New York Gay Pride Week

By Go City Expert

New York Gay Pride Week is held each year in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 which were the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement. The 2013 edition kicks off on Friday, June 28th 2013 from 7 pm. to 10 pm at Hudson River Park's Pier 26 with a Pride Rally. The first Pride Rally was held when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park and the annual New York attraction has been growing in size and popularity ever since. Probably the most important part of the week is the March. The first March was held in 1970 and it has become one of the most important civil rights demonstrations in the country after having raised awareness about issues like the fight against AIDS and violence against members of the LGBT community. The March starts at noon on Sunday, June 30 at 36th St. & Fifth Ave and it ends at Christopher & Greenwich Streets. Although the March certainly takes on serious topics, it also meant to be a celebration of the gay community. The Grand Marshals of this year’s March will be Edith Windsor, Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes. NYC Pride recognizes outstanding achievement and a panel of judges (located at the Reviewing Stand at Fifth Avenue and 8th Street) will evaluate participants to determine who best exemplifies the concept of the following March Awards: Best Use of Theme AwaImage of Parade, Person, Helmet, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Wheel, Pride Parade, Best Marching Contingent Award Best Decorated Vehicle Award Best Musical Contingent Award Most Original Award While the March is going on, another New York attraction that occurs every year will be happening nearby (Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & W. 14th St.). Now in its 20th year, PrideFest is a LGBT street fair that combines vendors, entertainers and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Guitar, Musical Instrument, Boy, Teen, Microphone, People, name of equality. This event is totally FREE and it generally attracts thousands of out-of-state visitors who are looking to grab a bite to eat or score some great Pride gear. For full details about all the events, see here. Even if you don’t feel like taking part in Pride Week or simply just want to take a break, there are plenty of other New York attractions to see. Get a chance to see what happens behind the scenes at one of the top TV networks in America by going on the NBC Studio Tour or, if you’re in the mood for another television-related attraction, the Gossip Girl Tour is an option. A trip to the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of Manhattan is also a must. Save up to 55% on admission to all the top New York attractions and tours with a Go New York City Card discount attractions pass. Save money and skip lines!

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NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2014

One of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country (and probably the world), the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade, is not to be missed and the 2014 edition is right around the corner. If you are planning to be in the city on March 17, you will want to make sure to take in a portion of the parade at some point on Monday The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on 44th Street and make its way north on 5th Avenue all the way up to 79th Street. If you choose to attend, you’ll be one of the more than two million spectators that will line the avenue and cheers on the 150,000 or so marchers. There are tons of bands, firefighters, police officers, emigrant societies and social and cultural clubs that are represented in the parade and they will all appreciate your support. While you are in the area, use your New York Attractions Pass to check out the Empire State Building and other popular destinations in the area. Started by homesick Irish enlisted soldiers from the British army in 1762, the 2014 edition of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place under the supervision of Grand Marshal Jack Ahern of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3. The parade is one of the most popular annual events in the city, so you will want to make sure to leave some time for travel delays and plan to get there early for a good spot in order to really take advantage of the day. In addition to the day itself, and besides all the sights that are available to see with the New York Attractions Pass, there’s also the Amazing New York Scavenger Hunt on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. The hunt will kick off at Libation at 37 Ludlow Street and run from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Participants in the hunt will travel around the city while relying on a series of clues that lead to physical and mental challenges throughout NYC. The hunt also combines some obstacle course elements and all hunters should expect a few bar challenges along the way. (In order to participate, you will need a smart phone that is equipped with an app called ScanQuest. According to a review of the hunt: “Gather some pals and sign up as a group, or enter solo and let the organizers introduce you to some new friends; the winners take home gift baskets, and every participant who completes the hunt gets a free beer.” The Saturday before the hunt and St. Patrick’s Day, the Whole Foods Bowery Culinary Center at 95 East Houston Street in the Lower East Side is hosting a Real Irish Cooking workshop. Make and then dine on a traditional Irish lunch, including beef-and-Guinness stew, Dublin-style parsnip colcannon and raisin sweet cake. Yum! To view all the top New York Attractions for adults, kids and people of all ages, check out Smart Destinations’ New York Explorer Pass and Go Select New York Pass!
Go City Expert
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New York City Tourism Discounts

Did you know that New York City hosts nearly 47 million tourists each year? While the number seems striking, it starts to make sense when you take into account all of the City's many tourist magnets. People come from all over the country and the world to see plays on Broadway, re-create the experiences of their ancestors with a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, have a people-watching picnic in Central Park and speed up the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. New York attractions are so diverse and plentiful that it's no wonder they call NYC The City that Never Sleeps—who would have the time? While New York City is certainly a busy and popular destination, your New York vacation doesn't have to be stressful or chaotic. A New York attraction pass can make all the difference, and Smart Destinations has anticipated your every need when it comes to a New York pass to top attractions. There are two options for you to choose from. First up is the New York Explorer Pass, featuring discounted admission to 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions (depending on how adventurous you're feeling). You'll have 55 attractions to choose from (though you don't have to choose until you're actually in NYC) and 30 full days to use the pass so you can go at your own pace. While some tourists like cramming all they can into an action-packed day, others prefer to see one or two attractions a day and take the rest of the time to wander and relax. No matter your style, the NYC Explorer Pass can accommodate your family and provide added convenience via a full-color guidebook and "skip the line" deals at many New York attractions. The Go Select New York pass has the same idea: discounted admission to top attractions on one convenient New York pass. However, this pass is a bit more tailored to your personal whims. In fact, you'll build the pass yourself, adding attractions and watching your savings grow. This pass also features 55 attractions and 30 days from activation to take advantage of your discounts. And if planning really isn't your thing or you're running short on ideas, take a look at the pre-made Go Select New York Packages, with options like the New York Family Fun Pass or NYC Land & Sea. Don't forget, half the fun of being in New York City is just simply, well, being there. Make sure you take the time to look around you and soak in the people, architecture, culture, and vibrancy that have made NYC such an alluring destination for so many years.
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Family Things to Do on NYE in NYC

Traditionally, New Year’s Eve, with its swanky cocktail parties and late night extravaganzas, isn’t the most family-friendly holiday. Fortunately, tradition is being challenged and New York City now boasts a plethora of New Year’s Eve parties and activities that all ages will enjoy. There’s no reason to stay at home in your pajamas on NYE anymore, watching the revelers on TV. In fact, you may have more fun than ever before experiencing the best of these festive and fun New York attractions. Ripley’s Believe It or Not At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the most peculiar and spectacular artifacts, treasures, performances, and games fill the 18,000-square foot “Odditorium.” On New Year’s Eve, your family will have the opportunity to experience this delightfully bizarre attraction with the addition of first-rate New Year’s Eve activities. An open bar and free food all night, provided by the acclaimed Crema Restaurant, is just the beginning! You’ll also enjoy a DJ and dancing, Ripley’s sideshow acts, over 500 exhibits, magic shows and face painting for kids, and of course a champagne (or cider) toast at midnight. Plus, you’ll be located just 1⁄2 a block from the Ball Drop! Please note that the Ripley's Believe It or Not NYE Party is a separately ticketed event, not included in daily general admission. Water Taxi New Year’s Eve Family Cruise A New York Water Taxi not only lets you avoid traffic and crowd congestion, it also offers a unique way to see the skyline and all of the city’s most impressive landmarks. This New Year’s Eve, you can see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and many more New York attractions from the water while ringing in the new year. Adults are dazzled by the spectacular views, fireworks display, and cash bar, while kids less interested in the sights can delight in Wii games, noise makers, party favors, and snacks like mac ‘n cheese and chicken tenders. The adult menu is slightly more classy, with favorites like stuffed mushrooms and chicken Milanese. New York Water Taxi NYE promises a magical night for all. Dave & Buster’s NYC With a location right in the heart of Times Square, Dave & Buster’s high-tech gaming haven is the premier party spot for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve. Comfort-food appetizers, like pretzel dogs and pizza bites, are served all night long; a huge buffet features build-your-own nachos and four cheese pizza; and a 5-hour open bar is the cherry on top! Arcade machines, amusement park games, and virtual stimulators will have everyone playing and laughing for hours. Add music, dancing, and a live count down to the Ball Drop on huge-screen TVs, and you’ve got just about everything you could ask for at Dave & Buster’s NYE. Madame Tussauds Want to party with the stars this NYE? Only at Madame Tussauds New York will you find Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Derek Jeter at the same party. You’ll feel like a celebrity yourself amidst the 250+ life-like wax figurines at one of the most beloved New York attractions. In 85,000-square feet of event space just 1⁄2 a block from the Time’s Square Ball drop, DJs spin dance hits, the 4D cinema awes guests of all ages, and food and drink are served all night long. Kids can spend time in Super Hero’s room or the Sports Zone or take the stage with their favorite stars in the Pop Star Celebrity Room. Please note that the NYE party is a separately ticketed event, not included in daily general admission. Fireworks in Prospect Park If classic and simple (and free!) is more your style, head over to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The festivities start at 11 PM with live holiday entertainment and hot cocoa for everyone. At midnight, an extravagant fireworks display kicks off the New Year in style. It’s a memorable night for kids and adults, and a wonderful tradition to start with your family. The best locations for viewing the fireworks are Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Looking for more New York attractions to ring in the New Year with your family? Get discounted access to your choice of 55 popular attractions with a New York Explorer Pass.
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