Design of MoMA

Along with the impressive sculpture garden, MoMA features six floors . The sixth floor provides stunning views while the fifth and fourth floors feature an amazing collection of modern art collections. The third floor features design and architecture collections while the second floor is dedicated to prints, illustrated books and films.

History of MoMA

Founded in 1928, the Museum of Modern Art is considered as one of the most important modern art museums in the world. The idea for MoMA was developed by Aldrich Rockefeller. When MoMA opened, it was America’s premier museum devoted exclusively to modern art, and the first of its kind in Manhattan to exhibit European modernism.

Collections at MoMA

MoMA contains one of the most impressive permanent collections of modern art in the world. The museum also features many world-class temporary exhibitions of art, architecture and design. MoMA’s library and archives contain more than 300,000 books and periodicals along with more than individual files on more than 70,000 artists. Work from some of the world’s most popular modern artists can be found in MoMA’s collection. Some of the works that can be found in MoMA includes works from Pollock, De Kooning, Picasso, Degas, and Warhol.

Getting to MoMA

MoMA’s admission of $20.00 is the most expensive in the city; however it has free entry on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, thanks to sponsorship from Target Stores. MoMa is closed on Tuesdays.

Images of MoMA

Inside the Museum of Modern Art (unknown)

Hotels

Many of the most well-known hotel chains can be found in New York City. Prices for the hotels vary depending on the area that you are staying in, with hotels closer to NYC’s top attractions costing significantly higher than those located in the outskirts and the suburbs.

Long-Term Accommodations

If you plan on staying in New York City for an extended period of time, then you may want to consider long-term accommodations, such as renting an apartment. A typical single bedroom apartment for rent in New York City will cost you anywhere from $900-2600 per month. Along with the rent, most landlords will also require a security deposit, which is usually one month’s rent.

Home exchange & home rental programs

If you plan on staying in NYC for a couple of weeks, then a home exchange or home rental program may be an economical solution that works for you, especially if you are traveling as a family. Home rentals are typically more expensive than home exchanges, but both options are still cheaper than staying at a hotel that offers the same services. A typical home exchange or home rental in New York City will include a kitchen, laundry services, telephone and TV. There are various websites that can help you arrange a home exchange or home rental in New York City.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts are private homes that rent out one or more spare rooms to travelers. They are a great alternative to impersonal hotels and motels. They are also often much cheaper and can be hosted or unhosted. Most Bed and Breakfasts require a deposit and reservations weeks in advance.

Hostels

Many hostels in NYC are laid out like a dorm with large single-sex rooms and bunk beds. Most hostels offer kitchens and utensils for your use. Over the years, hostels with large private rooms that sleep one to four are becoming more common. In New York City, a night at a hostel will range between $45-65. However, most hostels place a cap on the amount of nights that you can stay at the hostel.

YMCA and YWCA

Staying at a YMCA /YWCA is more expensive than staying at a hostel but cheaper than staying at a hotel.

University Dorms

During the summer, when university is out, many universities rent out their dorm rooms to summertime visitors. The length of stay various by university but you can stay in these dorms from 1 week to the entire summer. The two most popular universities that offer this service are NYU and Columbia but there are other universities that offer this service.

Hotels in Greenwich Village

In Greenwich village, NYU’s dorm rooms are the most popular choice. This option places you right in the heart of Washington Square

Hotels in The East Village

Finding accommodations in the East Village puts you at close proximity to New York City’s nightlife.

Hotels in Chelsea

In Chelsea, you will find many affordable and quality hotels and accommodations. The area features many LGBT-friendly inns along with various bed and breakfasts that are quite cozy.

Hotels in Union Square, Flatiron District and Murray Hill

Around this area, you will find a large selection of affordable hotels. Although this area may not have as much of a residential charm as other areas, it makes up for that with plenty of quality restaurants and its close proximity to many of NYC’s top attractions.

Hotels in Midtown West

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this part of town provides hotels that place you right in the heart of the action. You can find many good value hotels around Times Square, the Theatre District and Herald Square.

Hotels in Midtown East

Hotels and accommodations in Midtown East are luxury establishments. Many of the hotels are 4-star luxury hotels that cater to business travelers or travelers with money. Although there are still affordable options, you will have to look.

Hotels in The Upper East Side

The Upper East Side features may luxury establishments and luxury hotels. It is not the area to look at if you are looking for budget-friendly hotels.

Hotels in The Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is New York City’s most popular area for quality hotels and accommodations. You will find some excellent hotels in this area along with various hostels. Keep in mind that many of the establishments in this area are quite old, so it is not uncommon to have problems with the climate control systems and plumbing.

Hotels in Harlem

Harlem is good option for hotels and accommodations if you plan on visiting attractions on the Upper West Side and in the Bronx.

Hotels in Brooklyn

Hotels and Accommodations in Brooklyn are cheaper than those in Manhattan

Hotels in Queens

There are a wide range of options in Queens.

Amateur Night

Amateur Night has been a tradition of the Apollo since 1934. The contest for up-and-coming artists takes place every Wednesday night and always packs the Apollo. It is chance to discover the stars of tomorrow, today. The audience votes for their favorite singing, dancing, comedy and hip-hop acts by applause. Winners are invited for monthly show-off nights to compete against each other.

Booing is Encouraged

A great performance at the Apollo can be the launch of a promising career, but if you are not talented, beware! Booing is encouraged for acts that do not capture the audience. If the boos last more than a few seconds, then the Executioner appears to send the performer off-stage. Watching an execution is part of the fun of Amateur Night at the Apollo and something that many of today’s top artists have gone through before they became famous.

Getting to Amateur Night at the Apollo

The Apollo has three levels of seating: Orchestra ($27.00); Mezzanine ($22.00); and Balcony ($17.00). You can book in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office on 125th Street, or by calling Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000.

The Triple Crown

The mood of the Belmont Stakes varies depending on whether there is a triple crown possibility involved. A triple crown occurs when the same horse wins all 3 races of the Triple Crown: The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. So far, 30 horses have entered the Belmont Stakes with a chance to win the Triple Crown, but only eleven have managed to succeed.

History of the Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867, making it the oldest of the Triple Crown events. It is eight years older than the Kentucky Derby and six years older than the Preakness. The first Triple Crown winner was in 1978. The Belmont winner is usually a horse that skipped both the Derby and Preakness.

Traditions at the Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is usually less formal than the Derby or the Preakness. Because it occurs in June when the weather is quite hot, dressy attire is usually replaced by shorts and t-shirts. The traditional flower of the Belmont is the white carnation and the trophy is a silver bowl from 1869. The purse for the Belmont Stakes is $1 million.

Watching the Belmont Stakes

But attending the Belmont Stakes in person is pretty special. Belmont Park is quite large, making the event easier to attend than the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. Prices for the Belmont Stakes also tend to be cheaper than prices for the other two Triple Crown events. Driving to the Belmont is also not a problem since there are plenty of parking spaces available. Keep in mind that traffic can be quite brutal, especially when trying to get in and out of the parking area.

History of the Westminster Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club was established in 1877, making it America’s oldest organization dedicated to purebred dogs. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is America’s second longest running sporting event, right after the Kentucky Derby. The fist Westminster show was held in 1877.

Groups and Breeds at the Westminster Dog Show

The event features more than 2,500 dogs from all over the world. This includes 179 breed and varieties, judged in 7 different groups. The groups include: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Dogs are judged against their breed standards, to see how close each dog matches the standard, which is a written description of the ideal specimen of that breed.

Best In Show

The dogs at the event compete at the breed level (i.e., against other dogs of the same breed). Each Best of Breed winner (BOB) advances into its respective group (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding). Group competition is held during the evenings, and the seven group winners advance into the final competition. Out of the seven remaining dogs, one is selected as the Best In Show winner. The Best In Show winner becomes “America’s Dog” for the next year, and also becomes the world’s newest single name celebrity. It begins its reign with a media tour on the day following the show with appearances on virtually all television network morning shows, a visit to the Observation Deck at the Empire State Building, and much more.

Popularity of Westminster Dog Show

There is an entry limit of 2,500 dogs at the event because of space considerations at Madison Square Garden. The entries fill up immediately on the first day that entries are accepted. The show has been broadcast on live television since 1948 and continuously gets high ratings. If you plan on attending this event, ensure to purchase your tickets early since tickets for this event sell out quickly once they go on sale, usually in the Fall.

Events at Madison Square Garden

The Garden hosts over 300 major events a year. Many of New York City’s large music concerts are held at MSG. It is also the home of the New York Rangers of the NHL, the New York Knicks of the NBA, the New York Liberty of the WNBA and the Big East Men’s NCAA Basketball Conference Tournament. MSG is where many of boxing’s most famous fights were held, some of which include Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali.

History of Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden was opened on February 11, 1968. The current Garden – located between 31st and 33rd Streets and Seventh and Eighth Avenues on Manhattan’s West Side – is the fourth building (third site) to be named Madison Square Garden. It is the oldest arena in the NHL and the second oldest in the NBA.

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

Also located in the heart of Manhattan on Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, is The Theater at Madison Square Garden. It has been the venue for annual family shows and theatricals, the NFL and NBA Drafts, CBS Television’s Fall Premiere, Con Edison’s Shareholder Meetings, Product Launches for Infinity and Intel, Oxford Health Plans Award Ceremony, Corporate Employee Meetings, college graduations, and religious conferences.

Tickets to Madison Square Garden

Tickets to events at Madison Square Garden are available at the Garden Box Office, and Ticketmaster online, phones and outlets.

Images of Madison Square Garden

Inside the Madison Square Garden (unknown)

The Beginning of the Christmas Season

Heralding the start of the Christmas season, this beloved holiday parade features colorful grand floats, lively marching bands, amazing character balloons and special performances by some of the hottest stars and Broadway performers — plus an appearance by Santa Claus. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also happens to be the biggest parade in America.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route is nearly six-mile long and passes through the heart of Manhattan. The parade travels down Central Park West from 77th Street to Columbus Circle along Central Park South to 7th Avenue, down 7th Avenue to 42nd Street, along 42nd Street to 6th Avenue, down 6th Avenue to 34th Street and along 34th Street to Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street).

Tips for viewing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest parades in America. More than 3.5 million people view the parade live and an additional 50 million viewers watch the event on television. The parade typically airs on NBC from 9 a.m. until noon. If you are trying to get the best viewing area for the parade, then you need to arrive early. Many people arrive as early as 6:00 am in order to get the place spots along the route of the parade. The parade lasts anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours, depending on where you are viewing it from.

The Blowing of the Balloons

If you want the full Macy’s Parade experience, you can watch the balloons getting blown up the day before the parade. The inflation of the balloons takes place from 3 p.m. till 10 p.m. near the American Museum of Natural History, right next to Central Park West, between 77th St. and 81st St.

5 Fun Facts about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Here are five fun facts about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

• The parade was originally called “Macy’s Christmas Parade
• The parade has been held continuously from 1924, except for 1942-1944 when it was halted due to WWII.
• The parade’s first national broadcast was on NBC in 1948.
• The first parade was in 1924 and featured floats, clowns, bands and a few zoo animals.
• In 1927 live animals were replaced with large balloons. The very first balloon was Felix The Cat.

Images of The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Snoopy at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (unknown)

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (unknown)

About the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open’s origins date back to 1881 when it was known as the U.S. National Singles Championship. Back then, it was a men’s only tournament that was held in Rhode Island. Since then, the event has grown to include both men and women, with over 600 participants and over $7 million in prizes. The US Open is tennis’ grandest stage, where hundreds of players come to compete and hundreds of thousands of fans come to watch the closing act of the Grand Slam season. The event is broadcasted by various American and International broadcasters.

The highest-attended sporting event in the world

With more than 700,000 fans visiting the event each year, the US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world. The event consists of many different championships. The main tournament consists of five different event championships: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with additional tournaments for senior, junior, and wheelchair players.

Venues of the US Open

Tennis matches take place during the day at 11AM and night at 7PM. Several venues within the tennis grounds of the USTA National Tennis center are used during the US Open. These venues include:

• Arthur Ashe Stadium
• Louis Armstrong Stadium
• The Grandstand
• Various Field courts

Getting US Open Tickets

US Open tickets go on sale for the general public in early June, but there are usually early tickets available for American Express Cardmembers. The Grounds Pass tickets are a relatively cheap way to see a lot of tennis. Grounds Admission is only available for the first eight days of the tournament, with access to matches held in the field courts, Grandstand, and portions of the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

When you come to the US Open, you’ve arrived at a sports and entertainment spectacular unlike any other in the world. For two weeks, the US Open showcases world-class athletes, electrifying action and riveting storyline on the tennis world’s biggest stage.

The best way to get to the US Open is by public transportation. Driving is not recommended due to parking restrictions and congestions resulting from the US Open and the fact that Shea Stadium and the Mets were right next door.