Bar Hopping - Bryant Park

Its the unofficial start to Autumn today and many are saddened that the evenings spent outside are now a thing of the past or at least until next summer. Let me tell you it isn't so! Autumn is the best time of year! I love it. The weather is cool and crisp yet warm enough where you can still spend time outdoors comfortably. The weather will be glorious until at least the end of October. Be sure to not hibernate too soon.

A great place to go is Bryant Park. Last week I met up with some co-workers at the Bryant Park Cafe for an afterwork drink. We were having a great time as we had prime real-estate by the bar but one of my colleague's insisted that if we went to the Bryant Park Grill it would be more fun because it was a rooftop. Reluctantly, we left for greener pastures. The Bryant Park Grill rooftop is very nice and it does have a nice over head view of the park but we didn't have great real-estate by the bar and could not get a table. We stayed for one drink and were once again on the move to for the Bryant Park - Southwest Porch. Which happens to be my favorite spot in Bryant Park. It feels like going out to a friend's backyard. There are swings, rockers, adirondack chairs, and power outlets just incase you need to charge your phone. The good part is you do not have to buy anything from the bar to hang out there but you will need skill in scoring a comfortable spot.

Live instagram feed of Bryant Park

The Highline

Have you been to the Highline yet? If not; make the time and get over there.  Since the Highline reopened as a park in 2009 it has become a major tourist attraction and with good reason. First of all it is a great concept: make something beautiful and unexpected (public park with lovely greenery) out of something ugly (decrepit train tracks). Second, the Highline has added much needed green-space to an area which never would have gotten it without the innovative design. And third, it is a great place to people watch and photograph!

This is a live photo stream with the #highline hashtag from Instagram:


The Highline has also partnered up with chefs and restauranteurs that create food that is thoughtful, creative, and interesting and it is offered right on the Highline. Click here to see the current partners.

The last few times I went to the Highline I had lunch at Artichoke Basille's Pizza. They have a delicious, can you guess? artichoke pizza! It is conveniently located across the street from the West 18th Street entrance. After you eat the pizza you walk off the extra calories.

The Highline is open daily from 7am to 11pm
It is wheelchair accessible
For more information click here

Coney Island

$6 for a ride on the Wonder Wheel

Gated Carts Gated View

View of Coney Island from the Wonder Wheel

I was in New York City for Memorial Day and decided to check out Coney Island.  It was about 90 degrees in Manhattan and I thought getting away to the beach would be good respite from the heat. Upon arrival it looked like 1,000,000 New Yorkers had the same idea.

We couldn't resist stopping to eat at the Original Nathan's Famous Frankfurters. It was surprising we were able to find seating in the sea of people but we managed to score a great shaded table. The frankfurters were very good but for future reference; rule of thumb: eat after you get on the rides. With our full stomachs we were only able to get on the Wonder Wheel (stationary cart not the swinging cart). I wanted to get on the Cyclone and I noticed some new rides in Luna Park but my full stomach and the fleshy crowds turned me off.

My idea for a respite from the heat was right on as there was a beautiful cool breeze off the ocean unfortunately it wasn't relaxing. Way too many people and too much going on. I want to give Coney Island another shot this summer season. I'm thinking of going to the Mermaid Parade on June 23rd. This year marks the 30th anniversary.

LowLine

LowLine Rendering

Have you heard about the LowLine or the Delancey Underground project? It is the opposite of the HighLine. What do I mean? Underneath New York City's Delancey Street is an abandoned train station being re-imagined into a spectacular park.

I love the this idea! It is so unexpected and innovative. It will be a great addition to the Lower East Side (where I grew up). I'm so excited about this. I hope the vision of architect James Ramsay, executive Dan Barasch, and money manager R. Boykin Curry IV is made into a reality.

For more information and to view the full photo gallery to go In Habitat New York City. To donate to this amazing cause click here. Also Mark Miller Gallery in the Lower East Side is showing an exhibit entitled Let There Be Light - A preview of the LowLine Park. On display now until April 29th.