Archive for the ‘New York’ Category

Tales from the Dunny

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Written by Paige Green for Quickbeds.com

All rights reserved by jocuteca

No matter where you go on holidays, how you get there or where you stay – there are probably two things that are certain: at some point during your trip you’ll be hankering for a nice cup of coffee and probably at a different point in time, you’ll be looking for a public toilet.

Dunnies worth the trip

Meanwhile, when it comes to the loo, some facilities are worth the trip in themselves. Here are some of the most unique toilets worth travelling for:

  • Loo with a view, Mooloolaba – for travellers to the Sunshine Coast, there’s nothing like the real five star treatment at the “loo with a view”. This picturesque viewing point will transform the way you enjoy some of the more “private” moments in life.
  • Charmin in Times Square, NY – as creative marketing campaigns goes, this one takes home a definite honourable mention. The toilet paper giant sponsors these exclusive facilities in the heart of Manhattan during the Christmas holiday season. Over 250,000 visitors stopped by to check out the facilities and the soft cushiness of Charmin brand toilet paper in its opening year and Christmas shoppers this year will find it offers at least some degree of “relief”.
  • Toilet art, Kawakawa New Zealand - Friedensreich Hundertwasser is the artist behind some of the most unique public toilets in the Southern Hemisphere. These facilities, designed in conjunction with students from Bay of Islands College, feature inset glass and tiles, sculptures, a living tree and a grass roof. It will certainly change your view of drab and dreary public loos.

Australians – where to go when you need to go

Planning a road trip? There are plenty of planners to help you pick your destination and find cheap hotels – and now, you can even plan your pit stops along the way. The Federal Government has put together the National Public Toilet Map so you’ll always know where to go. You can plan your breaks for a long trip. Staying in an unfamiliar city? Download the iPhone app so you can feel confident about finding the nearest public loo.

Did you know that there are 338 public toilets in the Brisbane City Council area while Melbourne South has 481 noted spots? Meanwhile, there are 82 dunnies in Sydney’s CBD area alone and if you find yourself wandering through the 220 hectares of Randwick’s Centennial Park, there are 10 places to make a pit stop. However, if your find your bladder filling up in Darlinghurst you’ll might have to hold on until you reach the lone public toilet of Ward Park in neighbouring Surry Hills.

So next time you’re driving from Sydney to Brisbane, plan your trip before you go. There are 71 rest stops along the 900 km trip before you reach your cheap Brisbane accommodation, and some curious ones to boot – why not drop into the facilities at Chinaman Beach or Oliver’s on the F3 that boasts delicious organic soups and 5-star toilets with all-natural lavender hand wash near Warnervale.

What are some of the most unique toilets you’ve visited?

How To Spend One Day In NYC For Free

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Governors Island

All rights reserved by fmk

Who says a visit to NYC is expensive? Not I. Here’s how you can spend an entire day in NYC for FREE, minus transportation fees.

Morning/Afternoon: Governors Island

Free ferries to Governors Island leave from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street and from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Most of the events on the island are absolutely FREE. Upcoming events include:

  • Encounters: An Exhibition Organized by the Sculptors Guild
  • Nature Rules! An Outdoor Sculpture Show by the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition
  • Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program
  • Kayaking at Pier 101

Click here for more event listings. Governors Island is opened to the public at various times throughout the year. Make sure you check their schedule before you go.

Late Afternoon: Free NYC Museums

Ellis island
All rights reserved by CBarrow

If you’re trying to kill time between the afternoon and dinner time, check out some of the incredible & FREE museums in NYC.

  • The Center for Book Arts
  • Harbor Defense Museum
  • The Hispanic Society of America
  • The Korea Society Gallery
  • Little Red Lighthouse
  • The Museum at FIT
  • Nicholas Roerich Museum
  • Onassis Cultural Center
  • Queens County Farm Museum
  • Rose Museum at Carnegie Hall
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum
  • Swiss Institute

Evening: Free Yoga at Bryant Park

Free Yoga at Bryant Park

All rights reserved by yvonnechristine

New York is the city that never sleeps. Rejuvenate yourself after a day of exploration with free yoga classes by Lululemon every Thursday at 6PM on the Lawn at Bryant Park. These classes are for yogis of all ages and levels. It’s a judgment-free zone. All you have to do is put on some comfortable clothing and get ready to reinvigorate your mind, body & soul.

Night: Free Dining

I said FREE dining, not FINE dining. There are no reservations to be made or sit down chairs to plop down on here but you can sample free food from all over NYC at the markets below. You’ll fill your belly and get a good cardio workout at the same time!

  • Dean & DeLuca – a gourmet market located at 560 Broadway at Prince St and at 1150 Madison Ave at 85th St
  • Despaña – a gourmet market with food especially produced in Spain located at 408 Broome St between Cleveland Pl and Lafayette St
  • Trader Joe’s – a cheaper version of Whole Foods located at 142 E 14th St between Third and Fourth Aves
  • Whole Foods Market – a marketing that sells natural and organic products with stores throughout the city. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com for locations.
  • Zabar’s – a market that pretty much personifies the essence of New York. Like their logo says, “New York is Zabar’s…Zabar’s is New York.” Located at 2245 Broadway at 80th

Evening Stroll: Highline

New York City Highline

Some rights reserved by pinelife

After eating your way around NYC, take a stroll and watch the sunset New York City’s Highline. It’s located on the west side of Manhattan and runs through the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. You’ll be very tempted to spend money at the Chelsea Market Passage from their Raspberry Buttercream on Chocolate Cake to one of their delicious evening cocktails.

Late Night: Free Drinks!

All rights reserved by Dougerino

What’s a night in New York without drinks?! Check out some of the bars below that offer free sample tastings. You’ll have a place to go for free drinks every night of the week.

  • Village Pourhouse (Everyday) – Take a cab to Village Pourhouse and you’ll receive a bar tab in the amount of your receipt.  Located at 982 Amsterdam Ave between 108th and 109th St.
  • Pour Wines (Monday–Saturday) – Kick back a few drinks during after work hours at Pour Wines. They offer free samples of international and domestic varietals and sakes on Mondays to Fridays from 6–8pm and on Saturdays 5–7pm. Located at 321 Amsterdam Ave at 75th St.
  • Lazy Catfish (Tuesday) – Unlimited PBR is available from 8:30pm to 10pm at this Williamsburg bar. Located at 593 Lorimer St between Conselyea St and Metropolitan Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • Crush – Free wine, tequila and vodka tastings are available on various days during the week. Call or visit them online for details. Located at 153 E 57th St between Lexington and Third Aves
  • Thirst Wine Merchants – Thirst Wine Merchants’ has weekly Thirst Thursday tastings from 6PM-9PM. It’s a small shop so make sure you get there early. Located at 187 DeKalb Ave at Carlton Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Do you know of any free events in New York City?

September 11

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

Some rights reserved by Storm Crypt

To the faces I’ve never seen
And the names I’ve never heard
I bow my head, shed a tear
To pay respect with a prayer I hope you hear.

Eat Like A New Yorker: Les Enfants Terribles

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Les Enfantes Terribles

How will your taste buds react to a fusion of African, Moroccan, Brazilian and French palette? Order the Korhogofefemougou steak marinated in Ivory Spices at Les Enfants Terribles and find out for yourself. This cozy restaurant located deep in the heart of Chinatown is on the corner of Canal and Ludlow.

It will blow your mind to be sitting in a restaurant with a colonial French interior décor eating a fusion of French African food while staring at the signs outside in Chinese while listening to Mariah Carey. It was an absolute pleasure to be enjoying my meal in the constant cool breeze that swept through the restaurant so I excused the poor choice in music. A place like Les Enfantes Terribles is where real New Yorkers eat; not at the Hard Rock in Times Square (no offense).

The breakfast and lunch menu is separate from the dinner menu. If you’re looking to take a stab at the Korhogofefemougou steak, no pun intended, be sure to make reservations after 5:30PM. I went for lunch and ordered the Merguez sandwich, which comes with spicy Moroccan sausages and harissa (hot sauce) and a side of fries.

After mistakenly grabbing the dinner menu instead of the lunch menu, I’ve already planned my next meal at Les Enfants Terribles: Tartare de Thon et de Saumon – Tuna and salmon marinated in Kanifi (African spices), avocado puree, mango and kiwi.

Les Enfantes Terribles | Menu

37 Canal Street

New York, NY 10002

Photo Friday: Sunset At The Williamsburg Waterfront, NY

Friday, August 13th, 2010
The Williamsburg Waterfront sunset

Sunset At The Williamsburg Waterfront, NY

A Southern Boy In The Big Apple

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Guest post by @SpencerSpellman

Photo by Smoovey via Flickr

I recently made my long-awaited return to the Big Apple. In many ways I feel like it’s become a second home as it’s the city I’ve visited more than anywhere else in the world. As soon as the wheels hit the ground, I announced my arrival to the world (via Twitter), expecting that  when I stepped off the plane, someone in a black suit and top hat would be holding a sign that said: “Spellman”. Much to my dismay, no limo driver was holding a sign with my name and what awaited me was a 45-minute delay at baggage claim. All that didn’t matter anymore, because I had finally arrived.

A few weeks ago, leading up to my trip to NYC, I wrote a post about the things from the Carolinas that I wasn’t likely to find in New York City. This included Cheerwine, mullets and
jorts (the term that affectionately known as a hybrid between jeans and shorts) and gem mines. As many southern things I can think of that I wouldn’t typically find in New York City, I came to realize that there are also many things about NYC that can’t be found in the Carolinas.

Although you’ll find street food in a rare number of metros in the south, it’s got nothing on New York City. I actually planned my first day around being able to have street food for lunch (well that, and watching the World Cup). People complain about the high prices in New York, but where else can you have a hot, fresh lunch for a couple of bucks?! Not only that, but if you find that the kebob just didn’t quite fill you, then you’re likely to walk past any number of various street carts that will do the trick.

Of course surprisingly, New York City and the south share many things in common. I fit right in at the Mason Dixon, a southern style bar that is known for its mechanical bull, which you’ll find in some southern metros. Other notable commonalities include BBQ (though not North Carolina BBQ), no shortage of Starbucks, fanny pack wearers (probably who are from the south) and thick accents.

It should be noted that although there are many things that I experienced in New York City that I don’t typically experience in the south, the street food took the cake. Honorable mentions that I experienced first-hand include: men walking down the middle of the street in nothing but their whitey tighties, reggae bands playing on public transportation, taxi cab races and people passing out tracts to the “boom boom room”.

Just a few short days after arriving, I boarded my plane back to the south, fully satisfied at another trip to NYC that was far from uneventful. As I got on the plane, I again announced my departure to the world (via Twitter of course), though something tells me that life will continue on as it has in the Big Apple until my return.

Spencer Spellman

Spencer SpellmanSpencer Spellman is a Freelance Travel Writer, who since flying by  himself for the first time at age 8, just hasn’t been able to kick his travel addiction. His globetrots around the world has included vienna sausage eating contests in South Africa, eating alligator tail in Florida and cannonballing into the Irish Sea in the middle of the winter. Growing up in the deep south, Spencer’s southern drawl is his most distinguishing characteristic, no matter how hard he tries to mask it on Twitter. You can find him on Twitter at @SpencerSpellman.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series At Prospect Park

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Celebrate Brooklyn!

This summer’s Celebrate Brooklyn! concert series began this past Wednesday kicking off with Norah Jones at Prospect Park. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it because I had grown-up stuff to do, like work. However, I did make it out last night to watch Allen Toussaint and Davell Crawford.

One of the true architects of New Orleans music and a national treasure, Allen Toussaint has produced, arranged for, or collaborated with everyone from Dr. John to the Neville Brothers to Irma Thomas (not to mention the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, and The Band). Performing on his own, “the generosity and grandeur of his melting pot vision…invokes nothing but joy.” (Down Beat) The electrifying piano player and singer Davell Crawford is a direct descendent—he’s often referred to as “The Prince of New Orleans.” – BRIC Arts Media

There’s a suggested donation of $3 and plenty of beer, BBQ chicken and southern comforts to fill you through the night. If you’re ever in town, here’s the complete line up for the summer. I’ve already marked my calendar down for July 11th – OkayAfrica with The Roots & Talib Kweli!

I love seeing all my Brooklynites coming out to enjoy the night. There were a few out-of-towners and I happen to be so lucky to sit in front of them. During the concert, I was blessed to be in the presence of their constant Spanish chattering, chain-smoke puffing and beer guzzling ways. To top it off, spilled beer, cigarette packets and piled-high trash just added to their charm. Next time I visit Madrid, I just might return the favor and poop in the Plaza Mayor.

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Jaw-Dropping Sunrises Around The World

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Today’s Photo Friday Special is inspired by my previous blog post, Sunsets From Around The World. It was such a big hit that I decided to feature sunrises in this edition. I thought I’d be receiving a lot less sunrise submissions than sunset editions. I mean, unless you’re jet-lagged or an insomniac, who gets up at the crack of down to catch the sun rise?

Apparently these dedicated travel bloggers and photographers…

Pamplona, Spain

After a long night in a park chatting with pilgrims, we were rewarded with a beautiful dramatic sunrise.

Camino de Santiago walk in Spain

This photo was also taken in Spain, during the Camino de Santiago walk. I started walking before dawn, and suddenly remembered a photographer should always check behind his back, so I turned around and saw this!

Musandam, Oman

Taken in Musandam, Oman after camping with some friends on the beach. It was a beautiful sunrise before a storm.

Dan Nahabedian

Dan is wandering soul and a traveler, eager to learn from the entire World, and excited to share all the Knowledge and the Beauty captured through his lens. That’s what he’s am all about! Check out his blog Canvas of Light for more jaw dropping photos and follow him on Twitter @Eloren.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This is a shot from my sailing trip around the Great Barrier Reef. As the sun rose, it gave off the most beautiful golden glow from behind the clouds. It was so surreal watching the sun rise with absolutely nothing else- not even land- in sight.

Over the Pacific Ocean

This was taken somewhere over the Pacific Ocean just before reaching Sydney, Australia. After 20 long hours on a cramped plane, I was greeted by this sunrise and it made all of those hours of discomfort worth it. Soon after, the clouds cleared and my first glimpse of Sydney came into view.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

One of the highlights of my time in Australia was a four day sailing trip around the Great Barrier Reef. One morning, we all woke up early, raised the sails, and sat- feet dangling over the side of the boat- and watched the sunrise as we sailed further out to sea.

Each of the following HDRIs are made out of 5 different photos all taken at different exposures. Then I combine them and I’m able to get a really really wide range of color (hence the name- high dynamic range imaging) that’s impossible to capture in just one photo. It’s actually really simple…the hardest part is keeping the camera still enough to take 5 pictures that are exactly the same (which was next to impossible on a shaky bridge).

East River, New York

This is an HDRI of the sun rising over the East River (which divides Manhattan from Brooklyn). As someone who lives in Manhattan, I find that one of my favorite things to do is take a walk over the Williamsburg Bridge into Brooklyn. If you do this early enough, you'll be one of the lucky few to see a dreamlike sunrise over two beautiful skylines.

Williamsburg Bridge, New York

This is another HDRI taken on my morning walk across the Williamsburg Bridge. Living in the 'concrete jungle', I often find myself pining for the serenity and beauty of nature so much so that I tend to overlook the beauty of the man made structures that surround me.

Williamsburg Bridge, New York

Just over the bridge into Williamsburg and a few... umm... depreciated blocks north, there's a small park that, in my opinion, offers some of the most stunning views of New York City. I like to climb out onto the rocks that jut into the East River and take in the Manhattan skyline and this view of the Williamsburg Bridge.

Brianne Hoyt-Stern

Brianne Hoyt-Stern was born and raised in New Jersey and currently lives and works in New York City. She specializes in 2D animation and design and has earned her BFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts. She enjoys spending her free time taking photographs, especially HDR images. Although she loves art, her greatest passion is traveling. She tries to combine her two loves by taking much of her inspiration from the traveling she has done and her time spent overseas. Her artwork is a strong reflection of her experiences. Follow Brianne on Twitter @brieee.

Mt. Fuji, Japan

Sunrise from the height of Mount Fuji, Japan, overlooking the clouds over Kawaguchi Lake. Summer 2002.

Dina from Vagabond Quest

Ryan and Dina are a couple of permanent travelers vagabonding around the world. Ryan is a software guy from Canada, and Dina is a chemist from Java, Indonesia. They met in Japan and then lived in Ontario, Canada. In April 2009, they closed their home and since then have been living on the road with their 2 backpacks. They focus on cheap travel and ways to get more travel enjoyment for less cash. In their blog “Vagabond Quest“, they share their stories and recommendations. Follow them on Twitter @VagabondQuest.

Big Bend, Texas

Took this photo Monday morning in Marathon Texas. I got up just as light was coming into the sky to head down to Big Bend. Thought it was great with the Texas silhouettes.

Brian Setzer

Brian left his job in April 2010 and is traveling the Americas on a motorcycle.  A trip he first envisioned in 2007 while on a scooter in Laos.  Ride along with him to find a out more about these countries and motorcycle travel at BikeandBoots.com or on Twitter @bikeandboots.

Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa

The 5.00am start was made entirely worthwhile when waking up to this picture postcard sunrise in Phinda game reserve, South Africa.

Dave Dean

Dave was born and raised in small town New Zealand providing  him with the perfect beginnings for a lifelong travel addiction. After graduating from university with a degree in History and Political Science he packed his meager belongings into a backpack and headed for London. The subsequent years have seen him traveling through thirty-something countries and watching my ‘must see’ list grow larger almost as quickly as I’ve watched my bank balance grow smaller. Check out Dave’s blog, What’s Dave Doing, and follow him on Twitter @driftingkiwi.

Palawan, Philippines

This photo was taken on Coco Loco Island, a private island in Palawan, Philippines. When the tide is in, the island takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to circumnavigate. When the tide is out, however, you can walk out almost a mile from the island. It's certainly one of the most unique ways I've greeted the sun in the early morning.

Carrie Kellenberger

Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Carrie Kellenberger has kept a home base with her husband in Asia since 2003. A nomad at heart, Carrie’s deep love for travel, photography, and culture have led her on frequent travels over the past seven years. Carrie works for a publishing company in Taipei, but she also finds work as a freelance writer, editor, and photographer. www.myseveralworlds.com

Hocking Hill, Ohio

Sunrise kayak trip; colors start to appear as the sun begins its ascent into the sky. A peace descends.

Hocking Hill, Ohio

The sun appears, and is barely visible as it burns away the mists and causes the world to glow. Alone in my kayak, the world has never looked so beautiful.

Kirsten Alana

Kirsten Alana is a photographer and travel writer currently in the Midwest who is planning a late 2010 move to the East or West coast. She always has a quote ready and waiting to share. She’s an avid Jane Austen fan, adventure & experience junkie, Francophile, passionate fan of Mexico, Apple and Canon geek, New Englander by birth and the daughter of an artist. Kirsten also loves to support charities and her current favorite is “Charity:Water”. You can find her on Twitter @kirsten_al.

Kinabatanga River, Malaysia Borneo

The jungle was slowly waking up. The birds were chirping excitedly while the monkeys had begun their daily forage for fruits and leaves. As we sat in the boat, we witnessed a simply magical moment as the sun lazily lifted its head above the tree-tops, blanketing the jungle with its warm rays and casting a mesmerizing glow across the horizon. Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Keith Jenkins

Keith Jenkins is a thirty-something who lives in Amsterdam and writes about his travels on his Velvet Escape travel blog. In addition to being a travel blogger, Keith offers travel writing services as well as social media consultancy and online marketing services. He is also the co-founder of the Global Bloggers Network, a community that helps individual and corporate bloggers grow and monetize their blogs.

Angor Wat, Cambodia

I woke up at 4am to take this shot of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The sky was spectacular that morning and there's no post processing on this image.

Ayngelina

Ayngelina left her job, apartment, boyfriend and friends to travel solo throughout Central and South America. You can read about her adventures at Bacon is Magic, as she eats her way through Central and South America. You can follow her on Twitter @Ayngelina.

Omaru, New Zealand

I'm not a morning person, but I made a special attempt for the fascinating and photogenic Moeraki Boulders near Omaru, New Zealand.

Slope Point, New Zealand

A cool night got me up and about early near Slope Point, the southernmost point of New Zealand's South Island. Timing is everything in photography and the grass glowed as I caught the light at the right place and right time this morning.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands along the east coast of Malaysia were my first taste of a so-called tropical paradise, and this sunrise was a stunner.

Dustin Main

Dustin Main is the author behind the Skinny Backpacker, a blog that offers the inside source on traveling around the world as a scrawny guy. His current itinerary starts in New Zealand, then Australia, North to SE Asia, west to Nepal, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Western Europe, then South America, Antarctica, and hopefully some time in Latin America before limping his way home. Have somewhere to suggest?  Someone I have to meet?  Let him know! You can find him on Twitter @skinnybackpackr.

Homer Tunnel, New Zealand

I was approaching Homer Tunnel, to get to Milford Sound, New Zealand, to go kayaking one morning. Just took it out the window with my point and shoot camera.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Overlooking the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia, Argentina, I woke up too late to catch the bus that morning but was rewarded with this view. It was worth being a day late.

Zanzibar

On the beach on the east side of Zanzibar. The tides were dramatic at this beach, as you can tell from the boat aground. It was so incredibly peaceful. Sunrises are definitely better than sunsets.

Michael Hodson

Michael just completed a sixteen month, round-the-world trip without taking a single plane.  His blog — One Lap, No Jetlag — is at www.mobilelawyer.blogspot.com and you can Twitter him at @mobilelawyer.

Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park (Utah, USA)

Sunrise in Monument Valley. One of the most peaceful places to wake up during our trip was in a tent at a primitive campsite in the middle of Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park in Utah. June 2009.

Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park (Utah, USA)

Another sunrise in Monument Valley.

Campo, Colorado (USA)

The beautiful thing about a road trip is that we can stop whenever we feel like it! So we did stop on the side of 287 near Campo, Colorado (population ~150) as the three of us watched the mighty sun rise in all its glory. August 2009.

Aye, Jack & Emma

Follow this fabulous family of three on their inspiring blog Got Passport: Will Travel. Will Serve and follow them on Twitter @gotpassport as they prepare to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand this summer.

Mexico City, Mexico

This is the sunrise from my upper floor Sheraton Centro Historico hotel suite. After a long night out of Tequila and Salsa, I arrived back late and before I closed the curtains and also my eyes, I snapped this photo. So as the day began for the city, my yesterday had just finished. Que Bueno!

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

At the PB Pacifica my balcony provided a view of the sunrise. To me, that seemed odd, as the resort complex in the back right was part of the PB Sunset. On this stretch of Baja in Los Cabos, Mexico Pueblo Bontino covers both sunrise and sunset.

Bali

In Bali, I actually used the jet lag to wake up early and watch the sunrise. Heck I even took in a few early morning yoga stretches. No I didn't spend my time in Kuta Beach when I watched the sunrise...not sure I'd ever be up that early.

Craig Zabransky

Craig traveled across 40 states and 30 countries both as a global management consultant and with a backpack on a RTW (round the world) adventure. Still traveling, he now shares his my stories on how to enjoy the journey by writing tales of travel and adventure to inspire you to take and make adventure in your life.

Yes, he sat on the Fox and Friends couch and has been interviewed on Sirius Radio twice about following your passion, but he is probably most proud of his recent publishing in the Shanghai Metro (he scored a print job). You can follow him on his blog www.stayadventurous.wordpress.com and tune in every Sunday for a sunset image. For him, the sunrise usually occurs way too early and he believes in the magic of the sunset.

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Housing Works: Hidden Treasure In NYC

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Housing Works Bookstore

Buried between two large, busy intersections of New York City and hidden under scaffolding is the Housing Works Bookstore Café located on 126 Crosby Street. This bookstore’s mission is to fight AIDS – one book at a time. Everything in this bookstore is donated – records, CDs, DVDs, VHS videos – and everything is sold under its retail price. Most books I came across were $6-$10 – all in great condition.

All the employees volunteer and all the profits go toward fighting AIDS and providing housing to people with AIDS. You can donate or volunteer, buy a book and sip some coffee. It’s a great way to give back and perhaps, maybe even discover something new amongst the shelves. I usually like to grab a cup of coffee and spend the entire afternoon rummaging the bookshelves. Here is where I found Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries for $5.

More info about Housing Works Bookstore Cafe:

Housing Works Bookstore Café has established itself as a New York downtown institution and tourist destination for the last decade. Special events and a fully stocked cafe make this a great place to meet friends, relax and shop the best book, movie and music selection in New York City. Our one of a kind space is available for rental and all of our merchandise is donated. We are staffed almost entirely by volunteers and 100% of our profits go to Housing Works, Inc.

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The Gentler Side of Bronx

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Berries In Wave Hill

Bronx is the home to Hip Hop and the hardknocks. It is where gang violence and employment run rampant. The South Bronx is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country and has one of the highest crime rates in the areas. So in our desperate need of exploration, JC and I ventured off to the BX.

We hopped on the Metro-North to Riverdale where a free shuttle met us at the train station and drove us directly to the gates of Wave Hill, a botanical estate that overlooks the Hudson River. If I led you on with the idea of a potentially dangerous trek through unchartered territories of mean muggings and a gang beat downs, I apologize. I’m no daredevil. I like to return to Brooklyn with all my limbs intact and fully functioning.

Wave Hill is far from poor. It is situated in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in New York City – Riverdale. It’s public gardens and cultural centers cover about 28 acres. One of the best things to do is lay out on the grass and have a picnic during spring while staring at the beauty of the Hudson River or go hiking during fall foliage when the leaves turn into bright shades of red, orange and yellow.

Wave Hill has everything from conservatories to flower gardens, from aquatic gardens to forests and meadows. I spent the entire day getting lost and wandering through the trails. There are also galleries housed in homes that were once occupied by New York’s wealthiest. Cookies and drinks are served on the balcony. It’s the perfect New York City getaway.

What’s even better is that they have Target Free Days on:

  • Tuesday: Free all day during off-peak months (November–April, July & August)
  • Tuesday: Free 9am to noon during peak months (May, June, September, October)
  • Saturday: Free 9am to noon year-round

Regular admission is:

  • Free to Members and children under 6
  • $8 for adults
  • $4 for students and seniors 65+
  • $2 for children 6+

Visit Wave Hill to find out more. It’s the one place in the Bronx where you won’t get mugged.

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