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Shimmie Horn

Manhattan’s Heliport History

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Manhattan’s west side boasts a heliport at West 30th Street.  It first opened with two landing pads in 1956.  A few months later, passenger flights were scheduled by New York Airways, marking Manhattan’s first ever airline flights. Given that there are no instrument procedures required (it’s not an airport) those boating in the Hudson River need to be particularly careful when approaching the landing pad.

For those vacationing in the area, at Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel, the Clarion Hotel, or anywhere else in the vicinity, they might be interested in taking a tourist flight out there.  Remember, the estimated time for the heliport to relocate, is the end of this year, due to a court agreement which resulted from the action taken by the Friends of Hudson River Park that enforced the Hudson River Park Act, banning tourism flights from there.  So enjoy it now as it’s new location has yet to be confirmed.

Shimmie Horn

Fashion in Manhattan

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New York City is known for its fashion.  From popular TV shows to dramatic catwalks, New York is one of the major fashion cities of the world.  What is perhaps less well-known is the Garment District – aka The Garment Center/Fashion District that sits between Fifth and Ninth Avenue, spanning 34th to 42nd Street.  If you happen to have some time spare this summer – perhaps you are vacationing at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, the American Inn, or the Bryant Park Hotel – you might want to take advantage of being in one of the world centers for fashion.

Indeed, this isn’t something new.  The Garment District got its name back in the earth 20th century, being seen as the center for fashion design and manufacturing in America, and perhaps worldwide too.  Today, the area comprises most of New York’s showrooms, fashion labels and fashion process, making it a worldwide leader in the fashion industry in one single district.

Chandler Hotel

Taking a Tour around Stuyvesant Town

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If you want to take a complete mental and physical break from the hubbub of New York City without actually having to venture out too far, Stuyvesant Town—Peter Cooper Village should be the next stop on your agenda.

Named after Peter Stuyvesant – the New Amsterdam’s Dutch colony’s final Director General – the area has been described as one of the most successful post-World War 2 private housing communities.  It got the name Peter Stuyvesant as it was his farm that occupied the site in the 17th century.  Its other name – Peter Cooper Village – came from the founder of Cooper Union, inventor Peter Cooper.

It is also very picturesque. Comprising a whole slew of red brick apartment buildings that span First Avenue to Avenue C, between 14th and 23rd Streets, it covers approximately 80 acres of land.  Included in this are: 56 residential buildings, 11,250 apartments, all housing more than 25,000 residents.

So the next time you find yourself somewhere in the big city – perhaps luxuriating in Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Chandler – take a walk over to Manhattan’s East Side in New York City and get away from the hubbub of happenings, for which the Big Apple is commonly-known.

Shimmie Horn

Time for a New York Vacation

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The summer has just begun so it must be time for a vacation.  If you are in the privileged position of being able to spend some time in one of New York’s luxurious hotels, such as Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois New York, or the Millennium Broadway Hotel, then it wouldn’t be right to not also take in a Broadway show.

A production that has been on stage since April of last year but is still bringing in the theatergoers stars Sutton Foster, in Anything Goes.    Showing at the Stephen Sondheim Theater, this is a remake of the original production shown back in 1934.

But what’s it all about?  Well, true to its title, Anything Goes is exactly that, so the audience has to be prepared for, well, pretty much anything.  One might have to lower their standards for clever jokes and general intelligence, and one shouldn’t be trying to comprehend a complex plot, but if one is willing, one should definitely be in for a fun evening entertainment.

Shimmie Horn

Be a Kid at the Museum of Natural History

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If you happen to be vacationing in the Upper West Side, and are staying at Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Belleclaire, the Lucerne, the Excelsior Hotel, or any other luxurious accommodation in the area, you might want to take a stroll down 81st Street to check out the Museum of Natural History.  This is a great visit for the whole family – kids will love it – and there is just so much to see and explore for all ages.  Some people have even compared it to NYC’s MET.

The museum boasts special exhibitions, an IMAX theatre; space shows; planetarium and more.  For any kid (or adult) who has just seen dinosaurs in books, this is the place to go; it’s simply outstanding.  And ultimately, for any adult who is tired of doing the grown-up thing, go to this museum – again and again – and let the child in you come out and say hi to the Journey of the Stars and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Shimmie Horn

Hummusology in NYC

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Next time you find yourself luxuriating in a top boutique New York hotel like the Hilton or Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel on West 51st Street, you might want to take some time out from high class dining and take in a lesson on hummusology at the local Hummus Kitchen.  Located on Ninth Avenue, here you can check out different ways of consuming the traditional Middle Eastern chickpea-based spread or trying other popular dishes from the culture including: Babaganush; The Falafel; Bureka and Couscous Tabule, to name but a few.

For a fuller meal enjoy the Moroccan Laffa (made with roasted chicken, hummus – of course! – mild Harisa sauce, cucumbers and parsley) or the popular Seni’ya Platter (a traditional stew of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with onion, parsley and spices, topped with white Tahini and pine nuts).

Whatever dish you choose from the Hummus Kitchen, you won’t return to your hotel hungry or disappointed by the cultural dining experience.

Chandler Hotel, Shimmie Horn

The Jazz Standard for Smoking Music and Meals

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Visit the Jazz Standard for Great Music

Music is the message at the Jazz Standard, located at 116 East 27th Street, a short walk from Shimmie Horn’s Chandler Hotel. Directed to a large spectrum of music lovers, the Jazz Standard has something for everyone. With two shows each evening, the first set is a bit earlier for people coming back from business meetings, or on their way home after work, making it easy and convenient to relax with some great sounds to finish off the day.

Shows are seven days a week, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, with a third set on Friday and Saturday nights at 11:30pm.

The music is varied from show to show. The comfortable, intimate setting lets listeners enjoy anything from classic jazz to funk, R&B, blues and more. On hand can be well-known veterans of the music scene or not-yet-famous musicians ready to toot their horns to please their audience. Along with the music patrons can enjoy a delicious meal of perfectly smoked barbecue from the award-winning Blue Smoke BBQ.

Call the Jazz Standard for more information: 212-576-2232.
 

Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

The West Side Wonder of DeWitt Clinton Park

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DeWitt Clinton Park War Memorial

Snuggled among the businesses and residences on the Manhattan’s West Side, between 54th and 52nd Streets and 12th and 11th Avenues, is a lovely bit of green known as DeWitt Clinton Park.

Named after ten-term New York City mayor, and New York State Governor of eight years, the park memorializes this visionary and life-long politician. Perhaps Clinton’s most inspired idea was to implement the innovative Manhattan grid-system in 1811; but what he is best known for is his planning and promotion of the great, State-funded, Erie Canal.

Park facilities include a dog run, baseball fields, a garden of perennials, basketball and handball courts and the Erie Canal playground which was newly renovated in 1996.

DeWitt Clinton Park is a great oasis of green to visit if you happen to be staying at Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, which is just a short distance away on 51st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Central Park Walking Tours: The Best Way to See New York in the Spring

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Northwoods of Central Park

As the long, cold winter dissipates and the gorgeous New York spring takes hold, why not treat yourself to one of the loveliest activities the city has to offer, at the best time of year to do it: that is walk the park.

Since 1873 New York’s Central Park has been a destination for millions of residents and tourists alike. And why not? Beautiful meadows, incredible wildflowers, sensational blossoming trees, and a host of other attractions to bring pleasure to all your senses just abound within the confines of this mother of all urban parks.

Since the park is so large and complex, with many hidden treasures and tucked-away delights, we recommend that an expert take you to explore the highlights of this wonderful location. Central Park Walking Tours is just the tour group to show you the best the park has to offer.

Next time you are staying in New York, especially if you are at Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Belleclaire, be sure to explore the wonders of the historic and inspiring Central Park.

Iroquois Hotel

Brooklyn Diner Tastes Like Home

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Times Square Brooklyn Diner

Heading out to Times Square and looking for a New York eatery with real personality? You are in luck, because the Brooklyn Diner at 155 West 43rd Street at Times Square is just what you are looking for.

Patrons will experience an authentic encounter with some of the most beloved foods of the American cuisine scene, with a special emphasis on the attitude found throughout the major neighborhoods of Brooklyn.  The ethnic kaleidoscope on hand is a United Nations of flavors and styles ‘just like mom used to make, ” including Jewish, Italian, Irish and much, much more.

And no need to “clean your plate” in order to get dessert, either. The desserts are mind-blowing affairs designed to send you practically back to the womb.

Anyone staying at Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Iroquois should stroll on over to Times Square, just a few short blocks away, and relive your childhood at the Brooklyn Diner.