Ice skating in the city

Most people have had the opportunity to go ice-skating while growing up, but there is something that is just extra special about ice skating in NYC. The ability to glide on the ice while looking at the sky scrapers surrounding you make ice skating in New York such a novelty.

This is a great way to break up a day of eating, shopping, and show seeing and it is a great option for people who like to keep your body moving, have kids, or need something romantic to do on a date.

Luckily, there are a lot of ice skating options in NYC to suit a variety of geographic limitations, budgets, and scenery preferences.

Brooklyn Info:

Prospect Park Ice skating:

Website: http://www.prospectpark.org/ice_skating

Season: November 26 - March 15

Hours: M: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; T: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ; W: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ; Th: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; F: 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. ; Sat: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 10 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m. (weather permitting - call (718) 287-6431 for updates)

Price: Adults: $5; Children (14 and under) & Seniors: $3; Skate Rental: $6.50

Location: In Prospect Park near the Parkside Avenue/Ocean Avenue entrance of the Park.

Directions: • Q, S, or B Train to Prospect Park station • B-41 bus to Flatbush Ave. and Ocean Ave. • B-43 bus to Ocean Ave. and Lincoln Rd. • B-48 bus to Lincoln Rd.

Manhattan Info

Wollman Rink in Central Park

Website: http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/main_wollman.htm
Location:
Season:
Hours: M & T: 10:00am - 2:30pm; W & Th: 10:00am - 10:00pm; F & Sat: 10:00am - 11:00pm; Sun: 10:00am - 9:00pm.
Price: Adults: $10 - $14; Children: $5.25-$ 5.50; Seniors: $ 4.75-$8.25; Skate Rentals: $6 (tax incl.); Lock Rental: $ 4.25- $ 6; Spectator Fee: $5 (Deposit).
Directions:

Subway: Take the A, B, C, D, 1, 9 to 59th St; Take the N, R to 5th Ave.; Take the B, Q to
57th Street

Best Entrance: Central Park South (59th Street) and 6th Avenue. Wollman Rink is a two
minute walk into Central Park from this entrance. Follow the footpath directly into the park.


Rockefeller Center Rink

Website: http://www.patinagroup.com/east/iceRink/
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


Bryant Park Rink

Website: http://www.thepondatbryantpark.com/
Location: located in Bryant Park, which is located between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues.
Season: October 24, 2008 through January 25, 2009
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 10pm; Friday & Saturday: 8am - Midnight
Price: General Admission: FREE; Skate Rentals: $12 Lockers: FREE; Locks: $9
Directions: B,D,F,V,7 to 42nd St., Bryant ParkA,C,E,1,2,3,N,R,Q,W to Times Square4,5,6 to Grand Central Station


I know that there are other rinks in the city, so if you know of one, please let the information in the comments.

NYC 2008 Holiday Window Displays*

The Christmas window displays created by the major department stores is another NYC holiday staple. Every year the the six major department stores (Bloomingdales, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Lord & Taylor and Macy's) choose a theme to decorate their holiday windows.


The various themes chosen by the department stores are as follows:

• Bloomingdales: Inspired by the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera".
• Barney's: These Barney's windows have been titled: "Peace & Love. Have a Hippie Holiday."
  
• Bergdorf Goodman: I wasn't able to find this theme. I'll hopefully update if I find it.
  
• Saks: I wasn't able to find the title, but it is very wymsical.
  
• Lord & Taylor: The L&T windows have been titled "Christmas is the Moment"and explores a few of the many things that people enjoy during the holidays.
• Macy's: The Macy's windows were created to give "a behind-the-scenes look at the magical ways the elements of Christmas such as snow, stars, tinsel and ornaments are created."

And don't worry, there is also something at the windows for those of you who came to NYC for the fashion.

Make a day out of it and walk from Bloomingdales to Macy's, making stops at Barneys, Bergdorf, Saks, and Lord & Taylor on your way.


View Larger Map

In addition to seeing the amazing window displays at the department stores, you'll get to see other Holiday decorations as well.


Aren't the decorations at the Cartier store fabulous?

Info:

Bloomingdales

• Location: 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street
• Price: FREE
• Directions: N/R/W and 4/5/6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue stop
• Website: http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Barneys

• Location: 660 Madison Avenue (at 61st Street)
• Price: FREE
• Directions: N/R/W at 59th Street/Fifth Avenue stop and 4/5/6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue stop
• Website: http://www.barneys.com/

Bergdorf Goodman

• Location: 754 Fifth Avenue (at 58th Street)
• Price: FREE
• Directions: F, N/R/W, 4/5/6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue stop
• Website: http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/

Saks

• Location: 611 Fifth Avenue (at 49th Street)
• Price: FREE
• Directions: B/D/F/V at 47-50/Rockefeller Center stop and E/V/6 to 51th Street/Lexington Avenue stop
• Website: http://www.saks.com/

Lord & Taylor

• Location: 39th Street at 5th Avenue
• Price: FREE
• Directions: B/D/F/V at 42nd Street. Walk to 39th street and Fifth Avenue.
• Website: http://www.lordandtaylor.com

Macy's

• Location: Herald Square, Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets
• Price: FREE
• Directions: A, C, E to 34th Street/Penn Station: Walk one block east on 34th Street to 7th Avenue; 1, 2, 3, 9 to 34th Street: Exit on 7th Avenue and 34th Street; or the B, D, F, V and N, Q, R, W to 34th Street/Herald Square: Exit on Broadway for Macy's main entrance
• Website: http://www.macys.com/

* The first three pictures are just a few of the fabulous window displays at Saks.

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

Taking a walk on the Brooklyn Promenade

Suspended above the BQE, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade provides a stunning view of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Sea Port. This is a very peaceful and romantic spot to come with your sweetheart, to bring a book and a cup of tea or coffee, or to just sit on the benches and enjoy the view. Even though it's a bit chilly right now, the Promenade is still worth the trip.

Make sure to read about the history of NYC on the historical plaques located on the sidewalk and railings while walking on the Promenade.

Info:
Location: Brooklyn Heights - Between Remsen and Middagh Street
Price: FREE
Directions: Subway: 2, 3, 4 or 5* train to Borough Hall, M or R train to Court Street, A, C, or F train to Jay Street/Borough Hall. *Weekdays rush hours only. Walk West on Montague street until you hit the promenade.

Tip - This is a good place to watch 4th of July fireworks.

Because you've got to eat - Tazza

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to wake up early and head out to Tazza with my husband for breakfast. We started taking visitors there for granola, croissants, baguettes, coffee and tea three years ago, and now they all request it when they come to town to visit.

This little eatery is bustling during breakfast and lunch hours, but becomes more laid back at night. I highly recommend starting your day here by ordering granola with fresh fruit and yogurt (approximately $6.50) and your caffeinated beverage of choice, or by ending your day on a high note with a glass of wine (prices vary) and a prosciutto, mozzarella & arugula pannani ($8.95).

Tazza is well stocked with an assortment of other fresh baked goodies, salads, and sandwiches. If you're not a granola or pannini, there is likely to be something else in the pastry case or on the menu that appeals to you. However, if you are hoping to surf or work on your computer at Tazza while you are eating or drinking coffee, you will be disappointed as the owners don't allow computer use during most open hours.


Info:


Location: 311 Henry Street (Btw Atlantic and State Street)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am-10pm
Phone: 718-243-0487
Directions: Subway: 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall, M or R train to Court Street, A, C, or F train to Jay Street/Borough Hall. Short walk, bring a map.

Got kids?

NYC feels like an entirely different city when you visit with kids than when you visit with adults (don't even get me started on trying to "do NYC" with teens). One thing that both the kiddies and adults will enjoy while in the big apple is the NYC Transit Museum. The entrance is $5 per person ($3 for children and senior citizens). Expect to spend about 60-90 minutes in the old Brooklyn Heights subway station exploring the history of the NYC public transportation systems. There are pictures, exhibits for kids to play with, and old trains and busses to go in and explore.

My husband stopped in a few weeks ago and had a nice time. This is something I will definitely do again.

INFO:

• Location: The corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights
• Price: $5 per person ($3 for children and senior citizens)
  
• Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.; Mondays & major holidays Closed.
• Phone: (718) 694-1600
• Directions:

Subway: 2, 3, 4 or 5* train to Borough Hall, M or R train to Court Street, A, C, or G train to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street, A, C, or F train to Jay Street/Borough Hall. *Weekdays rush hours only

Bus: B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B52, B57, B61, B65, B67, B75 all stop within 1 to 2 blocks of the museum.

Car: From Manhattan: take the Brooklyn Bridge, proceed straight on to Adams Street. Adams will become Boerum Place. Go two blocks to Schermerhorn Street.

For more detailed directions and for directions from other boroughs, Long Island or New Jersey please call 1-718-694-1873

The plan

So, I'm a girl that likes lists. In fact, I like lists so much that whenever I go to visit my mom the first thing we do when I get to her place is make some tea, and sit down at the kitchen table to make a list of what we want to do while I'm in town. Sometimes the lists are basic: what we want to eat, what we want to play, where we want to go. Other times, the lists are very detailed: Date, time of day, what needs to be done to achieve the list item (ex: if its a meal, a grocery list), prioritization (must do vs. would like to do if there is time).

To stay true to myself, I've decided that I need to make a list of the types of things I'd like to include in this blog. Comment if you think my list is missing something.

Primary Categories

1. Sightseeing

2. Activities

3. Food

4. Must visit stores

5. Nightlife

Secondary Categories:

1. Age ranges:

• Kid/family friendly
• PG 13 (suitable for tweens, teens and adults)
• Adults only

2. Seasons

3. Food

• Fancy food
• Comfort food
• Kid friendly restaurants
• Decadent and delicious
• Themes
• Wallet friendly
• Romantic
• Good for the gang
• Tea
• Coffee

4. Nightlife

• Bars
• Clubs
• etc...?

5. Hmm. I think that's all I have for now. I'll have to edit this post to add more later.

Thoughts, comments?