the big apple

Summer is approaching! Sure, the beach is one place to spend the summer months, but why not take a less conventional approach and use this summer to enjoy NYC (I know I will be!). There is tons to do during the summer months …

Instead of lounging in the sand, grab a blanket and tan on the Great Lawn in Central Park! There’s so much packed into this tranquil spot in the city, and this is the perfect season to take advantage of it all. Visit the official website for information on special attractions & events.

(Credit: here)

The summer is also a great time to enjoy some live music (well, anytime of year is, but atleast in the summer there should be more free time to do so), so check out this list of concerts in the city (many are free/open to the public in various city parks). There are tons to search through, but I would recommend the free concerts that appear on the TODAY show (you get to see great must for free AND have the chance to pop up on television, if you don’t mind waking up early). A complete listing of the summer TODAY show concerts can be found here.

(Credit: here)

Another must see this summer is Coney Island. The official website has plenty of information regarding directions/events/attractions/etc. Coney Island has a long history and it’s just a fun place to spend a day with tons of really unique and slightly risque attractions. Ride the cyclone, enjoy some junk food, roam the museum (admission is only 99 cents!), see the mermaid parade. If you go on July Fourth you can catch a glimpse of the annual hot-dog-eating contest, an important part of Coney’s history!

(Credit: here)

I was browsing some fun city-oriented websites, and I came across a “This is New York City” section on the NYC VISIT website. It’s a special section that helps plan a trip to the city for the infrequent visitor. You must register to use the features, but registering only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve done that, you can plan your trip, selecting what appeals to you based on location/price/descriptions. Every attraction is divided into categories [hotel, dining, shopping, culture, nightlight, & events] to make your planning easier. This program can map out the route to take to see everything you desire. You can even restrict your trip to certain dates, allowing the program to show you what special events are available at that time.

Also, don’t forget to take the quiz to find out what kind of New Yorker you are. It allows the program to tailor the attractions offered to your tastes. (According to the site, I am a “romantic”, what are you?)

(Credit: NYC VISIT)

ALSO: The Pope will be in town this weekend (Friday - Sunday). He will be doing all sorts of memorable things, such as paying his respects at Ground Zero. For those Catholics/others who would have been interested, it’s too late to get tickets to attend his public mass at Yankee Stadium. However, it’s still kind of cool to be in the city the same weekend as the Pope, right?

Wednesday is preceptorial advising, which means there is no class! I’m sure most of us have to visit with our preceptors, but for those who don’t or have an early appointment … There is a whole day to do what we please! So instead of staying inside doing work (like I’m sure most of us should), it’s a perfect day trip. A day trip where? Well, the city of course!

The Bronx Zoo just started its spring/summer hours, and as always WEDNESDAYS ARE FREE (well, its actually a donation of your choosing, but close enough). The zoo is a fun way to spend a day, cause you really are never too old. It’s huge, and there is a lot of walking to be done, so dress comfortably and get there early to see it all. For more information visit the official website.

(Credit: here)

It’s officially spring, which means that it’s also officially baseball season! Sure, there are teams in cities all over the U.S., but New York has some powerful teams and a rich sports history, which makes attending a game there an exciting event. So whether you like the Mets, or that other NY team, a game is a fun way to spend a few hours. Personally, I have been recruited as a Mets fan from a friend who is a die-hard fan, and even though I know little about the sport, I’ve had a ton of fun at Shea Stadium. For those “ballin’ on a budget” (like myself), tickets can be cheap (I paid $16). The skyscraper seats can be just as fun as those closer to the field (you get a great ariel view of the field and much shorter bathroom lines). So consider spending a few hours in Yankee or Shea stadium, either routing for or against the NYC team of your choice, it will certainly be a fun experience.

METS SCHEDULE & TICKET INFO: here
YANKEES SCHEDULE & TICKET INFO: here

(Credit: www.looptvandfilm.com)

As break comes to an end, I thought I’d suggest another fun (yet educational) thing to do in the city.

Bodies … The Exhibition, which is located at South Street Seaport, in definitely a unique experience. The exhibit features real human bodies preserved and dissected in various ways, allowing the visitor to see how the human body works in a way never seen before. It opened in 2005, and was supposed to be a limited time exhibit, but by popular demand it remains open today. There has been tons of controversy about where these bodies came from and the ethics of such a display, but despite orders for it to close the exhibit has remained open. Multiple exhibits are open in major cities around the world (including Washington, D.C.). Find out more information on the bodies by visiting the website: www.bodiestheexhibition.com.

The display is a bit expensive, but many discounts coupons are available to people if you search the internet.

(Credit: bodiestheexhibition)

Spring Break is coming! Sure, some people prefer to spend their time off lounging next to the ocean on a tropical island, but maybe that’s not your style, or it’s not in your budget. Have no fear, because there is much to do over the break that doesn’t require extensive travel/planning/money.

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner (Monday 3/17 to be exact), and that means that the SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE is also coming up. Running along Fifth Avenue on Monday morning, the 278th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is sure to be a great time. Delicious food, festive music, green beverages, exciting performances, and more.

Not “genetically” Irish? Don’t worry … On Saint Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish !

FORMOREINFO: NYC Parade, NYC Visit

(CREDIT: NY.com)

Welcome to the blog! Look around, and you’ll get to know a little more about New York City and what it has to offer (and a little about me too!).

It might be a little dirty, but it does photograph well.