It’s true that New York is not the cheapest city for entertainment but on the other hand, there are many activities that can be enjoyed for free. One doesn’t need to buy a yacht to enjoy the Hudson River since the Downtown Boathouse provides a way for people to cruise city waterways along the Hudson River…and doesn’t charge for the experience!
There is also the North River Lobster Company offering something similar as well at the 25 minute trip of the Staten Island Ferry. Don’t forget the Governors Island Ferry that is free between 10 and 11.30am on weekends.
So one can cool off in Manhattan without spending a dime!
Category: Entertainment
Kids, New Yorkers and Their Art
Madison Square Park is hosting an art workshop – for families – on two days’ time. It’s free and is suitable for the entire family. It recommended if there is parental supervision for the workshop.
The Fata Morgana Family Art Workshop will educate participants about Fata Morgana – the monumental outdoor sculpture with “500 feet of golden, mirror-polished discs that create canopies above the pathways around the park’s central Oval Lawn.”
For kids looking for something less artsy and more animal based, Madison Square Park still has something to offer: the free activities in the park throughout the summer, such as Spirit Animals and Pinch Pot Pet (both on July 20).
Apartment ‘Pop-Up’ in New York City
For those who always used to look forward to their weekly Seinfeld installment, they can now enjoy the apartment in which most episodes took place right in New York City.
A pop-up of the apartment rented by Jerry in the show in the Upper West Side is now open to the public for viewing. Fans can play an interactive part like Costanza’s Valentine’s Day photo shoot, or Kramer’s infamous “barge in” entrance that used to take place in most of the shows.
Although the show was said to have taken place in the Upper West Side, this pop up replica is situated in actuality at 451 West 14th Street, a few miles south of the area.
Midler in Manhattan
Divine Intervention is coming to Manhattan. Or, more precisely, Bette Midler and her tour. Featuring material from It’s the Girls (her new album) as well as other parts of her long-term career, this show has fun costume changes and sets, classics she is known for including Wind Beneath My Wings (from the famed Thelma and Louise movie) as well as her risqué bath house humor.
In addition, since her latest album – It’s the Girls – is a tribute to girl power, this would make a perfect trip for a true girl’s night out (such as a bachelorette party) at Madison Square Garden. Manhattan is a great place to see Bette Midler given her duet, ‘Manhattan’ with Rod Stewart.
For those who miss the Manhattan shows, they can catch it in Brooklyn at the Barclay Center.
New York Summer Fun
There is so much to do in the Big Apple. And in the summer the calendar gets even busier. Of course Central Park is always a classic, but here we look at other potential hot spots over the course of the next few months.
With festivals, carnivals, and more, New York City is the place to be. The Pier A Harbor House in Manhattan is has a spectacular beer garden, where one can enjoy a pint of Guinness, or a Long Hall Lager, while taking in the Zen of the sunset and panoramic views.
For views of the Hudson River, take in a latte while basking in some culture at the Studio Café, located in the Whitney Museum of Modern Art and for those who prefer the aesthetics of the East River, the Brooklyn Barge Bar is a great place to visit.
And then of course there are the more active delights in the city, such as Central Park’s Amazing Scavenger Hunt that operates every day from 10am until 7 30pm, enabling tourists and natives alike to uncover true gems that are often missed completely at the park.
So get out the sunscreen, put on your sun hat and discover the thrills of New York in the summer of 2015.
Tribeca Film Festival
Last week saw the start of the Tribeca Film Festival. It is not very typical as film festivals go. It doesn’t feel the need to beg for attention as it were, like international ones such as Berlin, New York, or Cannes do. It is rather, a total celebration of communal life, documenting art movies, indie pop films and more that will likely appeal to a variety of tastes.
Over the years the festival has had more and less items. For example there were 176 movies in 2005 but then that figure was slashed to 85 four years later. This year it is somewhere in between and 100+ movies will be shown at theaters in neighboring areas.
“Good Kill” by Andrew Niccol is getting a lot of attention – very exciting docudrama focusing on drone warfare with Ethan Hawke. For some humor, check out Paul Weitz’s “Grandma.”
So for those in the area who like a bit of culture, the Tribeca Film Festival is well worth a visit.
Upcoming Festivities in the Upper West Side
Over the Christmas season, NYC & Company will be making amendments to its Upper West Side Neighborhood x Neighborhood campaign. The reason being, that it’s a major happening place for seasonal festivities. Both visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy activities between West 97th Street to 62nd and Broadway. Indeed, the city wants people to come and take part. As NYC and Company’s VP of Borough Promotion and Engagement pointed out:
“The Upper West Side is one of the most festive neighborhoods during the holidays, and we encourage everyone to explore this family-friendly and culturally rich destination throughout the winter.”
Some of the enticing attractions include: The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet, Holiday Cheer for RUV concert at the Beacon Theater and origami holiday tree that can be found at the American Museum of Natural History.
There sure is something very special about Christmas on the Upper West Side.
Welcome to Spa Castle!
Spa Castle is about to open in Manhattan for the first time. Measuring in at 39, 000 square feet, Spa Castle Premier has quite a Manhattan vibe about it. Spa Castle Original – located in Queens on a quiet street – doesn’t have the same flair, but that could be due to location. What happens in Manhattan has to have an extra level of culture and pizzazz.
Manhattan’s Spa Castle Premier has that polished feel, typical to many Manhattan buildings. Grab a cocktail from the pool bar and enjoy the glittering lights. Then luxuriate in the saunas.
Manhattan could definitely do with additional relaxation outlets. The most densely-populated of the five boroughs in New York, it is not the most stress-free place to live. Too much time is focused on being in the rat race. This is a great way to unwind and enjoy the ride!
Jackman Returns to Broadway
Atomic at Acorn Theatre
Last week ‘Atomic’ opened at the Acorn Theatre. Located on 410 West 42nd Street, the show will run until August 16, starring Sara Gettelfinger, Randy Harrison, Jeremy Kushnier and Euan Morton. It is directed by Damien Gray.
The story of ‘Atomic’ is about a group of top scientists trying to create the world’s first ever Atomic Bomb through the government-funded Manhattan Project. Kushnier is the brains behind it, but has a conflict of conscience. But when someone believes in him, he finds it incredible just how much he can achieve.
The production boasts 18 original songs and is an “exhilarating look at a stark and controversial subject.”