Row, row, row your boat in Central Park

One thing that I always find surprising about NYC is the number of boating activities that there are. A great way to spend a sunny afternoon in NYC is by heading to the Boat House in Central Park and renting a row boat.

You get to walk through the park, and maybe make a few detours, as well as getting to row on the lake with the fabulous NYC skyline as a backdrop. Consider bringing a snack or beverages for the boat ride, or for a picnic on the lawn afterwards.

Info:

Location: East 72nd St. & Park Drive North

Phone: 212-517-2233

Hours: April 15 through October 31 - Daily 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM - Weather permitting

Price: Each rowboat is $10 per hour. Each additional half-hour is $5. There is a $30 deposit per boat.A single rowboat holds up to 4 people.

Directions: Take the 6 train to 68th street. Walk North to 72nd street and then East to Central Park. Check the Central Park Boat House website here for a good map.

Walking in a winter wonderland - Rockerfeller Christmas Tree

Even though the days are very cold and very short right now, there is something magical about being in New York in December. The lights, the music, the happy faces on the street. Even though my to do list is currently a mile long, I find myself smiling at nothing in particular as I walk down the street these days.

Because New York is such a magical place in December, I've decided that I'm going to spend a lot of time this month writing about some of the fabulous things to do and see in the city in December.

The first item I'm featuring is a NY classic: Rockefeller Center. The highlight of Rockefeller Center is the eight ton, 72 foot Norway spruce Christmas tree. When a tree is this amazing, nothing more than lights (30,000 LED lights) and a star is needed. This year the tree will be lit until January 9. This is a must do in NYC in December, so make sure you make it out there while you have a chance.

Rockefeller Center knows how to rock the holidays. In addition to the Rockefeller Christmas tree, there are giant angels and nutcrackers, an iceskating rink, Top of the Rock, and a light show. There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants in Rockefeller Center so you can also grab a bite to eat, or warm up with hot chocolate and apple cider after you've had your fill of the holiday decorations.




Info:

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
• Price: FREE
  
• Hours: Daily 5:30am - 11:30pm until January 9th. All day on Christmas Day.
• Directions: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 Streets

The Rink at the Rock

• Location: Enter from Fifth Avenue (Between 49th and 50th Streets)
• Price: $19 for Adults, $12.50 for Children (under 11), and $9 skate rental.
  
• Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 10:30pm, Friday - Saturday 8:30am - Midnight, Sunday 8:30am - 10:00pm
• Directions: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 Streets

Top of the Rock: A full post will be dedicated to the Top of the Rock at a later date.

• Location: 50th St (btw 5th and 6th Ave)
• Price: $20 Adults, $13 children, $18 seniors, $30 sunrise or sunset ($15 for children)
  
• Hours: Daily 8am - 12 Midnight (last elevator goes up at 11pm)
• Directions: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 Streets