Tag: To Do

More spots for your aesthetic Instagram feed

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Freeman Alley 

Hidden just off of Rivington Street between Bowery and Chrystie Street, this dead end alley is home to numerous pieces of street art. Easily missed by many, this alley not only contains aesthetically pleasing pieces like one of the many lovewalls done by James Goldcrown in the city, but also houses an incredibly cozy restaurant at the end of the alley named Freemans. Started by restaurateurs Taavo Somer and William Tigertt, the restaurant’s bright blue door welcomes customers, as the dim lighting and vintage interior decoration gives you an incredibly homey feeling. On the corner of Freeman and Rivington is an entrepreneurship called Freeman’s Sporting Club that ironically does not sell any sporting goods. Instead, this shop functions as both a barber shop and a clothing store. 

Before Freemans was established, the building was used as a halfway house, and the alley was completely bricked in with just a small door. Sitting in the alley were numerous garbage pieces like hypodermic needles, leaves, and an old beat up car. In addition, the owners had to constantly chase junkies away from the alley, before they could successfully attract customers to the alley. 

If you’re looking to admire exquisite pieces of street art, or take some photos with a unique backdrop for the ‘gram, this is definitely the spot for you! In addition, if you do plan on dining at the taxidermy filled Freemans, be sure to make a reservation, because it can get crowded quickly. 

Who says you can’t get farm fresh ingredients in the city?

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Union Square West & East 17th Street 

Trying to make a home cooked meal in our apartments using fresh ingredients? Head over to the Union Square Greenmarket which is open year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm to get anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to meats, award winning cheeses, freshly baked bread, jams and wines from New York and New Jersey. 

Photo courtesy of Union Square Greenmarket (@UnionSquareGreenmarket)

Photo courtesy of Union Square Greenmarket (@UnionSquareGreenmarket)

Founded in 1976, Greenmarket aimed to promote regional agriculture by giving small family farms a space to sell their locally grown goods directly to consumers, and to ensure that New Yorkers had easy access to the fresh and nutritious locally grown ingredients. From the few farmers participating in selling their produce in 1976, the market has grown to accommodate over 140 regional farmers, fishers, and bakers in selling their products.  

Photo courtesy of Union Square Greenmarket (@UnionSquareGreenmarket)

Even if you do not decide to make any purchases, we recommend taking a stroll along the market, listening to your favorite playlist or podcast, while trying some of the free samples vendors have to offer. If you’re looking for the best possible selection, arrive at the market earlier, or arrive later to catch some of the end of the day bargains. 

Making DIY plants is as easy as 1,2,3

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247 East 2nd Street

Gardening can be therapeutic for those who are really into plants. Fret not, for those of you who are embarking on a new journey, or if you really just love nature, we have the place just for you.

Le Petit Garden is a space where you can have a relaxing eco-experience in the bustling city. Founded by Rebecca, Le Petit Garden organizes one-of-a-kind, DIY workshops that inspire people to grow together through plants.

Their workshops will guide you on how to create your own potting mix. | Photo courtesy of @lepetitgarden.co

The workshop is as simple as choosing a planter and a houseplant, making your own potting mix, and voila! People of all ages and skills are welcomed to join their workshops. You can also buy your own DIY kits if you are looking to grow your plant collection at home – they even have a Disney collection for our Disney fans!

Here’s one of the many DIY kits they have for you to start your journey at home. | Photo courtesy of @lepetitgarden.co

Apart from participating in their workshops, Le Petit Garden also allows you organize special events and occasions in their space – just drop them a call or email and they’ll be happy to give you more information.

Don’t forget to tag us during your eco-experience!

What’s special about this office building?

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320 East 43rd Street 

While this 12 storey building might seem like any other office building in New York City, its unique 10,000 square foot garden at the base of the outstanding atrium makes it unlike any other building in the city. Perfect for a photo opportunity, or simply a place to relax and explore, the Ford Foundation’s garden is available to you!

Commissioned by Henry Ford II in the 1960s and designed by architects Kevin Rose and John Dinkeloo, this office building captured the aim of the foundation’s social justice goal.  Although the building was completed in 1968, it went through renovations beginning in 2015 in order to make it more open, inclusive, and environmentally friendly while maintaining its original character. Both the new gallery targeting artists who work with issues of justice and quality as well as the historic atrium garden are open to the public.

Made of glass, granite, and corten steel, this building is completed with giant trees, water pools, magnolias and much more. The incredibly modern look of this building brings a pleasing aesthetic that would make for a great backdrop for your instagram post! So head to this hidden tropical forest in the midst of the urban jungle for a different experience in the city.

Pow! Comics enthusiast, this is the place to be

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459 Lexington Ave

If you are a comic geek, you’re in for a treat! Midtown Comics specializes in everything from comic books to graphic novels and houses everything from mainstream comics to indies and manga. In addition to selling a wide array of comics, they also have a great selection of action figures, movies, and books. 

First opened in Times Square in 1997, this store has since expanded to 4 locations in New York City with an e-commerce website. This Grand Central location was opened in 2006, and displays their comics on a well organized wall. Founded by partners Gerry Gladston, Angelo Chantly, Thomas Galitos and Robert Mileta, Midtown Comics is officially the retail sponsor of New York Comic Con, and has held this role since 2006. 

With the large selection of goods Midtown Comics has to offer, you might feel a little overwhelmed. However, do not hesitate to approach any staff in the store for help, and they would be more than happy to assist you in whatever you’re looking for!

Explore unlimited activities at Bryant Park

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West 40th – 42nd Street, 5th – 6th Ave

No matter the time of the year, this 9.6 acre large park is always buzzing with a plethora of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Break a sweat and participate in workout classes, or enjoy a puppet show in the summer. Learn to skate, or participate in a scavenger hunt in the fall. Browse the numerous holiday shops, or ride on the carousel in the winter. Learn to juggle or play bingo in the spring. No matter the time of year, Bryant Park always has something for everyone!

Although this piece of land was first declared public property in 1686, it took a number of years before it became a park. From 1823 to 1840, the plot of land was used as a potter’s field, where unidentified people were buried, before the city built a reservoir beside the park which came to be known as Reservoir Square. Reservoir Square was used for leisure, with an exhibition hall, the glass and metal New York Crystal Palace, and a 315 foot tower known as the Latting Observatory which were destroyed in a fire. In 1884, the park came to be known as Bryant Park in honor of William Cullen Bryant. 

So if you’re looking for a place to relax on the weekend, or interesting date activities, head down to Bryant Park to try your hand at some fun activities like chess or ping pong!

If you need a spot to destress or LOL, head to Comedy Cellar

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117 MacDougal St 

Although New York might be known for its vibrant comedy scene, Greenwich Village can be credited with producing the most number of distinguished comedic icons. Among the multitudes of comedy clubs located in Greenwich, Comedy Cellar has emerged as the venue for not only emerging comedians, but is also the regular stomping ground for some of the world’s most well recognized comedians. 

Founded by current television writer and producer, Bill Grundfest, in 1982, the club is run by Estee Adoram who has been essential in establishing the club’s phenomenal reputation. From reputable stand up comedians such as Aziz Ansari and Jon Stewart who first made their breakthrough at the Comedy Cellar, to rising stars like Andrew Schulz and Nikki Glaser, the Comedy Central is the ideal spot to watch some of the most hilarious people in the game hone the art of comedy. 

While the option to stand in line and wait for tickets is available, we do recommend that you reserve tickets online as the shows get booked up quickly. Definitely do not hesitate to spend an evening at this comedy club and seize the opportunity to watch some of the best in the industry perform!

Cinemas too mainstream for you? Check out IFC Center!

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323 6th Ave 

If you’d like to experience a unique screening experience in the city, head down to the IFC Center to view some interesting art house films including independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries. This center currently hosts the annual Doc NYC, which is currently the country’s largest documentary film festival. 

Opened in June 2005, this art house movie theater formerly known as Waverly Theater, has an exterior that will definitely catch your attention. With a charming, old-timey, vintage look, this theater would definitely make for an amazing backdrop for an instagram post! 

Known as the original home of the movie Rocky Horror Picture Show, this theater was once a church in the early 19th century, before it was converted to a 3 theater facility and then the 5 theater facility that it is today. So if you’re in the city and hoping to catch a movie that isn’t a blockbuster, be sure to head over to the IFC Center website to check out their current movie schedule. 

Here’s one more NYC park for you to chill and unwind

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Washington Square

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, this beautiful park is a common place for not only the students of nearby universities to hang out, but also a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. Whether it be a musician, or a dancer, there is always something to keep you entertained at the park as you enjoy a nice cup of coffee!

This park is landmarked by the well recognized Washington Square Arch which was erected in 1889 in commemoration of the centennial inauguration of George Washington as the U.S. president. This lovely historic park has many events and traditions like a tree lighting ceremony in December, or the Washington Square Music Festival in June to offer. Regardless of the season, there is always something abuzz in the park. 

With a backdrop of the impressive water fountain, the iconic arch has appeared in numerous tv shows and movies like ‘When Harry Met Sally”. So what are you waiting for? Whip out your cameras and begin striking poses that will surely capture the attention of others on the gram!

Read about your favorite artworks and artists here

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231 11th Ave

Established in 1976, Printed matter is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the promotions of publications made by artists!

Printed Matter was developed in response to the rising amount of interest in publications made by artists. Providing a space for artists to explore book form as an artistic medium, Printed Matter presented an opportunity for experimentation and circulation of artwork outside of the norms of the gallery system. 

With over 5,000 artists represented, Printed Matter is a bookworm’s wonderland. Lose track of time browsing through the wide selection of books, including hard to find titles old and new. Drop by Printed Matter for a laid back afternoon browsing incredibly affordable books that could keep you company during your stay!

There’s a sports complex by the river?

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62 Chelsea Piers 

Stretching from the 17th to the 23rd street on the westside of Manhattan are four piers that have come to be known as Chelsea piers today. Originally known to be a passenger ship terminal in the early 1900s, the pier was shut down in preparation for a highway to be constructed along the Hudson. However, after a failed highway project, the pier was auctioned off, and construction of the impressive waterfront that it is today began. Opened in 1995, this sports complex offers not only a state-of-the-art facility suitable for even the finest Olympians, but also a stunning view of the Hudson River, this facility is definitely a fitness lover’s paradise. 

In addition to a sports facility, this complex is also home to a skating rink, a bowling alley, a spa, a theater, restaurants, and much more. Located in front of the complex is Hudson River Greenway, where runners, cyclists and pedestrians share a wide pathway which runs along the city from Lower Manhattan to the Upper West Side. The Hudson River Greenway is a part of the East Coast Greenway which runs from Florida to Maine, and is the most heavily used bikeway in the United States. 

If you’d like to enjoy a meal with a view of the sunset on the water, or just want to workout at one of the most well known fitness facilities in the city, Chelsea Piers is the place for you!

However, please do remember to consult their website for detailed information on schedules and prices since they can vary!

Chelsea Market – a foodie’s paradise!

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75 9th Ave

Hungry after an evening stroll on the High Line, or simply just want a cup of coffee? Look no further than Chelsea Market, an indoor food hall that is most definitely a foodies’ paradise, and located in the old Nabisco factory, where the well known Oreo cookies were first invented. From hand-crafted ramen bowls to mouthwatering street tacos, it is likely that you will find something to satisfy your every craving!

First built in the 1890s, this building was owned by the New York Biscuit Company which formed when 8 large eastern bakeries in New York merged together. When the biscuit company vacated the space in 1958, the building was used as both office and production spaces, until the 1990s where the complex was transformed into a retail ground level with office space above.

Monkey Puzzle Blog: Chelsea Market Christmas
Within the brick walls, you’ll find mesmerizing decor, like this one right here | Photo courtesy of Monkey Puzzle Blog

Usually bustling with people today, the sand blasted brick walls and twinkle lights that illuminate the building really brings an unique ambiance to the market. Preserving some features of the old factory like the floors and some signs, this market is full of history. In the center of the market lies an artificial water fountain assembled using discarded drill bits and a large exposed pipe, which empties water into an incredibly deep well. 

The 9 Best Shops in Chelsea Market, NYC
Shop till you drop in many of the little stores you can find in the market | Photo courtesy of Culture Trip

If you’d like to take a break from eating, the market offers various apparel stores that you can leisurely browse. Search for one of a kind items in Artists & Fleas, a community of ever changing local vendors selling merchandise ranging from art and photography to vintage clothing and jewelry.