Midtown Comics for teens, 20s--and other Times Square ideas

I hate Times Square. If you have lived in NYC for more than a month, so do you. But i admit I also harbor a strange, intermittent fondness for the iconic spectacle of lights. In fact, in theory, it is not bad. What spoils it is the only-in-TS tourist trap restaurants and stores, and crowds of out- of- towners that make the 42nd-50th Street area seem like a foreign country. An annoying one. However a recent NY post story actually has some good ideas about what to do in Times Square --for every member of your family. Why does it matter? Because like it or not, everyone who visits you in NYC wants to go to Times Square. And if you don't want to grit your teeth during your "nth" visit to the M&Ms store (though you'll probably be doing that anyway...and actually it isn't that bad except for the crowds)--take a look at some of these suggestions. My favorite suggestion is to take teens (And honestly my nieces in their 20s would also love this)-- to Midtown Comics at 200 W. 40th St. Here is the entire review from the site: "Your average “been-there-done-that” teenager might sniff at the gaudy lights and endlessly moving ads of Times Square. But hidden away at the top of a staircase of a nondescript building, the original location of the citywide Midtown Comics chain is a two-story teen mecca (above). You could spend hours in here catching up on your favorite stories, from new releases to old back issues. Much of the store is taken up with collectibles and toys, such as Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver and Wolverine figurines.

Soho clothing stores for teens

And..here we go! Clothing stores for teens; right now I am concentrating on Soho and Broadway, where a host of stores from rityzy to chintzy attract all pocketbook levels.... H&M: bway bet broome and prince-2; TopShop 478 bway; Necessary Clothing, 442 Broadway

Restaurants for teens and 20's

I've a friend with a 16 year old daughter who I am meeting for lunch in NYC...and am a bit perplexed where to take her to show what a cool person I am! 30 years in NYC, but I really don't eat out that much--and when I do it is usually someplace like Sido, sitting on a plastic seat outside! I want someplace sort of trendy-- but not standoffish or too sophisticated. Here are some ideas I heard about after some research online at Chowhound and a few other spots: Cafeteria : 119 7th Avenue New York (at 17th St), NY 10010 212.414.1717 Schiller's Liquor Bar 131 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002 at Norfolk St 5 Napkin Burger Many locations including: 2315 Broadway @ 84th Street; 150 E. 14th Street, (212) 228-5500; Hells Kitchen-630 9th Ave @ 45th Street Delicatessen 54 PRINCE STREET, 212 226 0211 Gemma (Bowery Hotel): 335 Bowery bet 3rd and 2nd Pulino's Bar & Pizzaria-- Bowery and Houston Lunch Menu LePain Quotidien: (all over --these are Soho locations) Grand & Mercer; Bleeker bet Bway and Lafayette; (between Grand St & Howard St) Lombardi's-Spring&Mott 7A Cafe: 7th Street At Avenue A Cafe Orlin (st Mark's bet 1st and 2nd Grey Dog Coffee : 244 Mulberry Street and 90 University Place and 242 West 16 Street

Hell's Kitchen doesn't live up to its name

I approach basically everything between 34th and 59th with trepidation. The tourist crowd is overwhelming and makes walking, people-watching--everything I love about NYC-- frustrating at its best, and infuriating at its worst (and I usually lean towards the latter, in case you're wondering). But a recent necessary foray into the wilds of the Theatre District/ Times Square (to see July 4 fireworks from the Interprid--which were FANTASTIC!) introduced me by default to a "new" Hell's Kitchen; a wondrous thing. We walked up Ninth Avenue (far less crowded and crazy-making than B'Way or 7th or 8th) and from about 44th to 55th were just amazed at the number of chic/ cool/ hipster-y restaurants and bars, filled with young people-- and we also saw lots of interesting looking and affordable menus. While I myself probably wouldn't hang out there on a regular basis I think it's a great area to send a younger crowd looking for more sophisticated bars than the usual East Village or Columbia or NYU fare--and I definitely want to check out at some point some of these really interesting looking restaurants. Or take a walk up or down just to people-watch. Hell's Kitchen definitely looks like the hot new place to live based on the crowd we saw there and it's wonderful to see it coming into its own.

Summer Outdoor Films

Bryant Park (42nd St and 6th Ave) starts this week its series of outdoor films every Monday at sunset, through Aug. 23rd, 2010. Here's the list of films:
July 12- My Man Godfrey July 19th: The China Syndrome July 26th Monty Python & The Holy Grail; Aug. 2nd Rosemary's Baby Aug. 9th The Goodbye Girl Aug 16th 12 Angry Men Aug. 23 Bonnie and Clyde.
An eclectic mix, to say the least, but most people don't attend for the film, but more for the only-in-New-York spirit of the event.

Comedy Central Live at Gotham Comedy Club

The last time I went to a comedy club in NYC I had to prepare my escape route ahead of time...I get a little freaked out...okay a lot freaked out...by raunchy comedy so NYC comedy clubs are really not my thing. I think Ray Romano is about as raunchy as I can take-- so you get my sensibility here. Anyway if you can stand the raunch-factor (not all of them but...many...are) some of the comics at various clubs throughout the city are really, really funny. The better ones are Caroline's (Broadway and 50th-take #1 to 54th St.) and Gotham Comedy Club (23rd between 7-8th-take the #1 directly there). Season 4 of Comedy Central is being filmed at Gotham Aug 6-9th. Six comedians., 2 shows, 6:15 and 9:45.
!

East Village and NYU area

I just LOVE the East Village, still, for its cafes and restaurants...also wonderful and nearby are the cafes on Macdougal Street, walkable from the East Village, and Washington Square...
This is one of the first places I came to in NYC and while I don't want to go down there all the time I still do love it. There is so much to do here, so much to see...nice to go in and out of the streets from about 12th on down to Houston (which divides 1st Street from named streets on the Lower East Side...).

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Boat Basin Cafe on 79th and Hudson...

While I am not a super big fan of the Boat Basin Cafe anymore (I think I have been "aged out": it has gotten more like a frat party on Friday and Sat. night and seems more geared towards singles and younger people than I...), it is a real party atmosphere and great for mingling and hanging out. They have a Happy Hour M-F 4-7PM--drinks $2 off. It is really a scene here. And fun to be outdoors, I have to say.
Here's the rundown from their website.

The Boat Basin Café is a casual outdoor restaurant, arranged in three sections & located in Riverside Park at the end of 79th Street on the Hudson River. There is an open air patio that overlooks the Marina and the Hudson River with breathtaking views of the sunsets over New Jersey. The covered Rotunda section in the middle of the restaurant has limestone arches overlooking the open air patio. All BBQ Grill parties are held underneath this covered area. The last section is our circular open air area where most of our bar parties are held, weather permitting.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Wednesday – 12 noon till 11:p.m.

Thursday and Friday - 12 noon till 11:30 p.m.

Saturday 11 am till 11:30 p.m.

Sunday 11am till 10 p.m.

(All Weather Permitting)

(See Home Page for Spring and Fall Hours of operation)

Atlantic City-New Train Service for $29

Atlantic City is definitely one of those places that have to be seen to be believed. I've been there once and it was quite surreal. I'm not a gambler (not yet anyway) but this is a kitschy experience even if you don't gamble--or perhaps only if you don't gamble (if you do you probably take it very seriously).
There's a new direct train service--Aces Train--that leaves Friday, Sat. and Sunday from Penn Station at 34th St. and arrives in Atlantic City 2 hours and 40 minutes later.
The site advertises coach tickets for $29-69--not sure what the difference is--are you sitting on someone's lap for the $29 fee? But it looks a bit more comfy than the free bus services to Atlantic City. Which I have never taken.
Check out the Atlantic City official website for stuff to do here other than gamble--the boardwalk is a hoot and it is a real experience.

Jones Beach -The Ocean, and Everything Else

Posting about the concerts at Jones Beach in Long Island reminded me that while I haven't been there in awhile--and, frankly, I prefer the New Jersey Shore (more on that later) as I like a quiet beach for contemplation--it is really wonderful fun if you're going with friends. It's a gorgeous vista and the boardwalk is 2 miles long. Some areas are more crowded than others...but there is a lot to explore, lots of concessions, mini golf, shuffleboard, etc.
Also they have the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center--located on on a barrier island beach. They have an exhibit area and stuff geared towards kids (outside the exhibit area kids can dig up whale bones in the Discovery Bone Cove, walk through the butterfly garden or view a shipwreck). An environmental boardwalk takes you out into the dune environment to see plants and animals that live there.

HOW TO GET THERE
Jones Beach is reachable in 45 minutes by the Long Island Railroad (leaving from Penn Station at 34th St and reachable by the Number 1,2 and 3) (here's the link to the lowdown --here's another link to the schedule to Freeport, LI.) and they have an excellent package--LIRR Jones Beach Package-- 16.50 from NYC leaving from Penn Station about every half hour. Once you arrive the LIRR has a shuttle bus to the East and West Boathouses and Mall. Buses run from and to the train on a limited schedule--you can still reach the train after these hours but you would have to take a taxi or walk...presumably a bit of a walk:

• Weekends starting at 8:49 AM, return up to 5:35 PM; 8:06AM/10:45 PM from 6/21-8/31
• Weekdays starting at 8:58 AM, return up to 10:45 PM
  
• Buses run later on concert evenings. Bus service is available before and following each performance, and the package will remain available through the final concert date.

Hottest Music Spots- Part 1

NYC doesn't lack for music of all types--
here are some venues of the hipper variety(very, very much not

comprehensive...) :
CLUBS FOR LIVE MUSIC (*recommended for lower cost and
newer more interesting acts, younger crowd)
*ARLENE'S GROCERY:Lower East Side. 2 bars, one free one with
live music.
7 days a week. Cover charges:MONDAYS FREE, SUN, TUE, WED, T
HURS $8 COVER,
FRI AND SAT $10.
*LIVING ROOM: Lower East Side. Very small club.Free usually or small
cover.Interesting acoustic acts-often 4-5 a night.
MARION’S MARQUEE: East Village. 354 Bowery, bet E. 4th and
Great Jones.
Starting at 8pm3 to 5 different bands or artists a night. $5 cover (includes a drink)
Wednesdays.
RODEO BAR East Village.  375 Third Avenue –showtimes 10PM each night .
BITTER END:  West Village-147 Bleeker Street (between Thompson and
LaGuardia)Classic club...Dylan et al got their start here.
RED LION: West Village -151- Bleeker at Thompson. Another classic.
Various folk and rock acts.
CITY WINERY: Tribeca. About 30 dollar cover and excellent acts.
JOE'S PUB- East Village. Great music. Club atmosphere.- /
425 Lafayette Street below 8th Street
/ Astor Place East Village. 

The Best Way to See the City, Fast: Sightseeing by Boat or Bus

As touristy as it sounds, one of the first things NYC tourists should do is take a bus tour to orient themselves.
As small as Manhattan is, it's packed with neighborhoods that each have a different feel. Some may be more to your liking than others, and this is a great way to find out where you might want to spend more time. And it's really the only way to see a lot of destinations in one day. Trying to do each by subway can get exhausting.
Hop on hop off is better for most people than a guided tour--you may want to skip a destination, or you may find one you like and decide to stay their all day. This way you have a choice. Buses arrive fairly frequently at each destination.
There are various companies to choose from--the best is the Gray Line Big Apple. 

Also recommended are the Circle Line boat tours, which are not as elegant or exotic as the Classic Harbor Line Schooner tours, but nonetheless can be lots of fun (or so I hear--I haven't been on the Circle Line yet). The Circle Line departs from Pier 83 at 42nd Street & 12th ave on the Hudson River., and which run from 75 min-3 hours ($24-34), April- Sept their ours are: 75 min tour: Daily: 11:00am; 1:00pm; 3:00pm . 2 hour tour: 11:30am; 3:30pm . 3hour tour: 10:00am; 12:30pm; 2:00pm; 4:30pm .

Columbia University Neighborhood Lowdown

Columbia University is really taking over the neighborhood. Morningside Heights, that is! There have been a lot of complaints about the gentrification of the neighborhood--but frankly I can't think of a better thing to happen to it. More students means more housing means: more cafes, more places to shop (thus more competition in prices), and a safer neighborhood. So you won't hear any complaints from me!
There are tons of restaurants popping up along Amsterdam below 110-I was surprised how many, one after the other, have opened in the last year.
Herewith a list of places in the area of 120th Street within walking distance as well as general info about the area (of course this is Manhattan so as far as I am concerned everything is within walking distance!
Bus:
M11 on Amsterdam and 120th takes you downtown, down Columbus Ave. 104 on Broadway takes you down Broadway. 104 runs more frequently.
Subway:
The 1 stops at 1116 and Broadway and takes you downtown, down the West Side, all the way to the Staten Island Ferry stop. You can switch to the 2 and 3 (express and which goes to Brooklyn) at 96th, 72nd, etc. Go through the Columbia campus to get to the 116. It is lovely. The 1 also stops at 110th, then 96th...etc.
Food shopping:
Apple Tree Market across the street—open 24 hours (also great prepared foods)
Broadway around 116^th—grocery store (prepared foods)
110 and Broadway—D’Agonstino's grocery store (prepared foods)

Drugstore:
Duane Reade (Everywhere but closest is 122 and Broadway)

Restaurants:

• V&T Pizza –Amsterdam bet 110-111. Cheap pizza and Italian—old fashioned and very good:

• Kitchenette- Amsterdam bet 122 and 123: Cutesy 50-ish diner theme, old fashioned pastries to go (eg cupcakes). Medium prices.

• Symposium-113 bet. Amsterdam and Bway: Greek –inexpensive

• Cottage-Amst. and about 114 (across from St John the Divine church)- good Chinese…inexpensive

• Mama Mexico-- Bway and 102—always busy—I have never been there but supposed to be good

• MAX——Amsterdam and 123 Italian, pasta—limited menu but pretty good. Outside eating.

• Ollies—Bway and 166—very popular but generic Chinese (they also deliver)

• Indian place (forgot the name)—on Amsterdam bet. 120-121. Good Indian food. Also delivers

• Ethiopian place (forgot the name)—Amsterdam and 121. Never ate there.

• Hungarian Café—about Amsterdam and 114--this is a MUST—across from St John the Divine…famous café…coffee and croissants plus other Hungarian sweets…oreder then sit at table, they will bring coffee to you.

• Café—forgot the name…but cute sit down café, coffee and sandwiches, on Amsterdam and about 122 on the west side of the street…lots of students

• Tom’s Restaurant—another “must” this is the Greek coffee chop that Seinfeld uses as the outside shot for its “Restaurant” scenes…reasonably priced burgers, typical diner fare.

• *Amsterdam Restaurant and Tapas Lounge 11am–1am1207 Amsterdam Ave, between 119th and 120th Sts. - lots going on here, outside and inside...right on Amsterdam and 120th. .
  

  *Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Mon–Thu 11:30am–11pm 646 W 131st St, between Broadway and Riverside Dr-young crowd, fun, loud...LIVE MUSIC every night (here is the calendar). Cute decor (" Weathered gas-station signage and barbershop mirrors constitute the artfully gritty decor at this honky-tonk saloon")
  
  Sezz MediMon–Wed, Sun 11:30am–4pm, 5–11pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am– 4pm, 5pm–midnight 1260 Amsterdam Ave, at 122nd St. Brick oven PIZZA.

  Massawa Daily 11:30am–11:30pm1239 Amsterdam Ave, at 121st St. Ethiopian, for something new and different.
  
  *Pinkberry 2873 Broadway, between 111th and 112th Sts, FROZEN YOGURT. Yummy, tangy taste. I only have tasted the original flavor.
  

  Caffé Swish Mon–Thu, Sun 11am–11:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am–1am 2953–55 Broadway, between 115th and 116th Sts--ASIAN/ FUSION
  

Coney Island--Lots to Do, and Must Do

Coney Island in Brooklyn is one of those NYC MUST DO's for every New Yorker...and for visitors it's even more a must-do, because it is simple, kitschy fun, with the added benefit of greasy carnival food and the imperative to eat it--simply because you are in Coney Island.
It's a bit of a pain to get to--just in terms of length of subway ride from Manhattan (45 min to an hour) but you definitely can spend most of the day here, as there is a lot to do and even more to look at. You can even lay on the beach, if you are brave (I find it dirty and crowded and loud, but for some that's part of the...charm). It's definitely a crucial destination for any visitor with a sense of adventure-because it is out of the way, it is more a place for New Yorkers than tourists. And if you live in NYC and haven't been here yet--shame on you! Get going...you only have to go once, but it is a must-do.
They have tons of interesting events that are well-kept secrets, and many that are not: some, like the wacky Mermaid Parade, have already occurred this summer. But there is still a lot left to do. Here are a few:

Circus Sideshow- ( as much performance art as sideshow). Open Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day. After Labor Day, the Sideshow returns to Weekend-only operation "SIDESHOWS BY THE SEASHORE is located at the corner of Surf Avenue & West 12th Street in the heart of the Coney Island amusement park. The sideshow seats 99 people and there is a FREAK BAR (serving beer) and a GIFT SHOP in the lobby. Both the inside and the outside of our historic 1917 building are decorated in canvas sideshow banners painted by Valerie Haller or Marie Roberts. The building was originally Child's Restaurant which employed singing waiters. In the 1950's and 60's it was home to Dave Rosen's Wonderland Circus Sideshow where such legends as Sealo the Seal Boy, JoJo the Dogfaced Boy, tattooed man Jack Dracula and talker Bobby Reynolds once worked and performed."
Astroland Amusement Park - Do NOT miss the World Famous Cyclone ("one of the most famous attractions in Brooklyn, New York. The first rides of the historic roller coaster began on June 26, 1927. Over 80 years later, the Cyclone is still thrilling thousands of riders each year. An official New York City Landmark since July 12, 1988, Cyclone was listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places on June 31, 1991." )
Seaside Summer Concert Series -FREE
Aug. 13: Blondie + Pat Benatar + The Donnas
Aug. 20: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons + Connie Francis
Aug. 27: Donna Summer
Fireworks on the Beach - Astroland and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park sponsor fireworks at 9:30 every Friday night during the season. Fireworks generally start the last weekend in June and conclude the Friday before Labor Day
Burlesque on the Beach Kitschy performance art.

ABOUT CONEY ISLAND
Coney Island is a New York City neighborhood that features an amusement area that includes 35 or more separate rides and attractions.
DAYS AND TIMES OF OPERATION
Coney Island is a seasonal center operating roughly between Easter and Labor Day. Rides and attraction are generally open on weekends from Easter until Memorial Day, all week long from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and then weekends from Labor Day until the end of September. The beach and boardwalk are open all year round (although lifeguards are only on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and Nathan's Hot Dogs and the New York Aquarium are open almost every day of the year.
HOW TO GET THERE BY SUBWAY: Take the D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue (last stop). This takes about 45 minutes from midtown Manhattan.

Water Taxi Beach-Family & Over 21 Fun...!

One thing I love most about living in NYC is its proximity to the water. Downtown--both on the east side near South Street Seaport, and the west near Battery Park-the sailboats, the water and sky vista, the working commuter ferries, and steady breeze, the general good vibe from visitors, can make me feel as if I'm in Maine, not NYC!
One particular spot seems to be worth exploring. Water Taxi Beach is in South Street Seaport, north of Pier 17, and looks like it offers a lot of fun for both families and, after 8PM, for the over-21s only, with dancing, djing, live music, and more.
For over 21s, they have a Sunday Dance Party from 4PM -2AM, and live music and djing almost every night. Events are on their website. It looks like they also have some kind of Sunday Brunch as well. Events run every night except Monday night.
Saturday nights they offer DJing from 8-2AM. It looks like a blast--one of the Djs was a Studio 54 spinner back in the day...
Costs seem to run about $10 for entry.
Food is available while the beach is open-a Fish Shack and Pop Bar serves decently priced "beach fare" (hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream, wings, etc), and there is a raw bar on weekends (market price).
For families, they offer ping pong, skeeball, and 9-holes of miniature golf. You can also go on The Shark (loud and large speed boat) or the New York Water Taxi for fun, or the Clipper, which I mentioned earlier in the blog.
A bit more from their website:
"Water Taxi Beach South Street Seaport is 18,000 square feet of fun, food, sun, recreation and relaxation. Located along the water’s edge on the north side of Pier 17, this Beach offers the most spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River in the city. Stop by and catch some rays or build a castle in the sand. Head under the tent and grab a drink or play a game of ping pong, or skeeball then hit the greens for 9-holes of miniature golf. Maybe you’ll win a free thrill ride on The Shark and New York Water Taxi. Check out our Fish Shack for respectfully priced beach grub like our authentic Baja Fish Taco, award winning Motz burgers or grab bucket of popcorn and an international soda pop at our Pop! Pop! Pop! Shop featuring fresh popped popcorn, soda pops from around the world and pop rocks. Once the sun sets, Water Taxi Beach South Street Seaport becomes a playground for the 21+ crowd with rotating DJs all week long, and parties all weekend long."
Hours
11AM-2Am-Fri-Sunday. 11-11 Mon-Tues. 11-1AM Wed-Thurs.
Getting there
Water Taxi Beach South Street Seaport is located along the East River on the north side of Pier 17 a toss of sand away from the center of the Brooklyn Bridge. The closest street address is Fulton Street at South Street. You can get to Water Taxi Beach South Street Seaport by foot, bike, car, bus, subway and of course by New York Water Taxi
Subway
2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z lines to Fulton Street/Broadway Nassau. Walk east on Fulton Street to Water Street.

High Line- It's a Park! It's a Club!

I've yet to visit the High Line park downtown-- but today's story in the Times shines a light on the progress that's been made on this park, creatively constructed on top of an old elevated railway. The atmosphere sounds hip --without the annoyance factor of hip.
Since it runs from Little West 12th/Ganesvoort up to 20th Street on the West Side, it attracts an interesting mix of people, while at the same time offering visitors a chance to interact freely--and for free. From the story, it sounds as if it prompts that odd friendliness I've experienced among Manhattanites whenever they're in the midst of something unique and new (which seems to give us license to talk to each other) :
"It even inspires crusty New Yorkers to behave as if they were strolling down Main Street in a small town rather than striding the walkway of a hyper-urban park — routinely smiling and nodding, even striking up conversations with strangers."
While it isn't about to beat Central Park for natural beauty (you may be elevated--but you're elevated on top of a road), it's one more "only in New York" place.
A park on top of an elevated railway. I love it.
High Line Hours and location
Open 7AM -10PM
Enter at 20th, 18th, 16th, 14th and Gansevoort Streets at 10th Avenue.

Bowling in NYC-of course there has to be a nightclub, too!

Yes, you CAN go bowling in NYC! It's not as cheap as it is in the suburbs, but the kitsch factor is worth it. And each of the alleys below has, apparently, a hot club or lounge to accompany it.
This is a super thing to do if you are in your teens or 20s. For families, not all the lanes are as appropriat (eg Bowlmor).
Actually the only time I tried to go bowling in NYC, the place (Bowlmor) was booked up for the whole evening for a corporate event. In fact most of these places seem to have a lot of corporate events, so you may want call ahead and reserve, tho you can also take your chances since some of these places, like Bowlmor and Lucky Strike, are as much about their club atmosphere and lounges as they are about bowling.
Here's a rundown courtesy of New York magazine:
Lucky Strike--college age or 30s. 624-660 West 42nd Street (on the West Side Highway--really out of the way so take a cab there). 646-829-0170.. Monday nites after 8PM there is unlimited bowling til the close for $22. Club atmosphere...
Bowlmor---Geared towards college age. 110 University Place near E 12th St. 212-255-8188. Kitschy. Lots of NYU students and the Pressure Lounge upstairs a "rowdy nightclub" (very pretty also). A real scene.
300- Chelsea Piers- Pier 60-212-835-2695. West Side Highway around 23rd St. Kids and families in the day. Nighttime it "goes more disco". "Postgame drinks in the Loft, a lounge that overlooks the entire alley. "
Leisure Time/ Frames-- 625 8th Ave. near 40th (Port Authority). 212-836-9695. Newly renovated, this looks good on the website at least. More commuters, more serious. Not the best location so you really have to want to bowl to go here.

Governors Island-Mini-Golf and (The) B52s!

Governors Island has been getting a lot of press lately--twice this month in the NY Times. Their latest story about Governors Island was published last week... and since I'm lazy and haven't been there yet (tho I really really want to go--it just has that factor of having to work for it that Manhattanites HATE...), here are a few excerpts:
"To hear island officials tell it, Governors Island has come of age this summer, with the opening of the southern portion and the 2.2-mile promenade around the perimeter. Also newly opened is Picnic Point, an eight-acre lawn on the southwest corner that features hammocks, picnic tables and what officials declare are the best shore views of the Statue of Liberty. This month a dining and entertainment spot called Water Taxi Beach opened, adjacent to the ferry dock, boasting an ambitious menu and tied in with a nighttime concert series that includes Erykah Badu on Aug. 4 and the B-52s on Aug. 18.....(also Judy Collins July 26th.. edit).
On the lawn near Liggett Hall is an artist-designed 18-hole miniature golf course, with holes inspired by city rooftops, the Cyclone roller coaster and even an electric guitar.....
A former military post with roles in the War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars, for roughly two centuries it served as a base for the United States Army and Coast Guard, which officially left in 1996...There are miles of bike paths; guided tours are available, conducted by rangers from the National Park Service, which oversees part of the island, including Castle Williams and Fort Jay. Or you can wander aimlessly along rows of handsome, if faded, Victorian and Romanesque Revival buildings that once housed military personnel...Visitors rave about the views here...
Hours and directions
Open May 11-Oct 11. Friday Sat and Sunday.
Directions and ferry schedule The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows:

By Subway
1 – South Ferry Station
4, 5 (weekdays) to Bowling Green
W (weekdays only), R (weekdays and weekends) – Whitehall St. Station

Learning to Fly-Trapeze Lessons in NYC!

The NY Times has a story today about Trapeze School New York --aka "that place where Carrie goes to conquer her fear of heights, and, metaphorically, more....".
If you're not a Sex and the City fan, in plain English, that means "that outdoor trapeze thing next to the Hudson that I look at when I am passing in a cab and think 'one day I'll do that...!".
On West Street at Houston, they offer various classes in various aerial arts. They also have some indoor classes (tho what fun is that...?) at 518 West 30th.
Classes in flying trapeze are $60 for 2 hours (plus $22 "first time reservation fee") and 10 people max. Here's their backgrounder: "Classes are 2 hours long and are taught in groups of up to 10 people. No prior experience is necessary. First-time students will learn the knee-hang and may even be able to try a catch. All students will have the opportunity to advance their skills."
It sounds like fun--tho the cringe factor for people like me who hate embarrassing themselves sports-wise appears rather high. Oh well, who cares. "Only in New York"!

New in Town: Clipper City Tall Ship in South Street Seaport

Manhattan By Sail has just introduced a 160' tall ship--Clipper City --to the the South Street Seaport (downtown Manhattan), at Pier 17--and this experience of being on a genuine 19th century schooner (extensively refurbished) is not to be missed if you are even remotely adventurous. The 90 minute sail around the tip of Manhattan, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue of Liberty, and more, is spectacular. There are places to sit-- but this is NOT a comfort-voyage, in the sense that you're not sitting on padded seats. Still, it worked for my 85 year old mother. And frankly, no one in their right mind would sit throughout the voyage when you can hang on the edge of the boat and take in the view, and feel the sheer joy of the wind and water.
A nice touch was the young and totally hip bluegrass band that played throughout the trip. They were VERY good, and it added verisimilitude to the atmosphere.
Once they raise the sails, you can imagine, if just briefly, what it was like to be on the open seas a century ago...except. of course, for the great advantage of having a 21st century lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes in the Seaport afterward!
And yes --South Street Seaport is VERY touristy. Really the only designated tourist-spot in Manhattan, with lots of shops and overpriced stuff. But it's great for families, kids love the ships as do adults, and the many restaurants are quite decent.
I will add that this is not the same type of trip as the Adirondack Schooner & Yacht Cruise Tours --I still highly recommend the Schooner Tours from Sail NYC. They are smaller schooners and have a different feel. I recommend the small schooner for those wanting a more intimate atmosphere.
Clipper City tall ship hours and costs
7 days a week- 90 minute sails-10AM 12:30PM 3PM 7PM
Tickets: $39 for adults- $17 for kids (18 and under)
Clipper City is docked on the east dock of South Street Seaport at Pier 17