On October 14, 1935, a dedication ceremony was held for the brand new Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. It turns 85 years young today and looks amazing for its age! Nestled on a ridge between Inwood and Hudson Heights it has stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It is home … Continue reading On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!
Travel
National Motorcycle Ride Day
Autumn motorcycle riding is exhilarating. For various reasons I have not been able to ride my bike lately. That is unfortunate but I hope to address it soon. Meanwhile, I have some terrific memories of rides past. Riding Sylvia the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, here at its highest point. Riding Josephine alongside … Continue reading National Motorcycle Ride Day
National Farmer’s Market Week
The first full week of August is National Farmer's Market Week. If you have one in your area it is a good idea to shop there. The produce is locally produced, fresh, often organic and pesticide free. You are helping to support your local economy instead of big agribusiness and you reduce your carbon footprint … Continue reading National Farmer’s Market Week
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As warm weather returns, May is designated National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. If you are out and about on the roads, please watch out for motorcycles and let them ride safely. I wish I could get out but cannot currently. Ironic as it is one of my favorite ways to socially distance myself. While still … Continue reading National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
I’m Worried
Not that I might catch the COVID-19 virus. I understand the science and know the odds of me specifically becoming ill are very small (especially as I don't get out as much lately). I'm worried that the worries of the general public will harm the theatre business. Not just Broadway here in New York but … Continue reading I’m Worried
A Monumental Wedding
Last weekend Pamela and I attended the wedding of her son in Richmond, Virginia. It was a terrific ceremony and a great after-party. I don't know how the honeymoon is going as we weren't invited. The ceremony was held at Richmond's Monumental Church on Broad Avenue. It is historical and not only because it was … Continue reading A Monumental Wedding
National Vinegar Day and where to find some of the best in New York City
Today is National Vinegar Day, that fermented liquid that adds a special acidic note to various foods (and to clean windows - but not our focus today). Why buy mass produced versions when you can get hand crafted products? I know just the place if you travel to New York City. The Filling Station is … Continue reading National Vinegar Day and where to find some of the best in New York City
National Cake Decorating Day
Personally I'm waiting for National Cake Eating Day as that is my specialty. Regardless how pretty the icing is, it all tastes the same in my tummy. I'm not very good at decorating, but my sister excels at it. She has made some exceptionally pretty designs. If this is your hobby you know that you … Continue reading National Cake Decorating Day
Surprise! I got to go to the festival!
A few days ago I urged you to attend the Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park here in Manhattan but bemoaned the fact I could not attend due to my situation trapped in the rehab center. To my absolute delight Pamela arranged for our friend Hannah and her friend Rose to help us out by … Continue reading Surprise! I got to go to the festival!
Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
One day each year Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan is transformed into a festival celebrating Medieval Times with jousting, attractions, performances, crafts, fair food and more. In 2019, it is scheduled for this Sunday, September 29 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. It is literally next door to where I live and I have … Continue reading Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
National Lighthouse Day
Today is National Lighthouse Day and you can find a very cute little lighthouse very close to where I live in Upper Manhattan, not where you would think to find one. It is nestled under the George Washington Bridge and is rather famous. Below is a picture I snapped when I hiked down to see … Continue reading National Lighthouse Day
PAY ATTENTION! And use the “Dutch Reach”
There are many ways to die in the big city. Despite the additions of bike lanes and protective infrastructure a record 18 bicycle riders have died on New York City streets so far this year. All of these have come from bicycle/vehicle collisions which never come out well for the two wheel riders. In the … Continue reading PAY ATTENTION! And use the “Dutch Reach”
Oh, to be in Cincinnati for Glier’s GoettaFest!
Every region of America has their unique and unusual culinary traditions. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio which has more than their share of distinctive flavors. One of those is Goetta. It resembles scrapple and other concoctions where butchers and families made use of the entire animal and extended its use with fillers in the … Continue reading Oh, to be in Cincinnati for Glier’s GoettaFest!
National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
It is ironic that BagelFest Day was established by Lender's Bagels (those faux bagels found in your freezer case) as the really good bagels, found right here in New York City, are a far cry than those handy but very cardboard tasting treats. Real NYC bagels are reputedly best due to the city water and … Continue reading National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
It is common that Broadway shows that were not winners at the Tony Awards shut down or close early. That certainly happened again this year but this summer feels a tad different. Yes, open end run musicals such as "Be More Chill," "The Prom," "The Cher Show," "King Kong," and "Pretty Woman" all could not … Continue reading Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
Make travel plans to see Manhattanhenge
There are many reasons to come to Manhattan: to see a Broadway Play; to visit a world class museum; to experience maddening subway delays. Or maybe to take a picture of the sun perfectly framed in our concrete canyons. That phenomenon is known as Manhattanhenge, a name bestowed by our own Neil deGrasse Tyson (from … Continue reading Make travel plans to see Manhattanhenge
Some Broadway Musings
My recent ankle injury will keep me from getting to the theatre for a while but that doesn't stop me from paying attention. This is not encyclopedic but a few comments... The shakeout from the recent Tony awards did not reward "Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus" and "Hillary and Clinton" and quickly closed. Unfortunate, … Continue reading Some Broadway Musings
My cousin’s trip to The Big Apple
I was thrilled that my cousin Kim and her husband Dennis traveled from Cincinnati to visit New York City last week. They were here for reasons beyond a tourist trip but they aced that part of it. They especially excelled in their show going expertise. They visited the box offices (strategically about 1-2 hours before … Continue reading My cousin’s trip to The Big Apple
Review – Pip’s Island – an entertaining place for children in NYC
If you have children between ages four and ten and will be visiting New York City (or live here already) you should pay a visit to Pip's Island. Located at 9th Avenue and 42nd Street on the island of Manhattan, it is very easy to find. An interactive group activity for child Explorers (and their … Continue reading Review – Pip’s Island – an entertaining place for children in NYC
Shakespeare’s Birthday?
NEW YORK - Statue of William Shakespeare by the American sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward was erected in the Central Park in 1872. We don't really know for sure. The later to be famous Bard was christened on April 26, 1564 and that is the first time he is recorded to be around. Scholars make … Continue reading Shakespeare’s Birthday?
The Brant Foundation Basquiat Exhibit
The Brant Foundation Art Study Center at 421 East 6th StreetNew York, NY The Brant Foundation is doing the art world a great favor. They acquired the building pictured at right and launched an inaugural exhibit of the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat. For Free. Incredible. The building was constructed as a Con Edison Substation in … Continue reading The Brant Foundation Basquiat Exhibit
Broadway Preview April 2019 – Part 2
As promised I am here to preview Broadway opening nights in April as they vie to be eligible for this year's Tony Awards. If you are in or can travel to New York a good time is April as at least some of these shows will close after nominations are made. Yesterday I listed five … Continue reading Broadway Preview April 2019 – Part 2
Broadway Preview April 2019 – Part 1
April 25 is an important date on Broadway this year. It is the last possible opening day to be included in the 2019 Tony Awards. Thus many shows crowd into next month to be eligible. There will be 10 opening nights and I will give you a quick rundown in two parts. If you are … Continue reading Broadway Preview April 2019 – Part 1
National Oreo Cookie Day
I write today about Oreo's who have their own national day, today. Not really about the cookie but about where they were founded, right here in New York City. Yep, I'm talking about Chelsea Market. Back in 1912 in a Nabisco bakery Oreos were first baked here. Eventually a number of buildings took up an … Continue reading National Oreo Cookie Day
Review – The Other Josh Cohen
Go see "The Other Josh Cohen." It holds two lessons I take to heart. Created by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (who also star) it has gone through years of development and workshops and has come out in a sharp distinct performance that does not feel like it came from a committee but from the … Continue reading Review – The Other Josh Cohen