But what do you do if you want to combine a love of theater with a really, really special vacation?  Broadway Across America has a very special package for very special theater fans.

Hugh Jackman will appear on Broadway in A Steady Rain

How about a Columbus Day Broadway weekend, taking in the limited engagement, A Steady Rain and the revival of Bye Bye Birdie?

A Steady Rain is about two Chicago cops whose lifelong friendship is put to the test when they become involved in a domestic dispute in a poor neighborhood in town.  It’s very limited 12 week run at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.  It stars Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, two of the hottest hunks around these days.

The revival of Bye Bye Birdie marks its first return to Broadway in almost 50 years, with an engagement at the Henry Miller Theatre Set in 1960, teen idol Conrad Birdie has been drafted by the Army.  His manager cooks up a plan to send him off with a new song and one last kiss from a fan, all played out on the Ed Sullivan Show.  The revival stars John Stamos and Gina Gershon.

Daniel Craig will appear on Broadway in A Steady Rain

The Columbus Day Broadway Package includes:

• Roundtrip coach airfare to New York city from most major cities within the continental US
• Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers via private car service
• 3 nights hotel accommodations at the Hilton Times Square Hotel (or comparable), including tax (based on double occupancy)
• Invitation to an elegant welcome reception, including food and cocktails, on Friday, October 9th
• Orchestra/front mezzanine seats to Bye Bye Birdie on Friday, October 9th
• Invitation to a group lunch at Sardi’s, including food and beverages.  Take a look at the famous caricatures on the wall of Broadway stars and see how many you, as can recognize.  The lunch with feature a questions and answer session with Broadway performers who will share stories and be available for autographs and photos.
• Orchestra seats for A Steady Rain on Saturday, October 10th.
• Orchestra/front mezzanine seats for a third show, this one of your choice, on Sunday, October 11th.  Specific show will depend on availability, but should include a choice of Billy Elliott, Mary Poppins, Next to Normal, In the Heights, Chicago, Mamma Mia, The 39 Steps, and Rock of Ages.
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes theater tour, or a walking tour, given by a seasoned NYC Guide.
• On site management to address any concerns or needs.
• Compressive guest itineraries sent via overnight delivery

October is a great time to be in New York City.  You can spend your day shopping, enjoying the fall foliage in Central Park, or visiting one of the city’s many attractions.  Come evening, you get your theater fix.

This special package offers once in a lifetime theater opportunities, and at $2,149/person doesn’t come cheap.  But if you have a special person in your life who is a big theater buff, this getaway weekend is well worth the price.

Call (877) 284–4222 for further information and to reserve your spot.

Photo credits: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Blisstree

Spend Columbus Day Enjoying Broadway

This summer, visitors and residents can retreat to the rooftops to not only take in spectacular views of our City from many different vantage points, but also enjoy some excellent food and drink,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.

Manhattan skyline viewed from Long Island City

Not sure where to go?  Here are some great views, in Manhattan and the boroughs, to get you thinking:

• 230 Fifth – Manhattan’s largest rooftop bar has a Champagne Party Brunch on weekends, 11 am – 5 pm daily, year round.  The roof top is palm decorated and has a full enclosed lounge – so there’s rooftop dining rain or shine.  Brunch features a menu selection of more than 40 choices, most priced between $8-12, along with some specialty cocktails.  Signature dishes are the Liquored Up French Toast and the Matzah Brei.  Spectacular views of the city accompany the food.
• Hotel Gansevoort – Part roof-deck party, part dining experience, the Get Up Get Down Brunch features 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, indoor and outdoor terrace seating, and a garden.  Brunch is served noon – 4 pm on weekends, and is a 3-course prix fixe menu ($36) that include specialty items like a grilled Black Angus burgers, steak frites and eggs, and mini cupcakes.  The rooftop brunch is offered through Labor Day.
• Groovedeck – Located at the Hudson Terrace, this rooftop lounge is along the Hudson River, offering up wonderful views of the river.  Brunch is served Sunday, 2-8 pm, and includes assorted traditional brunch choices.  Chocolate chip muffins are a real treat, as are the brunch cocktails, which include red and white sangria, as well as mojito pitchers.
• Peninsula Hotel – Offering exquisite luxury, the Peninsula’s Salon de Ning rooftop bar offers Sunday Brunch on the Terrace on the 23rd floor.  Enjoy the 3-course brunch while overlooking Fifth Avenue and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.  The set menu changes weekly, but always offers delicious choices.  Champagne cocktails are available, including the signature Beijing Rouge, made of pomegranate juice, citrus vodka, and champagne with a raspberry garnish.  Brunch is served Sunday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, through Labor Day.  Luxury doesn’t come cheap!  Brunch is $49/person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuities.  I love the Peninsula Hotel, and used to frequently meet a friend here for drinks after work.
• Alma – Head off to Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens) for brunch at Alma, offering views of the Manhattan skyline.  Served weekends 10 am – 2:30 pm, brunch is served year round and offers Mexican cuisine, accompanied by cocktails and tequilas.
• Ravel Hotel – This new luxury boutique hotel is located along the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City.  A buffet brunch is served on Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, along with endless mimosas till 3 pm.  DJ music accompanies the view of the Manhattan skyline, across the East River.

Do you have a favorite NYC rooftop brunch?

Photo credit:  jl welsh @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

New York City Rooftop Brunches

The prestigious art collection started off very, very small — with a small gift of eight prints and one drawing.  Since then, it has burgeoned to a collection of over 150,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects.  There is also an impressive photography collection, with over 22,000 films and four million still photos.

The special exhibitions mingle with the permanent collection, and provide a good mix of subjects, style, mediums, and time periods.  You can choose a segment of the museum, and spend in depth time viewing and learning.  You’ll find a lot of art students doing just that.  Or, you can do as I usually prefer, to wander through getting a peek at everything, stopping to spend a little more time when something is of particular interest.

A current exhibit that intrigues me is Cezanne to Picasso, on display through August 31st, 2009 (a selection in the photo below). You can check the exhibition schedule to find out what will be on display when you visit.  I’d recommend checking the exhibits as that will help you plan your day and how to best use your time.

Weather permitting, save time to visit the sculpture garden, full of modern sculpture, reflecting pools, and plants.  A peaceful respite from a busy day in the big city.

MoMA offers great audio programming.  You can pick up a FREE portable player at the museum, giving you full access to audio programming in any sequence that you choose.  You can also connect to the FREE MoMA WiFi with your personal handheld device and listen to the programming that way.  And if you’re not in NYC, but want to learn more, there are great options as well.  Check out the full listing of MoMA audio programming and make the selection that’s best for you

MoMA is located at 11 East 53rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue) in Manhattan.  It can be reached easily by subway, taking the E or V to 5th/53rd Street, or the B, D, or F, to 4-50/Rockefeller Center.

Museum hours are Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Friday till 8 pm. During July and August, the museum stays open till 8:45 on Thursday as part of It is closed on Tuesday.

Tickets are $20/adults, $16/seniors (65+), and $12 students. Children under 16 are FREE. Tickets are available online, and will save you lots of time waiting in the ticket line.

Photo credits:  Courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art.

View from 54th street of The Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi.
© 2006 Timothy Hursley

Paul Cézanne (French, 1839-1906), Still Life with Fruit Dish. 1879-80.  Oil on canvas. 18 1/4 x 21 1/2″ (46.4 x 54.6 cm). The Museum of Modern Art. Fractional gift of Mr. and Mrs. David Rockefeller.

Post from: Blisstree

Have an Artful Experience at NYC’s MoMA

Twelfth Night, a romantic comedy full of adventure, misadventure, mistaken identity with a little cross-dressing thrown in for good measure, runs at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park from June 10th – Sunday, July 12th, 2009.

Tickets are FREE, and are distributed online (a limited numbers) and in person at the theater (most tickets are distributed at the theater) on the day of the performance.  The ticket line forms early in the morning, and can get REALLY long, so bring some coffee, a good book, and plan to queue up early.  Ticket policies are strictly enforced, so read the rules and make sure you know what is and isn’t allowed, as well get some tips to help you plan the best ways to secure your free tickets.

Twelfth Night will star the beautiful Anne Hathaway is the starring role of Viola.

The Delacorte Theater is located in Central Park.  The closest entrances to the theater are 81st & Central Park West or 7th & Fifth Avenue.

Photo credit:  Bauer Griffin

Post from: Blisstree

Anne Hathaway & Shakespeare in Central Park

The building is located at Fifth Avenue at 34th, and is a popular spot for tremendous views of the city.  It’s been featured in numerous movies, including the classic An Affair to Remember and the more recent Sleepless in Seattle.

Beneath its art deco facade, the building houses floors and floors of offices, a 3-story lobby, shops, restaurants, a variety of services, and one of the most popular outdoor observation decks in the world.  Located on the 86th floor, the observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city.  The observation deck is open 365 days a year, from 8 am – 2 pm.  The last elevator goes to the top at 1:15 am.  Scheduling a romantic rendezvous at midnight at the top of the Empire State Building is as much a reality as a theme from the movies, and the view at night is just as spectacular as during the day.

An additional observation deck is located on the 102nd floor as well, but it is enclosed and much smaller than the lower one.  It is open daily, 8 am – midnight, with the last elevator going up at 11:15 pm.

On the 2nd floor, you’ll find the NY Skyride, a simulated aerial tour over the city of New York, that has become nearly as popular as the observation deck.

Tickets for the observation deck are $18.45 for adults (ages 18-61), $12.92 for children (ages 6-12), and $16.51 for seniors (62+).  Prices do not include tax or a $2 surcharges.   An express pass, which allows you to go to the front of the line (and the lines can get lengthy), an observatory and skyride combo package, and a ticket to the 102nd floor observatory are also available.  Purchase Empire State Building tickets online to help cut down on line time.

Because lines and wait time can be lengthy, plan to visit on a day when you have time to get through the queue and enjoy the spectacular views.  After all, you haven’t really seen the city till you’ve seen it from the top of the Empire State Building.

Photo credit: wikimedia

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Happy Birthday to the Empire State Building

It is the home to Radio City Music Hall, and the famous Rockettes, the GE Building, NBC Studios and the Today show, and over 100 shops and 40 restaurants.  During the holiday season, the outdoor plaza is beautiful decorated, and is known for its annual tree lighting ceremony.  An ice rink operates all winter long, and is popular with tourists and residents.  In the warmer months, you’ll often find an outdoor farmers market, art displays, and other outdoor events in the plaza.

Tours are offered of the NBC Studios, departing every half hour from the NBC Experience Store.  Tours are also offered of Rockefeller Center, which includes an extensive art collection.  Probably the most popular tour is Top of the Rock, a trip up 70 floors to the observation deck and its unobstructed views of the city.  The observation deck is open daily until midnight, so you can choose to see the city by day or at night.  Timed tickets are available.

This must-see NYC attraction is located between 47th & 51st to the north and south and between Fifth & Seventh to the east and west.  The Promenade and Garden entrance to the Plaza is on Fifth Avenue.  Rockefeller Center is an easy walk from most mid-town locations, and is conveniently located to subways stops.

Photo credit: flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Rockefeller Center in New York City

Empire State Building in New York City

Most of all, NYC is a walking city.  It’s reasonably flat, and by walking through the various neighborhoods you can get a feel for the vitality of the people and the excitement on the street.  You can cover a lot of territory on foot.

If you have a trip to NYC planned, try a Tailored Tour self-guided walking tour, exploring a neighborhood that appeals to you.  Choose from a selection of tours from categories as diverse as First Visit, Parks, Bachelor Parties, or Food.

Select your category and take a look at the tours within it.  Make your selections, and for the very reasonable price of $3, a walking tour will be emailed to you.  You can print out the tour and take it with you, or view on a PDF-compatible mobile device.  The tour will include sightseeing, fun activities, and restaurant suggestions along the way.

Enjoy the city on your own terms, and at your own pace, with a walking tour that allows you to choose what’s of interest to you.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Walking Tours of Manhattan Neighborhoods

I know I’m not supposed to use the M-word, but how can I not after having seen this beautiful tree at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan!

Merry Christmas Everyone! And To All A Good Night!

Post from: Blisstree

Greetings From New York City.

So off we go to enchanting, Long Beach Island–a barrier island off the coast of Jersey. And if you haven’t been…don’t make fun. (Exit 63, if you must know.)

I’m hoping I’ll have internet access so that I can check in at some point; but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll see you in a week.

And of course, this Monday, I’ll be thinking about that other island, my Manhattan…as I have done for the last five years.

Post from: Blisstree

What Exit You From? It’s Vacation Time!

What if you learned the knowledge about who you are and what you are about have absolutely nothing to do with your reflection?…that the life role you took on for yourself was just that — a role. Was it all an invention?

When I was in high school and then college, I thought I knew the professional life I was meant to lead: Marketing executive. So, that was the path on which I meandered for some twenty some-odd years.

I started out as the excited apprentice, moved on to the overbearing middle manager, to the seasoned Sr. manager, to the jaded Vice President. I wore the expected costumes for each part. I walked and talked with polish and confidence; but somewhere, very deep inside I knew I was headed for something completely different.

And here I am — alone in my suburban New Jersey home with my dog, running The Pet Set – very far from where I started.

The interesting thing is that as a young girl, in my visual fantasies about my adult self, I was always standing in a very bright kitchen (yellow)…not in a sky scraper in Manhattan. But of course, money, the expectations of others and recognition were what led me away from what I saw back then.

How did I get here? And who is the person in the mirror? Is it the real Kim or is it the impostor? And when will I know for sure?

In the mean time, I know I’m better at doing what I’m now doing than I ever was at my previous positions in marketing…although, my knowledge of marketing, is helping to make The Pet Set successful…and the kitchen could use a coat of paint.

Image: flickr.com

Post from: Blisstree

Brilliant Disguise.