About Susan J
Susan J., budget traveler extraordinaire, inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother and it has served her well on trips across the US and the UK. Whether scoping out the nightlife scene or searching for that perfect pair of shoes, Susan loves writing and travel. She has lived outside of Seattle, Washington, and in Boston, Massachusetts and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she made full use of her Go Oahu Card!
Blog posts written by Susan J
November 14th, 2007 by susan j
Thanksgiving parade, 2003
Photo uploaded by
Next Thursday marks 81st annual . According to , 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 : 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 .
If you’re planning to join the thousands of spectators in Columbus Circle, Broadway or 34th Street, 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 from 9 am to noon. Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!
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November 13th, 2007 by susan j
Mary Poppins is one of eight Broadway shows performing despite the strike
Photo uploaded by
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 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 instead (I thoroughly enjoyed on my last trip to NYC, but there are many other great other shows playing Off Broadway).
Read more in these related articles:
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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 . 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.” .
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November 2nd, 2007 by susan j
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=W31mr2wonos[/youtube]
Video courtesy of .
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October 29th, 2007 by susan j
Once again, newyorkology has tipped us off about a cool event happening in the Big Apple. Beginning on Wednesday, October 31, Spa Finder will descend on New York City’s for four days of free pampering, primping, and sampling of spa cuisine.
The Spa Experience will include mini-treatments for the weary traveler, free samples from several exhibitors, discounts at stores in Grand Central Terminal, AND the chance to win one of several spa package getaways!
While in Midtown, you might also visit the New York Public Library, NBC Studios, and Rockefeller Center.
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October 24th, 2007 by susan j
Richard Prince
Untitled (fashion), 1982–84
Ektacolor photograph, unique
40 x 27 inches (101.6 x 68.6 cm)
© Richard Prince
Photo provided by the Guggenheim Museum
Now through January 9, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City features an exhibit called Richard Prince: Spiritual America. Billed as one of the most innovative artists of the last thirty years, Richard Prince draws freely from pop culture images like the Marlboro Man to question originality and explore themes of fame and rebellion.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the Guggenheim is offering several public lectures to explore Prince’s artistic world. Here’s a sampling:
Tuesday, October 30, 6:30 pm
“What’s Not to Like?”
Tuesday, November 6, 6:30 pm
“Prince Among Men”
Wednesday, January 9, 7 pm
“Richard Prince Selects Shorts: A Night at Symphony Space and the Guggenheim”
After January 9, the exhibit will tour to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and the Serpentine Gallery in London.
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October 23rd, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by avlxyz
This weekend brings an exciting culinary event at Manhattan’s . In fact, the organizers claim that their event will “change your life.” Regardless of whether it actually has life-altering powers, Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. promises culinary demonstrations by an impressive slate of world-class chefs from some of New York’s best restaurants, visits to the Oasis Day Spa, and delicious samples of artisan olive oils, desserts, wine and spirits, and more. Sounds like a foodie’s fantasy, doesn’t it?
Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. runs this Friday and Saturday, October 26-27. Click here for ticket information.
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October 22nd, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by Teo
New York City is famous for large scale celebrations (think: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or New Year’s in Times Square), and Halloween is no exception. Here are a few ways to enjoy this haunted holiday:
Madame Tussauds New York hosts several Halloween-themed events this October. Now until Halloween, the wax museum offers a Haunted Scavenger and Chamber of Horrors LIVE. At 7 pm nightly, visitors can also experience Spirits LIVE, and on October 27 from noon to 4 pm, little ghosts and goblins can compete in a costume contest, enjoy live shows, and more at the Halloween Family Bash.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! features a variety of oddities and artifacts, including 24 shrunken heads (more than in the American Museum of Natural History), a section of the Berlin Wall, and a life-sized albino giraffe. Ripley’s “odditorium” is sure to shock and delight visitors of all ages!
Broadway’s Hilton Theatre is home to the new Mel Brooks musical, Young Frankenstein, a colorful retelling of the Frankenstein legend in which a young brain surgeon is confronted by his family’s dark Transylvanian past. Tickets are available through Applause Tickets and Ticketmaster.
New York’s Village Halloween Parade promises a major Halloween spectacle with over 2 million attendees! In fact, it is the country’s largest public Halloween celebration. This 33 year old New York tradition features live musical performances, a host of unusual costumes, and lots of Halloween spirit!
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October 19th, 2007 by susan j
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center
Photo uploaded by face-2-face
It’s hard to believe it’s already time for outdoor skating, but the opened for the season last weekend. A quintessentially New York tradition, ice skating at this famed ice rink is the perfect way celebrate your trip to the city. In fact, they even offer engagement packages for “cool wedding proposals.” Plenty of families and other visitors take advantage of the ice skating, too.
While in Midtown, you could also take a tour of Rockefeller Center and the NBC Studios or visit the Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck.
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October 17th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by aquatone282
According to blogs newyorkology and engadget, the is urging taxi drivers around New York City to go on strike for 24 hours starting at 5 am next Monday, October 22. There appear to be several issues at stake, including the mandatory addition of GPS units (which would monitor pick-up and drop-off points) and proposed pension funds for taxi workers.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re planning a trip to New York City during the strike, then we recommend that you plan to ride the subway or walk to attractions if you can. Fortunately, the weather forecast predicts that next Monday in NYC will be sunny with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, perfect for a stroll to admire the foliage and take in the sights and sounds of NYC!
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