4 Holiday Markets to Visit In NYC to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Looking to get into the Holiday Spirit in New York City? From Brooklyn to Manhattan, Holiday Markets pop-up all over the city. Most of them are put on by the food hall/market experts -UrbanSpace. They are a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy festive food and drink. We’ve included 4 of our favorites and most popular.

Bryant Park Winter Village

The Lodge via

Each year during the Holiday Season, Bryant Park is transformed into a winter village that is the perfect destination to get into the spirit. The park becomes home to a bunch of shops and food pop-ups as well as an ice skating rink and Christmas tree. Shops include artisanal creations from both local and global vendors.

UrbanSpace has created the shops to resemble an open-air style market that you would find throughout Europe. This year, the Lodge by UrbanSpace opened. This pop-up food hall offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as an indoor cocktail bar and outdoor biergarten.

Union Square Holiday Market

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Perhaps one of the best known and most popular annual holiday markets is in Union Square. Each year, a portion of Union Square Park is transformed into an open-air market with more than 100 vendors. Whether shopping for unique gifts or looking for a winter treat such as Max Brenner hot chocolate, this market has a variety for everyone.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

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If you are looking to stay out of the cold, head to Grand Central Station. During the Holiday Season, Vanderbilt Hall is transformed into a holiday bazaar that features over 40 booths offering everything from artisanal ornaments to dog gifts. If you are looking for gifts, this is a great place to go as the booths are focused on gifts rather than food vendors. Did we mention, it is indoors?

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

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The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is in its 15th year with more than 150 vendors. If you are spending the day in Midtown, Central Park, or the Theater District, this is a great option to check out. New this year is a Citi-sponsored holiday lounge with a photo booth and phone charging stations. The market also has a large selection of food and drinks in addition to crafts and gifts.

2018 Holiday Tipping Guide - How Much to Tip Building Staff and More

The Holiday Season has officially kicked off. With Black Friday and Thanksgiving over, holiday decorations are going up across town. With the arrival of the Holiday Season comes the question on the mind of many - “How Much Should I Tip?”

The holiday season is always a time to give back to those that had a positive impact on our lives over the past year. One question that always comes up, especially in New York City, is how much to tip the building staff and those that are intimately involved in day-to-day life? Tipping is a major part of the Holiday Season in New York, and is a way to show appreciation to your building staff. Thus, it is important to say that it is highly encouraged, but not required. As December rolls around, many begin to get anxiety about who to tip, how much to tip, and if he or she should even tip at all. 

Our friends at Brick Underground publish a go-to holiday tipping guide, which has been circulating since 2013. We condensed it, and put our take on what is appropriate as you budget for your holiday tipping. Remember, these are simply guidelines. There are many factors that can influence the tipping decision such as the size of the building (a larger staff equates to smaller individual tips), level of service, seniority, and time in building. Additionally, owning versus renting in a building can play a big factor as well.

Of course, if you live in a building with a part-time doorman, virtual doorman, or no staff at all, the below levels could be adjusted downward.

Renters: Tips do not have to equate to the dollar amount you are paying each month for rent. If you receive a lot of packages, have a stroller that is carried in and out of the building, etc., factor this into your tip. 

It is recommended that you tip in cash. Doorman, Concierge, Supers, etc. all of bills to pay like you and I- they are not looking for fruit cakes, cookies, or homemade gifts at the holidays!

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Tipping Guidelines

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Super: $150-200
Doorman/Concierge: $100-150
Nanny: 1 Week Salary
Housekeeper: 1 Week Salary
Dog Walker: 1 Week Salary
Driver: 1 Week Salary
Garage Attendant: $50-$100
Personal Trainer: $100
Chef: $300-500
Personal Assistant: 1 Week Salary
Hairdresser: $50-75
Manicurist: $25

Something to Consider: If you have been tipping throughout the year utilizing a "pay as you go" method, it is customary to tip on the lighter side during the holiday season.

How to Spend Hot Summer Nights in the City

Summer in the city is all about getting outside and enjoying the best entertainment and dining under the summer skies. While there are many restaurants across the city that offer outdoor seating from Battery Park to Uptown, many are surprised to know that the city hosts a lot of outdoor entertainment, especially the NYC Parks. We’ve put together a list of summer ways to spend Hot Summer Nights in the city. Get out and enjoy!

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Pier 17: Pier 17 is a new venue in the heart of the Seaport District. The venue was part of the continued Seaport revamp spearheaded by the Howard Hughes Corporation. The space has a waterfront bar, and multiple vendors including a Jean Georges food hall that is slated to open. Pier 17 has a full lineup of events throughout the summer including comedy and music. Its waterfront location offers great skyline views, and the rooftop is where most of the shows will take place.

Check out Kings of Leon August 2nd starting at 7pm. Tickets are available online.

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The Roof at The Viceroy - Situated atop the Viceroy Hotel, The Roof offers a sophisticated space to escape Midtown to enjoy a cocktail and view. The space faces North, offering views of the classic Central Park South skyline as well as the park itself. The interior of the lounge is reminiscent of an old luxury airliner with a menu offering up craft beers, global wines, and classic and modern cocktails that rotate to utilize the freshest ingredients.

124 West 57th Street

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Met Summer Recital Series- The Met’s popular concert series in New York City parks spanning all five boroughs has returned. The series kicked off June 11th in Central Park with an evening of arias and duets selected from various Operas. The four subsequent recitals will showcase young artists Gabriella Reyes de Ramírez, Gerard Schneider, and Adrian Timpau. Dan Saunders will be at the piano to accompany each performance.

View program details Online

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Movie Nights at Bryant Park – Featured films screening in the park on the big screen under the stars. Just bring your blanket and some friends to enjoy a great movie outdoors. The lawn opens at 5pm with screenings beginning at sunset. A new addition this year is the Beer and Wine lounge located on the Upper Terrace offering beverages to be purchased before and during the movie. Movies running through August.

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Summerstage - Celebrate summer by getting outdoors! Happening now through July 15th, enjoy fantastic music, comedy, theater, dance, lectures, and films during SummerStage in city parks. Summerstage is New York’s largest free outdoor performing arts festival with everything from Indie to EDM from iconic names to up and coming performers. More than 100 shows are scheduled in 18 neighborhood parks this summer. The (mostly) free concerts are popular, so be sure to arrive early! Tickets can be purchased online.

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Press Lounge - Tucked away in Hell Kitchen on Manhattan’s West Side is the Kimpton Ink 48 Hotel which is home to The Press Lounge. The Press Lounge is a fan favorite for rooftop bars in the city, offering up a swanky space and panoramic views of both the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River.

653 11th Avenue

Coming Later this Summer

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Met Opera HD Summer Festival - The summer series at the Met Opera will be returning for its eighth season this year. Spectators can enjoy performances presented from the acclaimed "Live in HD" series outdoor on Lincoln Center Plaza. Showings begin at 8pm, but plan on getting there much earlier if you want to grab a seat for the screening. August 24th – Labor Day.

Guide: Celebrate Father's Day in NYC & The Hamptons

Father's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 17th so its time to start thinking about planning a special day for him, or, perhaps, a special gift. Father's Day does not have to mean another tie to add to his collection of hundreds. The Victoria Shtainer Team has curated a list of places to take Dad on his special day in the city and The Hamptons from a boat ride to a baseball game, we have rounded up some ideas to make his day special. 

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Ride the Beast – Operated by Circle Line Cruises,  The Beast is a jet powered thrill-ride on the water. The Speedboat can cruise at up to 45mph – it is powered by twin jet engines after all. The Beast cruises down the Hudson River from Pier 83 to the Statue of Liberty.

Boat Departs Pier 83 at West 42nd Street every hour on the hour from 10AM-6PM. Tickets available online.

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US Open – The 118th US Open is taking place through June 17th at the Shinnecock Golf Club in Southampton.  Ticket options range from a Gallery Ticket which provides grounds access to Shinnecock Hills to 1895 Club which gives ticket holders the ability to access the exclusive 1895 Club of Shinnecock Hills.

Tickets can be purchased online 

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A Day in Coney Island – Head to one of the city’s most popular attractions in the Summer and enjoy a day at the beach, on the boardwalk, or at Luna Amusement Park. Be sure to make a stop at Nathan’s Famous Hot dogs – no trip to Coney Island is complete without it! Rides operate daily during the Summer season. Getting there is easy – simply hop on the D/Q/N or F train to Stillwell Avenue.

Yankees Game – The Yankees are playing at home on June 17th against the Tampa Bay Rays. What says Father’s Day like watching one of America’s favorite sports with him? It is a 12:05pm game.

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Flashback Art Exhibition- The Hamptons is filled with art galleries, and checking out exhibitions is a great way to pass the afternoon. The White Room Gallery has the "Flashback" exhibition on through June 17th. This exhibition features iconic Portraits and Pop art from artists like Joss Parker, Seek One, David Morico, and Strosberg Mandel.

White Room Gallery: 2415 Main Street, Bridgehampton

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Belgian Pretzels and Beer Class – Le Pain Quotidien is hosting a fun class that would make a great gift for Dad. During the Belgian Pretzel and Beer Class, he will learn how to roll, shape, and bake pretzels with a crispy exterior and doughy interior. After they are done baking, participants will enjoy the creations alongside a glass of Belgian Beer.

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The Tasting House at Sparkling Pointe – Sparkling Pointe Vineyard is celebrating Father’s Day at their Tasting House in conjunction with The North Fork Shack. The Father’s Day event features a tasting of 3 sparkling wines paired with pulled pork sandwiches, pickled watermelon and shallot fries.

Booking can be made online - Sparkling Pointe Vineyard 39750 County Road 48, Southold, NY

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

-The Victoria Shtainer Team

Where to Dine in The Hamptons this Summer

The Summer 2018 season is officially here which means New Yorkers will be flocking to the East End to escape the city heat on the weekends. The restaurant scene in The Hamptons is similar to the city in that some stay season after season, some move to new locations, and others no longer make the cut of the discerning crowds. We have gathered up some of the best places to eat in the East End from classics to new spots, from Southampton to Montauk. 

Southampton

Maison Vivienne

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Maison Vivienne is the newest opening in Southampton that is serving up French Provence cuisine by Michelin Star Chef Wolfgana Ban. The venue is comprised of indoor and outdoor seating, herb and vegetable gardens, a bar and lounge, and a small Inn that is comprised of 9 rooms with 2 suites. The Inn, situated in a 17th century Dutch Colonial building offers all the modern amenities guests would expect including access to room service from the restaurant.

Chef Ban is serving up fare that is a modern take on classic southern French cuisine included cote de bouef and roasted heritage chicken for two as well as a salad nicoise. The inside is not go unnoticed with its 20-foot high cathedral ceilings and wine cellar which holds over 2,000 bottles.

Tutto Il Giorno  

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This Southampton restaurant (also located in TriBeCa in the city) is run by Gabby Karan, daughter of designer Donna Karan. She brings her chic décor to the interior and serves up southern Italian dishes including lamb loin carpaccio and rigatoni with sweet and hot sausage. The back patio, filled with umbrellas, is a great place to hang out and becomes a social hub in the summer. The restaurant has been drawing celebrity clientele season after season. 

Sant Ambroeus

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The city favorite is also a favorite on the East End offering both indoor and outdooring seating in the heart of Southampton. Sant Ambroeus serves northern Italian cuisine thanks to its Milanese roots. In addition to lunch and dinner, it is a great spot to grab a proper coffee and conversation.

East Hampton

 Moby’s

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The popular East Hampton scene, which lost its space to EMP Summer House last season, has found a new space to call home. The partners have signed a 2-year lease at the East Hampton Point space at 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road. Diners can expect a menu similar to the old Moby’s which served everything from brick oven pizzas to seafood dishes with a few additions. Given the new waterfront spot, we expect an elevated take on the cuisine. The new location is sure to offer great sunsets and views and will also allow guests to arrive via boat.

EMP Summer House

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Last year, the EMP crew took over the longstanding Moby’s space and created quite the buzz with its beachy pop-up. Reservations were only made available to American Express Platinum card holders and some card members even received access to the restaurants brand new BMW 7 series sedans.

The EMP crew will be returning for a second year, serving up the likes of flatbreads, bouillabaisse, and family style dinners such as DIY Tacos or a Lobster Boil. The backyard with games such as corn hole and ping pong remains.

Sag Harbor

Beacon

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This summertime only restaurant located on the water offers the perfect combination – good food and great views. Guests enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere with the deck being the perfect place to grab a cocktail. Beacon is famous for its fish dishes with this season’s menu including items such as halibut baked in parchment paper with sun dried tomatoes, lobster rigatoni, and oven roasted chicken. 

Le Bilboquet

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The Sag Harbor outpost of the Upper East Side gathering spot will be back for another season. The Sag Harbor location is larger than the one in the city you may be familiar with, but be warned that they run a strict door policy. The menu includes all the crowd favorites including the Cajun Chicken. We also recommend grabbing a drink at the bar to enjoy the scene.

Dopo La Spiaggia

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After splitting with Gabby Karan 2 years ago, Chef Maurizio Marfoglia kept the original space of Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor and rebranded it as Doppo La Spiaggia which means “After the Beach.” His restaurant remains a go-to spot and still serves of favorites such as Chicken Under the Brick and homemade pastas including squid ink tagliotini. Menu items include a northern Italian influence such as the seafood stew as Marfoglia hails from Lake Como.

Montauk

Duryea’s

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Duryea’s Lobster Deck has been a Montauk staple for years, however, the restaurant received a facelift in 2016 when billionaire Marc Rowan took over. The waterside location affords it some of the most picturesque views and scenery in perhaps all of The Hamptons. Most dishes are served family-style including the full clambake, lobster cobb salad, and market fish. Of course, the Duryea’s lobster roll is a must try!

Guide: Celebrate Mother's Day in New York City

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th. Whether you plan to spend the day with Mom, or you plan to send a gift because she is not in town, we have you covered with ideas for ways to make Mom feel special. From Brunch to gifts, check out our guide to Mother's Day in New York City. 

Wave Hill House Brunch & Gardens

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Wave Hill House, a 28 Acre estate in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, hosts an annual Mother’s Day brunch that garners a lot of attention. In fact, it often sells out! Feel like you escaped the city a bit on the 28 acres, and enjoy a brunch with Mom consisting of Belgian waffles, poached eggs, polenta, and zucchini bread. At least check, 10:30am and 1pm seating times were available.

After brunch, stroll through the beautiful gardens on the property. Birding is a very popular activity at Wave Hill House.

$50 per guest or $45 for Members // 675 West 252nd Street

Afternoon Tea at Bergdorf Goodman

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BG at Bergdorf Goodman hosts afternoon tea daily from 3-5pm. If a full brunch isn’t your thing, this is a great way to pass the afternoon at a place that all women love, the famed Bergdorf Goodman department store.

Tea service comes with an assortment of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fruit preserves, Devonshire cream, and a variety of petite sweets. We recommend getting the option paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. After tea, take mom downstairs to pick out a luxurious gift.

$45 per person or $62 with glass of Veuve // 58th Street at 5th Avenue

Queens Botanical Garden Mother’s Day Brunch

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The blossoming Queens Botanical Garden will be hosting a farm-to-table brunch to celebrate Mom this year. Enjoy a selection from local caterers including omelets, bacon, muffins, scones, coffee, teas, and a complimentary glass of wine at the landmark setting.

After enjoying a delicious brunch, be sure to stroll throughout the gardens and take in the lush arrangement of greenery and plants.

Prices Range from $28 for children to $60 for adults // 43-50 Main Street, Flushings

New York Botanical Garden’s Annual Weekend Garden Party

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 njoy the beautiful spring blooms at the weekend-long garden party at the New York Botanical Garden. Stroll through the newly opened Lilac collection and enjoy live music and dancers on the garden’s main stage. There are a bunch activities planned throughout the whole day, making it a great family event. Activities include putting on the green, croquet, and guided walking tours throughout the gardens. Brunch, by reservation, will be served picnic-style.

All garden pass $28, $12 children // 2900 Southern Boulevard

Dinner at Majorelle

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 Majorelle is the newest restaurant on the Upper East Side located within the Lowell HoteCharles Masson, formerly from La Grenouille is running the restaurant in conjunction with four-star chef Christian Delouvrier. Similar to La Grenouille, Majorelle is decorated with fresh flowers throughout. The renovations in the Lowell to create Majorelle include a dining room designed by Michael S. Smith. Details include engaged columns and egg-and-dart moldings. The restaurant has approximately 75 seats with about 20 in a skylight garden. There is also a plush bar, Jacques, and a cozy library lounge with a fireplace adjacent to the dining room. The Chef has created a menu that mixes traditional French cuisine with Mediterranean and Moroccan influences. Highlights from the menu include a rich onion tart, warm sausage with potatoes, risotto of wild mushrooms, bass with Champagne and caviar, and steak au poivre.

28 East 63rd Street

Gift Ideas:

Fragrance: Hermes latest fragrance, name after the thin, silk scarves many women tie around the handle of their bags, has been receiving rave reviews. The maison crafted the new scent with Hermes girl in mind, a young, carefree one at that. Twilly has floral and spices with notes of ginger and sensual tuberose.

$130 – Hermes

Dress: Want to treat mom to a lavish dress that she will cherish season after season? The latest Dolce & Gabbana collection has striking floral prints that are sure to turn heads whether you are wearing it around the city or in the Almalfi Coast. We recommend the classic silhouette of the Sheath Cocktail Dress in the Rose print.

Elbow-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Rose-Print Sheath Cocktail Dress - $2,295 Neiman Marcus

Flowers: What goes better with Mother’s Day than flowers? Head to the New York Flower Market for the best selection. The district, which spans a full city block on 28th street between 6th and 7th Avenues, offers virtually any flower your heart can desire. Pick out Mom’s favorites and make a beautiful bouquet.

28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues

Guide: The Best Observation Decks In NYC

In the real estate industry, you can get access to some of the best views. In fact, some of these views you can call home – 12 Instagram Worthy Views from Manhattan Real Estate. If you can’t get into the tallest apartment in the city with the best view, why not take advantage of some of the observation decks throughout the city? Instagram is waiting…

We've put together a few pointers about the most popular observation decks in New York City as well as what we know now about 2 observation decks coming to the city that will literally take things to new heights.

Empire State Building

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Quick Facts

• Most popular observation deck
• 86th and 102nd floors open to the public
• Views of Midtown, the Park, and other iconic buildings that make up NYC skyline
• 86th floor is not encased in glass or covered with a roof

 How: The Empire State building sells tour packages through its website. The price of admission will depend on the age of the visitor and which floor of the building they would like to go to. Guided tour packages are also available. Decks are open from 8am to 2am daily.

Top of the Rock

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Quick Facts

• Actually get to view the Empire State Building because you are not on it!
• Capture the iconic photo of it standing among the skyline
• Also great views of the park – slightly altered because of the construction on 57th Street!
• Timed Entry system makes it much less crowded
• Originally opened in 1933 re opened 2005

How: Sold through the Top of the Rock website and work in a similar fashion in that tickets are priced according to age. There are special add ons available and note – a surcharge exists if you want to go at sunset! Open from 8am to midnight daily.

One World Observatory

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Quick Facts

• Opened in May of 2015 and offers some of the best views of landmarks because you can even see the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island as you are located downtown
• Highest observation area in the city at the moment
• In addition to being able to simply take in the views, there are interactive elements along the way including videos depicting the construction of the tower

How: Prices vary according to age like the other options, and additionally, packages can be purchased. Special packages include options for entertainment and food as well as options to purchase expedited entry. Hours have varied, but spring/summer and the long days the seasons bring tend to have availability from morning until night.

Statue of Liberty

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Quick Facts

• The Crown of the Statue of Liberty offers an observation deck, however, this is more about the experience itself rather than the views once you climb the 162 stairs to the top
• Lines can be very long
• Not that high and located a distance away from Manhattan so views are not as great as from atop the other decks
• Looking to see the Statue? Consider a Boat Cruise or the Staten Island Ferry

How: Tickets are available through Statue Cruises and vary in price depending on whether it is for a child or adult.

Coming Soon

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30 Hudson Yards: The much talked about Hudson Yards Mega Project has another reason to be talked about – the sky-high observation deck that will be at 30 Hudson Yards. Upon completion, it will be the 5th highest observation deck in the world as it protrudes from the 100th floor of the building.

In addition to the outdoor deck, the Hudson Yards Observation Deck will offer a complete New York experience, offering the opportunity to have a cocktail or host a celebratory dinner. The deck is slated to open in March of 2019.

One Vanderbilt:

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The office building that is rising in Midtown East will have a publicly accessible observation deck similar to that of One World Trade and Empire State. Upon completion, the indoor/outdoor deck will stand 1,020 feet about the ground. Visitors will be able to access the observation deck through Grand Central. Construction on One Vanderbilt is slated to wrap up until 2020 so pricing for tickets has not yet been released.

Things to Do this Spring with your Family in New York City

If it’s variety you seek for spring activities with your family, look no further than New York City. New York is notorious for its countless museums, sightseeing opportunities and parks that are sure to keep the whole family entertained during all of April and May. And although these are offered year-round in the city that never sleeps, there is something extra special about New York in the Spring, when the city is just starting to shake off winter. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly spring activities in and around The Big Apple. 

What is spring without baseball?

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New York is home of the Yankees, one of baseball’s most decorated teams in Major League Baseball. The Yankees’ season is off and rolling already, and they’ll be playing all the way through a hopeful playoff run in October - knock on wood. There’s no better time than the spring to catch a ball game with your family. If you plan ahead of time, you can book a family tour of the stadium before the game and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 27-time World Champion team and their home turf. 

New York is also home base for the Mets and the team will have a handful of home games at their stadium through the spring as well. Both the Mets and the Yankees are some of the most successful franchises in baseball history. The Mets are off to their hottest start in quite a while and have a loaded batting lineup featuring All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. 

Central Park

Take the family on a relaxing walk through one of the most beautiful and famous parks in the world. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city, Central park can be a calm place to lounge. If you’re looking for a fast-paced activity, explore bike rentals near Central Park. 

An iconic American food restaurant, Tavern on the Green in Central Park, has attracted prominent people throughout the decades. This dining hot spot has even been mentioned in popular movies like Ghostbusters. Tavern on the Green was recently reopened in 2014 under new ownership.

The Central Park Zoo is open year-round and encourages visitors to get close with a variety of animals. There are viewing opportunities for penguin and sea lion feedings. This is a wonderful spot to take children while on a family spring break trip and makes for a fun, interactive day of entertainment.

Special Spring Events

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Depending on exactly when your family’s spring break is or when you have some time off, major parades and other events will be strolling through the city. For a flower-filled springtime themed day, go to the Orchid Festival, otherwise known as New York’s nod to the changing season. Spring is the season for garden parties, and it’s hard to think of a lush green space more perfect for a booze-filled afternoon than the New York Botanical Garden. The Botanical Gardens will be in full bloom with thousands of orchids through all of April. 

For a rainy spring day, take the kids to visit the Brooklyn Museum. Relive the glory days by stopping by the new David Bowie exhibit that portrays Bowie’s life through pop culture multimedia that includes audio, video and animations that coincide with various items on display. The exhibit features interactive attractions from his early teenage years all the way through his peak of superstardom. 

The land of witchcraft and wizardry returns next week as the popular theatrical play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts 1 & 2 hits the Broadway stage. Performances for the play began on April 7th and will last through May 13th. Browse online deals for tickets to this Harry Potter spectacle or theater shows around New York City. 

What to Eat

Eataly is a huge Italian marketplace with some of the best Italian cuisine downtown. It’s not exactly the most obscure attraction but it’s a neat little atmosphere with some incredible food and is home to authentic Italian groceries and dining. Eataly is still fairly new to the city, having opened in NY back in 2010, but there are locations all over the world.

Located on the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park City is Pier A Harbor House, a beautiful restaurant right on the water. With incredible views at this place, the Harbor House makes for a great family afternoon with tasty seafood and some neat surrounding parks to walk off the buttery lobster lunch.

One of the most popular outdoor restaurants downtown is the Hudson Clearwater in lower Manhattan. Folks dine here in the spring for the Southern Eggs Benedict and seasonal fresh fruit. Though known for its tasty brunch menu, this New American restaurant also offers creative cocktails and healthy vegetarian options. 

Guest Blog by Jeremy Alderman

Get Ready for Spring: Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating around NYC

Now that the warmer weather is right around the corner, you’ll notice that many more people are opting to dine at restaurants with outdoor seating. After all, there’s something nice about enjoying your meal outside, where you’re able to take in the views of the area around you while taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. If you’re in New York City or have ever visited the Big Apple, then you’re very familiar with the fact that NYC is an almost absurdly massive city. With approximately 304.6 million square-miles of this concrete jungle to explore, finding a place to settle down in for a simple meal can seem like a strenuous. Now, take the number of restaurants present in New York City and narrow it down to eating spots that have outside seating. The results will seem overwhelming to you, but rest assured: we have a few suggestions here. Here are the best restaurants with outdoor seating around New York City.

Industry Kitchen

Considering the fact that Industry Kitchen was named the winner of OpenTable’s 2016 Diners’ Choice, it comes as no surprise that this restaurant offers delectable dishes and stellar seating. Industry Kitchen provides diners with modern American cuisine that is based on seasonal ingredients. With stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, there’s no way that you can have a bad seat at this restaurant.

Gemma At Bowery Hotel

It’s widely accepted that it isn’t truly springtime until outdoor seating is available at this fabulous Italian restaurant located on the ground floor of Bowery Hotel. The outdoor seating at Gemma provide diners with views of the busy city scene, creating an atmosphere that is conducive of stylish downtown dining.

Le District

This French shopping district is also a huge food hall, where visitors can come experience the authentic taste of Paris. Le District market sits right outside of many New York’s popular family-friendly activities that include across-the-way views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. According to Le District’s website, they are dedicated to delivering the best French cuisine with the best quality and service. One restaurant that can be spotted in Le District is Beaubourg, a ritzy French spot perfect for a meal with your family, friends, and coworkers. In warmer months, Beaubourg is a fantastic place to go to for lunch, as they offer terrace seating. The outdoor seating provides picturesque views of the Hudson River, making Beaubourg a wonderful eating destination for those who like their meals with a view.

Barbuto

This Italian eatery serves up rich and flavorful cuisine and a dining experience truly unlike any other nearby. The garage-style doors, when opened, blur the lines between indoor and outdoor seating. Whenever you’re sitting in this restaurant, regardless of where you are, you will feel as if you are sitting directly outside, enjoying your food and the gorgeous weather.

Shake Shack

You probably weren’t expecting to find a burger chain on this list, but this isn’t just any Shake Shack. It’s the original Shake Shack, which is located inside Madison Square Park. This particular chain was first started in 2004 and was originally presented as a food cart. Today, you can still enjoy a burger and shake at the OG Shake Shack in Madison Square Park and take in the beauty of the park. There isn’t a culinary experience quite like a food cart, so if you’re around this one, definitely take the opportunity to try it out.

Seamore’s

This spot is the perfect place to hit up during the summer months, as its light and beachy atmosphere perfectly fits the gorgeous summer weather. With it’s hardy clam chowder, fresh poke, fish tacos and happy hour oysters, Seamore’s is fantastic for seafood lovers everywhere. The outdoor seating area suits the overall beach-themed vibe of the restaurant, as the colorful patio is embellished with striped beach umbrellas.

Rosie’s

If you’re ever in the mood for the robust flavors of Mexico, Rosie’s is the perfect fit for you. During the warmer months, tables are spread out from the restaurant’s garage-style doors onto Second Avenue. Rosie’s is a colorful and vibrant culinary experience with an impressive array of beloved Mexican dishes.

Cecconi’s Dumbo

This spot is a classic Italian restaurant that serves up lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Join them for a wood-fired pizza, pasta, and other delicious Italian dishes. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this upscale eatery only offers diners the best dining experience with quality Italian cuisine and service unlike any other restaurant in town. Cecconi’s Dumbo offers both indoor and outdoor seating; however, the place you’ll want to be enjoying your food is outside, as the restaurant provides waterfront views of the iconic Manhattan Skyline.

Grand Banks

Named “Best Outdoor Dining in NYC” by The Village Voice and the “Best Oyster Bar In NYC” by the New York Observer, Grand Banks is definitely the most ideal outdoor eating spot that you can visit in New York City. The seasonal oyster bar serves fresh seafood entrees and drinks aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker.

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For more information on local cuisine in your potential new neighborhood, contact your local real estate agent today!

Guest Blog by Jeremy Alderman

7 Mistakes First-time Homebuyers Make

Buying your first home can be one of the most stressful decisions as it is most likely the largest purchase of your life. As a first-time buyer, you feel pressured to have everything go exactly as planned, ultimately ending up in your dream palace in the sky. Throughout the purchase process, we see first-time buyers make mistakes that affect his or her ability to land the property of his or her dreams.

Below is a list of 7 mistakes frequently made by first-time buyers. Partner yourself with an educated broker, and you will soon be on the way to calling your dream house home!

1. NOT HIRING A BROKER:

First-time buyers, especially those that are unfamiliar with transacting in real estate, have a large misconception that if they hire a broker, they are going to have to pay. This is not the case. When it comes to buying, unlike renting, the seller’s agent splits the commission with the buyer’s (your) agent. With that being said, you only stand to gain with partnering with a reputable broker when conducting your home search.

2. LACK OF PRE-APPROVAL:

If you are planning to finance the purchase of your home, it is imperative that you get a pre-approval letter from your mortgage company. This will help you in two ways: 1) you know that you will even get approved and 2) what amount the bank is willing to lend to you. For the latter, some are pleasantly surprised that they are approved for more than they originally thought, while sometimes, the approval may come in lower than expected. This is important, however, so you know at what price point you can shop. Many first-time buyers feel that this is not urgent and say “I will get it later!” The sooner you have your pre-approval in hand, the sooner you will be a competitive buyer in the marketplace. Mortgage pre-approvals are generally valid for 3 months, so even if you don’t find an apartment immediately, you are better prepared for the search by getting the letter from the start.

3. BROKER ACCESS TO LISTING:

This relates to mistake #1 in that, often, first-time buyers believe that they have to go direct (without a broker) to a listing that they are interested in because it is that listing agent’s listing. All brokers have access to all listings. So no matter what broker you partner with as a buyer, they can take you to any listing throughout the city. You will not get a better deal by going alone!

4. INDECISIVENESS:

Buying your first home will probably be one of the most stressful purchases of your life. First-time buyers can suffer from indecisiveness, especially in the Manhattan market which offers so many options. If you find what feels to be the perfect home, bid on it and focus on that apartment. Too often, first-time buyers cannot commit to a property and miss out on a deal that meets their criteria. 

5. EDUCATION:

Hiring a reputable broker is 90% of the equation while the other 10% is on you as the buyer. Be sure to do your homework regarding all the components that go into purchasing a home. How much will insurance be? Utilities? The more you understand what expenses are involved and what the state of the market is, you will know what you can realistically afford and focus your search accordingly. 

6. BUYING DIRECT WITH THE SELLER’S AGENT:

This, too, related to mistake #1- notice a theme? Too often, first-time buyers buy direct (without a buyer’s broker), which can hurt them in the end. It is important to understand that while the seller’s agent is thrilled with a double commission, throughout the entire purchase process they are legally obligated to the seller, not you. the buyer. This means that the seller’s interests are prioritized before yours. Make sure you are represented by a broker that has your best interests at heart so you can feel confident that you received the best deal.

7. UNDERESTIMATE THE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROCESS:

Often when dealing with something we have never done, we have expectations or assumptions of how to approach it and handle it. We see many first-time buyers that underestimate the complexity of the real estate transaction process. The steps of going from offer submission to the closing table is like navigating a minefield. There is a myriad of things that can popup between contract signing and closing that may complicate the deal or threaten it, often things you would not anticipate as a non real estate professional. Your broker will seamlessly guide you throughout the process.