Bagels in Harlem
There is a large kettle of water right behind the counter, in plain sight of everyone in the store. Bagels are boiled and go through their preparation right as patrons are placing their orders.
Must Visit Midtown Libraries
We all recognize some of the historical or interesting places in the cities where we live. And we all fall into the pattern of being comfortable excusing ourselves as being too busy to go or rationalizing we will visit another day. Those days turn into months which turn into years. I am guilty of this and the Morgan Library is a prime example. It’s right on Madison Avenue and I have literally passed it 1,000 times. And finally, one rainy Friday evening, I forced myself to walk through the doors and couldn’t have been happier.
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Biltong at Jonty Jacobs
A few things in the NY retail scene make me happy.
100 year old family businesses, preferably that have been in the same location or neighborhood where they started.
Shops that are about 150 square feet, crammed with all manner of products.
Specialty food shops.
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Discussing Common Sense with Thomas Paine
New York has some distinct historical advantages. If you wanted to visit the final resting place of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant, simply head to 122nd Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
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Best of the Best at the Philadelphia Auto Show
Like new adventures or last minute plans? Well, keep your ears open, especially when you’re in a new city and sitting on local public transit.
I was heading to Philadelphia for 12 hours and got to the city about 3 hours before the event I was attending. As I sat on the SEPTA between Trenton and Philly, I overheard a father and son talking about the Auto Show that was in town (and where they were going.)
A quick google search later, I saw the show was at the convention center (right above the train stop where I was going to exit) and since it was February and cold out, this was clutch. Entry was $14 (perfect.) And just like that I have my local activity for the afternoon.
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Baylander Moored Off West Harlem Piers
The Baylander (IX-514), long since retired from naval service has found it’s way up the Hudson and is docked at the West Harlem Piers off 125th street.
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Second Avenue Subway Line Opens In Manhattan
The culmination of years (that turned into decades) of digging and construction was realized today with the public opening of the second avenue subway line.
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Serenity Now in San Diego
Lookup the definition of serenity and San Diego is likely to appear. You might also take a page from Frank Costanza’s playbook and repeat “serenity now” as you board your west coast bound flight to escape a New York winter.
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Loni Efron & ilon Art Gallery: From the Archives
The uptown art scene is happening and one of the places you should visit on your cultural tour is ilon Art Gallery.
Located on 123rd between Adam Clayton and Frederick Douglas Boulevard, this very cool gallery (located in a brownstone!) is accessible by the 2/3 trains and A/C/D trains off the 125th street stop in Harlem. I have been before and the location, curated pieces and proprietor all make for a great experience.
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Where to Buy the Best Christmas Trees in New York City
If you grew up outside of New York and now live in the city, you are faced with an annual dilemma that involves the purchasing of a live Christmas Tree.
Every year, right after Thanksgiving, tree stands are set-up throughout the city. They are filled with douglas firs, frasers and balsam firs. Friendly staff are stationed at these stands 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Christmas.
As fun as it is to see experience the sights and smells of fresh trees all around the city, there is a glaring problem. These trees range anywhere from $80 to $200 for trees starting at 5 feet.
