3 Must-See Museums in Manhattan

If you love museums, then you’ll love Manhattan. This borough of New York City is loaded with great museums—among other things. To help you cut through the choices, here are three great museums in Manhattan that you may want to add to your to-see list.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of art is an absolutely must-see attraction when you’re visiting New York City. The amazing display of over two million works of art is quite the experience—from photography and European paintings and sculptures to the armors of the Middle Ages to Greek, Roman and Egyptian exhibits.

The Egyptian Temple of Dendor is one of the famous exhibits in the museum. It is an incredible place to be. It is truly amazing. This exhibit alone will consume at least three hours of your time.

If time is of the essence, you might want to go to the sections that interest you the most, it will make the trip worthwhile. There’s too much too see, so it could be overwhelming.
By the way, cameras are allowed without flash. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes—this is a must.

Admission fee is by suggested donation. If you think you’ll spend a lot of time inside, give more, if not give whatever you can afford. Museum hours are 9:30am - 5:15pm, Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday, 9:30am - 8: 45pm, Friday - Saturday. Closed on Mondays.

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is another must-see in NYC. If you like Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh or Monet, then you’re in the right place. If you’re into modern art, this museum offers more than 150,000 collections of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and photographs among others. They also store about 3,350 works of the world’s largest and inclusive collections of modern painting and sculptures, dated from the last 150 years to present day.

This is one of the best modern art galleries in the world. You have to appreciate art to enjoy the exhibits on display, otherwise its just another painting to you. The audio tour is excellent.

The Museum of Modern Art is open Sunday - Monday, Wednesday - Thursday, 10:30am - 5:30pm, and Sunday 10:30am - 8pm. It’s closed on Tuesday. Museum admissions are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (65+ with ID), $12 for full-time students (ID required), children 16 and under free (does not apply for children in groups), and members are free. Also, admission is free during Target Free Friday Nights, which is held between 4pm - 8pm.

Cloisters Museum

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is dedicated to the art and architecture of Medieval Europe. It is located in Northern Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park. They’re famous for their unicorn tapestries, sculptures, beautiful stained glass, excellent illuminated manuscripts and paintings.

They have about 5,000 European medieval works of art, mostly from the twelfth thru the fifteenth century.

The cloisters is open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:30am - 4:45pm (November - February), 9:30am - 5:15pm (March - October). It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

New York Family Adventures

New York is great for families. There’s so much to do. From the New York Hall of Science to Coney Island’s Astroland Amusement Park, your family won’t have a problem being entertained. While there are many family adventure choices in New York, here are a few that you’re sure to enjoy.

Coney Island’s Astroland Amusement Park

This first thing you need to know about this great place is that it’s only open at certain times during the year. Between March and the beginning of June, Astroland is open on the weekends only. However, from mid-June to the beginning of September, it’s open daily.

Astroland is home to the world-famous Cyclone, a wood-tracked rollercoaster that was built in 1927. Over the years it’s gotten faster and today it’s quite the thrill ride. The Cyclone has six 180-degree turns, 12 drops, 27 elevation changes, and zooms at 60mph. The ride lasts almost two minutes.

If you have little ones, fear not, Astroland has stuff for them too. The Tea Cups are a popular ride. And there’s the Carousel, Dune Buggy Jump, Popeye Boats, Fire Engines, Super Swing, Froghopper and much more.

Astroland also features great food and games of skill. It’s a darn good time for the whole family.

Queens Wildlife Center

Teach your kids while entertaining them by visiting the Queens Wildlife Center. This zoo offers much more. Rather than just seeing animals in cages, your family will get to see animals in their natural habitats. Talk about a great learning opportunity!

The Queens Wildlife Center has tons of animals too—bobcats, bison, mountain lions, coyotes, black bears, elk, sea lions, ducks, goats, rabbits and more.

It’s open 365 days a year. Hours are 10am – 4:30pm during the fall and winter and 10am – 5pm (or 5:30pm) during spring and summer. Admission is a steal too—adults are $6, children (3-12) $2, seniors (65+) $2.25 and children under 3 are free.

New York Hall of Science

Here’s another great way to let your kids have fun while learning. The New York Hall of Science is a hands-on museum that your kids will love. It has over 400 interactive exhibits, so boredom is not an option.

Here’s an interesting twist. You can send your kids on “Merlin’s Dragon Quest” where they will use reason, logic and science to complete their mission—to battle dragons. When successful, they will be all smiles when receiving their official Certified Dragon Hunter badge.

The New York Hall of Science is a good time for all. Admission is moderately priced—$11 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors. There’s also the Science Playground, which is $4 per person.

5 Must-See attractions in New York City

New York City … where do you start? There are so many places to see, from the famous Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty and Time Square. Wherever you go, there’s always something exciting to do in the NYC.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in the world. This 102-story art deco skyscraper is located right in the heart of Manhattan, in the intersection of 5th Avenue and 34th Street in New York City. It is the tallest building in New York today. It was named as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Featured on the 86th floor is the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of New York City. Over 110 million people have visited this glass-enclosed pavilion since it opened in 1931. You probably recognized it from movies such as Sleepless in Seattle, Elf and the most famous of all, An Affair to Remember.

At night, the top of the building luminates with chosen colors to match the season or events, such as green and red for Christmas and sports teams colors when they have home games.

Times Square

Times Square is one of the busiest intersections in the world. Famous for its annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, it is also an icon and a symbol of New York City. With flashing neon lights, big marquees and Broadway shows, you can feel the energy in this city that never sleeps.

The main attractions include MTV’s TRL Studios, ABC’s Good Morning America studios and Toys’R’Us, but within blocks of Times Square you can find the Ed Sullivan Theater, where they tape the David Letterman Show every weekday, the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios, Broadway and Disney Store.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty (pictured) was a gift by the people of France to the people of the US as a sign of friendship between the two nations. It is one of the most recognizable icons of the US. The statue is 151-feet tall, but with the pedestal and foundation, she stands at 305-feet tall.

She is a symbol of freedom and opportunity. Many of our ancestors have passed through Ellis Island and by the Statue of Liberty with hopes of greener pastures.

In 1984, it was named as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Liberty and Ellis Island is only accessible by ferries. The park is opened 8:30am - 6pm. Admission is free. The ferry tickets are $11.50, Adults, $9.50, Seniors (62 and up), children, $4.50(4-12), under 4, free.

Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is an art deco complex, consisting of 19 commercial buildings, covering 22-acres between 48th and 51st Street, in Midtown Manhattan. The Rockefeller family built it in 1930.

It is home to the Radio City Music Hall, NBC, Christie’s Auction House, the famous ice-skating rink and the associated press.

The Rockefeller Center transform into a magical place during Christmas time, with the famous Christmas tree and its beautiful lights and decorations everywhere.

Tours of the Rockefeller Center and the NBC Studios are available.

Madison Square Garden

If you like sports, the best way to experience a live game is at the Madison Square Garden. It’s the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”

You can take an All Access tour of the Madison Square Garden to visit the New York teams locker rooms, backstage tour of the theater and Star dressing rooms among other fun areas.

Madison Square Garden hosts about 320 events a year, but it is popularly known as the Home of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.

Whenever you decide to go to New York City, make sure to include these places to your itinerary.

New York City Historical Sites

New York City is rich in tradition and history. It would be a shame to visit New York City and not take some time to enjoy some of the historical sites is offers. Here are a couple of the points of history you may want to visit.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

While walking in midtown Manhattan on the eastside of Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, you can’t help but noticed the towering neo-gothic style Catholic Cathedral, which is the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Located right in front of the famous Rockefeller Center, this is the largest gothic-style Catholic cathedral in the United States.

The spires of the cathedral rise 330 feet from the street level. The cathedral is made of white marble inside and out. Walk in the church through this great bronze door adorned with religious figures. Once inside, you’ll notice the 26-foot rose-stained windows. And below them is the great organ with over 7,000 pipes. The baldachin rising over the altar is made entirely of bronze.

Whether you’re a religious person or not, this is a great place to visit at least once. The church is open daily from 7am - 8:30pm.

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater is a historic landmark in the heart of Harlem—Manhattan—where some of the greatest and most talented influential performers launched their careers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonders, Lauryn Hill and many others. The Apollo billing reads, “where stars are born and legends are made.”

It is home to the syndicated television show “ShowTime at the Apollo” and it’s the top attraction in Harlem. The Apollo Theater is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Apollo’s Amateur Night shows, which were introduced in 1934, still continue today and hopeful performers wishing that this would be the start of their career in entertainment try their best to please the crowd.

Green-Wood Cemetery

As you enter through the stunning gothic style landmark gates at 5th Avenue and 25th Street, you’re entering a different world—a beginning of what lies beneath. The Green-Wood Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world—remarkable landscaping, a park like setting with beautiful trees and several ponds, sculptures, an on-site church and buildings—that to this day still attracts visitors.

It was a famous tourist attraction in the 1850’s, and many of the over 600,000 graves are of famous New Yorkers, political figures, Civil War Generals, actors and wealthy businessmen, such as Hewitt Clinton, Charles Ebbets, Henry Steinway, Leonard Bernstein, Townsend Harris among others.

During the Civil War, the Green-Wood Cemetery created the “Soldier’s Lot,” for free veterans burial.

The Green-Wood Cemetery was granted National Historic Landmark in 2006.It is still an operating cemetery.

So Much to Soak Up

New York City has so much history that it’s impossible to put all the great locations in one article. The few mentioned are a great start. Hopefully, you’ll take a little time when visiting New York City to enjoy some of the history.

Four Popular Events to See in New York City

New York, The Big Apple, is a city that never sleeps. Throughout the day there are musicals, parties, and other interesting events. From the famous dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball to film festivals, New York has it all.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

The most famous event that takes place in New York is the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, where thousands of spectators from around the world gather to celebrate the New Year. I can’t think of a better place to embrace the New Year than Times Square at the stroke of midnight with the ones you love. The amazing display of fireworks, balloons and tons of confetti flying from the roofs of the buildings completes the festivities. Everyone should experience New Year’s Eve in New York at least once in his or her life. It’s chaotic and freezing cold outside, but what the heck, it’s all part of the fun.

Tribeca Film Festival

If you like short, documentary and feature films, the Tribeca Film Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro, is the place to be. It showcases such films from around the world and helps promote New York City as a major filmmaking center and it’s a great way to bring the Independent films to the widest possible audience. Tribeca Film Festival will help you expand your movie palate. It offers the best-handpicked films from thousands of entries, and gives you a chance to participate in panel discussions and be up close with some of your favorite actors and actresses. For dates and tickets information call 212.941.2400.

Chinese New Year Spectacular

If big shows are what you came to New York for, then you should see the Chinese New Year Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall during the week of the Chinese New Year
Celebration. This is a phenomenal show and is worth seeing. It will touch your heart as you watch the entirety of the show—China’s glorious past is interpreted through well-choreographed dances, music and instrumental performances. It gives you an amazing view at China’s 5,000-year history. One particular dance that is so moving is the “Risen Lotus Flower,” which is the dance depicting the persecution of the Falun Gong practitioners for their beliefs.

The costumes are so colorful and beautiful, and the backdrops are fantastic. It makes everything come together in a cultural kind of way. For dates and tickets for this spectacular show contact 212.736.8535.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving is not the same without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (pictured). Gather the family and watch the floats, giant balloons and your favorite performers go by. This American tradition has been entertaining our homes for 82 years. People wake up early on Thanksgiving morning to see their favorite characters sky high in the sky. This parade make its way to Herald Square with over 2.5 million spectators lined up on the street.

If you want to get a good spot, be there early. Usually, people start showing up as early as 6:30am. For information contact the parade hotline at 212.494.4495. It’s highly recommended.

Peconic Wine Tourism

Whether you’re in Long Island for a vacation or a weekend, drive down to Peconic and try some of the best wines New York has to offer. Whatever you’re in the mood for, a Merlot, Chardonnay or perhaps Cabernet Sauvignon, you’re bound to find it in Peconic. The area produces some great wines.

Raphael Winery

You’ll love this Mediterranean-style winery. As you’re driving down the Main Road (Route 25), you can’t miss this huge Tuscan villa called the Raphael Winery (pictured). The 28,000-square-foot building is owned by the Petrocelli family and has been producing the best Merlot in Long Island since it’s opening in 2001.

They offer guided tours and wine tasting on a daily basis by appointment. Reservations are required and there’s a fee of $12 per person. It takes about an hour for the tour. The Raphael Winery has been featured in The Wine Spectator Magazine, New York Times and the NBC hit show The Apprentice.

The winery is opened daily from 11am - 5pm. It is located at 39390 Main Road, Peconic N.Y. For more Information, contact 631.765.1100.

Pindar Vineyard

As you’re driving east on Route 25 to Peconic, turn left to Pindar Vineyard, Long Island’s largest and oldest vineyard. It was founded by Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos in 1979. Their wines have received many awards, in both national and international wine tasting competitions. The 2004 Reserve Chardonnay is highly recommended by the Beverage Testing Institute. One of the most popular wines they produced is the 2000 Mythology, which is a red wine. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viogner and Syrah.

Their wine tasting is available daily from 11am - 5:30pm, with a $4 tasting fee per person. The winery is open from 11am - 6pm for sales. The Pindar Wine Shop, Port Jefferson is open from Monday-Sunday, 11am - 7pm. The Pindar Vineyard is located at 37645 Route 25,Peconic, New York. For more information, contact 631.734.6200.

Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards

The Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard is one of many Long Island’s vineyard located in Peconic. If you’re driving down Route 25, Osprey’s is about a quarter mile on the left. This 90-acres of vinifera grapes produces Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon among others. Their wines has received many awards from both national and international wine competitions.

The tasting room is open daily from 11am - 5pm, with extended hours from Memorial Day through September. The vineyard features live entertainment on weekends. For more information call 888.295.6188 / 631.765.6188.

Lenz Winery and Vineyard

The Lenz Winery is small compared to other wineries around the area, but it produces fine-quality wines that are all estate bottled. There’s nearly 70-acres of vinifera grapes varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc.

The Lenz tasting room is open daily, 10am - 5pm from November-May, 10am - 6pm from Memorial Day-Columbus Day. They’re closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Tours are offered in February and March. Tour fees are $25 per person. For reservations contact Barbara Reuschle at 631.734.6010.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, stop by any of this winery in Long Island’s, North Folk and you will not be disappointed.

Photo credit: Brian Dorsey Studios - Raphaelwine.com

Family Fun in the Big Apple

A trip to New York City with your children is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’ll be in awe from all the skyscraper buildings, dinosaur sightings, and to all the cool places you’re going to take them. The big city has lots of activities for families to experience.

The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the best places you can spend time with your children. The dinosaurs and other exhibits will amaze them. The dinosaur fossils are a kid favorite.

Besides the dinosaurs, they also have a planetarium, which features the space show “Cosmic Collections.” The show starts every half hour between 10:30am - 4:30pm daily. Tickets are $22 for Adults and $13 for children 2-12.

Other highlights of the museum are the Summer Camps, The Butterfly Conservator, which features over 500 live butterflies, Dinosaurs Alive, a 40-minute narrated movie about dinosaurs, and the sleepover in the museum, where kids ages 8-12 can spend the night at the museum, an experience they’ll never forget. The fee is $109 per person (members $99). Call 212.769.5200 for dates and availability. Space is limited and this one sells out fast. One adult is required for every 1-3 child attending.

The American Girl Store and Café

For every girl that owns an American Girl doll, this store is for you. You cans shop at the store and have lunch or tea at the café, or have your doll’s hair redone or styled while chatting with other girls in the shop.

Reservations are required in advanced for the café, if you don’t want to disappoint your little princess. Call 877.247.5223. Store is open Monday to Friday, 10am - 9pm, Saturday, 9am - 9pm and Sunday, 9am - 7pm.

Central Park

Here’s a little trivia for you, did you know that Central Park (pictured) is the first public park in America and it’s all man-made? Yes, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed this 843-acre park. It took 15 years to finish this project.

Today, the park features 51 sculptures, including the Bethesda Fountain, 36 bridges and arches, 21 playgrounds, two ice skating rinks, 26,000 trees, a carousel, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, nearly 9,000 benches, the Belvedere Castle, over 275 migratory birds, artificial lakes, and of course, the Great Lawn.

It also feature activities and programs for children all throughout the year. Central Park was declared National Historic Landmark in 1965 and a NYC Landmark in 1974. Central Park is open from 6am - 1am, daily.

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

Would you like to have your pictures taken with your favorite stars? Go to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and take as many pictures as you want. You’ll enjoy the wax figures of your favorite celebrities, rock stars, athletes, political figures, and movie characters among others.

They have over 200 popular figures to view. The wax museum is open daily, 10am - 5:45pm. It’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Fees are $20-$30. It takes about 1-2 hours to see everything.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a unique environment of interactive exhibitions and programs for children to explore. It features school and outreach programs and exhibits including the Discover Ancient Greece, Playworks, Dora the Explorer, Little west Side and City Splash.

The museum is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm. It’s closed on Mondays for school and outreach programs. They have free admissions on every first Friday of each month, from 5 - 8pm.

Admission for children and adults is $9 and seniors are $6. Children under 1, CMOM and Corporate members are free.