Today, June 2, at 5p.m. 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,” says 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.

Behind the Scenes of All-Girl Getaways with Stephanie Oswald

Today, April 24th at 9pm, the brand new show All-Girl Getaways premieres on Fine Living TV Networks. Hosted by travel expert Stephanie Oswald, the show follows a different group of women each week as they plan their ultimate getaway and celebrate well-deserved time away.

We get to see co-workers, friends and family members participate in fun activities like surfing, ice-skating, and skiing on the slopes of Lake Tahoe.

This is a terrific show for busy working women who want inspiration to prepare a fun trip with their girlfriends. Not to be missed.

The Bright Lights of NYC on All-Girl Getaways

 Visit the All-Girl Getaways website for more info.

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 theatre 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.

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.

© Erin Monet

When we visited 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 traveller’s checks. Even though the most popular musicals may not be available this is a great deal if you want 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 3 pm - 8pm

Sunday from 3 pm

For matinee performances:

Wednesday and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Sunday 11 am - 3 pm