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Archive for November, 2007

Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 14th, 2007 by susan j

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Thanksgiving parade, 2003
Photo uploaded by alistairmcmillan

Next Thursday marks Macy*s 81st annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. According to Holiday Hacks, this year’s parade features appearances by Idol winner Jordin Sparks, Dolly Parton, the casts of Broadway musicals including Legally Blonde and Mary Poppins, and, of course, Radio City’s Rockettes ®. It will also introduce four new floats: The Care Bears™ Winter Fun-derland, International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower, M&M’s® Chocolate Candies on Broadway, and Music Bigger Than Life (a rock music tribute). Read a historical overview of the parade on NYC Tourist’s website.

If you’re planning to join the thousands of spectators in Columbus Circle, Broadway or 34th Street, About.com’s New York City Travel Guide Heather Cross recommends that you dress warmly and bring a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa (the forecast temps for temps in the 40’s and 50’s, but you never know!). Heather also notes that many people arrive before 6:30 am to stake out a prime spot for parade-viewing, which many say is at 61st and 72nd on Central Park. But even if getting up in the wee hours of the morning isn’t your cup of Starbucks chai latte (not mine either, especially on vacation), then you can always watch the parade broadcast on NBC from 9 am to noon. Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!

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Stagehands Strike Silences Broadway

November 13th, 2007 by susan j

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Mary Poppins is one of eight Broadway shows performing despite the strike
Photo uploaded by Enchant_me

Today marks Day 4 of the stagehands’ strike that has brought many shows on Broadway to a halt. The last strike (over the rights of musicians back in 2003) lasted four days, but so far there have been no negotiations between Local One (the stagehands’ union) and the League of American Theatres and Producers. Eight shows remain open, because those theaters have separate contracts with the union.

If you already have tickets to a canceled show, then don’t despair: producers plan to refund money to people who have already purchased tickets (click here for more details). If you don’t have tickets but want to see a show on your trip to New York City, then you might opt for an Off Broadway show instead (I thoroughly enjoyed I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change on my last trip to NYC, but there are many other great other shows playing Off Broadway).

Read more in these related articles:
Broadway Strike Survival Guide
Broadway Strike Day 3: no talks, no progress
Day 2 of Stagehands’ Strike, and a Chill Sets In
Strike Darkens Broadway
Will the Strike Go On Tour?

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Waterfront Restaurants

November 12th, 2007 by amy c

Water taxi
view from the water taxi.
photo uploaded by cktse

Board the New York water taxi for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis while getting a narrated tour of the history of NYC’s waterfront. Before or after your tour, check out any of these nearby restaurants.

Pacific Grill: Located directly next to the water taxi and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pacific Grill offers a delicious and convenient stop on your sightseeing tour. The nautical ambiance and fresh seafood match the waterfront setting that boasts of some of the best views of the Manhattan Skyline.

River Cafe: The French culinary guide, “Gault Millau,” recently rated this Brooklyn gem, one of New York’s five best restaurants. Known for its elegant setting that revived the Brooklyn waterfront to its hip stature, it offers a unique and delicious menu, including a Chocolate Stick Toffee Cake for dessert.

The Water Club Restaurant: Classic American fare, wood burning fireplace, and nightly piano music, gives this restaurant a cozy ambiance. Enjoy dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday through Saturday, and brunch on Sundays.

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New NYC Restaurants

November 9th, 2007 by amy c


Top of the rock
View from Top of the Rock
photo uploaded by ricardo.martins

New York City is renowned for its delicious dining scene, so we’re bringing you a preview at a few new restaurants in the city.

Located near the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, Bocca di Bacca is the latest installation from brothers Enrico and Robert Malta to their more than a dozen beloved existing restaurants in the Theater District. The cozy Venetian wine bar offers 40 selections of wines by the glass, accompanied by Northern Italian tapas. You can also enjoy an affordable meal of pastas.

Another new Italian restaurant, Visconti, graces Uptown, near Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. After you’ve worked up an appetite at the Central Park Movie Tour, enjoy a sumptuous classic Italian meal, made with the freshest ingredients.

Looking for hidden gems to accompany your sightseeing in Midtown? check out About.com’s top 7 Midtown restaurants located near tourist hot spots such as Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the NBC Studio Tour.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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New York City Events for the Week of 11/8

November 8th, 2007 by jamie a

November 6 - 11
Get ready to laugh with the New York Comedy Festival 2007. With an incredible list of performers including Robin Williams, Lewis Black, Conan O’Brien, and Sarah Silverman, it’s bound to be a hit. Check out this article from the Daily News.

Friday, November 9 - Sunday, November 11
Attention Chocoholics! The 10th Annual Chocolate Show is this weekend. Get your tickets here to enjoy culinary demonstrations, fashion shows, children’s activities, and most of all, chocolate.

Sunday, November 11
The Annual Veterans Day Parade marches down 5th Avenue this Sunday. Since 1929, the Veteran’s Day commemoration begins with a wreath laying ceremony at 10 am at the Eternal Flame in Madison Square Park and continues on with the parade.

November 9 - November 11
The Asian Contemporary Art Fair will be held at Pier 92 this weekend, showcasing the best in modern Asian art. From panels and discussion to performances, discover new works of art to take your breath away from 80 artists hailing from 10 different countries.

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Guide to Loos

November 7th, 2007 by jamie a

I’m certain that anyone who’s ever traveled can voice their disdain over trying to find a decent (or any!) bathroom. Thanks to Grub Street in New York Magazine, they’ve compiled a guide to loos all over the city, all rated on a star-system!

From restrooms with existentialist literature to live fish for your entertainment, these are rest stops that you’ve never experienced before. Just keep this list handy anytime you’re in the Big Apple and your vacation will be so much easier!

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Tips for Finding a Hotel in NYC

November 6th, 2007 by susan j

As the holidays approach, many travelers are planning trips to the Big Apple to admire the festive store fronts along Madison Avenue, get some holiday shopping done, and generally soak up the holiday spirit. But finding a hotel room in New York City can put a crimp in your holiday travel plans, especially if you’ve waited until the last minute.

Thankfully, Miami Herald travel editor Jane Woolridge has some practical tips on her new blog called Exit Strategies. Here’s an excerpt: “One of the unspoken realities is that when you book directly with a hotel, you may get a better room than when you book with a big agency. The companies involved usually say this isn’t true, but travel experts agree that this often is the case.” Read the complete post here.

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Brunch Guide to NYC

November 5th, 2007 by jamie a

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Brunch photo uploaded by Librarian Avenger

For those weekends where you want to treat yourself, you can sleep in and then hit up one of these great spots in the city to quench your hunger. From Mexican to traditional American fare, these restaurants will have you up and ready to take in the sights in no time.

Dos Caminos in Midtown serves upscale Mexican cuisine, so you can start your day the spicy way.You’ll love their made-to-order guacamole and and drinks like the prickly pear margarita, which are free with brunch! From chorizo con huevos to organic salmon ceviche, there’s so many options for those folks up for trying something new and exciting.

For traditional American, visit Ninth Street Market for their delightful home-style meals! You can choose fresh fruit, cinnamon vanilla, or raisin challah bread varieties of French toast and soak up the morning sun in the quaint atmosphere. If you’re longing for a cute and cozy place to relax in the bustle of the city, this is a winner.

Freemans, one of NYC’s hidden gems, serves the best in Sunday brunch. Reminiscent of a hunting lodge, Freemans has a unique, yet homey atmosphere. Try the stewed plums with Greek yogurt and vanilla syrup or lamb sausage with poached eggs, slices of sourdough toast and a watercress salad. This is a perfect spot to impress your friends.

With fried oyster omelettes, Dutch pancakes, and perfectly classic eggs Benedict, Prune is yet another superb place for brunch. Nestled within the busy streets, this tiny place requires a bit of a wait, but is certainly worth it. Order a Bloody Mary and then choose from over 8 different varieties to suit it to your taste while you enjoy the upscale comfort food of a city favorite.

After brunch, consider spending a few hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and then hop on the NYC TV and Movie Sites Tour to round off your day!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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NYC in a Nutshell

November 2nd, 2007 by susan j

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=W31mr2wonos[/youtube]
Video courtesy of YouTube.

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New York Events for the Week of 11/1

November 2nd, 2007 by jamie a

Thursday, November 1 - Saturday, November 3 (10 am - 4 pm)
For a rare city appearance, join Ocean Spray juice as they install a 1,500 sq. ft free-standing cranberry bog in Rockefeller Plaza. Chat with cranberry farmers and enjoy special giveaway treats all while learning about how cranberry juice is made!

Thursday, November 1 (Ongoing)
Join the Metropolitan Museum of Art as they open up their new Greek and Roman Galleries, considered “a museum within a museum” after five long years of construction. This marks the conclusion of a 15-year redesign of the Met’s collection of classical art.

Friday, November 2 - Friday, November 9
Introduce your children to the Brass Family of intsruments at a special 45-minute concert and learning experience at Carnegie Hall. For a special price of just $6.00, it’s a perfect daytime activity for the whole family.

Sunday, November 4
Cheer on over 37,000 people as they tough it out to run the ING New York City Marathon! It’s a spectacular sight with ten entertainment zones featuring live bands and loads of cheering fans inspiring the runners to cross the finish line in Central Park.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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