Keep it in check: Managing a modest budget in New York City – Part 8

A major expense in NYC is travel. The easiest way to avoid spending all your money on getting around? The MetroCard. If you want to get around and explore as much of NY as possible, skip the cabs and get a MetroCard. You can get unlimited ride for the day ($7) or for a week ($22), and it is good for both the Subways and Busses.

The other cost that will drain your funds very quickly are meals. If you avoid the Times Square area you can find a lot of inexpensive restaurants just a few blocks away. You can get inexpensive Chinese at 38th Street Restaurant (273 W 38th Street), Mexican at Ah Chihyahua (330 E. 53rd Street), Pizza at Angelo’s (1697 Broadway), or Vegan at Bunchberries (222 E. 53rd Street).

If you aren’t staying with friends or family, you will need a hotel. Prices are constantly changing based on the season, and I would highly recommend going to Hotels.Com, Orbitz, and Priceline to find the best deal.

So, the next question is what you plan on doing while you are in NYC? If you love the outdoors, the Bronx Zoo (www.bronxzoo.com) has a special on Wednesdays that allows you to pay what you can, and is open from 10 AM 5 PM 365 days a year. If you arrive between 10 AM and Noon on a Saturday, you can get free grounds admission to the New York Botanical Garden (www.nybg.org). If that doesn’t fit your schedule, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (www.bbg.org) offers free weekday admission from November through February, and on Tuesdays year round. Downtown Alliance (www.downtownny.com) offers free walking tours at Noon every Thursday and Saturday.

If you love shopping, but don’t want to pay full price, try going to Find Outlet (www.findoutlet.com). With a convenient location in Chelsea, you can find many great clothes at over 50% off. Some great examples are given on their website. Beacon’s Closet (www.beaconscloset.com) has some great deals on vintage clothing and has 2 locations in Brooklyn.

A lot of people go to NYC to experience the Arts. If you aren’t too picky about the show you want to see, and you have luck, you have a few different options for going to a Broadway show. Playbill has a great article (www.playbill.com/news/article /82428.html) which tells you about shows that will let you save money either by lottery, coming in early on the day of the show, or by getting Standing Room tickets when the show is sold out. You can get front row seats for some of Broadway’s blockbusters for as low as $20. You can also go to the TKTS booths and get discounts of 25 to 50 percent on shows they are offering at the time. If you would rather see the opera, The Met (www.metoperafamily.org) has tickets as low as $15.

So those are some quick pointers for your time in NYC. Have lots of fun, and remember this is your vacation. Decide on one or two things to splurge on, and use some of these tips to keep the rest of your budget in check.

Find your Black Cars Services in New York City

If you go to New York on business, or if you are just tourists to this city you may find yourselves in the need for black cars services in New York, as there is probably more to see in this city than in any other part of the world. You could just be flying through New York City, or could be staying for a couple of days. Either way, you should not miss out on the very amazing attractions of this city. Trying to find your way around New York City may turn out to be a little too much of a hassle. If you are here on holiday, you do not want to spoil it by getting lost in this big city. Taking the bus for a tour of the city does not seem like such a great idea either, considering how many other people you would be sharing it with, and how many stops there will be.

Here is what you can do. You can search the net for a company that provides black cars services in New York, and you’ll see that the results are quite a lot. It is up to you now to choose who you want your limo service provider to be, according to how close to you they are, what their rates are, and so on. The black cars services in New York are available for any destination, including all the attractions in the area. Some of the all-time favorite tourist destinations in New York City include Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Rockefeller Center, WTC Ground Zero, United Nations, and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. But you probably already know this. What you need to know is that there is no better option for getting around the city and seeing all these than choosing the black cars services in New York. Such services are available around the clock, to meet the needs of all potential customers, either tourists or people traveling on business. Any special event that you may participate in within the city of New York and that requires flexibility is no problem for the black cars services. You can call or you can make reservations online; either way, you are sure to receive high quality services if you know what company to choose.

If you are part of a group flying in or out of New York City, or if you and your large family are planing a trip out of the city, you can always request the stretch limo services at JFK Airport, or any other airport. These stretch limousines come in different sizes, so as to meet the different needs of clients, such as corporate business needs, extra room for shopping or lots of luggage, celebration of anniversaries or birthdays, etc. The stretch limo services at JFK Airport ensure quality rides from and to the airport for your family, friends or business partners. And they are just one click or phone call away!

For more resources about Black cars Services in New York or even about Stretch Limo Services at JFK airport please review this weblink http://www.pickaride.com

Restaurant recommendations: New York City, NY – Part 4

If great Southern Neapolitan cuisine is what you crave and you either live or are visiting the heart of New York, you must make room for Tony’s DiNapoli, located on W. 43rd Street, between 6th and 7th

Avenue. At Tony’s you can be sure to satisfy a table of six with 3 entrees alone, and a few pitchers of their famous Sangria.

Tony’s restaurant was introduced to me by my manager when we celebrated my completion of my initial probationary period upon starting with the department. That evening after work he treated both my co-worker and me and we not only ate well, but were able to unwind after a long stressful week after hours and finally relax. Being my first time at this restaurant I took in the dcor and was truly impressed we had such a fine restaurant in the heart of Manhattan, and Times Square.

We started out with a Calamari and baked clams platter, from the appetizer s menu, which to my amazement was enough to feed six, and for our man dish Linguini in Clam Sauce and the Chicken Franchese. Everything was so well prepared my mouth watered instantly, and to describe the taste, I truly can’t come up with the best words.

Since that evening we make it a habit to go at least once a year with the rest of the team, and we never hear enough of how great the food truly is. Tony’s DiNapoli is a must if you have time before a play or musical and are already in the area, and looking for a great place to dine out. As mentioned before it is always best to go out in groups of three or more, because their platters are enough to feed at least the three, possibly even four “if you have that little skinny girl joining you.” Each one can then order something different for they have a diverse menu that will definitely please the taste buds, and then get ready to let your mouth explore the wonders of a traditional Southern Neapolitan meal, Tony DiNapoli’s way.

To visit the site, make reservations or order gift cards please visit. www.tonysnyc.com/home. You won’t be disappointed.

Tony’s is recommended highly and I can also go into detail on a few other favorites, but Tony’s deserved the high regards, for atmosphere, presentation, and overall performance. The food is absolutely amazing. In addition to being in the heart of New York it is also near many area attractions, like Bryant Park, other restaurants that made the high list like, “BBQ’s of Time Square, Chevy’s, Dave & Buster’s for those who love to play arcades and last but not least BB Kings,” all within feet of each other and right on the Times Square, W. 42nd

Street strip.

Driving and parking in New York City – Part 1

New York City is without a doubt one of the coolest places to be, and it is on most peoples list of travel destinations. The nightlife, partying, environment, the infamous Times Square, over a hundred famous tourist attractions withing traveling distance for almost everyone, gives most the incentive to visit this wondrous city. Having mentioned the hustle bustle type of life which takes place in New York City, first time visitors are not very aware of how interesting the city’s traffic is. People have in fact over exaggerated the driving issue which does in fact take place in New York City, but it is not as bad as some say it is. In fact if you get used to all the taxi’s rash overtaking maneuvers and changing 4 lanes at once to catch a customer for a taxi ride, you should be fine. However getting used to the driving is somewhat of an issue with visitors as time would be an issue.

When driving on the streets of Manhattan you will find taxi’s all over the place trying to find customers or speeding off just to cross the signal and get to their destination within minimal time. They will pass you no matter what it takes so becareful if it is your first drive in the city. With so many avenues and streets people do tend to get lost with how the the avenue and street system works in the city. For first time riders having a hard copy of driving directions in your hand or a GPS system would be priceless. Traffic can have a major effect on getting from one place to another especially during rush hour times as it may take you, in some cases, hours. Driving in downtown is committing car suicide, as the roads narrow down and foot traffic increases; hence making it harder for cars do get by their way.

Another major issue with bringing your car into the city is an added headache of parking it. As if it weren’t enough to just get to your destination, after finally waiting for hours in traffic, there is then the problem of parking your car. With parking restrictions such as Manhattan’s, visitors may start to regret having a car. If your looking for parking on the avenues forget about it, because that is not gunna happen. On the streets you will either run into parking rules where commercial vehicles are only allowed from 7-7 from Mon-Fri or streets where you are not allowed to park at all, including SUNDAYS. If your out driving in the city on a Saturday or Sunday you might be in some luck, as lots of streets have free parking for the weekend. Having said that, there still lies the problem of getting the parking as most streets are usually full.

Parking in garages will be like spilling your money right out of your pocket the way a little boy likes to spill the huge glass of milk his mom gave him to make him strong. Parking costs in garages go by the hourly rate, one-day flat rate, or monthly rates. The hourly rates would usually cost you around $8.00-$10.00 an hour, while one-dat flat rates would cost you in the range of $30.00-$40.00. Finding parking garage near you, whether you’re in downtown for shopping or you are at mid-town checking out Radio City Hall and Rockerfeller Center, should not be a problem. However the money will be.

Having lived in the city for a long time I have had first hand experience with all these problems. Now living in Queens, I have the easy option of coming into the city on the ever reliable New York Transit system. Do not underestimate the transportation options in the city if you do not having a car. The busses and trains running in the city are most New York residents first and foremost choice when choosing between their transportation options. Have a blast on your trip to the heart of America!

Times Square – a Vibrant Iconic Landmark at the Heart of New York

Times Square is a world renowned iconic landmark with many prominent commercial businesses, office towers, tourist friendly attractions and trendy establishments.

Named after the New York Times which moved here in 1924, Times Square is a lively neon-lit area in the heart of the theatre district and a world famous iconic landmark. This major intersection in Manhattan, New York City has been the gathering point for an overwhelming amount of events in American History ranging from end of World War celebrations to Millennium celebrations.

Once marred as an area with the highest crime rates and sex shops Times Square was a place ignored by many until it acquired its new phase in the early 1990’s. Now it has prominent commercial businesses, office towers, many tourist-friendly attractions and trendy establishments. It is also a cultural hub full of broadway theatres and music halls. Times Square is an excellent tourist destination with major tourist attractions such as the ABC’s Studios, Virgin Records, and Hershey’s, Ruby Foo’s and multiplex movie theatres. Major buildings include One Times Square, Reuters building and Times Tower.

Times Square is synonymous with America’s New Year celebrations as each year it will attract millions to this venue to view the Waterford Crystal ball lowered from One Times Square. An Array of hotels in Times Square makes this wonderful place a great vacation destination for young and old alike.

With a countless number of restaurants, bars, shops, theaters, art galleries and fashion boutiques the Times Square is filled up with the best of the Big Apple. A must in any New York tourist’s list, the Time Square continues to be a part of New York’s electric and vibrant culture.

Best guided tours of New York City – Part 1

New York City offers over one hundred tours, but only a select few are good for families. Be careful what you choose.

The Downtown tour is a three hour tour to many attractions and places. On this tour you will see big places you head and see about on television. Places such as Wall Street, the old stomping grounds of the World Trade Center (ground zero), Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the one and only Macy’s on New York. Many other places you will view our Madison Square Gardens, Rockefeller Center, and even the Broadway Theatre District. This tour is great for someone who has never been to New York and wants to see downtown and what New York is all about.

Many of New York’s tours take about three hours and some offer the hop on hop off access.

Now the New York Television and Movie Sites tour lets you many sites of where your favorite movies and TV Shows take place. You will see locations of where the Devil Wears Prada, Rescue Me, and the TV show The Apprentice take place. The tour dives by locations used in Hitch, the fire house used in Ghostbusters, where the Cosby show took place, and the restaurant used in Spiderman. On this tour you will even visit many move and TV sites. Enjoy this your while singing along to theme songs.

Another great family tour is the Brooklyn tour. On this tour you will see historic neighborhoods, The Great Bridge, stately mansions, Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza. The Brooklyn tour will let you see the diversity among the borough of people through America’s first suburb. Enjoy many site seeing views on this tour.

The uptown Treasures and Harlem Tour let’s you see views of many historic places in New York. You will see views such as the Lincoln Center, Firth Avenue, Apollo Theater, Harlem Marker, Time Warner Center, The Dakota and so many more places. This tour is all about viewing New York and seeing many places is offers anyone to go to.

If visiting New York through the Holiday Season then the Lights of the Holiday tour is a must. There is a lazer light show at the Grand Central Terminal and you get to see time square all lit up for the holidays. You also get to see Fifth Avenue, Central Park, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Radio City Music Hall, Trump Tower and so many more beautiful lit up places in New York. Have a wonderful holiday tour among the Lights of the Holiday tour.

One last great family tour is the Night tour. You get to stop at Brooklyn’s Fulton Ferry Landing while getting to see the Manhattan skyline. Also see the nighttime views of Time Square, Little Italy, Chinatown, The Brooklyn Bridge, and so many more spectacular places that New York offers.