New York is a glorious haven for art patrons around the world. Known well throughout the world as one of the best places to go for the arts, New York City pleases the visual senses with its vast array of art museums starting with the The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum holds over 2 million works of art - some of which are the most sought after and famous pieces of art in the world. Spanning over 5,000 years, the museum houses American and European art, as well as beautiful collections from Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece and much more. This is truly heaven to art lovers around the globe. Here you can get lost and be found all in the same breath. It’s magnificent not only in its collection, but in it’s own architectural stature. Founded in 1870, this historical New York City landmark (located on along Fifth Avenue in Central Park) has been a great location for movies, including Hitch.
The list is almost infinite when it comes to museums to visit in New York City, but other museums you won’t want to miss are the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. You may even want to brush up on some Geology, study meteorites or fossils, or learn about life in the ocean at the American Museum of Natural History (one of my favorite New York museums). If you visit now through May 2007, catch the breathtaking Butterfly Conservatory or through January 2007 see Yellowstone to Yukon – as showcase of landscapes and threats to wild animals.
If you want to spend some time in Central Park, plan ahead and decide what you want to see and do because the park spans from 59th St. to 110th St. and is 843 acres! In the winter, you have your choice of 2 skating rinks. The Central Park Zoo, the famous restaurant, Tavern on the Green, the Belvedere Castle and 54 statues of historical figures and fictional characters are just a few of the many things to see in the park.
Speaking of site seeing, sometimes you can’t help but be a tourist in the Big Apple, so a word to the wise— map out which sites are on your must-see list and plan to get there early or buy tickets in advance, if possible. Also consider how long each attraction may take. If you are set on a trip to see Lady Liberty, factor in the ferry ride to Staten Island, or the long elevator line to the top of the Empire State Building.
Broadway is one of the most famous streets in New York City. Located in midtown Manhattan, Broadway is situated in the heart of the Theater District. Here is where the magic happens for many starry-eyed performers. To make it here means that you’ve “made it”. When you come to New York there is no way you should leave without going to a show (check out www.broadway.com - they have a spot to click on last minute availability for shows that are typically sold old). Currently, there are many shows that are not to be missed – Wicked, The Producers and The Color Purple. Other classics that are running are Hairspray, The Lion King, Chicago and Mamma Mia. There’s nothing like getting all dolled up and enjoying a fabulous night on Broadway with the girls!
New York is more than alive at night, and you have plenty to choose from to keep the party going all night long! A hot spot for the girls of Sex and the City is the West Chelsea Nightclub District. Talk about places to see and be seen! Check out famed clubs like Bungalow 8, Home and Bed just to name a few. One of the newest additions to the area is Pre:Post. This before and after restaurant/lounge is a cozy place to meet up with friends to get the party started with a few cocktails and dinner; or where you want to end up after dancing the night away. Pre:Post features a great dinner menu as well as tempting late night fare, including detox drinks to cure you of the night’s libations!
Another recommendation is Central Lounge, located in Astoria. Restaurant by day and lounge by night with energizing music, Central Lounge has an outdoor courtyard open in the Spring and Summer with a European theme. Try the Gummy Bear Martinisto or a wine from their wine cellar!
You can easily get overwhelmed with all that New York has to offer, but you definitely have plenty to choose from! If the big city seems like too much to tackle on your own, keep an eye on our Events page for the Sex and the City tour this Spring!
