Friday, May 25, 2012

Top Ten Things to Do in Flushing

Flushing is a district located to the north of New York City in the borough of Queens. The area is home to many ethnic groups, including African Americans, Middle Eastern, European and Asian. This fusion of different cultures has created a different and unique blend of architecture. Read this article to discover exactly what you should do when visiting vibrant Flushing.





10. Flushing Town Hall:
Flushing Town Hall is now home to an arts museum which regularly has many different displays. The town hall also hosts Chinese new year celebrations every year. This is normally around February, although the actual time will depend on when the Lunar new year falls.

9. The Mets:
A visit to New York simply wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a ball game. You can visit the Mets where you can watch a great game, eat a corn dog and peanuts. The American ‘way-of-life’ does not get much better than this!

8. Chinatown:
New York is such a large city that it has more than one Chinatown. Flushing is home to the second largest Chinatown in New York. If you want to check out a large Chinese community then you should definitely visit downtown Flushing. Every year they celebrate Chinese new year. The area also has lots of different stores.



7. Water’s Edge Restaurant: The Water’s Edge Restaurant is one of the best known and most popular restaurants in Flushing. This serves amazing food and also has great views of the skyline around New York. There is a free shuttle boat which makes it very easy to get to the restaurant.

6. Voelker Orth Museum: If you are keen on learning more about the history of Queens, you will find the Voelker Orth Museum very interesting indeed. They host a number of different events throughout the year.

5. Queens Wildlife Conservation Center: The Queens Wildlife Conservation Center protects many different species of wildlife in Flushing. There is also a visitor center which allows children to learn about wildlife which is native to the New York area and how important it is to protect it.

4. Kissena Park:
The Kissena Park is a very large park located in Flushing. Kissena Creek flows through the park. There is also a small lake in the park and a number of playgrounds for children. A velodrome is also in the south of the park which is great for cycling.

3. Queens Botanical Garden:
The Queens Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. It includes an herb garden, flower garden, cherry circle, and a collection of fragranced flowers. When visiting the Queens Botanical Garden you can learn a lot about how to look after your own garden. This includes advice and information about composting.

2. Queens Zoo:
Keeping young children occupied can be difficult, the Queens zoo should keep every child happy for the time being. It is quite a large zoo which makes a great day out. It is not that expensive either, and you can wander round the zoo at your own pace to look at all the different animals.

1. Flushing Meadows :
The biggest park in Flushing is Flushing Meadows – Corona Park. This has many different facilities including the Queens Wildlife Center and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.


Top Ten Things to Do in Clinton Hill & Bedstuy

Clinton Hill and Bedstuy are neighborhoods located in Brooklyn, New York City. These districts are located near to Prospect Heights and Williamsburg. Clinton Hill has always been a very wealthy area.

10. Dough: Dough has an excellent reputation for serving some of the best doughnuts in New York. The doughnuts are made perfectly and are moist and delicious. They are glazed with a delicious frosting which is well worth the trip to Clinton Hill alone. Many people travel from a very long way just to buy some of these extra special doughnuts.

9. Luigi Pizzeria: If you are looking for a traditional Italian Pizzeria restaurant then you should certainly visit the Luigi Pizzeria. It is owned by a family and the food is always consistently good. They specialize in traditional thin pizzas which always taste really great. The restaurant always has a few pizzas cooking, so it is well worth trying to order one that has just come out of the oven.

8. Outpost Café :
The Outpost Café is a perfect place to visit for a cup of coffee, tea, or light meal. The mac and cheese in particular is very popular. The café also serves delicious sangria and has a very large backyard where you can relax.

7. Pillow Café: Pillow Café is another small café which serves light snacks and drinks. Some of the best meals include scrambled tofu. It might not be the sort of thing that most people order, but it has a very nice flavor.

6. Kum Kau: Anyone keen on Chinese food will love a trip to Kum Kau. You might believe that all Chinese food tastes the same, but the food at Kum Kau is much better. They offer a very wide range of different dishes including common dishes such as chicken chow mein and spare ribs. This is regarded by many people as the best Chinese restaurant in the whole of New York.

5. Urban Vintage:
When it is hot out then you should definitely visit Urban Village! This is a small coffee shop in town. It is quite a unique and interesting shop, but this should make your visit even more enjoyable. There is an impressive list of different coffee drinks. They also serve a really nice organic waffle.

4. Yamashiro:
Yamashiro serves some beautiful Japanese dishes. The prices are fairly expensive but the sushi is some of the best in town. It is best to make reservations in advance because this can be a very popular venue.

3. Still Hip: Still Hip is a small thrift shop which specializes in selling used baby clothes. The store also sells a number of used toys and maternity toys. If you have children and are looking for some bargain clothes then you should consider visiting Still Hip.

2. Bedstuy Fly: This is a fashionable streetware store with a vintage feel. The great thing about this store is that it sells some unique clothing that you won’t find anywhere else. The owner works directly with many local designers to bring unique designs to their shop.

1. Thai 101 Restaurant:
Thai food is very popular and there are many restaurants which serve this genre of cuisine in New York. The Thai 101 restaurant serves some great food including some different Chinese dishes, too.

Top Ten Things to Do in Caroll Gardens and Park Slope

Caroll Gardens and Park Slope is an affluent area of Brooklyn, New York. There is so much to see and do when visiting New York City and this article will uncover 10 of the ‘must see’ attractions in Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, so that you don’t miss anything at all if you can help it.

10. Cobble Hill Park:
Cobble Hill Park is a relatively small park located in Park Slope. This is right in the middle of Cobble Hill. The park was redesigned in 1989 replacing the old gates and concrete with much more impressive and modern granite columns and brick paths.

9. The Community Bookstore: A visit to the Community Bookstore is a must for people who might classify themselves as something of a bookworm. The store has been going since 1971 and although it is fairly small, they have thousands of books on offer. Do keep your eyes open, though, because there are also a number of pets which live in the shop.

8. Old Stone House: Old Stone House is a reconstructed 18th century building. This is only open to visitors on weekends and although free to go round, you are requested to leave a deposit. The home has several artifacts from the Battle of Brooklyn.

7. Brooklyn Bike Jumble:
The area around Carroll Gardens and Park Slope is perfect for anyone who enjoys cycling. There are many bike lanes through the area’s roads. The Brooklyn Bike Jumble is a great event to visit for anyone who wants to find new equipment or bikes to buy.

6. Housing Works Thrift Shop: Anyone looking for a great deal or a bargain should check out the Housing Works Thrift Shop. This may be a small store, but it offers a wide range of different books and clothing. The shop also has some antiques across a vast range of different categories and prices.

5. Bierkraft:
Bierkraft is a brewery which is a lot of fun to visit. You can try some of the local brews for under $10. There is also a beer garden which has wooden picnic tables. This can be very comfortable and a very good way of relaxing and unwinding after a busy day sightseeing in the city.

4. Prospect Park: This is a very peaceful park to visit which is perfect for anyone who has children. There are a number of playgrounds throughout the park, including a very large one called Harmony Playground. This includes a sandbox and some large xylophones which most kids really enjoy playing with.

3. Park Slope Farmers Market:
If you are interested in buying some organic produce then you should check out the Park Slope Farmers Market. This sells a wide range of different cheeses, fruit and vegetables.

2. 4th Avenue Pub:
If you like a little tipple every so often, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the 4th Avenue Pub. This is a fairly small bar which does get popular with the locals. They have a wide range of different beers on offer, including specials which are updated regularly.

1. 200 Fifth:
200 Fifth is a large traditional American sports bar which is great fun to visit. The restaurant serves a wide range of different meals. The sports bar is family owned and the family regularly come to the table to ask if you are happy with your meal.

Top Ten Things to Do in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an area of Brooklyn, in New York City, which was traditionally popular with many ethnic groups. There were large numbers of Italians, Jews, and Dominicans who settled here. This culture affected the style of buildings in the area. If you are considering a trip to Williamsburg, then it is worth looking at what’s on offer. We’re going to look at the 10 best things that you can do in Williamsburg in this article.

10. City Reliquary Museum: The City Reliquary Museum is different to many museums that you might be familiar with. This has lots of interesting items from New York City. These include old postcards, featuring some of the most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty. There are also exhibits about the 1939 World Fair and a vintage turnstile from the New York Subway. The City Reliquary Museum also helps to organize many special events including fund raisers.

9. 3rd Ward: 3rd Ward opened its doors in 2006 and has become a very popular restaurant and hub. It is used mainly by artistic people. If you join then you will be able to use the various facilities including a print shop, and many different educational classes. Drink and Draw is a lot of fun and this is a life art class.

8. Beacon’s Closet: Beacon’s Closet is one of the best known thrift and vintage shops in New York. This is a great shop to visit if you are interested in saving money and getting a really good deal. The store in Williamsburg is the larger of their two stores. It covers over 5,000 square feet and this means that it should have something to offer everyone.

7. Williamsburg Houses: The houses known as Williamsburg Houses were built in 1936. There are currently 20 buildings still surviving. All of these are 4 stories high and designed for residential occupation. This project was one of the most expensive housing association projects in 1937. The houses are unique and well worth looking at if you are interested in architecture.

6. The Grasslands Avenue: Grasslands is a gallery displaying lots of different pieces of art work. There is also plenty of space which is used to stage various concerts, performances and other events. It is a good idea to find out what is happening by looking on the internet, so you can decide where you want to visit.

5. Pierogi: Another popular art gallery in Williamsburg is Pierogi. This includes an interactive digital portfolio known as ‘Flat Flies’ which has lots of samples from hundreds of young artists. There are also plenty of paintings on the walls to take a look at.

4. Brooklyn Brewery:
Williamsburg has its very own brewery which offers tours. You will need to book and pay for tours between Monday and Thursday. There are also free tours held on Saturday and Sunday. Check out the tasting room where you can sample the brew for yourself.

3. Nitehawk Cinema: The Nitehawk Cinema isn’t a mainstream cinema, this is a much smaller cinema specializing in showing new indie films. The cinema also offers full meals and a bar.

2. Sideshow Gallery:
The Sideshow gallery shows many different pieces of art work. There is also a small theatre which shows concerts and readings.

1. Vaudeville Park:
Vaudeville Park was founded by Ian Colletti. This park hosts many different films, music concerts and displays of art work.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Top Ten Things to Do in Harlem

Harlem might not have the best reputation in New York, but it doesn’t really deserve its bad image anymore, either. Harlem has lots of sights and attractions to see. By reading through this article you can uncover 10 of the best sights and attractions that you can see in this cosmopolitan district.

10. Astor Row: Astor Row is also known as 130th Street in Harlem. This is a small row of houses on the street which were all built between 1880 and 1883. These are unique buildings in New York City, all of them are built from Brick with small porches made from wood. They are very attractive and beautiful dwellings.

9. Randall’s Island Park: Randall’s Island Park has many different events throughout the year, including something for all of the family. There are also sports and recreational facilities available in the park.

8. Marcus Garvey Park: The Marcus Garvey Park is a green park with a difference. This has a large tower in the middle which was once used to lookout for fires in the days before telephones made communication much easier.

7. Abyssinian Baptist Church: This Gothic style church is one of the oldest churches in New York. The current church was built in 1923, although there has been a religious building on this site since 1808. The choirs at this church have an excellent reputation. The Abyssinian Baptist Church is popular with tourists and there is even a separate queue for tourists visiting.

6. Striver’s Row: Striver’s Row is made up of three separate rows of historic town houses. Construction on these houses began in 1890 and they were designed specifically for middle class white people. The houses are beautifully preserved and are considered as some of the best houses of their age in New York.

5. Riverbank State Park: Riverbank is a fully landscaped park set in 28 acres in Harlem. The park has lots of different facilities. The park provides excellent views of the river. A well equipped sporting complex has a swimming pool, ice rink, and gym. There is also a very popular restaurant in the Riverbank State Park.

4. Hamilton Heights: If you want to take a trip back in time, then you should visit Hamilton Heights. This is a small avenue lined with trees and several rows of perfectly appointed, stone fronted houses. There are also amazing gothic spires that you will see when walking around the area.

3. Saint Nicholas Park: St. Nicholas Park is a very old park in the center of Harlem. The park was built in 1906 and now spreads over a few acres. It is a very popular park with locals and visitors since it forms an important part of history in America. The park is also home to a variety of different festivals and concerts during the year. The website has a list of events planned.

2. The Cloisters: When visiting the Cloisters you would be forgiven for forgetting that you were still in America. This makes you feel like you are in Europe visiting Medieval buildings. It is a very peaceful place to visit and can help relieve some of the stress of city life.

1. The Apollo:
Harlem is home to the Apollo, a very famous theatre in New York City. This is smaller than you might imagine after seeing it on TV, but is still worth a visit. The Apollo is where many famous singers and entertainers have launched their careers. Some of the best known people to perform here include Ella Fitzgerald. It is a good idea to look on the website to see what is on at the Apollo and when. There is a good mix of different musical styles, including traditional and contemporary music.

Top Ten Things to Do in Chelsea

Chelsea is a district in New York City which is mainly residential. Chelsea has many different things to see from historic buildings, to more modern attractions. This was once a fairly isolated area, but transportation links have greatly improved. This article will look at ten of the best things that you can do on a visit to Chelsea, New York City.

10. Chelsea Walking Tours: A good way to see around Chelsea and get more knowledge of what is available in the area, is by going on a walking tour. The Chelsea walking tours are available without any reservations. The walking tour meets outside the Hotel Chelsea every day.

9. Hotel Chelsea: Even if you aren’t staying at Hotel Chelsea, it is still well worth a visit. This is an old building which was erected in 1885. It was the first cooperative block of apartments in New York City and has been a hotel ever since 1905. It is a landmark in the city and is also where the walking tours begin.

8. Jack Shainman Gallery: The Jack Shainman Gallery is a modern art gallery which is home to lots of different exhibits and paintings. The gallery has many different displays which are changed regularly. It is certainly worth visiting if you have any interest in art.

7. 303 Art Gallery:
In an area dominated by artists, there are lots of different art galleries. The 303 art gallery displays very modern, cutting edge art. There are lots of different displays, including photography exhibits. It really is worthwhile to take a trip to the 303 Art Gallery.

6. Chelsea Pier: The piers in Chelsea have many different things to offer. You can go bowling, go skating, visit the gym, or play basketball. While doing all of these activities you will also be able to enjoy some amazing views.

5. Chelsea Studios: The Chelsea Studios have been where many different films and TV shows have been produced. This includes where Ricki Lake was filmed, and the Tyra Banks Show.

4. Cushman Row: This is a row of houses which can be found between 9th and 10th Avenue. This block of houses is built in a Greek style which makes them stand out from the surrounding buildings. The homes were built over 175 years ago, but they are just as beautiful today as the day they were first built.

3. Chelsea Market:
The Chelsea Market is one of the premier locations to buy food and snacks. It is home to many shops, food stores and lots of restaurants. There are plenty of bakeries selling hot products, and also other stores which specialize in selling various ingredients including olive oil and salt. The cup cakes sold here are some of the best in the city. The market is built on the site of the old Nabisco factory. The first Oreo cookies ever created were made right here.

2. Hudson River Park:
The Hudson River Park is currently under construction, although some of it is already ready for use. This means that many piers and the area around the Hudson River are being transformed into a public park.

1. High Line Park: High Line park is different to many of the other parks in New York City. This is because it is built on an abandoned railroad track which is elevated. Visiting this park is very relaxing and also has excellent views thanks to it being built on a raised section of disused track. There are also some events which are held at various times throughout the year. You can find out about these events on the internet. The High Line was originally an elevated rail road to improve the safety of rail lines through Chelsea.

Top Ten Things to Do in Hell's Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is also known as Clinton and is a popular neighborhood in NYC. There are many different attractions to visit in Clinton.

10. Exit Art Gallery: The Exit Art Gallery, located in Clinton, is a contemporary art gallery which has many different pieces of art work. Most of the exhibits are experimental art which can be interesting and quite inspiring.

9. Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market: The Hell’s Kitchen flea market is one of the best known markets in New York City. This is always worthwhile visiting as you will never know what you might find here. There is lots of furniture and antiques, although it is also possible to find vintage clothing too.

8. NY Pole Dance: This isn’t what you might think. It’s actually a fitness studio aimed mainly at women. All participants must be clothed and they will teach you how to safely pole dance. It’s a lot of fun and can also be a good exercise regime.

7. New World Stages: New World Stages is an entertainment complex with five individual stages. There are many different events held on these stages. They also hold karaoke nights which are good if you enjoy this sort of thing.

6. Per Se: Per Se is one of the best known restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen serving traditional and contemporary French Cuisine. The restaurant is particularly well known for serving delicious Oysters.

5. Mee Noodle Shop: The Mee Noodle Shop is an interesting Chinese restaurant serving a range of noodles and different rice dishes. The portions are very generous, but the restaurant is fairly small and popular.

4. Grast: This shopping destination is located in a subway which makes it quite a unique shopping experience. There are lots of affordable clothes, including some interesting and unique silk screened tee-shirts.

3. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: This is one of the ‘must see’ attractions in New York City. The museum is housed inside a 1943 aircraft carrier. The ship has been on many missions, including during the second world war. It became a permanently moored museum in 1982 and has since welcomed many thousands of visitors. This museum also has a realistic flight simulator. You can feel like you are really flying a plane. This museum is very popular with both adults and kids alike.

2. Hudson River Cruises: Waterway cruises through Hell’s Kitchen can be a great way to see the area from a totally different. You can see many interesting things in Hell’s Kitchen without needing to leave the boat. There are even special cruises including disco and themed cruises.

1. Hell’s Kitchen Park: New York City is full of lots of little green parks and tranquil spaces. Hell’s Kitchen Park is just one of these. Although it is less than an acre in size, it is a beautiful place to visit. The park was developed in 2005 with new and modern features.