By Timothy Sexton
New York City is a winter wonderland without the mountains, slopes and ski lifts. While many people out in the beautiful West may not think the urban jungle is any place to spend a cold winter day, NYC proves that you don't have to be an outdoor type to enjoy the glory of the season.
Skating at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center's ice skating rink is arguably the most filmed skating rink in the world. Nearly every movie set during Christmas in New York features a scene shot at this fabulous landmark, and no visit to the Big Apple is quite complete without strapping on the skates and hitting the rink beneath the famous statue of Prometheus. Admission prices vary according to time of year, time of day, and age. Look for special holiday rates during December.
Professional Sports
Winter begins just as the basketball and hockey seasons are kicking into high gear. Knicks and Ranger fans tend to be quite lively, making part of the fun of going to a game watching the locals as much as watching the teams on the field. You might even spy a celebrity or two in better seats. Check the Madison Square Garden website, www.thegarden.com, for ticket information.
Macy's For Christmas
Early winter in NYC means visiting Macy's. The Christmas decorations and the animated window displays are always magical and memorable, and if you have little ones, there is no better Santa's helper to see than the one made famous in the movie Miracle on 34th Street.
Central Park Zoo
Winter time is a perfect time to stop by the Central Park Zoo. The cold weather means it won't be as crowded as during the spring, summer and fall. The polar bears really shine once the temperature is more to their liking, and are there to welcome visitors. And there is nothing quite like stepping into the humid environ of the tropical rain forest from the January chill outside.
Something for Everyone
Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex, a 28-acre waterfront sports village, offers everything from bowling and boxing to volleyball and yoga. You can even arrange to host a birthday party there. Go to www.chelseapiers.com to find out more.
Resources
About the Author:
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
