Your Guide to Family-Friendly Day Trips in New Jersey, New York…and Beyond
What to expect when visiting the new FAO Schwarz? This store, on the ground level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, does not disappoint.
You might recall that FAO Schwarz left its flagship 5th Avenue location in 2015. We still think of it when we walk by, but it was fun to go back in and see some of the same excitement in a different location.
Continue reading “Visiting the New FAO Schwarz”If you’re looking for some things to do this holiday season in NYC, Jersey Kids has some ideas, brought to you by CAMP.
CAMP wants to help you have tons of fun at their immersive in-store experiences, help you make unique and clever gifts for your family and friends, and to show you some great toys (ahem, good presents!). Whether you live in NYC or are visiting, you’ll have options for great seasonal outings.
We finally had time to check out the new Moynihan Train Hall, which opened on January 1, 2021. It’s across from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden between 8th and 9th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets.
With Broadway back, we had a staycation weekend in NYC. We found the Staypineapple Hotel in midtown and prices weren’t too bad for a Saturday night. It was such a cute hotel I wanted to post about it! Here’s our review: Staypinapple Hotel.
Broadway is back! See our post about what that looks like. Even though Broadway is back, those affected by the theater are still trying to survive. We went for a drink at Beer Culture after the Lion King and the bartender told us that they’re at about 30% of volume. They’re hoping that with Broadway coming back, their business will improve as well.
Other industries are hurting as well, including costume designers. The Showstoppers: Spectacular Costumes from Stage and Screen show was created to raise money for those costume makers who were unable to work during the 18 month shutdown. The Costume Industry Coalition formed in May 2020 and started a recovery fund for its members, which includes 55 independent businesses and hundreds of artisans in and around NYC. These are the people who create the costumes for live and recorded shows. The exhibition designer, Thinc Designs, donated their efforts. Designers lost $26.6 million in gross revenue from the pandemic in 2020 (up to $35 million by now in 2021). The show was put together in 3.5 months, where a show like this would normally take two years. Here is our review: Showstoppers NYC.
Continue reading “Review: Shopstoppers NYC”
I have never received so many emails before a Broadway show as I did in the past few weeks. As the first shows reopened around September 17, I had gotten tickets to the Lion King and Chicago. I wanted to share our experience on what to expect on Broadway during COVID.
As of this writing, Broadway shows require proof of vaccination to enter, and mask-wearing at all times. This is per an agreement with the Actors’ Equity union and Broadway League and affects Broadway productions and major sit-down engagements, per Playbill. All Equity members and those interacting with them who are eligible for a vaccine, will have received it, other than potential exemptions at the producer’s discretion. Vaccinated actors will be tested weekly. More on how to show proof of vaccination and additional details at the bottom of this post.
Continue reading “What to Expect on Broadway During COVID”This post is sponsored by CAMP NYC. All opinions are my own.
Summer has been fantastic to get outside and play. But sometimes it’s great to go indoors and play too. We checked out Cosmic CAMP this weekend on 5th Avenue (at 16th Street). It’s in town through Halloween, and we recommend if you have kids 3+.
Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to collect as many points and have as much fun as you can in this space-themed experience. It’s created by CAMP, the experts in all things family fun. The Cosmic CAMP experience includes adventures in outer space, with interactive games, physical challenges, and old-fashioned playtime.
Continue reading “Review: Blast off with CAMP and head to space!”
On our way to the Vessel at Hudson Yards, we ran into the Mercado at Hudson Yards. It was morning and not yet crowded, which made it a great time to explore.
Offering “the best of Spanish food, drinks and culture from world-famous Chef José Andrés and the Adría Brothers,” the Mercado has 3 sit-down restaurants and around 18 kiosks and bars offering everything from cheese to churros.
Continue reading “Mercado Little Spain – Hudson Yards”
Love it or hate it, The Vessel in Hudson Yards is attracting a lot of attention. Opened in March, 2019, a steady stream of locals and tourists are visiting the interactive artwork by Thomas Heatherwick, to climb the interior staircases or to gawk from outside.
Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to get away for a weekend. You can’t go wrong spending time in New York City while the weather is warm! If you’re not familiar with the city or you haven’t visited many times, it can feel a little overwhelming planning a trip. There’s so much to see and do, so it’s important to pack in the best things during your weekend getaway! Check out these tips for planning your weekend in NYC.
Continue reading “How to Plan Your Weekend in NYC – Sponsored”