Travel Blissful » new york city

September in New York City

Erica Johansson — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:00:30 +0000

Rosalie Scott shares why September is an ideal month for holidays in New York and what you can do once you’ve arrived. Just make sure to book a cheap flight to New York to have more money left for attractions in the city.

Written by Rosalie Scott

The kids are heading back to school, the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining — making New York City in September an ideal destination. Check out a ball game at Yankee Stadium, have dinner in Little Italy during the San Gennaro Festival, or grab a water bottle and explore the city with one of the many walking tours available.

New York Yankees & Mets Baseball Games

Sports fans visiting the city in September should take themselves out to a Yankee or Mets game, particularly because both teams have moved into brand new state of the art stadiums. Baseball aficionados wanting to delve into the rich history of the game will enjoy the behind the scenes tours available at Yankee Stadium, which includes a visit to the dugout, the New York Yankees Museum, and Monument Park which showcases the greatest baseball icons including Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. New York Mets fans can take in a game at Citi Field which has replaced Shea Stadium. Yankee Stadium is located in the Bronx at East 161st Street at River Avenue (across from the original stadium) and Citi Field is situated at 126th Street and Roosevelt in Queens. For game schedules and information on how to buy tickets, visit the Yankees and Mets official sites.

San Gennaro Festival, The Feast of San Gennaro

With its vibrant parades, delicious food and the renowned cannoli eating competition, this event draws more than a million people from around the world to the streets of Lower Manhattan’s Little Italy every September. Mulberry Street is closed for this colourful festival, which begins the second Thursday of September and celebrates San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples. The event has a long running history, having first been celebrated in 1926 by immigrants from Naples. A mass is held at Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street, which houses the shrine of San Gennaro, and then a religious procession carries his statue through the streets of Little Italy. The festival runs along Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets. A performance stage hosts live entertainment and street vendors offers delicious delicacies at every turn. Visit their official website for a festival map, event schedule and a list of recommended Little Italy restaurants and cafes.

Walking Tours of New York City

The best way to truly experience the sights and sounds of New York City is to simply walk its streets. September is an excellent month to sign up for a walking tour since it’s still quite sunny and warm, but typically less humid than July and August. Guided walking tours are a particularly good way to view Ground Zero, the memorial grounds for those who died in the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The Ground Zero/Lower Manhattan walking tour offered by New York City Vacation Packages takes you to the site of the former World Trade Center as well as the FDNY 9 11 Memorial Wall with a licensed tour guide.

Walking tours are great activities for travellers wanting to learn more about neighbourhoods like the famous East Village or the Lower East side but don’t know where to start. New York City neighbourhoods are packed with history that a guide can provide as you stroll through the streets and take in the sights. Some walking tours include Alphabet City, Five Points/Chinatown and even the Gangsters, Murderers and Weirdos walking tour which covers the escapades of characters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel.

NewYorkJourney.com will give you a comprehensive look at several hotels, attractions, tours and shops in the Big Apple. Get the information you need to know before you travel and make sure you get to see and stay at the best of the best in New York City.

Possibly related posts:

What a View!

Erica Johansson — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:44:09 +0000

The view from the Empire State Building will not let you down.

Vilken vy... © Jenny Graan

Possibly related posts:

Taste of Times Square: New York’s Annual Food Festival

Erica Johansson — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:20:47 +0000

Today, June 2 at 5 pm, thousands of people will gather at Times Square to join Taste of Times Square, one of New York City’s most visited food festivals. Visitors can taste delicious dishes from more than 50 restaurants including Chilean Pomaire, Italian family style Carmine’s and Cuban Havana Central.

“Nowhere else can you find such a diversity of chefs and cuisine from all around the world as you can in Times Square,” said Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins, “and it is this that makes dining out in Times Square such an adventure.”

Besides food tastings from Times Square’s best restaurants, participators can watch the moves of skilled street performers and enjoy local entertainment on three stages.

Didn’t have the chance to make it to this year’s food festival? No problem. Just keep an eye out for Taste of Times Square 2009 at The Official Website of Times Square.

Possibly related posts:

The Shops at Columbus Circle

Erica Johansson — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:03:01 +0000

Columbus Circle © Kevin De Ridder

The Columbus Circus mall is located just across Central Park. The Shops at Columbus Circle range from fashion and accessories to health and beauty, books and food. I’m pretty sure you can find a favorite.

I can recommend:

AVEDA – Terrific hair and skin products made out of green ingredients. Many samples to try.

Face Stockholm – This Swedish cosmetics company sells high quality products made from only natural ingredients. Very helpful staff!

Crabtree & Evelyn – Luxurious bath and body care, fragrances, accessories and gourmet foods.

Elixir Juice Bar – Delicious smoothies and tasty nutritious wraps, salads and soups.

Jamba Juice - Smoothies and freshly squeezed juices of fresh pure ingredients.

Whole Foods Market – Their organic quality food is outstanding, and the buffet is a dream for vegetarians.

Borders – Books, music, movies and a café in the same store must be one of the best combinations ever.

Possibly related posts:

Some Thoughts on Times Square

Erica Johansson — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:24:18 +0000

People visiting New York City will most likely sooner or later come to Times Square around 42nd and 47th Street. Before I came to Times Square I knew it was a famous theater district, but I honestly didn’t know so much more than that.

Although the safety is much better today than before 9/11, keep your wallet and other valuable belongings in a safe place to avoid pickpockets. And don’t get fooled by the photographers who assure you a great picture of you with Times Square in the background. The results don’t turn out half as good as their example photos. So bring your own camera and take the pictures yourself.

I’d say skip the souvenir shops around Times Square and listen to free music in the spacious Virgin Megastore instead. Afterwards, I would recommend Asian food from Ruby Foo’s or drop by the family friendly Carmine’s for an Italian meal.

During our stay in NYC, we chose to see the Broadway musical Aida. If you rather watch the latest movie from Hollywood you won’t be disappointed either.

One of my favorite shops on Times Square is Quicksilver. I like watching the different takes on surf- and snowboard sessions on the huge screen above the store.

For happenings and things to do around Times Square, check out the online issue of Times Square or visit The Official Website of Times Square.

Possibly related posts:

The Empire State Building

Erica Johansson — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:42:20 +0000

I have always loved city views, especially at night. And so far the sight from the Empire State Building is my favorite. We were lucky when we got there because we only had to wait in line about thirty minutes before we could take the lift to the 86th floor at 448 m.

The Empire State Building is located on 350 Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, open from 9.30am-23.30pm every day.

The Empire State Building © Danie Pratt

Possibly related posts:

Grand Central Station: The World’s Most Beautiful Railway Station

Erica Johansson — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:57:05 +0000

Every day between 5.30am and 1.30am, about a half a million of people pass through Grand Central Station located at East 42^nd Street and Park Avenue. Opened in 1913, it’s one of the most beautiful and original railway stations in the world. I’ve always been fascinated by airports and railway stations and Grand Central Station is one of the better, if not the best. Even if you don’t have any travel plans, you can come here just to admire the building — the beauty of the place is a real contrast to the busy atmosphere.

The shops in Grand Central Station range from health and beauty to clothes and accessories. Apart from Aveda, Origins and L’ Occitane in Lexington Passage, I love Penzeys Spices and Li-Lac Chocolate in Grand Central Market. Their chocolate is expensive, but one or two hand-dipped truffles are just enough to satisfy the occasional chocolate craving.

Don’t miss a walking tour though the terminal or book a private guided tour through Grand Central’s website.

Before leaving, stop by The Campbell Apartment at Vanderbuilt 15. I can also recommend a savory Italian lunch at Cipriani Dolci.

Possibly related posts:

First Time Visitor in New York City?

Erica Johansson — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:49:39 +0000

The risk of getting bored in NYC is not big. For first-time visitors I would recommend anything of the following… the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Central Park, Broadway musicals, an early morning at the top of the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Times Square…

… a walk through South Street Seaport at 19 Fulton Street, admire Brooklyn Bridge, a stroll along the classic film-kiss walk (Brooklyn Heights Promenade) by the East River…

… funny copies and good food in Chinatown, the clubs in Greenwich Village, a comedy show in East Village, eating out in Lower East Side, people watching in the Meatpacking District, visiting some of the 350 art galleries in Chelsea, hear Woody Allen play with his jazz band at The Carlyle a Monday evening…

When your feet are tired from too much walking, stop by Barnes & Noble Booksellers – Lincoln Center at 1972 Broadway. The magazine section just next to Starbucks on the highest floor has lots of good magazines you can browse through with no obligation to purchase.

Whenever you visit NYC, I’m pretty sure you will find something in your taste.

Possibly related posts:

Gospel in Harlem

Erica Johansson — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:53:48 +0000

If you happen to be in New York City on a Sunday morning, take the subway to 116th Street in Harlem where there are more Baptist Churches than in any other part of the city. The gospel service begins at ten and can sometimes be heard from the street. We discovered a beautiful Baptist Church at St. Nicholas Avenue between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd not far from Central Park. I had never heard gospel before and everything was such a contrast to the reserved atmosphere in Swedish churches — in a good way.

Possibly related posts:

“If Paris is France, Coney Island, between June and September, is the World.”

Erica Johansson — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:18:17 +0000

Saturday afternoon. We stand by Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island’s main station. Most people living on Coney Island, located in southernmost Brooklyn with its famous beach on the Atlantic Ocean, are Hispanic or African-American. The area was once a major resort and home to amusements parks as the Steeplechase Park, the heart of Coney between 1897 and 1964. Its founder George Tilyou once said: “If Paris is France, Coney Island, between June and September, is the world.”

Above the beach is the Riegelmann boardwalk, named from Borough President Riegelmann and reputed to be the world’s longest. In the middle of a crowd I spot a teenage girl. She sings with a clear, powerful voice resembling of Beyonce and receives plenty of whistles after her performance. On Coney Island, the mixture of people from different backgrounds and of various personalities contribute to the special atmosphere.

Before you leave New York City, do pay a visit to Coney Island. The D-line from Bronx in north passes through Manhattan and over the East River on Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn. A ride with the subway from Midtown Manhattan takes about an hour.

Possibly related posts:

Central Park: The Best Park in the World

Erica Johansson — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:05:39 +0000

Located between 59th and 110th Streets and 5th to 8th Avenues, Central Park is, in my opinion, the best park in the world. A park for everyone offering plenty of fun things to do. You can jog, walk, play boll, rollerblade, go to the zoo, rent a boat, swim, sunbath, play baseball, play tennis at the tennis courts on 96th Street West near the Reservoir, have a picnic on the lawn, visit John Lennon’s memorial place, check out the street artists, listen to saxophone players and other musicians, stroll over the Great Lawn to admire the mid Manhattan skyscrapers, rent a bike by Loeb’s Boat House, or sit down on a bench and just look at people and enjoy the atmosphere.

Throughout the winter (from November to March), you can ice skate at Wollman Rink at East 63rd Street or Lasker Rink at East 107th Street. During the summer I recommend the Shakespeare’s Garden, Belvedere Castle, the Strawberry Fields, and the performances at Delecorte Theatre by Belvedere Lake. Don’t forget the area toward Harlem, including Harlem Woods and Harlem Meer, in the northern part of Central Park.

Possibly related posts:

Discount Shopping in New York City

Erica Johansson — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:58:46 +0000

New York City has plenty on offer for shoppers with all budgets.

People seeking great discounts should check out these stores:

Century 21

This discount department store in the Financial District is not a secret anymore. Avoid peak lunch time when more people make their way through the maze of the price cut clothing.

Location: 22 Cortlandt St. between Church St. and Broadway.

Gabay’s Outlet

Family owned Gabay’s sells overstock from fine department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel at 50-80% reductions. Designers include Chanel and Manolo Blahnik. Sign up for their mailing list to get news and updates from this East Village gem.

Location: 225 First Ave between 13th and 14th.

Loehmann’s

Enter their well-known “Back Room” for designer clothing at bargain prices. This Chelsea shop typically offers 30-65%, but you can join their “Insider’s Club” online for further shop discounts.

Location: 101 Seventh Ave at 17th St.

Syms

Different color tags for each size make it easier to find what you look for. Designs from Oscar De La Renta, Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole. By registering on their website you can get 10% of your first purchase.

Location: 400 Park Ave in the Financial District, or 42 Trinity Place in Midtown East.

Possibly related posts:

Broadway Musicals: How to Save 50% of the Ticket Price

Erica Johansson — Tue, 01 May 2007 08:51:12 +0000

When visiting New York City in 2004 we went to see the Broadway musical Aida. We decided to go the same day and lined up by one of the two TKTS discount booths in Times Square. Sometimes you have to wait more than an hour, but we bought our tickets for $50 each (normal price is $100) within 20 minutes.

The two discount booths are located on West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. The tickets are sold for 25-50% of the original price. You can pay with cash or traveler’s checks. Even though the most popular musicals might not be available this is a great deal to enjoy a Broadway musical without needing to pay full price. You can get more information at the Theatre Development Fund.

For evening performances:

Monday-Saturday 3pm – 8pm

Sundays from 3pm

For matinee performances:

Wednesday and Saturday 10am – 2pm

Sundays 11am – 3pm

The photo in the beginning of the post was taken by Erin Monet.

Possibly related posts: