NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2014

By Go City Expert

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!

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New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here. The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry! Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest! New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. See more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris
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Things to Do in New York in Fall 2018 - Attractions, Activities & More

Heading to the Big Apple for some fall festivities? There’s so much to see and so many things to do that you’ll have a hard time narrowing it all down into one trip. If you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in New York in the Fall in 2018, take a look at our suggestions for the top attractions and activities to check out this year, including... Special Exhibits at The Met Fall foliage from Popular Observation Decks Metroplitan Museum of Art Special Exhibits Georgia O'Keeffe at the New York Botanical Garden Sporting events and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these New York activities are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all New York tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of the Fall events listed below may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass. The RIDE in Masquerade 2018 Dates TBD This time of year, New York's most enjoyable and entertaining tour bus is in full costume -- the RIDE is now in Masquerade! What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with a gorgeous historical costume? Marvel at the heritage of old world European masquerade as the guides on this unparalleled tour treat you to a special seasonal version of their famed RIDE. Seriously, you'll feel like you're attending a historical ball with Marie Antoinette. Of course, it's not all glitz and glam -- you'll also be treated to scary stories, enticing videos, and the very tangible presence of the spirits of New York City past. It's all in all some super seasonal fun! Getting In: The RIDE in Masquerade tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Amazing City Views of Fall Foliage Image Credit: Top of the Rock Facebook Page Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful fall foliage in Central Park, as well as the bustling streets of NYC, from your perch atop one of the city’s best vantage points. Both of the city's iconic observation decks provide a good opportunity for you to enjoy your unique perspective on the changing scenery below, and to take some great photos, too. The Empire State Building is a classic, while the Top of the Rock provides more unobstructed views. Can’t go wrong with either! Getting In: Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets are both available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Statue of Liberty Fall is time for remembering our history, and there are few places so historical as New York City. Take a ferry out to our Lady Liberty, then tour the Ellis Island Museum as you learn all about the history of early immigration in America. Crowds will be thinner this time of year, too, and it may be easier to get additional tickets to the pedestal or crown (as long as you don't plan your vacation for a holiday weekend). Getting In: Statue of Liberty ferry tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Crown and pedestal admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass. Art Museums There are few places as culturally diverse and as artistically accomplished as NYC. So it's no surprise that it's home to some of the world's most prestigious and fascinating museums. Two of our favorites are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, which each offer amazing and inspiring works of art from all around the world for your enjoyment. If you're headed to the Met, be sure to check out their exciting new exhibit (which we all previewed at this year's Met Gala), "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." This special exhibit of apparel and accessories will be on display through October 8, 2018. Additional fall special exhibits at the Met include topics like African American photography, Japanese painting, twentieth-century furniture, African sculpture, and more. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Get Out for a Bike Ride Fall in New York is that perfect mix of crisp and cool – not too cold to stay inside but just pleasant enough that you aren’t working up much of a sweat on a leisurely bike ride. Didn’t bring a bike with you? Just rent one in Central Park and enjoy pedaling along their many scenic bike trails. You'll get to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Central Park, including Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden, Central Park Zoo, and so much more. If you prefer a little bit of guidance to maximize your Central Park explorations, you can take a bike tour of the area, too! Getting In: Central Park bike rentals and Central Park Bike Tour tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Sightseeing Cruises You could also opt for a night cruise, to enjoy the beautiful skyline. Grab a scarf and light jacket and head out to the water to enjoy an informative and relaxing sightseeing cruise. New York is particularly suited for water tours, as you can see nearly all of the major landmarks like the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower without venturing on dry land. Getting In: Many cruise options, like the popular Circle Line NYC Landmark Cruise, are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Sporting Events & Arena Tours What better way to celebrate fall with sports fans than with a visit to their favorite ballpark or arena? The Yankees have some really amazing talent and their post-season chances are looking good. And while baseball is winding to a close in the fall, basketball is just getting started and the Knicks are ready to go with some new talent on board this season. And don't forget about the Rangers, either! If you can't make it to a game, consider taking a tour of local venues, like Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden. Getting In: Yankee Stadium Classic Tour tickets and Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i New York Botanical Garden now through October 28, 2018 This special exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see for art and plant lovers. Come to see Georgia O'Keeffe's iconic paintings of Hawaii -- now together in NYC for the first time since 1940. These lush, evocative paintings are paired with the exotic Hawaiian plants that inspired them, creating a truly inspiring combination of art and science that we know you'll just adore. This exhibition is included with general admission. Getting In: New York Botanical Garden tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Brooklyn Book Festival September 10-17, 2018 Brooklyn Borough Hall & Citywide Image credit: Julienne Schaer. Enjoy panel discussions and readings from authors around the world at one of the city’s favorite bookish events. Find your next big read, your next author crush, or just reconnect with an old favorite. Sunday, September 16th is the Festival Day and Literary Marketplace (pictured above). There are also author events throughout the city on various days, including heavy hitters like Martin Amis, Jennifer Egan, Eve L. Ewing, Justina Ireland, N.K. Jemisin, Tayari Jones, Malina Lo, Joseph O'Neill, and many more. This is an ideal family event, with specialty kids' readings and books as well. Children's Day is September 15, held in the MetroTech Commons. Getting In: Admission to the Brooklyn Book Festival is free. Oktoberfest in NYC Throughout October Various locations Image credit: Filip Wolak Oktoberfest isn’t just one festival – it’s an entire collection of events, beer halls, brewery tours, beer gardens, and so much more. You’ll find a wide variety of events all over the city, ranging from the kid-friendly to the adults-only. Some of our favorites include Beer at the Pier (at Watermark bar) and Oktoberfest Night at Citi Field (a good family event). Getting In: Admission to various Oktoberfest events are separately ticketed and is not included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit individual event websites. Atlantic Antic September 23, 2018 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn Wander through more than 500 food, craft, and beverage vendors as they take over one of Brooklyn’s busiest streets You’ll also be treated to a diverse musical lineup and other great performance art, so it’s an all-around cultural fest. This year marks the 44th occurrence of this perennially popular event! Getting In: Admission to Atlantic Antic is free. Medieval Festival September 30, 2018 Fort Tryon Park Image credit: Jakob K. Layman Are you a lover of all things historical? Ever wish you could see a joust, or wear a suit of armor? Immerse yourself in the all the fun parts of the Middle Ages (no black plague or bad dental hygiene here) with a visit to this free, kid-friendly event. Gnaw on some turkey legs and sip some mead as you listen to minstrels serenade the masses. Getting In: Admission to the Medieval Festival is free. Columbus Day Parade October 8, 2018 5th Ave. Image credit: Marielle Solan Marvel at tens of thousands of marchers who gather together to commemorate Columbus’s landing in the Americas. It’s also a celebration of Italian heritage, which you know NYC is pretty good at. This parade has a smaller scale than something like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so it’s a good opportunity to enjoy festive NYC without the crazy crowds. Getting In: Admission to the Columbus Day Parade is free. A Few Other Suggestion for Things to do in New York this Fall Hop aboard a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River. Later in the season, check out one of New York’s famed ice rinks like the one in Rockefeller Plaza. Visit the Queens County Farm Museum for all sorts of seasonal fun like pumpkin picking and corn-maze exploring. Cheer on the runners at the world-famous New York City marathon. Let's Recap So there you have it – scads of exciting and festive things to do in New York in the fall in 2018. From parades to festivals and bike rides to cruises, whatever you do you’re bound to have fun. And remember, you can save on combined admission on many of these popular attractions, tours, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Please note, some of the Fall events taking place mentioned in this post may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass.
Katie Sagal
Empire Skyline View
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New York City Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Vacation

New York City has been a top family vacation destination for some time now. It’s filled with informative and entertaining attractions, tons of arts and culture, and a great food scene that will delight even the pickiest eaters. For those of you traveling to NYC with kids this, we’ve put together a list of our favorite New York attractions for families. Our top New York family vacation ideas include: Empire State Building Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island American Museum of Natural History Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum Yankee Stadium Tour Clipper City Tall Ship Sail Central Park and much more! Empire State Building The perfect way to start your family vacation to NYC is with a trip to the top of one of her most legendary buildings. Head to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building where you’ll get amazing panoramic views of the cityscape around you from heights of over 1,000 feet in the air. It’s the perfect place for those inimitable Instagram photos. Don’t forget to get some snaps of the stunning Art Deco lobby on your way up! Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour For first-time visitors, a tour aboard a Big Bus is a great way to get acclimated to the city. They’re also ideal for families because they provide engaging narration of all the sites and landmarks you’ll pass by. Choose a hop-on hop-off option like this one from Big Bus to maximize your flexibility. If the kids are interested in something, hop off and explore. When they get tired, hop back on and relax! Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island You simply can’t visit NYC without paying your respects to Lady Liberty. Take the ferry out to Liberty Island to see this iconic statue, and explore the grounds. You can also opt to upgrade to see the pedestal and crown (only with advance ticket purchase directly from the National Park). Then, continue on to Ellis Island to check out the fascinating and thought-provoking Immigration Museum. American Museum of Natural History One of the most expansive natural history museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History in NYC is a must-visit for families. It’s a field-trip favorite for local schools and offers an abundance of educational opportunities alongside awe-inspiring exhibits. They’re particularly known for their dinosaur fossils and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, although they also have an impressive collection of minerals and gemstones, animal dioramas, and more. Madame Tussauds New York While NYC is on the other side of the country from Hollywood, Madame Tussauds brings Hollywood to New York! Visit this iconic wax works institution for a chance to encounter stunningly realistic replicas of many famous figures, from history to pop culture to music and beyond. NYC has some special exhibits you won’t find elsewhere, too, like “Kong: Skull Island” and “The Ghostbusters Experience.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art One of the world’s greatest art museums, period. The Met is an amazing place to take a family interested in art, architecture, design, and history. It’s filled with beautiful and inspiring pieces from across the globe and across the millennia. Begin with their stellar collection of Ancient Egyptian art and artifacts. Scope out their medieval art. Marvel at their European sculpture and decorative arts. And don’t forget about the expansive collection of American paintings! Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum Another popular attraction with families is the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. This comprehensive institution focuses on a few things, but they do them extraordinarily well. Learn all about the history of American travel by sea, by air, and in space at this amazing place. It’s both educational and entertaining and is perfect for visitors of all ages. Now, your pass also includes admission to the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which hosts the Enterprise, a vessel that pioneered NASA’s early space flight programs. Yankee Stadium Tour & Ball Game Even if you’re not a fan of the pinstripes, you have to admit that touring Yankee Stadium is a great opportunity for sports fans everywhere. Although it’s not the original historic stadium, this new construction is pretty impressive on the ballpark scene. See behind the scenes and explore the most significant areas of the park, from the luxury suites to the Yankees Museum. Although the stadium is new it still contains some homages to past Yankee's greats and the heritage of the organization. Why not pick up tickets to a game? Keep an eye out for deals on resale sites for the best value. Clipper City Tall Ship Sail While NYC’s not a beach town in the same way as, say, Santa Monica, she’s certainly more than qualified on the waterfront scene to offer you an amazing marine adventure. Board the historic Clipper City Tall Ship for a distinctive experience that’s sure to make memories of a lifetime. This majestic schooner has been restored to replicate the design and feel of the 1854 original vessel, and today it’s a wonder to sail out onto New York waterways aboard this amazing ship. Central Park Of course, you can’t visit New York without spending sometime in her heart – Central Park. One of the world’s most famous parks, Central Park offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, whether you want to lounge like a local, join up with a walking tour, or rent a bike to explore this massive expanse on two wheels. Whatever you opt to do, know that you’re truly experiencing an NYC with some time spent in this popular urban greenspace. Times Square We know that it may be a cliché but if you don't frequent the city that never sleeps then seeing Times Square is a must. There is always something going on in NYC and especially Times Square, you'll be overwhelmed at first but once you get your bearings you will fit right in. There is no shortage of shopping or dining options in Times Square and when you add in the people watching, you can spend tons of time. Save on Family Vacation Attraction Ideas There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming New York City family vacation. Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available on the pass. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal

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