New York City Things to Do Tips by TempNomad

Meeting of Minds...at the Museum of TV and Radio

This was a very strange experience. We found this Museum during a mid-town walk, and decided to "just do it!" It was $10 to go in, and we were told that there are no exhibits...just experiences. Uh, okay. So we went up to the Library, thinking that we would see the Johnny Cash exhibit...no, experience...later.

We went to the library, sat down at some terminals, and then we were told to search for shows we wanted to see. Weird! We giggled and searched randomly for a while. We also definitely felt like we'd been had. $10 to see a television show? Sheesh!

Soon, however, we got into the search. I decided to look up the premiere of Sesame Street (these days, filming a child bathing doesn't seem as innocent...), and I remembered an NPR show about YOU ARE THERE. I'd never seen an episode, so that was choice number two. We also looked up Meeting of Minds (Marquis de Sade and Frederick Douglass...what could be better?) and The Curse of Mr. Bean.

All in all, it was a lot of fun. I'd go back, if I could have a discount! :)

The Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays and New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Contribution: Members free; $10 for adults; $8 for students and senior citizens; $5 for children under fourteen.

Address: 25 West 52 Street by 5th Avenue.

Directions: By subway-- E or V to Fifth Avenue and 53 Street; N, R, or W to 49 Street and Seventh Avenue; 1 or 9 to 50 Street and Broadway; B, D, F, or V to 47-50 Street/Rockefeller Center.

Phone: (212) 621-6800

Take a walk on the wild side of Central Park Central Park Review

Central Park! It's free, huge, and has lots of fun distractions (attractions?) to occupy your time. You can't miss it, located smack dab in the center of Manhattan - hence the name.
There is a zoo, a lake, lots of places you'll recognize from movies, lots of people to watch, statues, open fields, a theatre, a conservatory garden, a fancy restaurant, lots of ice cream and drink vendors, rocks, grass, trees, paths, and so on and so on.

Don't miss the view from Belvedere Castle, and don't miss a sojourn in the rambles. It's a lovely park....and closely related to Prospect Park in Brooklyn! (Check that out too!)

Directions: 5th Avenue to Central Park West - 59th Street until 110th Street. If you are walking up-town on 5th Avenue, you eventually run into the park. Get off almost any train in Manhattan in the 50's and you

Other Contact: www.centralparknyc.org

The coolest stuff at Rockefeller Center is outside Rockefeller Center Review

The tile work on the Western side of the building is really fun. I'm a myth freak, so I especially love it. There's another view on my opening page of NYC. Remember, when in Manhattan...stop, then look up. The best views are above your head.

Address: 47th-51st Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Directions: B,D,F,V Subways to 47-50th Sts, Rockefeller CenterNot sure on the busses right now. :(

Walk on History Brooklyn Bridge Review

Everyone must walk over the Brooklyn Bridge at some point. In nice weather, the Bridge is full of walkers and bikers. Be wary of the roller bladers and bikers! There is a walking side and a rolling side. Know which one you should be on!

Photo credit and to see more Brooklyn Bridge photos: www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbgallery.
It's just excellent. There are great photos to be had, it's full of history, it's a beautiful bridge, and it gets you to Brooklyn's DUMBO or Heights section from City Hall easily and pleasantly.

Make sure to pause in the center to read the postings. Very interesting stuff.

Address: East of City Hall

Directions: You can enter most easily from outside the City Hall buildings. There is a Brooklyn Bridge train station on the 4/5/6 trains. It's clearly marked. From Brooklyn there are two entrances. I suggest the

Get out to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Brooklyn Bridge Review

Visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a joy during any season. There is a variety of flora (and even some fauna!) and the layout is wonderful for walking and resting. On many weekends there are lectures and shows and tours.
The Lilacs in the late spring; the daffodils and roses; the cherry blossoms; the rambling pathways which make you forget you are in the middle of Brooklyn - all these things come together to make the Garden unique!

It is also located next to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Prospect Park, so it can be part of a fantastic Brooklyn Day.

Address: Eastern Parkway and Washington (Car Lot on Wash.)

Directions: The BBG is located close to Prospect Park, off of Eastern Parkway. You can take the 1 or 2 trains (red line) to Eastern Parkway and walk from there. Its entrances are on Eastern Parkway and Washington

Other Contact: More information is at www.bbg.o

The National Museum of the American Indian National Museum of the American Indian Review

The National Museum of the American Indian is one of my favorite museums in NYC. It's simple, beautiful, and always sparsely attended. And it's free! Drop a couple of dollars into the big (sadly, usually empty) donation box as you walk in.

It has a wonderful display of clothing, pottery, artwork, instruments, and beadwork from a variety of Native American cultures.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Thursday until 8 p.m. The building is accessible to all.

In the summer, the air conditioning is lovely!

Address: 1 Bowling Green

Directions: Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green or just keep walking south through Manhattan. It's almost at the southern tip.

Website: http://www.nmai.si.edu

More than a train station Grand Central Terminal Review

Also make sure to look up while passing through Grand Central. This place has been cleaned up tremendously - including the ceilings! The chandeliers have been refurbished and they have been rediscovered and are now showcased. The constellations are lovely as well. Grand Central is now almost a mall, with the prices to boot. But it's worth a visit...and the bathroom are useable!

GC also hosts several art shows and holiday displays every year. Don't miss it!

Address: 42nd and Park Avenue

Directions: Take the 4,5,6, 7, and the Shuttle - the MetroNorth also leaves from here.

Cool church architecture Churches Review

There is so much amazing construction in NYC and it's not hard to find. Look up as often as you can (stop walking first!) and you'll be treated to many details including gargoyles and naked ladies and Greek gods. If you poke around and go through open doors, you may also find some gems like this church near Astor Place.

Happy hunting!

Directions: Take the 6 train to Astor Place

More Bryant Park Midtown Review

In addition to people watching, Bryant Park gives views of the surrounding buildings.

Bryant Park Midtown Review

Bryant Park is practically perfect in every way. It's in the middle of Manhattan's Midtown. It's close to the NYC Public Library, has little cafes, hosts free movies in the summer, and has plenty of benches. It's also home to many, many lunch hour concerts and events. Great people watching!

Address: On 6th Avenue between 42nd Street and 41st Street

Directions: The F train is closest, but you can get out of any train at the 42nd Street stop and walk a bit.