On Friday February 10th, the Real New York Tours team of fearless guides will take part in the Panorama Challenge! This annual contest tests the geographical knowledge of NYC connoisseurs against others who claim to know the city like the back of their hands! The coolest part of the challenge involves the Queens Museum ‘s famous Panorama of NYC! The model was built in 1964 for the World’s Fair and includes every building in all 5 boroughs up to 1992. We’re hoping to destroy the competition and raise some money to support the City Reliquary Museum in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! The winners gain boasting rights as the Einsteins of the city and an engraved trophy to be displayed in the museum.
courtesy of the Guardian, UK
I couldn’t be more excited about the new exhibit at the Mary Boone Gallery. For the first time, Ai WeiWei’s “Sunflower Seeds” will hit the U.S after an impressive showing at the Tate Modern Gallery in London.
For those unfamiliar with Ai’s work, he’s built an influential career with his art and political activism over the past couple years. His work has caused more than stir with the Chinese government, resulting in his imprisonment for a time.
With “Sunflower Seeds”, Ai commissioned artisans from Jiangxi, China to hand paint around a hundred million (5 tons) porceline sunflower seeds as a commentary on social and economic issues in China. When the exhibit first opened in London, visitors were encouraged to walk and lay down upon the seeds.
The exhibit runs from January 7th to February 4th
The Mary Boone Gallery is located on 541 West 24th Street
www.maryboonegallery.com
courtesy of kozmedia.com
Everyone at Real New York Tours would like to wish you a very happy and healthy 2012! We had a great time helping travelers explore and get to know New York City in 2011. Next year will be full of more adventures in this ever changing and majestic city. Let us know when you’ll be in town and we’ll explore together!
Happy New Year!!!!
December 31st,2011
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courtesy of nycinsiderguide.com
Come spend your Christmas morning exploring downtown Manhattan! We’ve added our Downtown Dozen group tour on Sunday December 25th to accommodate guests in town over the holiday. This group tour is 3 hours long and explores the rich history of Downtown Manhattan. It’s only $40 per person which makes it a great Christmas treat for your family or just yourself! We’d love to have you spread holiday cheer with us! Email us for more information or to book your tour!
courtesy of the examiner.com
If you’ll be visiting the city this week make sure you get a slice of pie and try to catch some of the parade! It’ll be crowded but that’s part of the fun!
The night before you can watch the balloons inflate by the Natural History Museum on Central Park West. The day of, wake up early to snag a spot along the parade route!
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Real New York Tours!
courtesy of travelwithval.com
Halloween is just around the corner! If you’re visiting NYC this weekend you’ll want to make sure you pick up a copy of TimeOut New York for a listing all of the ghoulish activities happening each day. One to not be missed:
The 39th Annual Village Halloween Parade
When: Monday October 31st, 7p.m.
Where: Sixth Avenue between Spring Street and 16th Street
Cost: Free!!!
While we’ll be able to tour the area around the World Trade Center site, you do need passes to see the actual memorial. There are a couple ways to obtain them:
1. You can try to reserve them in advance through the
Memorial website. Even if the site initially says they do not have tickets available for the day you like it is worth checking back! Days seem to open up as people cancel their reservations!
2. You can stand in line for the daily give-aways at 9a.m. They’ll hand out a bunch of tickets (5 per person in line) at the
Preview Center site. I’d suggest getting in line early to guarantee you’ll be able to see it.
3. They have a stand-by line near the Greenwich Street entrance where they’ll allow guests to enter during each timed session if there’s room – no guarantees.
4. If you’d prefer not to stand in line, check the reservation website the morning of the day you’d like to visit. They’re releasing more each day so it’s worth a shot!
courtesy of bellenews.com
On Sunday, September 11th NYC will pause to mark the 10th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks in 2001. To honor the lives of the men and women lost that day a new memorial will open on the site of the World Trade Center Towers. It looks to be a beautiful memorial with two waterfalls cascading into reflecting pools. Around the walls of these pools the names of those lost are inscribed and will be beautifully illuminated at night. Surrounding these serene pools are dozens of Swamp Oak Trees harvested from states where the attacks took place: New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. The leaves of these Oaks turn bright shades of amber, red, and pink in the Fall.
Because there will still be construction around the site as crews rebuild other sections of the World Trade Center, guests will only be allowed to view the site with timed tickets. The tickets are free but you are required to make an online reservation prior to visiting. The Real New York Tours family is checking out ways to coordinate tickets for our tours, both private and group. Until then, we encourage you to make your own reservations so you won’t miss this tremendous memorial. If you have a tour schedule with us in September and October I’d recommend visiting the website below to get a spot. If you have a private tour with us, we’d be happy to coordinate the end of your tour near the memorial so that you may enjoy your full tour and then visit the site. If you’re in one of our awesome group tours, our guides will be happy to point you toward the memorial at the end, just make sure your book your reservation for 30-60mins after your tour to account for travel time. We’re happy to help with any questions regarding the memorial and reservations for after/before tours.
Reserve your tickets here
courtesy of whyleaveastoria.com
They’re furry with googly eyes and crazy names. They’re also the brainchildren of a creative genius who taught children (and adults!) about love, peace, and friendship. And if you’re anything like me, you spent countless hours watching his films and television shows, letting your imagination run wild.
I’m talking about Jim Henson and his lovable collection of muppets who, together transformed the art of puppetry. Running now through January 16th, 2012 The Museum of Moving Image presents: Jim Henson’s Fantastic World! This exhibit will showcase numerous drawings, photographs, props, and storyboards Henson used to create his amazing films and television shows. More importantly there will be 15 muppets on display! Kermit will be there, so should you!
The Museum of Moving Image is located at 36-01 35 Avenue in Astoria, Queens.
Hours:
Tuesday–Thursdays: 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.(Free admission: 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.)
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Admission price is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $5 for children up to 18yrs.
Directions:
Take the Q (weekdays only) or N to 36 Avenue (Astoria). Walk one block north to 35 Avenue. Turn right and walk to the Museum entrance between 36 and 37 streets
courtesy of culturemob.com
We’re about a month away from Fourth of July here in NYC. I don’t know about you, but I like my Fourth full of fun, watermelon, beer, grilled food, and FIREWORKS!! I’ll post about specific events as we get closer to the date but I thought those of you visiting during that time might like to start thinking about grabbing a great spot to view the firework shows in the city!
CONEY ISLAND FIREWORKS – approx 9pm
• The boardwalk, between 10th and 12th Streets
• Atop Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Boardwalk at 12th Street (718-449-8836, wonderwheel.com)
On July 4, check out the 96th annualNathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
MACY’S FIREWORKS – approx 9:20pm
BEST VIEWING SPOTS:
West Side Highway
Choose from one of the many entrances below 59th Street along Eleventh Avenue
Piers 54 and Pier 84
West St. and 13th St. / West St. and 44th St.
These two piers are the only ones that Macy’s recommends going to for a clear view of the show.
Hoboken
Despite a zero-tolerance policy for rooftop parties and open containers, Hoboken looks to be a promising spot for clear views of the fireworks. Check out their street festival in honor of the occasion beforehand on Frank Sinatra Drive, between 1st and 7th Streets, which starts at noon.
Water Taxi Cruise
South Street Seaport, Pier 17; 212-742-1969
There are still tickets left for Water Taxi’s annual Fourth of July cruise. The $100 ticket includes munchies, and there will be a cash-only bar selling beer and wine. Leaving from the South Street Seaport, the ship will head west to see the spectacle. For tickets, go here.
*links and ideas courtesy of TimeOutNY and NYmagazine.