You’ll find a kid-sized Halloween celebration at the New York Aquarium’s Ascarium.  The annual festivities include sea monsters, carnival activities, a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts stations, a haunted house, and the Haunted Mine 3-D ride.

Halloween activities are scheduled October 25-26th, and are free with general admission to the aquarium.  (An additional charge applies for the Deep Sea 3D Movie.)

And of course, there’s lot of feeding going on.  Enjoy watching walrus, penguin, or sea otter feeding.  It’s high on the “aaaaaaahhhhh” factor!

The Octopus has to eat, too.  How do you like this Halloween dinner??

Admission is $13 for adults; $10 for seniors (65+); $9 for children ages 3-12, FREE for those under 3.  During this Halloween event, all children ages 3-12 who visit in costume receive a FREE admission when accompanied by a paying adult.  (Purchase aquarium tickets online.)

The Aquarium is located at Surf Avenue & West 8th Street in Brooklyn, and is open every day of the year at 10 am.  Closing times vary seasonally.

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Today’s Matchbook Monday is from Tavern on the Green, located in Central Park on the Upper West side of Manhattan (Central Park at West 67th Street).  It is one of the most successful independently owned restaurants in the U.S. 

Tavern on the Green is a frequent haunt for the famous and infamous of Manhattan, including actors, entertainers and politicians.  It’s been the site for many opening night receptions for Broadway shows and movie premieres, and has been featured in tons of movies and television shows.  Perhaps you remember seeing the restaurant, in all its glass and twinkling lights glory, in Ghostbusters, Hitch, or Wall Street (among many others).

The restaurant is also known for its connection to the New York City Marathon.  On the eve of the Marathon the restaurant hosts a huge pasta party.  Runners attend at no charge, perhaps having that final chance to carb up.  The evening also feature lives entertainment and fireworks.  The day of the race runners get to visit the restaurant again as they cross the finish line.

Lots of special events have happened at Tavern on the Green, and lots of memories made.  It seems like everyone has a special story about the restaurant.  If you do too, please feel free to share it in the comments.

Thanks to Anita for sharing this matchbook.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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The Manhattan skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world.  Whether view from an airplane as you are flying in, from Central Park, the top of the Empire State Building, or from a downtown ferry, the New York architecture is some of the most photographed around.

This photo was taken while on a ferry ride out to see the Statue of Liberty.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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