Category: Tourism

Entertainment, Environment, Fitness, NY News, Restaurants, Technology, Tourism

Latte & Laundry

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Vacationing in New York City is always fun. But sometimes the real-life chores like laundry and groceries can confound even the most seasoned traveler.

The Celsious laundromat in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is changing all of that. Sisters Corinna and Theresa Williams opened the new laundromat-café combination, It is a warm, friendly, environmentally-aware space where New Yorkers and tourists can relax, enjoy a coffee, and grab some food.

The laundry is customer and community focused, with regular open-to-the-public events held in the bright, airy, well decorated venue. Upstairs, in the mezzanine, the Clean Café offers an enticing café menu. With an outdoor sitting area in the garden, customers can catch some quiet outdoor time while waiting for the rinse cycle to end. The food is prepared by a nutritionist- chef and the coffee is roasted by Caffe Vita, a roaster committed to working with farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Celsious washers and dryers feature energy-efficient technology.

grab a latte while your laundry gets done
Entertainment, Featured, NY News, Tourism

New York is No Joke(r)

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The blockbuster movie “Joker” hit theaters in October. And while the Oscar buzz about the film continues to circulate, the stairs in the movie are emerging as a new New York City tourist attraction.

The stairs connect Shakespeare and Anderson avenues at West 167th Street in the Bronx.

Be like Joker in New York City

Just like no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to the “Rocky” stairs, your next visit to New York should include at least a few instagrammable shots at Joker’s steps. While in the Bronx you can also visit the famous Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

NY News, Technology, Tourism, Transportation

Traveling in New York City Just Got Easier

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The subway has always been a preferred method for traversing New York City. And now making your way from one city attraction to another has gotten significantly easier.

Swipe or Tap

Plastic, rechargeable MetroCards replaced tokens over 20 years ago. Today, city subway and bus passengers can use an even more hi-tech contactless alternative: Omny (One Metro New York).

Riders can tap their way into a selection of subway stations and buses through contactless bankcards or payment platforms on mobile or wearable devices. The innovative system was unveiled in May 2019 in a number of stations on the 4,5, 6 lines between Grand Central-42 Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, as well as all Staten Island buses. By 2023, OMNY will be the only payment option in all New York City subways. Until then, most stations offer a variety of options.

Belleclaire Hotel, Chandler Hotel, Cosmopolitan Hotel – Tribeca, Entertainment, Evelyn Hotel, Frederick Hotel, Iroquois Hotel, NY News, Restaurants, The Edison Hotel, The Evelyn, Tourism, Tribeca, Triumph Hotels

Have the Ultimate New York Winter Experience

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It is busy, it is bustling, it is even a bit brassy, but New York City winter is also irresistible. Here are some tips to have the best time in New York City this (and every) winter season.

New York City winter lights

Plan Ahead: Do your research and get as many reservations on the books as early as possible. Tables at that new place(s) you want to try, rooms at the hotel in the midst of all the action, tickets to the show(s) you want to see…get it all in advance.  

Come Prepared: The previous tip notwithstanding, expect long lines and crowded attractions. Dress in layers and bundle up warmly. It can get mighty cold outside as you visit many of the outdoor attractions, especially those that are prettiest at night.

Turn on the Glitz: Midtown Manhattan is the center of New York’s winter fete. Trek up trendy Fifth Avenue from 40th St to Central Park and see all the lights and glamour. Go to Saks Fifth Avenue’s light display, Tiffany’s dazzling diamonds, and the iconic trees at Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and others.

Make a List: Check it Twice: New York’s winter markets are charming venues worth exploring. They are filled with local artists and designers selling gifts and trinkets that you and your family will adore. Grand Central Terminal holds a unique Holiday Fair, in the stunning Vanderbilt Hall, focusing on socially responsible business and handmade craft gifts.

The wind-down of every calendar year is an exciting time in New York City. Come enjoy the post-Thanksgiving magical air; see the city transformed into a singing, dancing, sparkling Tinseltown.

Entertainment, Fashion, NY News, Technology, Tourism, Tribeca

Take Heed: New York Fashion Week is Coming

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Plans are well underway for New York’s winter Fashion Week scheduled for February 6-13, 2020 in Spring Street Studios, a venue in lower Manhattan.

With its glamorous cast of models, exuberant palette of colors, and high-energy environment, Fashion Week is always an exciting time to be in New York. And there is good news for all the fashionistas and style trendsetters who haven’t been invited to the main event(s). Whether looking to experience the marvel of New York in the winter, or staying in the cozy comforts of home, New York Fashion Week is only as far as the nearest smartphone. Heed, an app offering real-time, closeup glimpses of the looks and designs on the runway this winter.

Once reserved for fashion insiders, big-name stars of Hollywood, and models, New York Fashion Week is now accessible to any Heed user. The app allows users to watch the models backstage and on the runway, buy certain pieces immediately after the show, chat with industry leaders and stylists, and get opinions from fashion mavens.

Chandler Hotel, Entertainment, Featured, NY News, Tourism, Transportation, Triumph Hotels

New York Through Instagram’s Lense

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New York City is full of noteworthy places to take fun and beautiful pictures. With so many quaint corners and iconic buildings, it is no wonder that Big Apple has so many Instagram-worthy spots for any visitor. Try these top picks:

#1: #GrandCentral—  Not all train stations are created equal. Grand Central Terminal is an international architectural beauty known for its glorious façade and remarkable main lobby.

#2: #FlatIronBuilding—the building, shaped like a common household appliance, was designed in 1902 by architect Daniel Burnham and remains one of Manhattan’s most memorable landmarks to this day.

#3: #DUMBO—an acronym for the Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO), this history-filled ex-warehouse neighborhood is now home to art galleries and artisanal coffee shops.

#4: #TheOculus—standing where the 9/11 attacks occurred, The Oculus is a transport hub and the new World Trade Center. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the building is an impressive and significant site for Insta stories.

#5: #WallStreet – get up close and personal with the legendary Charging Bull or just walk around the cobblestone streets.

#6: #NYPublicLibrary—continuing on the animal-sightings, come snap a picture with the celebrated Library Lions standing guard outside the third largest library in the world.

Between photo shoots, whether you are looking for a place to sleep or a place to eat, you should check out any of the Triumph Hotels or Hotel Chandler in Manhattan. Luxurious amenities alongside personalized service make them the perfect option on an instagramable tour of New York. Chic, trendy, and tasteful, these hotels are great for tourists or veteran New Yorkers.

Entertainment, Featured, NY News, Restaurants, Tourism, Tribeca

Economy Candy: Manhattan’s Very Own Sugar Rush Shop

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Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Economy Candy, is THE haven for sweet-toothed candy lovers. And it isn’t your typical candy shop.

The store is stocked with floor-to-ceiling displays of over 2,000 different types of candies from all over the world, even candy that isn’t made anymore.

illustrative photo of candy likely offered at Economy Candy

The store first “opened” in 1937 as a candy cart in front of Morris “Moishe” Cohen’s hat and shoe repair shop. During the Great Depression, Moishe’s cart offered gratifying sweet treats to recently laid-off workers.

Economy Candy has remained in the Cohen family for over eight decades. Moishe’s son Jerry and his wife Ilene took over the candy shop in the 80’s and ran it together for over 30 years. Now their son Mitchell operates the place with his wife. Mitchell began working at the shop on weekends as a reprieve from his demanding Wall Street job. Eventually, he realized he wanted to be in the family business full-time. “Nothing is dull in here. There is so much variety. So much color,” said Mitchell.

He is committed to making every customer happy. “If you don’t see it, it’s probably not made anymore – but I will find it for you,” he says.

So whether you are looking for German Haribo gummy candies, or you want to try one of the nine varieties of Japanese KitKats, or if you have a hankering for some other sweet confection from your youth, make sure to visit Economy Candy on your next trip to downtown Manhattan.

Environment, NY Environment, NY News, Tourism

See New York for all its Colors

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New York is bursting with gorgeous fall colors. The trees are alight with deep reds, bright oranges, warm yellows, and strong greens.

New York City’s Department of Parks and Recreation has launched “Fall for NYC,” a festival of Fall with events throughout October across the five boroughs. You can enjoy hiking trails, foliage tours, and exciting activities for the whole family.

Fall 2019, in particular, is slated to be one of the most spectacular fall seasons ever. The wet summer days soaked the city’s trees, setting them up for fantastic foliage displays in October and November. The forecast for cool, clear nights throughout these months also means that the trees will continue to display their spectacular rainbow of beauty straight up to winter.

Entertainment, Featured, Frederick Hotel, Iroquois Hotel, NY News, Shimmie Horn, The Edison Hotel, The Evelyn, Tourism, Washington Jefferson Hotel

Summer of 2019: Record Tourism in NYC

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Times Square, New York City

Nearly 67 million people came to New York City in the summer months of 2019. That is close to two million more visitors than in 2018. It is also the 10th consecutive year of rising tourism according to Fred Dixon, the chief executive of NYC & Company, the city’s tourism marketing agency.

The surge in New York tourism is likely due to several high profile events, including the NYC Film Festival, WorldPride celebration, City Farm Summer, and others. The reopening of the Museum of Modern Art this month will also draw visitors to the city, Mr. Dixon said.

Those visiting the city are looking to have a good time. They want top-tier accommodations, prime experiences, and reasonable prices. As New York continues to offer a wide range of exciting opportunities, from the culinary to the cultural, the fashion to the fun, hotels like the Edison in Times Square, or the Washington Jefferson Hotel in the theater district and the Iroquois in Midtown offer ideal hospitality close to all the action. Hotel owner Shimmie Horn works hard to ensure that all guests enjoy all that New York City has to offer.

Fashion, Restaurants, Tourism

Hell’s Kitchen: New York City’s Trending Travel Destination

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Not too long ago, Hell’s Kitchen was a New York City neighborhood to be avoided. Named for the squalid living conditions experienced by 19th and 20th century immigrant residents and the trendy Meatpacking District once home to 250 slaughterhouses, was ruled by gangs and seedy businesses. Today, Hell’s Kitchen is a fun, safe, and fascinating place to visit on any trip to New York.

Towering skyscrapers, glossy office buildings, and lavish condominium projects have taken over the neighborhood.  Hudson Yards, the largest private development in U.S. history, has made Hell’s Kitchen one of New York’s most coveted addresses. Alongside the new corporate, retail, and living spaces in Hudson Yards, the site is also emerging as a cultural landmark with the Shed Concert Hall, a half-billion-dollar dynamic venue that can be opened or closed depending on the weather and type of performance. The Edge, a sightseeing observatory on the 100th floor of the tallest Hudson Yards tower, is set to extend 65 feet over the edge of the building and feature a partial glass floor. While that skyscraper is still under construction, high-end shops, including luxury department store Neiman Marcus, are already open for business. Several chic new restaurants such as the pricy and lauded Queensyard and Wild Ink, serve delicious meals with international flair.  

The parks are packed with New Yorkers and tourists, all taking selfies with and in the city’s newest icons and backdrops. Art museums, fashion designers, and chic galleries host millions of visitors each year. The High Line, a popular green trail on the now-defunct railway platforms, sweeps across 15 blocks as a beautiful swath of native plants and wild grasses, colorful flowers, and blossoming orchards.

Stretching between 34th to 59th streets, from Eighth Avenue to the Hudson River, Hell’s Kitchen offers endless tourist opportunities from sunrise to sunset. It is packed with must-see attractions and must-try eateries. Enjoy!