Blogs from Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, North America

On my last trip to New York City, Carnegie Hall was closed for renovation. Carnegie is one of those places that belong on a Water Pail List, along with Royal Albert Hall (London), the Mariinsky Hall (St. Petersburg), and Red Rocks (Denver) for great music venues. The name Carnegie should ring a bell with you. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie built this venue, which soon became one of the most prestigious venues for classical and popular music in the world. Carnegie Hall was opened back in 1891, at 57th Street, and Seventh Avenue. It contains three performance venues: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Zankel Hall, and Weill Recital Hall. The attached Rose Museum contains many musical artifacts. So, how does one find Carnegie Hall? Perhaps this joke tells all. The famous Jasha Heifitz was stopped on a New York street, ... read more

From the 70s, I enjoyed the light, happy music of Neil Diamond. I have seen grown men dance like crazed teenagers in the aisles of his concerts. I have seen people who never sing, sing at the top of their lungs when "Sweet Caroline" is performed. We are in NYC to see the Broadway production of A Beautiful Noise: The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage in an uplifting new musical featuring all his hit songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From those exhilarating early days in New York to the sold-out spectacles that defined his career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him “a national treasure” (Los Angeles Times). Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig ... read more

Midtown Manhattan's legendary train terminal is not only one of the most-frequented landmarks of NYC, but also a cultural hotspot of sorts. With close to a hundred eateries and retail stores in its precincts, this 20th-century terminal ensures visitors always have something to do apart from catching their next train. Exhibitions, holiday fairs, the celebrated Grand Central food market, bars, restaurants, shops, and the spectacular view of the terminal's central hall await travelers who stroll into the terminal. From their website: This historic world-famous landmark in Midtown Manhattan is not simply a transportation hub — it’s also a shopping, dining, and cultural destination all under one magnificent roof. Opened to the public in February 1913, Grand Central Terminal is a story of great engineering, survival, and rebirth. In 1978, architect Philip Johnson and First Lady Jacqueline ... read more

If you don’t know where to start, head to one of the city’s many food halls or open-air markets, like Smorgasburg, Gotham West Market, Chelsea Market, Essex Market or DeKalb Market Hall, to sample a little bit of everything. Better yet, take the 7 train to Queens, making stops in the Little India area of Jackson Heights and an url=https://newyork.seriouseats.com/2013/02/el-gauchito-argentinian-butcher-restaurant-market-queens.htmlArgentinian steakhouse and butcher in Corona before ending up in Flushing — boasting url=https://ny.eater.com/2019/2/25/18236523/chinatowns-restau... read more

Some great free things to do (per livingoutlau.com): If you are looking for something different to do in New York City, make sure you check out the New York Public Library. As the second biggest library in the United States and the fourth biggest one in the world, it is surprising that this attraction isn’t more popular. Located adjacent to Bryant Park on 42nd street of Manhattan, the beaux-arts architecture of the library contrasts starkly with its surroundings. The main study hall looks like the interior of Hogwarts, and for a second, you feel like you have been transported in time. Admission is free, and it is not difficult to spend 1 to 2 hours walking up and down the corridors and admiring the stunning interior design. Frequently, there will be exhibits inside the New York ... read more