 1663, is home to two contrasting dining rooms, each headed up by chef Michael Rozzi and his contemporary American style of cooking. The main dining room, as well as the patio, features a sophisticated fine dining menu, serving up dishes such as white bean ravioli with bacon, and sticky braised ribs that melt away in your mouth, while the Tavern downstairs is much more casual, focussing on traditional pub fare.

restaurant table

The Living Room at The Maidstone
Considered to be one of the finest hotels in East Hampton, it is no surprise that The Maidstone also boasts a high quality restaurant. Committed to adhering to the Slow Food movement, this Scandinavian-inspired restaurant creates Swedish-style dishes but with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Some of the standout dishes that you will find here include the Long Island Duck Breast served with rye berries, baby beets and nasturtium flowers, and the Kottbullar, otherwise known as the Swedish meatball, accompanied with a lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers. The restaurant also places a strong emphasis on fresh pasta, adding their own unique twist to their handmade creations, from the hot smoked paprika in the egg-based Parpadelle dough to the Parisian Gnocchi that is made with Pate Choux dough rather than potatoes.

While the restaurant scene may have taken a while to really pick up in East Hampton, there are now plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dining out. From the fresh seafood at the casual Lobster Roll to the Scandinavian fare at The Living Room at The Maidstone, each of these establishments promises an unforgettable meal.