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Budget Travel - 50 Reasons You Love New York City

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  • Budget Travel - 50 Reasons You Love New York City

    50 Reasons You Love New York City - Budget Travel

    Our "25 Reasons" stories pinpoint the details that make a place unique. But when you're talking about the greatest city in the world, 25 just won't cut it.

    June 2008 issue

    1 Carrying a torch
    No city gives a better welcome than New York. The Statue of Liberty leaves the light on for you, no matter who you are, no matter where you've come from, no matter how long you've been away. Information: Welcome to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, ferry $12.

    2 Hustle that bustle
    Every corner in Midtown is packed with people waiting to cross the street. Everyone is rushing to get to the meeting, the java fix, the subway. No stopping to smell the roses here—just grab a bunch of flowers from one of the many vendors and smell them as you hurry on to your next destination.

    3 Chip off the old block
    As soon as I get to New York, as well as on my way back to the airport, I visit Levain Bakery—because all my friends expect the sinful chocolate-chip cookies as souvenirs. We've even ordered them by mail. Information: 167 W. 74th St., 212/874-6080, Levain Bakery, $3.75.

    4 Curb enthusiasm
    If the energy of New York doesn't fire a person up, that person may already be dead.

    5 Icing on the cake
    It's one of the only places where a pink cupcake, covered in sprinkles, is actually cool. My favorites: Billy's Bakery (184 Ninth Ave., 212/647-9956, Billy's Bakery, $2) and Cupcake Café (18 W. 18th St., 212/465-1530, cupcakecafe-nyc.com, $2.50).

    6 Your kind of town
    No matter where you're from, there's a neighborhood that'll make you feel at home.

    7 Show 'em how
    Broadway is better when it's discounted. In addition to TKTS in Times Square (W. 46th St., TDF - Theatre Development Fund), there's a booth at the South Street Seaport where you can buy next-day matinee tickets. Another great source is the Playbill Club ( Playbill: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Listings and Tickets ).

    8 The global village
    Within a few East Village blocks you can find world-class falafel at Chick*pea (210 E. 14th St., 212/228-3445, chickpea - get fresh, $4.50); pizza at Una Pizza Napoletana (349 E. 12th St., 212/477-9950, Una Pizza Napoletana Official Website | New York City, from $21, closed Mon.–Wed.); Asian fusion at Momofuku Noodle Bar (171 First Ave., 212/475-7899, HOME, from $9); and desserts at Black Hound (170 Second Ave., 212/979-9505, Chocolate, Cookies, Chocolate Truffles, Birthday Cakes, Corporate Gift Baskets - Black Hound New York).

    9 Ghostly presence
    You could be passing a house haunted by Revolutionary War soldiers and not even know it.

    10 Book a room
    My husband and I moved to Florida from Connecticut five years ago. When we need a New York fix, our favorite hotel is the Library Hotel, near Grand Central. There are complimentary espressos and cappuccinos in the library area 24/7. Information: 299 Madison Ave., 212/983-4500, Library Hotel, New York City, Best Small Hotels, from $229.

    11 You're the top
    I always get goose bumps when I set foot in the cool, granite foyer of the Empire State Building. Memories of Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember envelop my mind. From the observatory, if I look closely, I can see my dreams come true. Information: 350 Fifth Ave., Empire State Building: Official Internet Site, $19.

    12 Sweet spot
    I discovered that I love New York three years ago. I've just returned from my fifth trip since then and have found another reason to love the city: Economy Candy on the Lower East Side. It's been there since the 1930s and has an old-time atmosphere and more candy than you've ever seen in one place. Information: 108 Rivington St., 800/352-4544, Economy Candy Homepage: Return.



    1 of 4 pages | 1 2 3 4 | next » Click Link on top of the page to Continue
    Pat
    *** My Website ***

  • #2
    13 Coffee talk
    At the Starbucks near the U.N., you can hear a dozen languages spoken at once. Information: 943 Second Ave., 212/715-0752 Starbucks Homepage.

    14 Made in Brooklyn
    Take the subway to Brooklyn and walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for wonderful Manhattan views. Head to Grimaldi's Pizzeria, under the Brooklyn Bridge: The pizza—made in a coal-fired brick oven—is the best (19 Old Fulton St., Brooklyn, 718/858-4300, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, from $14). Then stroll over the bridge and absorb it all—the joggers, the cyclists, the lovers, the lights, the breeze coming off the water.

    5 Havana good time
    At Cuban-Chinese restaurants, opened by Chinese Cubans who fled when Castro took over, the Chinese menu is usually too bland for me, but the Cuban one makes up for it. When I'm in New York—where I lived for 20 years—I make sure I get to La Caridad 78. It's crowded and chaotic, with Chinese waiters shouting in Spanish. Information: 2199 Broadway, 212/874-2780, entrées from $7. .

    16 Let's grab a cab
    The Tasting Room Wine Bar & Café has huge red-wine glasses, tasty bread sticks, and the coolest, most knowledgeable staff. The tables on the sidewalk are great for people-watching (and -meeting). Information: 72 E. First St., 212/358-7831, The Tasting Room.

    17 The big picture
    The Ziegfeld Theatre has more than 1,100 seats. Go early so you can wander around. Information: 141 W. 54th St.www.clearviewcinemas.com2/307-1862, clea, classic and first-run movies from $8.

    18 New York state of mind
    Every time I go to New York, I feel fabulous.

    19 Roger that
    The Hotel Roger Williams staff remember your name and are genuinely concerned about your having the best possible experience during your stay. Information: 131 Madison Ave., 212/448-7000, Midtown New York Hotels - Midtown New York City - Hotel Roger Williams, from $275.

    20 Stars in your eyes
    I once cut down an alley only to see actor Goran Visnjic (ER's hunky Dr. Kovac) being photo*graphed. I smiled, and he winked at me. Months later, I recognized the photo on TV Guide's cover. Only in New York.

    21 Lox, stock, and barrel
    One word: Zabar's. Information: 2245 Broadway, 212/787-2000, Zabar's - NYC's Gourmet Epicurian Emporium.

    22 Chutzpah central
    In 2000, while we were pondering the line at the Stage Deli, we watched as President Clinton's limo pulled up. Without saying a word, the people in line let the leader of the free world know he wasn't about to get cuts. (Clinton announced that he knew another place they could go and then took off.) What were the terrorists thinking? No way could they ever bring this city to its knees. Information: 834 Seventh Ave., 800/782-4369, Stage Deli Online Store | Home Page, sandwiches from $11.

    23 See you later!
    Where else—except Barcelona—are restaurants packed at 1:30 a.m.? I'm talking about Schiller's Liquor Bar. Information: 131 Rivington St., 212/260-4555, www.schillersny.co, entrées from $13.

    24 Axis of medieval
    The Cloisters houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art's medieval collection in a building made out of relics from European monasteries. It's way uptown on the west side and overlooks the Hudson. The Met's entrance fee covers same-day admission, but I wouldn't rush either spot. Information: 212/923-3700, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: metmuseum.org, $20 (suggested), closed Mondays
    Pat
    *** My Website ***

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    • #3
      50 Reasons You Love New York City - Budget Travel

      June 2008 issue

      25 What's in store
      From outside, ABC Carpet & Home looks unremarkable. Once through the doors, however, you'll feel like Dorothy when she realizes that she's not in Kansas anymore. The store is like an upscale, indoor bazaar, where each stall is filled to the brim with eclectic and beautiful housewares, textiles, rugs, and more. Information: 888 Broadway, 212/473-3000, ABC Carpet & Home, abchome.com.

      26 Rose and shine
      Walking through the flower market, on West 28th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, is a great way to start the morning.


      27 Crash pod
      Rooms at The Pod Hotel come with iPod docking stations and individual TVs for the bunk beds. (Larger rooms have double or queen beds and private baths.) When my daughter and I stayed there, we called ourselves "two peas in a Pod." Information: 230 E. 51st St., 800/742-5945, The Pod Hotel, from $89.

      28 Winter wonderland
      I love the holiday season, from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to New Year's Eve in Times Square. I love seeing the balloons get inflated on Thanksgiving Eve and then going to the parade in the morning. I love the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the department stores' windows. I love the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. I love watching the ball drop in Times Square. Information: 1260 Sixth Ave., 212/307-7171, Radio City Music Hall - Official Web Site - New York City, from $42.

      29 Hepcat's cradle
      Founded by Bob Holman, one of the deans of modern poetry, The Bowery Poetry Club is a refuge for intellectuals and artists. The club has poetry slams, creative music, and even comedy. Information: 308 Bowery, 212/614-0505, Bowery Poetry Club - Home, $5–$10.

      30 A club supreme
      Smalls offers jazz until 4 a.m., with low lights, brick walls, and comfortable seats. It's like you've stepped back in time. Information: 183 W. 10th St., 212/252-5091, SMALLS JAZZ CLUB 183 W. 10TH ST. NYC, $20.

      31 Local hero
      My husband and I signed up with Big Apple Greeter, a free service in which locals give private tours. We were interested in the NYU and Gramercy areas, and our guide was a native New Yorker and NYU grad (back in the '50s) who shared his stories. Information: 212/669-8159, Welcome to Big Apple Greeter.

      32 One in eight million
      I love the feeling of being anonymous.

      33 Freeze!
      "Regular" flavors at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory include ginger, green tea, and red bean, while the "exotic" ones are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Information: 65 Bayard St., 212/608-4170, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

      34 Perfect circle
      When I bite into a bagel from H&H Bagels, my whole face feels like it's smiling. Last time, we brought back three dozen. Information: 2239 Broadway, 212/595-8003, /'.

      35 Hole nother story
      Ess-a-Bagel. Game, set, and match. Information: 359 First Ave., 212/260-2252, Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. - New York, NY - Home.

      36 Walk-in movie
      The Bryant Park Summer Film Festival screens classic movies under the stars. You're surrounded by 1,000 other cinephiles and glowing skyscrapers. Just don't forget bug spray. Information: 212/768-4242, Welcome to Bryant Park, Mondays June 16–August 18, free.

      3 of 4 pages | « back | 1 2 3 4 | next »

      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Pat
      *** My Website ***

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      • #4
        50 Reasons You Love New York City - Budget Travel
        June 2008 issue

        37 The way we were
        The Lower East Side Tenement Museum shows how immigrants shaped the city. It's unbelievable to see how they lived, crammed into small, windowless apartments with 11 other people. Information: 108 Orchard St., 212/431-0233, Tenement Museum | New York City Tenement Museum, $17, closed Mon.

        38 It's a shoe-in
        New York is the only place where there's a department store, Saks Fifth Avenue, with a shoe floor that has express elevators and its own zip code (10022-SHOE). Information: 611 Fifth Ave., 212/753-4000, Forwarding Entry.jsp.

        39 Mac dandy
        S'MAC serves variations on macaroni and cheese—mozzarella, manchego, and so on. Kids love it. Information: 345 E. 12th St., 212/358-7912, S'MAC - Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese, from $4.

        40 Spice of life
        I always go to Sahadi's, a Middle Eastern food store in Cobble Hill. It embodies what I love most about New York: Local businesses are supported in a way that you wouldn't expect in such a large city. Information: 187 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, 718/624-4550, Sahadi's Gourmet Gift Baskets : Specialty & Middle Eastern Foods : Nuts : Coffee.

        41 City slicker
        In Central Park, there's a slide cut into the side of a red-granite hill. It's in the back of Billy Johnson Playground, north of the Children's Zoo.

        42 Bronx cheering
        Nothing is more fun for a Red Sox fan than riding the Yankee Clipper, a boat full of Yankee fans on their way to a game. Information: 800/533-3779, NYWaterway > Home, $22 round trip.

        43 Start spreading the news
        New York has become my fail-safe suggestion to anyone who asks where they should go on vacation—and even some who don't.

        44 Real simple
        If you don't need fancy, Hotel St. James has clean rooms with air-conditioning, cable TV, and a private bath from $115. Information: 109 W. 45th St., 212/221-3600, ::: Hotel St. James :::.

        45 Happily stranded
        The Strand is 18 miles of books—and this bibliophile's idea of heaven. Information: 828 Broadway, 212/473-1452, Strand Bookstore: Home of 18 miles of New, Used, Rare and Out of Print Books.

        46 Fasten your seatbelts...
        A taxicab ride is more thrilling than any roller coaster. And now u can pay by credit card and get a receipt if u need one right in the taxi

        47 What the Frick?
        Art lovers will enjoy the paintings and sculptures at The Frick Collection, and others will appreciate the historic furnishings of what used to be a mansion. Information: 1 E. 70th St., 212/288-0700, The Frick Collection and Frick Art Reference Library: Home Page, $15, closed Mon.

        48 A touch of Tokyo
        Takashimaya department store is as gorgeous as a museum, only you can touch the art. Information: 693 Fifth Ave., 800/753-2038, Takashimaya New York.

        49 Low dive
        At Rudy's Bar & Grill, the beer is cheap, the red-vinyl seats are held together with duct tape, and there's a gigantic pig by the front door. Information: 627 Ninth Ave., 212/974-9169.

        50 The last word
        New York is inconvenient. It makes you work a little harder. It forces you to interact—with taxi drivers, street musicians, people riding the subway, people talking on cell phones, people talking to themselves. With life. I love it. Unconditionally.
        Pat
        *** My Website ***

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        • #5
          51 I'll have what she's having"
          Katz's Deli on Houston Street

          Great Job. This def. has to be a sticky.
          In Vino Veritas

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Joe L View Post
            51 I'll have what she's having"
            Katz's Deli on Houston Street

            Great Job. This def. has to be a sticky.
            mmmmmmmmmmm
            katz's deli
            Lawren
            ------------------------
            There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favourite places is on the back of my horse.
            - Rolf Kopfle

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            • #7
              Don't get me started agian on food Lawren, lol. I had the Pastrami sandwich last week and it was fabulous. The first hot taste they give you at the counter is ambrosia. For $14.95 i guess it should be.
              In Vino Veritas

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Joe L View Post
                Don't get me started agian on food Lawren, lol. I had the Pastrami sandwich last week and it was fabulous. The first hot taste they give you at the counter is ambrosia. For $14.95 i guess it should be.
                I worked at AT&T's HQ at Canal and 6th Ave for years. My co-workers and I would take the walk over to Katz's on occasion. I don't remember a rueben being $15 but well worth it. I always loved the great pickles on the tables.
                Lawren
                ------------------------
                There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favourite places is on the back of my horse.
                - Rolf Kopfle

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Joe L View Post
                  51. "I'll have what she's having"
                  Katz's Deli on Houston Street

                  Great Job. This def. has to be a sticky.
                  LINKS Joe, links!

                  Katz's Delicatessen New York

                  Pat
                  *** My Website ***

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                  • #10
                    When Harry Met Sally

                    YouTube - Katz's Delicatessen - in "When Harry Met Sally"
                    In Vino Veritas

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Joe L
                      Now THAT'S a link!
                      Pat
                      *** My Website ***

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                      • #12
                        The BEST Knish


                        Originally posted by Hoc
                        OK, last time I went on a bagel hunt, and determined that my favorite bagels in NYC are H & H Bagels. This time, I think it's a knish hunt.

                        I know that Yonah Schimmel's is often listed as the best Knish in the city, but I've tried it, and it's not that good. Wrapper is soggy, potato is not particularly well-seasoned. I like their Broccoli Knishes, and their Noodle Kugel, but I must go elsewhere to find the real best in the city.

                        I have been told that Knish Nosh in Queen's used to be the best, but it has deteriorated. I like a crisp crust, and a flavorful knish that is not microwaved. Anybody have any suggestions? .
                        Originally posted by lawren2
                        The best knish in the city is in Forest Hills Queens. Knish Knosh. An institution that has been around at least as long as I've been alive. Last I had them about 6 months ago they were as good as ever. Right off the N train at 67th AVE.
                        .
                        Originally posted by wackymother View Post
                        If you want to stay in Manhattan, I like Zabar's knishes! I haven't had them in years, but I remember them as ultra-good. Yonah Schimmel's are just as unpleasant as you're describing, plus the ones I had were kind of sour-tasting, not like they were spoiled but like there was something sour used in the filling to make it look fresher...maybe citric acid? Ugh.

                        Zabar's used to have a wonderful selection of fillings, including sweet potato, mushroom, potato and mushroom, all sorts of tasty choices. I think I have to go get me some! Zabar's - NYC's Gourmet Epicurian Emporium
                        Originally posted by IreneLF
                        As for knishes, besides Yonah S's, and Knish Nosh, some love

                        Mrs Stahl's Knishes
                        1001 Brighton Beach Ave
                        Brooklyn, NY 11235-5606
                        Phone: (718) 648-0210

                        If you're into exploring the outer boroughs, this could be fun. Once here you're near the beach/boardwalk and also a Russian neighborhood with restaurants and stores under the El.
                        Pat
                        *** My Website ***

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                        • #13
                          Saks Fifth Avenue.......Express elevators, shoes, shoes, and more shoes. Yippee!!!!
                          Angela

                          If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

                          BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

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                          • #14
                            Jones Beach Summer Concert Series

                            Pat
                            *** My Website ***

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                            • #15
                              "Different things to do in NYC!

                              Originally posted by Glitter Brunello View Post
                              I was going to suggest the Cloisters, from an art/history perspective it should be worth the somewhat inconvenient location.

                              Another "off the tourist path" art appreciation trip would be to the numerous galleries in West Chelsea, a few blocks offers dozens of small galleries.

                              Since you enjoyed the tour of Greenwich Village, I would recommend a walking tour of the Lower East Side... lots of immigrant history there, and the area is experiencing a remarkable "rebirth" as a youthful/hip neighborhood. I can't recommend a specific tour, but Google "walking tour Lower East Side" and you should come up with something.

                              Chinatown also fun, just walking around there during the day would be interesting, and you can combine that with an exploration of Soho just to the north.

                              If you haven't yet been to the Museum of Modern Art, it is within walking distance from the MC and is spectacular after its major overhaul a few years ago.

                              Both the NYC Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera are in season at Lincoln Center. If you don't want to hassle with tickets ahead of time, stroll up there from the Manhattan Club and arrive 30 to 45 minutes before show time - you have a good chance at reasonably priced tickets from people outside whose friends can't make it. And a little known secret for those opera lovers who can't afford tickets: some subscribers are so jaded that they leave after the first act for reasons having nothing to do with the quality of the performance, and there is a tradition of passing ticket stubs to students and others outside so they can enjoy the remainder of the show... and the Met permits the stubs to be "reused" after intermission - they sort of turn a blind eye, or perhaps give a nod, to this method of sharing the wealth

                              If you're into Jazz, there is small jazz venue at Lincoln Center that books outstanding artists. And Sunday nights at Birdland (also walking distance from the MC and a famous institution) the house Afro/Cuban band is outstanding.

                              That's what comes to mind for the moment, since you're not into the alternative scene
                              Originally posted by rklein01
                              Have you been to The Cloisters?
                              The Cloisters—described by Germain Bazin, former director of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, as "the crowning achievement of American museology"—is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France. Three of the cloisters reconstructed at the branch museum feature gardens planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works of art, such as tapestries, stained-glass windows, and column capitals. Approximately five thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about A.D. 800 with particular emphasis on the twelfth through fifteenth century, are exhibited in this unique and sympathetic context.
                              Originally posted by mrspigdoc View Post
                              Yes, we're back. We didn't do very quirky things I'm afraid, but here is what we did:
                              1. went to a choir concert in St Paul's chapel...a college choir from Wales...they were excellent, and it was contribute what you like
                              2. walking tours I had read that you could pick up maps at a Nike store on 42? st, and they gave directions and information for four different tours, all about 10K each. We did one, and it was very informative.
                              3. saw The Bodies exhibit My MD brother in law and DVM husband were fascinated. I thought it was interesting, but I wouldn't go again. I kept thinking about the people they once were.
                              4. met a friend of a friend at a gay bar. Wasn't too different except for the bartenders were only wearing underwear! an eye opener for me
                              5. got a back stage tour at a Broadway show from another friend of a friend. We got to see the dressing rooms, lighting, lots of cool stuff. I liked being up on the stage. I didn't know that the stages are sloped...my fun fact to know and tell
                              6. walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
                              7. went to two off Broadway shows Altar Boyz and Forbidden Broadway, and laughed and laughed
                              8. Saw A Chorus Line (free courtesy of the Manhattan Club sales tour)
                              9. visited my parents in NJ one day
                              10. ate a dozen pastries from Ferrara bakery Also did lots of walking, so it only cost me a pound
                              11. took a free walking tour of Union Square. Wow, it was really informative. It was given by an American History doctorate student. loved it
                              12 went to Mass at St Patricks on Sunday and heard the choir and the organ
                              13. bought a $4 hat in Chinatown before the big raid (the police seized one million dollars worth of knock off merchandise) later in the week, there were tons of closed booths...no one asking...watches, handbags as you walked by

                              back home for a rest
                              Teresa
                              Pat
                              *** My Website ***

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