nycpocket

The staff of the NYC Travel, Pocket and Japanese Guides shares their favorite spots in the city. Also, to comment on our selections or to suggest a hot tip, check out our NYC Pocket Blog.

* New York City's colorful cooldown*

River to River

Columbus Day, Staycations & Spas

Columbus Day Parade

Monday, October 13, 2008
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 79th Streets
Noon to 3:00 p.m.

35,000 marchers. Over 100 bands, floats and contingents. Nearly one million spectators.

On October 13, Fifth Avenue will be transformed during the Columbus Day Parade, the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture. Visit www.columbuscitizensfd.org for more information.

Staycation

Can't get away for the extended weekend? Have your very own Staycation right here in New York City!

The New York Botanical Garden, situated on 250 beautiful acres in the Bronx, provides a relaxing oasis from the hustle and bustle of the City. The Garden offers diversions for all ages and interests, from hands-on activities to lush, fragrant landscapes to world-class sculpture. Only 20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal on Metro-North Railroad, the Garden offers the perfect late-summer getaway.

Choose from one of three sample Staycations--Art, Family, or Nature--or create your own itinerary. Visit www.nybg.org for more information.

Spa Week

Spa Week begins Oct 13th until the 19th along the East Coast. Spa Week has grown in just three short years to 21 cities nationwide with over 500 individual participating spas. Along the way, Spa Week has attracted the attention and participation of many corporate sponsors, including: Saab, eBay, Conair, jane iredale—The Skin Care Makeup, CEW, Pevonia Botanica Skincare, PHYTO Universe, CareCredit, Borba Skin Balance Water, Goldstar, Olivier New York, Essence of Vali, Los Angeles Magazine, Xela Aromasticks, POM Wonderful, Pure Essentials, Nicoderm, Aqua Fresh, CancerandCareers.org and Allure Magazine. For more information on participating spas, visit www.spaweek.org

** NEWS FLASH: NEW YORK CITY HITS TOURISM RECORD! **

For those of us that have been living in NYC these past two years have noticed the amount of tourists flocking in to New York City. It's to a point that us locals have been moving about an inch per minute it seems. New York City does seem to get more and more crowded with tourism and of course the tourists that decided to live here. If you've noticed and have wondered why, there's finally an explanation.

According to Monday, January 14th report from CNN, it has been estimated that 46 Million people have visited NYC in 2007. This is up 5% from 2006. Tourists have spent $4 Billion more in 2007 than they did in 2006. All this due to our dropping dollar and favorable rate exchange that has set the new record for the Big Apple. NYC & Co. has now launched an international visit NY campaign that ranges from Television Ads to billboards. To read the full article as reported on CNN, click here.

* STAFF FAVORITE *

We first predicted "In The Heights" would be a success. Now we are right again about "The 39 Steps". What was a limited engagement run through the Roundabout Theatre Company is now moving to The Cort Theatre on West 48th Street. I am so happy that this show will be staying longer and regular performances will resume on April 29th. Out of all the Broadway shows that is out there now, the funniest, well-directed play in my opinion is "The 39 Steps".The acting technique is like nothing you have ever seen. Although it is only 4 actors, and you forget there's only 4 actors when almost all of them are playing 20 different roles in one scene. They are amazing! The play itself is based off of one of Hitchcock's movies and within the play there are parodies of all the other famous Hitchcock films that makes this play so enjoyable to watch. No more excuses, definitely see this show.

Fuerzabruta! The English translation for the Spanish word is of course "Brutal Force". Enough said with that definition. Fuerzabruta is a high energy-driven show with dynamic stunts and beautiful visuals that connect the audience with the actors. Startling sounds might make you jump and before you know it the music will have you raving like you are 18 again. There's a reason why this show has won audiences and critics all over the globe.

The sound is unmistakable: the thundering hooves of a running horse. Horses have been racing across the landscape for more than 50 million years - much longer than our own species has existed. but once horses and humans encountered eachother, our two species became powerfully linked.

Come view "The Horse" exhibit that explains the bonding of Humans and Horses over the past few thousand years and the evolution that came to be what horses are today. Learn about the different species, sizes and much more about horses. Be sure to learn more about the exhibit at The Museum of Natural History and find out how to get there, exhibit schedule and much more at www.amnh.org

* RESTAURANTS *

Pacific Grill at South Street Seaport - Pier 17, indoor and outdoor dining on the water, offering breathtaking views, and featuring some of your favorite tropical drink.

Porcao Rios is located on Park Avenue South. One of the best Brazilian barbeque places in NY, Porcao Rios offers variety of food within an elegant atmosphere.

Firebird on Restaurant Row (46th St between 8th & 9th Ave). Great for a quick bite or drink after work. Definitely try the Honey Vodka.

* SPAS AND SALONS *

Salon Ziba has the most sophisticated line of hair products for every hair type imaginable. Salon Ziba has also expanded thier salon and image by becoming a spa as well for facials, waxing and massages. Now you can take care of all parts of your body and soul at one popular destination.

* SHOPPING *

Renato Vasconcelos Located on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side. All Brazilian imports. His Jewelry is GORGEOUS and the prices are great. He does hair too!

Sam Ash I come from a long line of musicians...This is THE place.

Top Gun Into leather? They’ve got hot stuff.

* CLUBS *

Webster Hall One of the most famous clubs in NYC inside a well-preserved historic building that keeps locals and tourists coming back. Check out thier calendar of events for up to date knowledge of shows and concerts. Also, the interactive show Awesome 80's Prom performs at the landmark club.

* TOURS/MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS *

St.John the Divine Cathedral may not be as crowded as the touristic St.Patrick's, but I find it to be quieter with a nice garden and beautiful peacocks. Also, a tour of the catherdral is available on the weekends and takes you through parts of the cathedral that most locals have never seen.

American Museum of Natural History Beyond the dinosaur bones that greet it's visitors at the main entrance, there's dozens of new exhibits and newly renovated old exhibits that are interactive and keep kids wanting to learn more.

NY City Center is a good place to go for a variety of thier encore theatrical performances and dance companies.