New York’s Best Sports Teams

December 15, 2011

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A visit to New York is an absolute dream for sports lovers as there is a collection of some of the most famous teams in the world.

New York Yankees

This is perhaps the most famous baseball team in the world, with the club badge being a fashion statement around the globe. The Yankees compete in the major baseball league and are one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. The club is based in the Bronx and play their home games at the Yankee Stadium, which is a brand new development.

New York Knicks

Playing in the National Basketball League, the New York Knicks are known around the world for their exciting style of basketball and for the fantastic atmosphere in the Madison Square garden which is the venue for their home games.

New York Rangers

The National Hockey league is arguably the best hockey league in the world and the New York Rangers are amongst the sport’s high fliers. Home games are played in Madison Square Garden and are well worth a visit for the adrenaline filled all action pace of the game.

New York Giants

American football is the most popular sport in the USA and the New York Giants are the most successful team in New York and attract tens of thousands of people to each game. A visit to a Giants game can be more like going to a festival as there is always such a fantastic atmosphere and a whole host of entertainment to go with the sport.

New York Red Bulls

Soccer is the fastest growing sport in the US and the New York Red Bulls are city’s flagship team. Big names from around the world come to play for this team and the standard of the game makes it well worth a watch.

Visiting the Empire State Building

September 4, 2011

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view from empire state building

When one thinks of the most iconic buildings in the modern world the Empire State Building is one of those which immediately springs to mind. Even in the New York skyline where there are masses of tall buildings there is something about the Empire State building which makes it stand out from the others, a charisma, a personality and a history which has fascinated people for decades. The Empire State Building has been the focal point of many films, videos and songs over the years, and the great news for those visiting New York is that the building is open to the public to enjoy.

Visiting the top of the Empire State building is an absolute must for all those who visit New York as the view from the observation deck is simply breathtaking. Whether you take your own viewing implement or make use of those which are provided, the view from this vantage point will leave you mesmerised and even more in love with this fabulous city. For those concerned about having to walk all of the way to the top there is absolutely no need as lifts can be taken up ensuring that you can save all of your energy for the various tourist activities within the building.

As well as the view, the main visitor features are the retail shops, the restaurants which overlook the city and the opportunity to learn all about the building, its history and the groundbreaking energy systems which it employs. You can purchase tickets in advance to or on the day, but timed ticketing is often in place.

Activities for Couples in New York

August 16, 2011

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New York City is a great city to visit with your partner as there are so many activities which can be enjoyed together, and below is a brief guide to just some of these.
Take ride through Central Park in a horse drawn carriage
This is an activity which may be all too resembling of a wedding day to the commitophobe, but you cannot argue against the romantic value of riding around the most famous park in the world in a horse drawn carriage. You can cosy up to your loved one whilst taking in the sights and breathing in the fresh air. 

Rockefeller Centre
There are a host of romantic activities in one place here, including holding hands whilst ice skating, engaging in a spot of underwear shopping, browsing the art gallery, or indulging in one of the centre’s many eateries. During the Christmas season there is also huge Christmas tree which provides the perfect setting for a cup of coffee. 

Scale the Empire State Building
The view from the top of the Empire State building is the perfect way to fall in love with the city of New York and might just inspire you to fall in love with the person with whom you enjoy this experience.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Art is considered one of the most romantic forms of expression and this is one of the best museums in New York to experience this. Hold hands as you walk around the various exhibits and bond over the shared enjoyment.

Best Decorative Street Clocks in New York

March 9, 2011

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America in general is not considered to be the most historic of countries, especially in comparison to many European countries. Despite this, there are still a number of aspects of American culture which have historical and cultural relevance. New York, for example, has a number of decorative street clocks still on display. Here is where you can find some of them:

5th Avenue building at Madison Square: This large and charming street clock has been part of the furniture in this street since 1909. Its gold appearance and traditional face provide a traditional feel to an otherwise modern area. Manhattan Avenue: The Bomelstein clock is the legacy of Bomelstein’s jewellers which used to operate next to the spot. It is now a landmark within the city and is often used as a meeting place or point of reference.
New York clocks

New York clocks

Bartham Jewellers: Perhaps an obvious place to find a high quality clock, this clock is somewhat unique and is held highly in the affection so New Yorkers who walk along Maiden Lane. Embedded in the pavement, this 1884 clock posses an old world charm beyond its time.

Jamaica Avenue: In this unfashionable area of New York you can find this highly fashionable street clock which has served the residents of the area for decades. The gothic style design certainly has a significant presence. 

Winter Time events in New York, USA

January 27, 2011

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Winter time in New York is a wonderful thing, whether it is doing your Christmas shopping at world famous stores like Macy’s, ice staking outside the Rockefeller Centre or enjoy a sleigh ride through Central Park. It is no wonder that during this festive period, the city of New York puts on a series of events that are extremely popular with locals and visiting tourists.

One of the biggest events in New York’s festive calendar is the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It is the largest Christmas tree in the city, and each year attracts hundreds of viewers. The tree is traditionally lit up just after Thanksgiving, and symbolises that Christmas has officially come to the Big Apple.

Another popular attraction is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular which goes on throughout the whole of December. Featuring performances by the Rockettes, the show is popular with families of all ages. If you are looking for a bit more culture however, then the New York City Ballet will once again be putting on their annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Performances go on throughout December with the last show being held on the 2nd January.

The Lincoln Centre also puts on a number of festive events including a large Messiah Sing In, nativity plays and other festive performances. Other carolling services are held in the West Village , with the West Village Messiah Sing being held at St. Luke’s Church.

Whatever you decide to do, there are plenty of sights and sounds in New York that can cater for everyone’s tastes and festive desires.Looking for accommodation rentals in NYC for your stay in the Big Apple?

3 Shows you must visit on Broadway

December 13, 2010

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There are so many things to see and do in New York, but the city’s theatre district is famed for its numerous shows, plays and comedy stand-up. If you are in the Big Apple and fancy seeing one of the many shows playing, here are three suggestions for an evening that will be worth the rather high prices! *Of course, Broadway regularly changes its shows, but here are some of the biggest, that are almost always playing.

Broadway NYC

Broadway NYC

1. The Lion King – Based on Disney’s smash hit movie The Lion King, the show is based on the story of young cub Simba, who goes on a journey across the Pride Lands of Africa when his father, the king of Pride Rock is killed. The show has won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, and is famous for its catchy songs from Oscar winning composers Elton John and Tim Rice including “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”. The show’s jaw-dropping puppetry and spectacle has to be seen to be believed.

 2. The Phantom of the Opera – One of the longest running shows ever to be shown on Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous show is also the most financially successful show to be shown in New York. Telling the tale of a Parisian opera house, haunted by a Phantom, the show is famous for its songs including “Music of the Night” and “Think of Me”. The show has also been made in to a movie, shown in almost every country around the world and is currently in residence at the New York’s Majestic Theater.

3. Chicago – Enjoying a recent revival with the success of the Oscar-winning film, Chicago is another of the longest running shows to be shown on Broadway. The show was first produced in 1926, and was written by a journalist who had based it on real-life criminals. It was turned into a musical in 1975, and has enjoyed solid success, until its revival in 1996 when it went stratospheric.

Taking a Day Out in Coney Island

July 26, 2010

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Less than an hour away by train from Manhattan a very different world awaits. Coney Island has been engraved in collective memory though countless films, songs and popular culture references. Its famous amusement park and indeed the whole area fell into decay in the 1990s, but a over the past decade it has been spruced up and given a new lease of life.

It is during summer of course that Coney Island comes alive, as New Yorkers head to the Atlantic Coast to find some relief from the sweltering city. The famous Barnum and Bailey Circus sets up camp here every summer, this year with a show inspired by Coney

Coney Island in NY

Coney Island in NY

Island itself. Another big attraction is New York’s Aquarium and its walrus feedings. On Thursday evenings during summer free concerts will be held opposite the aquarium complex featuring top artists including Brenda Lee and The Beach Boys.   

Coney Island has traditionally been known for its oddities and even in the politically correct 21st century many of them are still around. ‘Shoot the Freak’ invites you to knock down, well human misfits. For more fun park nostalgia, check out Coney Island Arcade where original amusements such as Skee Ball and Pokeroo can be played. More memorabilia can be seen at the Coney Island Museum, which also shows old sci-fi and fantasy films and hosts talks on the history of Coney Island.

Of course the bracing Atlantic air is often good enough reason to head to Coney Island. Its famous boardwalk has been pleasing crowds for generations, and has earned its rightful place as a true New York icon.

Bright Lights-Big Screens

June 22, 2010

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New York City is renowned for outdoor summer entertainment and one of the most popular forms is open-air cinema. Whether it’s in a park or on a rooftop, the silver screen becomes almost as common in New York as hotdog stands in July and August.

The biggest and longest-running outdoor film festival is HBO Bryant Park, located behind New York’s Public Library. Starting On June 21st and continuing through to the end of August, movies will be screened every Monday night, kicking off with the James Bond classic Goldfinger.

At the movies in NYC

At the movies in NYC

If indie films and documentaries are more your thing, check out the program at Rooftop Films which, as the name suggests, presents underground films on the city’s rooftops together with a Q&A from the director.

New York’s summer film festivals often show movies that take the city as inspiration. Such is the case of the River to River festival (Elevated Acre, 55 Water Street) by the East River, which will show such classics as Broadway Danny Rose and Muppets Take Manhattan. One similar note, Habana Outpost festival on Fort Greene will show Fame, A Bronx Tale and Flashdance.

Families should not miss Movies Under the Bridge, a free series of blockbusters screened on the shores of Long Island Sounds. Beginning August 17th, popcorn is included in the (free) admission price.

Be part of the audience in NYC

May 25, 2010

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If there is one thing as synonymous with New York as hot dogs and yellow cabs, it is  live TV shows. Emblematic American programmes such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, David Letterman and many others are either taped or transmitted lived from the Big Apple, often with the city’s dramatic skyline blazing in the studio background.

Most of these shows need audiences and being part of them is a fun thing to do on your visit to New York (albeit perhaps you won’t see the they type of mayhem portrayed in 24 Rock, a comedy series about the making of a live variety show).

NYC Free shows

NYC Free shows

Tickets, which are free, are very much in demand by locals too, so you’ll need to be persistent and act quickly.

Good Morning America (ABC Network)

If you don’t mind heading to the Times Square studio at 7am, make a request for tickets well in advance via their website (www.abcnews.com). If not, arrive at the studio by 6:45am and try your luck for a standby ticket.

The View, (ABC Network)

If you are prepared to wait a year or two, you may be able to score tickets for The View, the hugely popular, all female panel discussion show led by Whoopi Goldberg. Apply now through the show’s website: http://theview.abc.go.com/

Late Show with David Letterman (CBS Network)

The holy grail of the live audience tickets, you can either register on-line or in person at the Ed Sullivan Theatre (where the show is taped) Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to noon, or on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. You’ll be called if you get lucky but its not over there; you’ll also have to answer a question about the show in order to get the tickets.

The Daily Show with John Stewart (Comedy Central)

My personal favourite for its mix of politics and irreverence, simply email requesttickets@thedailyshow.com for tickets. They are generally booked well in advance but give them a good reason why you should attend and you just may get lucky.

Other Live Events in New York City

There are always a number of live events and many of which are free and others do cost. Events such as the frequent Belly dance Intensive workshops run by Madam Raqia Hassan are certainlt worth considering.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens: NYC’s ‘other’ great park

May 3, 2010

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Central Park is one of the joys of the New York; a vast green space that is a vital counterpoint to the relentless urbanism of the rest of the city. But across the Brooklyn Bridge lies another magnificent park that equals it in term of beauty.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens date from the late 19th century and cover 39 acres in Park Slope, the most genteel and

Botanic Gardens in Brooklyn

Botanic Gardens in Brooklyn

elegant part of Brooklyn that is famous for its wide avenues and historic brownstones.

Soon after inauguration the Japanese Garden, one of its most charming features, was installed, followed by a rock garden, a children’s garden, a glasshouse, lily pond and various other gifts that make up this incredibly diverse and magical park.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are renowned for their specialist ‘gardens within the gardens’ which range from avenues replete with cherry trees to a plaza filled with magnolias, a magnificent rose garden and an English cottage garden (called ‘The Shakespeare Garden) and a fragrance garden.

But nature aside, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens also hosts an incredibly active calendar of educational and cultural activities. For example, until early May you could come and celebrate Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry tree appreciation, or take a tour of the blooming plants of spring.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, New York are open Tuesday–Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee for adults is $8 (children under 12 enter free).

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