By Gigi Starr
Places to go in NYC
Aside from the usual tourist haunts,
New York City boasts a wide array of cultural attractions suitable for the entire family. Some are "best-kept secrets", while others are renowned city monuments. It's always good to step off the beaten path and try something new, while at the same time paying homage to the traditional. For the best trip possible, sample the international flavors of the city and walk the path less traveled.
New York Public Library
One of the nation's largest municipal libraries, the New York Public Library boasts several large branches throughout the seven boroughs. The main flagship branch, located on Fifth Avenue near Bryant Park, houses an amazing collection of old books, manuscripts and volumes. The buildings and rooms are full of history and well-preserved architecture. Though some of the collections are closed to the public, there's more than enough to see during a routine visit. The library also hosts talks and events for all age groups throughout the year.
New York Public Library
476 5th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 930-0800
www.nypl.org
Koreatown
Centered around West 32nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway lies Koreatown. According to the New York Times, it's a cluster of "24-hour restaurants, beauty spas and karaoke bars that close only when the sun starts to rise." There are plenty of spots for traditional Korean food and salon treatments, with most of the signage in the native language. Jennifer 8. Lee highlights the most popular attraction, 24 hour spas. Two of these, Spadium and Juvenex, offer treatments for both solitary patrons and couples with a wide-ranging price range.
BRGR
For an inexpensive meal, Chelsea's BRGR is a great find. Serving an interesting mix of organic beef, unique toppings and specialty shakes, BRGR suits a quirky date night or a family afternoon outing. The average burger is $8, which is a steal in Manhattan. BRGR isn't a late-night stop, since it closes at 11 PM, but its open early enough for brunch at 11 AM. BRGR is one of Time Out New York's recommended cheap eats for 2009.
BRGR
287 Seventh Avenue, between 26th and 27th Streets
New York, NY 10003
www.brgr.us
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met holds one of the largest collections of international classical art in the world, and holds a fascinating array of archeological finds, an Egyptian temple and Greek statuary. Arrive at the right time, and you might see a student from one of the city's numerous design schools sketching or painting in one of the galleries. The Met's suggested donation is $20, with discounts for groups and additional fees for specialty exhibits. Afterward, have drinks, lunch or dinner in one of the museum's cafes, or in the extensive cafeteria.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 535-7710
www.metmusuem.org
About the Author:
Gigi Starr is a freelance fashion writer. She previously served as the blog editor for a major online fashion blog and has more than a decade of backstage experience in the beauty and high fashion industries. She has worked for businesses like an internationally renowned theatrical touring company and events such as the Mercedes-Benz N.Y.C. Fashion Week.
Photo Credits:
2006 loumurphy / Creative Commons
