Here are some more reasons why NY is great in Winter and during the festive season:
American Museum of Natural History - This older museum on the Upper West Side has some dated exhibits but it remains an interesting place to explore given its' size and the diversity of their displays. It has one of the best taxidermy (or stuffed animal) exhibits I've ever seen where you can see animals that you would never dream of coming face to face with.
*TIP: There is no entry fee but there is a 'suggested donation' of $19. You can pay what you wish though. You do need to pay if you wish to attend a special event. I would recommend the film in the planetarium narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and set in a semi-circular dome with in-the-round seating for $12.
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Center -NY does the holiday season and festive spirit so well. There were tree lighting ceremonies in most major and even smaller local parks. It's just an excuse to gather the community together and sing some carols, despite the frosty temperatures. At the Winter's Eve gathering on the Upper West Side, Suzanne Vega (see below) and other musicians sang to the crowds whilst they noshed on cheap fare from local famous restaurants including Boulud South.
Rockerfeller Center Ice Rink - This place just transforms in Winter with a giant tree, festive lights, crazy wind and an ice-rink. It truly became a Winter wonderland. You can rent skates there but otherwise just soak up the atmosphere with a gazillion others.
Chinatown - Don't miss out on Chinatown for cheap eats. The average price for a huge bowl of wonton noodles or pho that's more than you can eat is $5! I'm yet to find a place that's truly authentic but that's one search that I'm in no hurry to complete. Check out the plethora of bakeries too. I found these cute custard buns shaped as turtles in one of them - a first!
Pop Karma - Head over to the Lower East Side if you're a fan of pop corn that is made of all natural and organic ingredients but still tastes crazy good. They have a classic range of flavors including sea salt and caramel corn but it's their seasonal offerings that get most attention. On my last visit, they had porcini cheddar, Indian masala and bacon apple bourbon caramel (pictured). A 'shot' (pictured) is just $2 and you can get free samples before deciding which flavor will be 'the one'.
Zaro's at Grand Central - This bakery has a few outlets but there are 2 of them at Grand Central including one in the Grand Central Market. Grab a naughty treat for that train journey on the Long Island Rail Road or Metro North or just your suburban subway ride. I say naughty because there range of pastries, brioches, muffins, cinnamon buns and other sticky and sugary treats is huge. Check out their gigantic gingerbread house to see an example of what I mean:
Brooklyn Flea - For Winter, the market has set up inside the stunning former Williamsburg Bank building. It's ornate with original features including the vault door (pictured) downstairs! Pick up lots of antiques and unique finds like toys from your childhood, arty photos, second hand clothes and old wooden tape measure rulers for example.
**TASTY TIP: The food section is downstairs at the back and includes a stand by the Brooklyn company, Mcclures' pickles where they sell individual whole pickles that are usually only sold by the jar in both a normal and a chilli brine.
Barnes & Noble at Union Square - This is no ordinary bookstore. It's huge - 4 floors of books and they have regular book readings, signings and performances on level 4 at a space called 'Upstairs at the Square'. On recent visits, I've seen The Polyphonic Spree and Yo La Tengo. Check their website for listings.
*TIP: I recommend getting there at least half an hour early or more depending on who the guest is. I got there half an hour early to see Jeff Bridges and missed out since the space was full. There is limited seating and standing capacity and once it gets really full, you can only go up if you have purchased the relevant book or CD.
Frick Collection - This small museum is fascinating as much for the collection of paintings and sculptures as it is for the building itself. Interesting films screened on selected paintings too.
*TIP: It is free entry on Sundays between 11am - 1pm but expect to queue up. The line moves pretty quickly though.
You'll see more galleries in the upcoming posts given the weather and New York has some really interesting and unusual ones aside from the more well-known.
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