Wonderful Town, Indeed: Our Top 5 New York Recs

Oct. 15 2012

Wonderful Town, Indeed: Our Top 5 New York Recs

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | 4 Comments

When Jim and I go out of town, we often get away to it all rather than from it all. As such, New York is one of our favorite vacation spots. Here are our Top 5 NYC recs!

5. Take the subway or walk whenever possible. Both will afford you a wealth of people-watching opportunities! Besides, cabs are slow and expensive. Walking (whether outdoors or in the train station) is great exercise. Saving money and burning a few calories will help you enjoy everything else on this list!

4. Visit Coney Island. The amusement areas have been redeveloped and the old Astroland park entrance is gone, but this historic beach community still retains its retro charm and attracts people of all ages, from all walks of life. Roller coaster fans can enjoy a bone-rattling ride on the Cyclone, while those seeking slightly gentler thrills (complete with a spectacular view of the beach and the neighborhood) should head for the Wonder Wheel. We do both and make a point of getting into a sliding car on the latter. If you’re hungry, according to Jim, Nathan’s hot dogs are still fabulous. I’ll vouch for their clam chowder and lobster rolls. Yum!

3. Go vintage shopping. The selection of retro clothing, jewelry, and home goods in this city is truly astounding. Sure, some dealers charge astronomical prices, but plenty don’t. Over the years, we’ve made numerous amazing finds (and gotten some exceptional deals) at the Antiques Garage Flea Market, the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, and the Showplace Antique Center.

2. Eat great food! Skip the touristy restaurants and trend traps. National chains? Bacon in everything? Giant yawn; those can be found anywhere. We’re big fans of Bagel Boss, Eataly, I Coppi, Shalel, Flex Mussels, Cafe Fiorello, and Oceana.

1. Most obvious thing on this list: take in some culture. For live performances, the usual suspects are, of course, great: Lincoln Center, especially the Metropolitan Opera, the Public Theater, and, of course, Broadway. If you’re looking for something a little different, we recommend The Slipper Room on a night when they’re featuring old-school burlesque. Museum-wise, the biggies (Metropolitan Museum, Guggenheim, etc) are justifiably world-famous, but we suggest you check out the Neue Galerie as well.

Here’s a pic I took of the Wonder Wheel a couple of years ago. Remember, be sure to ride in a sliding car!