Grand Central Spa

If I had a dime for each time my mother would stop her mealtime preparation and ask me, my three brothers and our respective friends milling about her kitchen: “What do you think this place is… Grand Central Station?” I’d be a very rich person. Even if you have never stepped foot in the city’s iconic mass transit terminal you know that it is not a place commuters come for rest and relaxation… or is it? In a move that that can only be described as oxymoronic, the Big Apple’s landmark train station is hosting a Spa Experience. From October … Continue reading →

A “Royal” Exhibit In New York

Ever since I watched Princess Diana marry Prince Charles more than a quarter of a century ago I’ve been fascinated with all things royal. Not just the British royal family, but with royalty the world over. Long before Shy Di met gawky Charles, the world watched Grace Kelly wed her Prince Charming and become Princess Grace of Monaco. Both Diana and Grace would have their famous lives cut short by tragic accidents. Many Americans say they’ve been touched by both women, which is why it is no surprise that masses turn out whenever there is a public ceremony honoring their … Continue reading →

New York Post 9/11: Still A Tourist Hot Spot

There’s no doubt the September 11th terror attacks crippled New York’s tourism industry. I remember watching the news in the dark days and weeks following the collapse of the World Trade Center and hearing hotel operators say they could barely give rooms away in the heart of the city. It was an unbelievable sound bite that still sticks with me these many years later. I remember my best friend, a flight attendant for American Airlines, telling me how empty the flights to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark were. Add that to restaurants, theaters, museums, and other local attractions that saw patronage … Continue reading →

What You Didn’t Know About Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

New York City officials say there’s a lot you don’t know about those seemingly innocent (and in my opinion pricey) horse-drawn carriage rides through famed Central Park. Namely, that the horses responsible for taking you on your leisurely rides aren’t being properly cared for. A recently published city report states that the animals are not getting enough water, shade or proper medical treatment. According to the report, city agencies “haven’t kept up with required veterinary checks and carriage inspections, and the horses work in sometimes shoddy conditions.” The agencies that oversee the carriage rides are being accused of “dropping the … Continue reading →

New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Empire State Building

It has served as a backdrop in movies from “King Kong” to “Sleepless in Seattle;” appeared in thousands of TV shows; and has been the setting for countless marriage proposals. It’s the Empire State Building—one of the most visited attractions in the world. The iconic landmark stands 102 stories above the streets of New York. It dominates Manhattan’s skyline and can be seen from vantage points throughout the city. Depending on the day of the year, the top of the tower illuminates the city sky in shades of blue, green, red, white, yellow—or a combination of these. For example, if … Continue reading →

New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Statue of Liberty

It’s a rare tourist who travels to New York and doesn’t make time to visit the Statue of Liberty. I know, it sounds cliché, but seeing the 151-foot copper statue — given to the United States by France in 1886 as a gesture of friendship –- simply takes your breath away. Regardless of how many miles you travel to see Lady Liberty, once you are in her presence emotions stir up, and you find yourself standing awestruck at a monument that has helped shape world history. That said; in a previous blog I gave you tips on how to cut … Continue reading →

How To Eliminate Waiting in Long Lines For Lady Liberty

Maybe great minds think alike. Or, perhaps imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. Either way it seems there’s a growing trend among top tourist attractions—the use of technology to cut down on wait times to get in. Just yesterday I told blogged about the Colosseum’s efforts to shorten the time tourists have to stand in line to experience one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient Roman arena has catapulted itself into the 21st Century by allowing visitors to purchase tickets in advance and bypass the mile-long lines that can form during the height of … Continue reading →

Patriotic Travel Destinations

Happy Fourth of July! Regardless of where you may be celebrating this Independence Day here’s hoping your festivities are safe and memorable. If you are one of the fearless ones you may be braving the crowds at some of the nation’s most popular historic attractions (think Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Mount Rushmore, etc.). However, if you are like me you will be spending your Fourth at home with a family cookout and backyard fireworks and making plans to visit some historic attractions when the holiday crowds dissipate. If so, here are a few you might want to consider: In a … Continue reading →

Vacationing In The Bronx

We all know that it is home to a world-famous zoo, but did you know the Bronx has much more to offer than just a fabulous array of animals? Community leaders in the New York borough say the area has so much to offer it is worth packing up your family and spending an entire vacation there. Vacationing in the Bronx? It may not be such a far-fetched idea—-at least that’s what the creators of a series of new television commercials touting the borough’s image would like you to think. The campaign called “We’re Talking The Bronx” features 30-second spots, … Continue reading →

More Summer Travel Destinations

NEW YORK If you are looking to inject a bit of wacky fun into your humdrum summer vacation consider heading to New York’s Times Square. The place is crawling with “unique” characters, but that’s not the reason I’m suggesting you visit. Rather, there’s a wonderfully weird (though very family friendly) indoor attraction that’s sure to please your brood—the Ripley’s Believe It or Not emporium. After a 35-year absence Ripley’s Odditorium has returned to the Big Apple (the former Times Square Ripley’s museum closed in 1972). The attraction is currently touting the “greatest collection of unbelievable odd and unusual items ever … Continue reading →