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A Guide to New York’s Best Spring Activities

March 6, 2019 by gkimmelman Leave a Comment

Too soon to hit the beach. Too late to go ice skating. The perfect time to take an adventure.

When you’re planning a trip to New York City in the Spring, rest assured that there’s no shortage of things to do that will make people from your hometown jealous. Unconventional fun is to be expected here! Check out some of our favorite springtime activities in the city that never sleeps:

Take the Tramway to Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is one of those places that most New Yorkers don’t go to unless they have a reason to. What most don’t know is that this small island nestled between Manhattan and Queens on the East River hosts a wide array of places to explore: the ruins of an old smallpox hospital, a beautifully designed park dedicated to FDR, and a Tramway journey that’ll give you a beautiful view of the city skyline. For more info, click here.

Step Through Gulliver’s Gate

Located on 44th near Times Square, Gulliver’s Gate isn’t a bad way to get some perspective on life. See over 50,000 sq ft of mini cities and locations from real places around the world (Abbey road, the Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu to name a few). You can also get a 3-D printed version of yourself. For more info, click here.

Star Gaze with an Expert

From now until the beginning of Summer, Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach hosts biweekly stargazing sessions with top experts from the Astronomy Department at Columbia University. If the weather is nice, after a short lecture and a Q+A with the session leaders, they’ll take you to the roof to stargaze with advanced telescopes for the evening. And it’s free! For more info, click here.

Experience the 2019 World’s Fare

Step out of your culinary comfort zone. On May 18 and 19, Citi Field is hosting a throwback to the legendary World’s Fair of 1964 by showcasing diverse foods from around the world. Booths will feature artisans and culinary masters from dozens of different countries, live music will be playing throughout the whole day, and there will be no shortage of unbelievable foods to try. For more info, click here.

Join a Pillow Fight at Washington Sq Park

You read that right. Taking place on April 6, from 3:00pm – 5:00pm in Washington Square Park. The only rule for this is that your pillow can’t have feathers in it and it has to be soft. You’re going to want to film this. For more info, click here.

See the Central Park Conservatory Garden

This formal garden, delicately maintained by the Central Park Conservatory for year-round use, is one of the gems of New York’s Central Park. Go through the historic Vanderbilt gate between 104th and 105th, take in the trimmed hedges and crabapple trees, and see one of the city’s best kept secrets. For more info, click here.

Take Home a Souvenir from the Affordable Art Fair

From March 28 – 31, the Metropolitan Pavilion is hosting the Affordable Art Fair. This is the perfect opportunity to find a piece of art to take home (that you don’t have to buy off the street). Although tickets range between $10 and $70, this culturally diverse event is a great chance to see a deeper, more creative side of New York City and the beautiful people that congregate here. For more info, click here.

NYC holiday Must-Dos

March 6, 2019 by gkimmelman Leave a Comment

With a diverse range of festive activities for travelers, New York City is an exciting place to experience the holidays. NYC has an extraordinary selection of holiday attractions to offer for visitors from around the world. From Rockefeller Tree Lighting to New Year’s Eve line-up of events at Times Square, Night Hotel highlights quintessential NYC holiday activities and destinations during your visit.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Since 1933, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting has become a time-honored tradition in New York City. The annual celebration attracts thousands of people to Rockefeller Center to witness the tree lighting ceremony shortly after Thanksgiving. With an exuberant line-up of live performances leading up to the lighting of the tremendous tree, at minimum 75 feet tall, this event bring together New Yorker’s and worldwide visitors to launch the holiday season.

New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show

The delightful Holiday Train Show at the Bronx Botanical Garden showcases intricate model trains speeding through a charming environment made of 175 small-scale iconic buildings and landmarks. The fascinating miniature structures include the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Grand Central Station, and constructed from natural material such as bark and leaves with One World Trade Center recently added to the collection.

Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

Magical holiday displays in the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue have long been a tradition in midtown. The Saks team behind the holiday windows work at night for six weeks to create the installations unveiled to the public. Visitors from all over line the sidewalks to view the elaborate and festive scenes depicted at the flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

The Bryant Park Winter Village

Every winter, the city park transforms into The Bank of America Winter Village with joyful decorations, 17,000 square foot ice-skating rink, holiday shops, and food vendors along with caroling by New York City Opera, concerts, Santa, scavenger hunts, and Tasting Tuesday’s makes it a must-see winter destination in NYC.

New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

George Balanchine’s wonderful choreography, Tchaikovsky’s fantastic music, and the story of a young girl’s journey on Christmas Eve, makes this a special performance to catch during the holidays. This enchanting ballet debuted in 1954 by Balanchine, who founded the New York City Ballet. The production has since become an annual holiday tradition for New Yorkers.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

An estimated one million locals and visitors gather in Times Square on December 31^st every year to celebrate this world-renowned event. The historical ball “dropping” tradition began in 1907 with an iron and wooden ball adorned with 100 light bulbs, and currently, the permanent sparkling Big Ball is 12 feet in diameter with over 32,000 LED lights. With a series of dazzling performers, handouts, and dynamic energy throughout the night, New Year’s Eve in Times Square is seen by over a billion people around the world.

5 Best Ways to Spend Your Spring in NYC

March 2, 2018 by sabelsohn Leave a Comment

Ready to take a trip to New York this spring? You’ll discover an unbelievable array of activities, festivals, and events throughout NYC and the surrounding state. These are four of the best – but there are still plenty more to choose from! And just remember – our friendly desk attendants at Night Hotel Times Square are always happy to provide personal recommendations and point you in the right direction!

Macy’s Flower Show

For two weeks, from March 25 through April 8, the iconic Macy’s adds to their colorful inventory with a bright display of fresh floral sights and scents. Held outdoors in Broadway Plaza, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful flowers as you enjoy a range of special activities. Events held during the show include live music, activities for kids, and daily flower talks and seminars.

Marathon Maple Festival

On April 7th and 8th, central New York plays host to an incredible festival featuring the freshest maple products, entertainment, activities, and a huge selection of arts and crafts. Whether you come for the food, the events, the shopping, or simply the experience, this family-friendly event is sure to sweeten your spring!

Tribeca Film Festival

Held this year from April 18^th through the 29^th, the Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan is well worth attending at least once. Dedicated to helping filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, the festival highlights both local and international artists. You’ll find a diverse selection of films and activities including talks and events, with celebrities ranging from Ethan Hawke and Jane Fonda to Lily Hamlin and Chris Rock headlining. While some events require purchasing tickets in advance, many are free to the public.

TAP NY Craft Beer & Fine Food Festival

On April 28 and 29th, you can enjoy this incredible craft beer and food event at Hunter Mountain in the Northern Catskills. First held in Hyde Park 20 years ago by the Culinary Institute of America, TAP® New York showcases the best selections from area breweries. Whether you prefer lagers and IPAs or stouts and ales, you’re sure to find plenty on tap from over 120 craft breweries offering more than 300 beers. All of these great beers are complemented by cooking demonstrations and food galore. It offers a fun-filled day of indulgence – for adults only.

Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Sakura Matsuri offers over 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. The festival celebrates the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season. Saturday, April 28–Sunday, April 29, 2018 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Wondering where to stay when you make your NYC escape this spring? Book a spring stay at Night Hotel Times Square & enjoy 20% off our Superior City View Queen, Superior King, Deluxe City View King. . Book now by clicking here. Just ask our concierge for details on all the best spring activities taking place while you’re here!

After the Show: Late Nights in the Theater District

October 27, 2017 by sabelsohn Leave a Comment

After enjoying a magnificent Broadway show, you’re unlikely to want the night to end. Luckily, late night in the Theater District offers everything from live jazz to all-night dancing. So keep the excitement going and step out into New York City’s night side at one these exhilarating establishments!

Swing 46

Live jazz music and fine dining make this classy supper club well worth a visit. The excellent, homemade menu features a broad selection of appetizers, classic entrees, and delectable desserts. Choose from a la carte choices or their delicious fixed price menu. You’ll also enjoy classic swing dancing with free lessons provided by top schools as part of the nominal entertainment charge. Come for dinner, or just show up for just cocktails and dancing with no reservation required.

Russian Vodka Room

Enjoy authentic Russian food served as appetizers, small plates, and entrees in a dimply lit space with live piano music at this different kind of dinner lounge. The cold borscht, meat dumplings, blini, and fresh caviar are just a few of the local favorites. An incredible selection of up to 50 smooth vodkas, including their many house-made flavored vodkas, adds a distinctive note to any night out.

Looking for a little burlesque to go with your New York experience? Nothing beats the Hot Box Girls New York City! Billed as a singing, dancing, neoclassical burlesque-cabaret-opera troupe, they provide a show unlike any other you’ve seen. You may have to book your tickets in advance, but this international sensation is something to see. They specialize in exotic after-parties and always have upcoming dates planned on their event calendar.

BB King Blues Club & Grill

This intimate Times Square nightclub features a variety of live musical acts, from well-known rock to funk and blues. Enjoy the show with a healthy helping from their classic pub menu. With a star-studded and ever-changing event lineup, you’ll want to plan in advance to attend a memorable performance here – or you can simply drop by to enjoy Lucille’s Bar & Grill, featuring live, local jams and their unique saxophone-shaped beer taps.

bb kings blues club and grill nyc — *BB Kings Blues Club and Grill NYC*

The Rum House

Step inside this swanky, stylish bar and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The unpredictable, ever-changing crowd adds to the unique ambiance, providing unexpected flavor to any night out in NYC. Meanwhile, you’ll be enjoying serious, one-of-a-kind mixology, live piano or jazz music, and a fabulous food menu into the wee hours.

Regardless of where your night takes you, you’ll want to end up in impressive accommodations. Night Theater District & Night Times Square offers you a central New York City location near all of the best Broadway theaters and night spots. Learn More

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