6 Best Places In NYC To Take Out Of Towners
Now that the weather is finally getting a little warmer, it's the perfect time to invite guests to come explore New York City! Here are our top picks for things to to with out of towners. By Carly Petrone.
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Make your way to the Upper West Side and find your way to The Boat Basin, the hidden gem near the West Side Highway. Located in Riverside Park at the end of 79th St., this is the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite, catch up with friends, and take in the views of the Hudson River. Sit underneath the covered Rotunda section in the middle of the restaurant or out in the open-air patio. Their menu includes all the basics like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soups, and salads (all served with a bag of chips). Looking to switch up your brunch plans? Stop by on Saturday or Sunday for some eggs and bacon (and a mimosa, of course). Bring the kiddos, too!
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Impress your guests by taking them to The Campbell Apartment inside historic Grand Central Station. This once private office and salon of 1920's tycoon John W. Campbell has been restored to its original splendor. Get dolled up (proper attire required) and order a chic cocktail of your choice. The Prohibition Punch will run you $20 a glass but you've probably never had anything like it: Passion Fruit Juices, Appleton Rum Estate VX, Gran Gala VSOP crowned with Moet & Chandon Champagne. And don't forget the hors d'oeuvres like the Filet Mignon Crostini with Horseradish Aioli, Mini BLT's, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. It truly is a one-of-a-kind New York experience.
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Sure, you can show off your city by taking your friends and family to The Empire State Building or The Statue of Liberty but what is New York City really known for? Pizza! Sign up to take Scott's Pizza Tour and let tour guide and pizza fanatic Scott Wiener show you some of the best pizzerias in the city. Choose from walking tours in Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, or Brooklyn. For those looking to check out pies in the outer boroughs, grab a seat on the NYC Pizza Bus (Sundays only). The Original Crosstown Pizza Walk will take you on a historical pizza journey to three pizzerias. Make sure to come with a hungry stomach! Check website for tour times and ticket prices.
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Who says you need to go to Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossoms? Head over to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and show your guests that there's more to the city than concrete. See these beautiful flowers in bloom from April 18th-26th and make sure to check out the Sakura Matsuri Festival happening the weekend of the 25th. From 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. the garden will celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with tea ceremonies, a cosplay fashion show, Bonsai kids' workshops, Samurai sword fighting, Taiko drumming, and much more. Garden is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students, and free for members and children under the age of 12.
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After seeing Punchdrunk's Sleep No More, you may actually have a hard time going to bed. This immersive and eerie production is like nothing you've ever seen. It all takes place inside the McKittrick Hotel, the dimly-lit space that has been transformed into that of the 1930's. Actors roam around telling the story of Shakespeare's Macbeth while audience members wear white masks (to distinguish themselves from the actors). Follow Lady Macbeth the whole time to see her side of the story or stick with your group. There is no talking during the performance but audience members are encouraged to investigate their surroundings by touching props and creating their own unique experience. This is why you can see the show 100 times and each time it will be different. You'll definitely want to grab a drink or a bite after to discuss!
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We can't wait for May 1st because that's when The Frying Pan officially reopens! This historic floating lighthouse is docked at Pier 66 and open for business from May through October. The large floating railroad barge beside it is where you can spend the day sipping beers and catching up with friends. Grab a bite at Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill aboard the ship and watch the sun set over the Hudson from the second story viewing deck. Just make sure you don't get seasick – this boat can really start rocking. Nothing a few cocktails can't help, right? Learn more here.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.