Why New York?!?
Fuggedaboutit!! Besides being home to the most popular city in the US (The city so nice they named it twice AND after the state – New York), New York State is also a great place to visit to experience gorgeous state parks, amazing changes in season, quaint little towns and maybe the best food scene in the entire country .
It is hard to think of New York outside of the 5 boroughs that make up the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island). As a matter of fact, I grew up on Long Island, and still barely think of New York as anything other than Manhattan (almost). It sometimes feels like the rest of the state is lost in the shadow cast by the row of skyscrapers that make up the city’s universally recognized skyline. Boy oh boy, though, would it be a mistake to discount the rest of New York.
Let’s take a look…
Table of Contents
1. Things To Do
2. Cheap Eats
3. Getting Around
4. General Tips
5. Fun Facts
Top 5 Things To Do In NY
So, spoilers, yeah…#1 is going to be New York City (or, simply, “the city” as any new yorker would call it). There is just too much to experience and see there and I cannot imagine NYC not landing a spot on my forthcoming list of things everyone should experience in their lifetime. But, that obvious #1 aside, I hope you find some useful recommendations below. Also, always keep in mind to follow our New York Related Blog Entries for ongoing suggestions and recommendations.
1. Visit The Big Apple
New York City is comprised of 5 boroughs; Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each of the 5 is an entirely unique experience influenced by the generations of immigrants that have made NYC their home. Years ago, the misnomer used to describe the blend was “melting pot”, the implication being all cultures came to NYC and melted into one new thing. More recently, the metaphor has been “salad bowl”, with each individual staying individual but still affecting the broader community. I am not sure I think this is entirely accurate either. It feels like it is ignoring the influence of one culture so closely growing to another. The areas of “fusion”. To me, NYC a near perfect, multi-cultural mosaic with each piece not only standing on its own and staying true, but giving birth to new cultures and ideas out of the influence of each other. All while lending themselves to the larger picture.
Phil Rosenthal of Somebody Feed Phil described NYC as something to the effect of “where you are getting ripped off, but you’re loving it”. While he is probably not wrong, there are ways to stay frugal and still enjoy some of the best that New York has to offer.
Brooklyn: Brooklyn has been one of the fastest growing of the 5 boroughs, and home of a buzzing food scene.. I will go a bit deeper into affordable food below, but I would be remiss if food did not was not mentioned here, as well. From Coney Island hot dogs to some of the most historic (and best) pizza you can find to trendy food markets highlighting various global cuisines to the greatest steakhouse ever, there is literally something for everyone. Beyond eating, make sure to walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, explore the insta-fave cobblestone streets of DUMBO, walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge or picnic on some of the veritable tons of food you picked up at the ever-scenic Prospect Park. Finally, visit The Bushwick Collective and see the impact of street art first hand thanks to the efforts of the organization.
Bronx: Not only as strong a food scene as Brooklyn, above, The Bronx is home of the legendary Bronx Zoo, The Wildlife Conservation Society’s flagship property. I love The Central Park Zoo, but I would be lion if I said it brought me anywhere near the level of joy the nostalgia of school trips to The Bronx Zoo.
And, did you know (because I did not until my last visit, that you can paddle/kayak The Bronx River? You would not think the heart of the city would be a spot for watersports surrounded by lush, jungle-like nature scenes, but there you go.
Queens: I really dug myself into a hole going on about the great food scene in Brooklyn, because the more I think about it, the more I realize that all the boroughs are foodie centrals. Much like Brooklyn, queens is offering up some of the best food in the country and, much like Brooklyn, it has a strong street art culture with The Welling Court Mural Project in Astoria. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a great day trip, and still has remnants from when it hosted The World’s Fair (and that final scene from the original Men In Black), a personal favorite being The New York Hall of Science (especially fun for families).
Staten Island: The Kreischer Mansion (one of our Spookiest Places to Visit this Halloween) hosts a bevy of tours and events to highlight its macabre backstory. Staten Island is also the home of a wonderful museum of Tibetan and Himalayan Art, in the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. In addition to those, the Staten Island Ferry offers trips from Staten Island to Manhattan with great views of the larger city and, most notable, the Statue of Liberty.
Manhattan: Ah, yes, the “city” in the city that never sleeps. The oh-so-recognizable skyline, planted on a little island. There are endless things to do, see and (of course) eat in Manhattan. First and foremost, get yourself over to Central Park for a walk in nature. Times Square and 30 Rock for your obligatory Instagram shots and maybe some people watching at Grand Central Station. For my money, Manhattan is pizza at Madison Square Garden, touring the history of Harlem’s Jazz scene, walking Canal Street in Chinatown and maybe seeing a comedy show at Boston’s Comedy Club (unfortunately, no longer there).
2. Hike a State Park, See Some Waterfalls
Are we really only at number 2? I will try my best to be brief. New York has a plethora of state parks with scenic hikes and waterfalls a plenty. Many will be some ways north of New York City (Letchworth (pictured), for instance, is 5hrs up, near Buffalo, NY), but if you fancy a road trip, they will be worth your time.
3. Visit Jones Beach
Whether seeing a concert, walking the boardwalk or soaking in the sun, Jones Beach State Park on Long Island is worth a visit. Boasting a 6.5mi strip, this is one of the longest man-made beaches in the country. The Jones Beach Amphitheatre is a great outdoor venue on the water, and a recent uplift by the State offers a large family sports facility for some fun family competition.
4. Visit Sleepy Hollow
Inspiration for Washington Irving’s classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the actual town sits only 25mi. north of Manhattan. Sleepy Hallow’s autumn calendar is filled with spooky ghost tours by lantern light, and the preferred time to visit. Filled with awe inspiring buildings, nature and history (there is a reason the book was written, after all) it is also a perfect spot for fall foliage peeping.
Oh, and it is one of our Spookiest Places to Travel This Halloween, too!
5. The Hamptons
Yes, more literary inspiration. The Hamptons of far East Long Island were the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby (and for obvious reason). Filled with long stretches of beach-facing mansions and a whose who of residents, The Hamptons still has that “prosperous 1920s” feel.
Honorable Mentions
Apple Picking/Applefest
Warwick, NY is about an hour north of Manhattan, and so rich in small town vibes that you’ll forget its even that close. Chock full of U-Pick it orchards, in which you can grab a bucket to fill with your favorite fall tree fruits, the town also hosts one of the biggest and most entertaining apple harvest festivals you can find, in Applefest.
Get Crafty (Beers)
New York is a hotbed of craft breweries that range from Long Island to Brooklyn to all the way up in Albany, and everything in between. While I am not a huge social drinker, I do think it is important (and a lot of fun) to hit a few craft houses (breweries/wineries/distilleries) everywhere you visit and see what the locals are cooking up. It is a sure fire way (right up there with food) to get a sense of what life is like at any particular destination.
Get a (Nighttime) Coffee at Witch’s Brew
If you find yourself on Long Island with an open time slot, I highly recommend checking out Witch’s Brew in West Hempstead. Yes, it is an eatery (vegan friendly pastries, coffee and some light foods) but I am putting it here because it is all atmosphere. From the witch-y vibe to the goth interior and music to the red string lights at night time.
Cheap Eats in New York
Well, I could just write a thesis covering cheap eats in New York. Probably, the city alone, borough by borough (the irony, of course, being that most folks think you can not find value in NY food. Spoilers: you can, in spades. You just need to know where to look).
With brevity in mind, I will try to make this list as short and sweet (and savory) as possible, while doing the topic an ounce of justice. Also note the lack of pizza on this list. Just look forward to my “Where to find the Best Pizza in NY” post, coming soon!
All-American Hamburger Drive-In, Massapequa Long Island
I will tell you now; when I inevitably write upo my favorite burgers in the World, All American will be on it. Bet on it. This Long Island greasy spoon offers up burgers, hot dogs, knish and fries. And, that’s all they need.
Govinda’s Vegetarian Lunch, Brooklyn
Located in the basement of a Krishna Temple, Govina’s Lunch buffet has a safe spot on this list. Serving mostly northern Indian cuisine (masalas, curries, etc) this place is no frills, quality Indian food. Note: This is not all-you-can-eat, and you are entitled to one trip up, however a full and heary lunch will only run you about $13-14.
Peking Duck Sandwich Stall, Flushing Queens
Peking Duck bao buns for $2.50. I mean, do I really need to go into it any further?
Joe’s Steam Rice Roll, Canal Street Manhattan
Ah, good ole Canal Street. Joe’s offers up simple Cantonese style dim sum rice rolls. To be clear, these are not rice-filled, they are wrapped in a chewy rice dumpling (think: mochi) and filled with anything from shrimp and pork to curry fish ball. These are awesome and just about any of them will cost under $10, so get a few to try.
Bagels Santa Fe, East Meadow Long Island
ok. There is one way to get a Long Island BEC (that’s, “bacon, egg & cheese sandwich, for the uninitiated); fried egg, american cheese, crispy bacon and on a KAISER ROLL with salt & pepper. The bagels in NY are indeed, as good as everyone says. In fact, Bagels Santa Fe are some of the best. However, if you are a purist, get the sandwich the way I say, and do not veer. You can thank me later.
Cheese Fries with Brown Gravy, Just About Any Diner on Long Island
This is a Long Island staple hangover cure. When all the diners were 24hrs, the intoxicated youth would often find themselves in a diner booth at 2am with a plate of cheese fries in front of them. Or, so I have heard. Never me.
Traveling To, From and Within New York
If you are staying NYC or NYC adjacent, Public Transit should be fine. You can find a train from just about anywhere (including out of state) into Manhattan and subways and rideshare should take care of the rest. Avoid NYC taxi, they are likely less cost efficient.
If you are staying outside of an hour of NYC (specifically North of), you will likely need to rent a car, as it quickly becomes small towns, few and far between.
Tips for Visiting New York
Avoid: I would skip the “tourist” spots in NYC. Unless you are dying to see the city from the platform of the Empire State Building, I am not sure it warrants a $50 price tag.
Packing: If you are going to be in the city, be prepared to walk. Comfortable shoes, water bottle and a small pack are vital.
Restrooms: NYC shops/restaurants are not very “restroom friendly” unless you are buying something. There are a large amount of public park restrooms, of which you can find locations HERE.
New York Fun Facts
Coming Soon
Do you have suggestions or recommendations for visiting New York? Post Them Below and Thanks For Reading!
