Category: Attractions

The gallery system in New York can be daunting for artists just starting out (or “emerging artists,” as they’re referred to within this insular world). If it’s not about who you know, it’s about how you look. Even worse, once you do manage to make a name for yourself, the industry demands that your work be consistent above all, so that you’ll have a recognizable style that’s simple enough for the most feeble-minded buyers to grasp. It’s enough to make an artist sell his studio and take up doing sidewalk murals for tips again. But there has also always been an undercurrent of true art, the art of the people, in New York and around the world. In recent years, a handful of arts collectives have managed to combine the modern gallery with the bohemian salon, in ways that are often daring and inspiring, and Cobble Hill’s Micro Museum is one of those collectives.

Since 1986, Micro Museum has been serving the community by offering a variety of programs and classes for children and adults, and by housing an impressive media archive, which now includes hundreds of pieces of digital and video artwork and a huge collection of 78 records donated by the Met (the art one, not the opera one). They also host regular Open Wall installations, where the public may submit artwork for display based on the cryptic themes of the upcoming shows (“Animals in Your Kingdom” and “DNA r’ US,” for example). Most importantly, they serve as an “arts incubator” for artists of truly mixed media, from dance to interactive sculpture (I’m sure there’s a more correct art term for the latter), allowing opportunities for struggling artists to develop their style and collaborate with others in a nurturing environment.

Micro Museum is only open to the public on Saturdays and during special events and openings, and unlike most New York galleries, they charge a two-dollar cover. I rarely recommend paying to view art, but the money goes to support the museum’s community programs, so I’m OK with it…this time. If you really want to get your money’s worth, stop by before closing – every Saturday from 5-7pm, gallery owners William and Kathleen Laziza, as well as the artists responsible for the work that’s currently on display, are on hand to lead a discussion and answer questions. The complimentary tea and light snacks served during these talks are a thoughtful touch considering the limitless appetites of the poverty-stricken Brooklyn artists and writers (like me) in attendance. Okay, I admit it, I go to art galleries for the free food. But this time, I actually looked at the art for more than ten minutes, and for me, that’s saying a lot!

The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the country. Often referred to as one of the greatest zoos, the animals can’t be given all of the credit; this award winning zoo has been on the cutting edge in its efforts to preserve wildlife around the world.

With over 4,000 animals on display, the Bronx Zoo offers its visitors the chance to see some of the most endangered species from around the world – as well as some of the more popular. All of the animals are housed in a natural and beneficial environment; in fact, some make you forget that you’re in a zoo all together. For instance, you can view the gorillas frolicking in their Congo Forest, or walk through an acre of land in an indoor Asian Rain Forest.

The Sea Lion Pool is always a popular attraction at the Bronx Zoo. The exhibit is very natural looking with rocky beaches, tidal pools, and islands that remind you of a California coastline. The Sea Lions are fed daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm…so make sure to check it out. After you’re all played out with the sea lions you should make a stop at the Big Bear exhibit. Three of the most famous grizzly bears are housed here; Archie, Betty, and Veronica. They have two swimming holes that they love to splash around in and you’ll have a great opportunity to get a close up look at them.

For the smaller guests there’s a children’s zoo that costs just $3.00 more to visit. It is a big adventure for them with more hands on experiences. The zoo also has a carousel for the kid that’s open all year round. If you need a little rest, take a ride on the monorail where you can relax while enjoying a visual tour of the Bronx Zoo

Getting There

If you choose to drive to the zoo, there is a daily $10 fee for parking. Alternatively, you could take the #2 or #5 train that will bring you within 2 ½ blocks of the zoo. There are also local buses as well as a free trolley that brings you right to the Bronx Zoo on the weekends.

Admission
Adults: $14.00
Seniors (65 +): $12.00
Children (Ages 3-12): $10.00

Often times, you’ll pass by thousands of people on a busy Manhattan day and never even notice them. You’re so busy working and living your life that you rarely have time to think about where they came from, or what brought them to New York City. Chances are half of the people you passed that day have some sort of roots to someone who came over to Ellis Island. Often regarded as a tourist spot, Ellis Island is a special place that literally allows you take a step back in time.

Located just minutes off of the Southern Tip of Manhattan, many of the cities residents have yet to take the quick ferry ride over to Ellis Island. If you’re one of these residents, then it is about time to go over there. It is a beautiful 27.5 acre site that takes you back to your family roots and quite possibly to ancestors that you might not know anything about. It’s believed that almost half of all the Americans living in the country have someone in their family tree that arrived via Ellis Island. That is quite an astounding number of people and you should really take the time to see if you were one of those people.

The museum itself is located in the main building of what used to be the immigration station. This is where the people coming into New York City were processed in from other countries. The museum offers self guided tours to show you where they stood and what took place. It explains how last names were changed because they couldn’t be understood, and how people left their old lives behind to start a new one here in the United States.

The wall of honor overlooks the Statue of Liberty and on that wall are the over 700,000 people that have come through those doors in search of a better life. It’s definitely worth the ferry ride to just glance at all the names, or possibly see a name that you might recognize.

Getting There

The Circle Line-Statue of Liberty ferry leaves from Battery Park everyday from 9am to 5pm. They offer extended hours in the summer to accommodate all the tourists as well. Your best bet is to plan the trip ahead of time to make sure you don’t have to wait in those long lines. Off season periods, such as winter and fall, are probably the best times to go to Ellis Island without running into hoards of tourists, although it’s still pretty busy year round. Taking a later ferry will also do wonders in alleviating some of the hassles you’ll encounter with early morning visits.

Often referred to as The Met by the locals, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. It’s hard to even refer to The Met as just a museum because it is so much more. Besides offering you looks at the some of the most amazing pieces of art from around the world, there’s quite an experience to be had here. From the classes they teach for adults, to the lectures, you can come to The Met and never have the same experience twice.

The art that lines the walls and rooms of The Metropolitan Museum of Art are really breathtaking….to say the least. There are both permanent and moving collections at the museum – including Impressionist Art, Sculptures, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Ritual Objects, and Islamic Art. That’s just a few of the many exhibits and/or artifacts on display at the museum.

Take advantage of one of the free guided tours offered by the museum. They’re available in many different languages so everyone can listen in. After your guided tour is over, you’re free to roam around the museum for hours. In fact, many people choose to just plop down and study the skillful art around them. Also available with museum admission are gallery talks. This is when some of the museum curators, advanced students of art, or independent scholars discus different aspects of the collections or special exhibits. If your love for art supersedes your love for anything else, then you definitely shouldn’t miss these comprehensive and informative talks.

If you have a passion for the arts but don’t quite know where to begin, you may want to consider taking an adult art class at The Met. It’s more than just a classroom; it is a classroom in the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art where you get hands on experience in learning and absorbing art. You’re taught by master instructors and it’ll allow you to see art in a whole new way. Some of the programs have fees, but there are quite a few that are free and only require registration.

Museum Fees:

Adults: $20
Seniors (65+): $15
Students: $10
Children (12 & Under): Free

Located in the heart of Central Park is one of America’s beloved animal attractions, the Central Park Zoo. Central Park began housing animals in the mid 1800’s, however it wasn’t until a century later, in 1988 when the Central Park Zoo began to take its current form. Natural animal habitats, educational programs, and natural exhibits have all helped to reshape the park into the amazing zoo that it is today. Today the Wildlife Conservation Society operates it, and they have made tremendous strides to ensure that the quality of animal life at the park is held in high regard. The Wildlife Conservation Society works with several other organizations to help protect endangered species.

Features

Manhattanites have been proud of the Central Park Zoo since it opened and it is a staple in New York’s culture. For those who are enjoying a day at the park, a trip to the zoo will bring great entertainment as well as much educational value to your excursion. You will be impressed to see the breeding programs that the zoo has enabled to help save many of the endangered species that reside at the zoo.

Things To Do

You’ll enjoy strolling through the habitats and viewing the different species. The zoo contains over five acres of wildlife preserve and the zoo has designated three regions. These regions or zones are, the Polar Zone, the Tropic Zone, and the Temperate Territory. The Polar Zone features Polar Bears and Harbor Seals. The Tropic Zone showcases many tropical birds, and the Temperate Territory exhibit includes the California Sea Lion, Red Pandas, and Mandarin Ducks. The zoo is a wonderful experience that provides plenty of great entertainment.

Admission Fees

Children (Under 3): Free

Children (Ages 3-12): $3

Adults: $8

Seniors: $4

Breathtaking waterfalls, exquisitely majestic views, and awe inspiring scenery has made Niagara Falls State Park one of the most popular destinations in the country. Sharing boundaries with Canada, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest park in American history.

Features

Niagara Falls State Park features three waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian or Horseshoe Falls. The park also hosts over 400 acres of beautiful pristine flora and fauna. The wildlife is protected and there are plenty of scenic nature trails to visit while at the park.

When you arrive, you should first stop at the visitor center and pick up a map. It is free to enter the Visitor Center, and along with information, they also have a guest shop, restaurants and theater. The Adventure Theater located in the Visitor Center, features IMAX documentaries that will introduce you to the magnificience of the falls and the surrounding region.

The Falls

There are three waterfalls that comprise Niagara Falls. The first, the American Falls are situated on the Niagara River and are located directly on the Canadian/US border. However, the American Falls are 100% on American soil.

The Bridal Veil Falls are located between Goat and Luna Islands and are smaller than the American and Canadian or Horseshoe Falls. One of Niagara’s biggest attractions, the Cave of the Winds tour, takes the visitor to the very base of ht Bridal Veil Falls.

The Horseshoe Falls makes up the third set of falls. These falls are in Canada and are located between Table Rock and Goat Island.

Things To Do

Niagara Falls State Park offers numerous attractions and activities to its visitors. The most popular include the following: Cave of the Winds, Adventure Theater, Kodak Photography, Nature Lovers Guide, Aquarium of Niagara, Discovery Center, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Observation Tower, Visitor Center, fishing, hiking, nature trails, gift shops, museums, biking, and there are always plenty of special events scheduled. Niagara Falls is revered for its sheer beauty and many people choose Niagara Falls as their perfect destination for weddings.

Getting There

Follow the Robert Moses Parkway until you reach Niagara Falls.

Superb and amazing, Central Park is one of America’s most fascinating destinations. It is even more magnificent once you learn that it is entirely man made. In fact, the history of Central Park is as fascinating as the breathtaking views of the park itself. Designed in 1858, the story of Central Park is steeped in American spirit and national pride. As the park began to deteriorate over the years, a team of conservationists began their plan to restore and revitalize the park- the results were astonishing.

Features

Central Park boasts over 840 acres and makes up nearly six percent of Manhattan’s landscape. It is also the park most frequented by tourists. The park features a multitude of attractions ranging from exquisite sculpture and art forms to botanical gardens, and the Central Park Zoo. Some of the most outstanding features include: The Arsenal, Belvedere Castle, the Carousel, the Delacorte Music Clock, the Great Lawn, Hallet Nature Sanctuary, the Lake, the Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Shakespeare Garden, North Meadow, Lasker Pool and Rink, Obelisk, Strawberry Fields, Summer Stage, Victorian Gardens, Sheep Meadow, Summit Rock, Tavern on the Green, Still Hunt, and more.

Things To Do

There are always numerous events taking place at Central Park. Activities such as climbing, field day, biking, theater, outdoor music concerts, playgrounds, inline skating, ice skating rinks, canoeing, basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, kayaking, festivals, lectures, activities for children, educational programs designed specifically for youth, and recreation programs ensure that there is something for everyone at the park.

Location

Central Park is located from Central Park South on 59th Street and extends to the Northern Side of Central Park at 110th Street. The East Side of Central Park is located at 5th Avenue and the West Side is at 8th Avenue.