Or…it’s all about the newly opened Pier 26 in Tribeca
Photo by granddaughter
Photo by granddaughter
I was in Tribeca visiting family and we walked over to the newly opened Pier 26. What an amazing addition to the Hudson River waterfront. This Pier has spectacular views with an abundance of places to sit and kids to play. Plus, it’s a recreational, educational and most importantly an ecological space; all rolled into one. And, if time allows, stop to enjoy the view with a nice glass of something at the restaurant near the entrance of the Pier.
Or…not for your favorite sports team… but for those gorgeous dogs at the Westminster Dog Show!
Last night’s judging of the best of the Dalmatian breed
Photo of a Golden Retriever from 2019 – My favorite dog!
So for a few hours of pure enjoyment and great fun tonight: sit back, pour a nice glass of wine, turn on the TV and watch the judging of the Sporting, Working and Terrier groups. And then, the grand finale of BEST IN SHOW!
LOVE THIS CITY AND ADORE BEST IN SHOW! (Did you ever see that hysterical movie?)
KAY’S NOTES: I’m not going this year, but I’ve been in the past. There used to be plenty of tickets available, however, it has become a favorite of many New Yorkers and their families, so suggest you get tickets early. It’s always held near Valentines Day. It’s also possible to go behind the scenes prior to the judging which is held at the Piers. For more information check out the website: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/
Photos: Courtesy of New York Times and Westminster Kennel Club
Disclaimer – I try for correct info on kaysnycways – but no guarantees people
OR…What to do in the City on 3 Saturday mornings in August!
The annual car-free festival—which takes over seven miles of streets on the first three Saturdays in August—is returning this year, while the first one on August 3rd is over, there are two more to come on August 10th and 17th from 7 AM to 1 PM. Starting from lower Manhattan to the Upper East Side, with street closures beginning at the Brooklyn Bridge, going up Lafayette Street, and then along Park Avenue from Union Square to the Upper East Side. Check out the website that tells what goes on during Summer Streets describing the rest stops along the way with all kinds of activities….have fun! Remember it’s all over at 1 PM. Note: if you’re driving around the City on these dates be aware of the street closures.
FOR FULL INFO GO TO http://nyc.gov/summerstreets Much of this post was taken directly from the website – no plagiarism on my part (LOL)
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Or… Family and the beach for 50 years at the same place!
I’m back from this gorgeous beach and miss it already. Some may find what our family does is boring…on the other hand some may find it enviable. Don’t know, but it sure works for us.
This is how we spend our time each sun-filled or rain-filled day, with a few adjustments for showers: Breakfast, reading the papers, doing the crossword, walking on the beach, reading, family chefs cooking, golfing, happy hours drinking (notice the plural there) dinner, lively conversations with family musicians playing and singing. Plus always a unique jigsaw puzzle waiting on the table for someone to walk by and add a piece or two. Perhaps, once in a while if we are in the mood, a day trip somewhere. All in all…a perfectly wonderful time and has been all these years. Already reserved for the same weeks next year! 51 years ….wow!
This beautiful bird captured by our talented family photographer at Huntington Beach Park near where we stay.
BTW – kids, grand kids, usually not around as their lives are full with school, college, work, family, but we are able to harness them all when we have a reunion.
KAY’S NOTES:
This peninsula,off the coast of South Carolina is about 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 90 miles north of Charleston, has been our family’s go to place. It’s almost a second home and although we do not own the houses we stay in, the rentals are wonderful, on the ocean and not even close to the rates on the east end of Long Island! If you’ve been in the area you know exactly what I’m talking about. A lovely family beach! For us? spectacular memories!
Now…what’s going on in my City? I’ll let you know.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Remember that dinosaur I wrote about in Central Park in my last post? Well, as of April 19th, the Bronx Zoo will have a lot more of those creatures including the Dinosaur Parade, the Dinosaur Safari and for International Dinosaur Day on June 1st all kinds of events.. Have fun! https://bronxzoo.com/
Love this City and its many places to find those good old dinos, at least for now!
Photo courtesy of the Bronx Zoo website.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
When my 11 year old granddaughter told me, as we were sitting on a bench by the Central Park Zoo watching the animated dinosaur scare some kids, that she was on her school’s softball team and the games would be played on Randall’s Island… I said, “Randall’s Island Park! I love that place.”
Now just so you understand my reaction. I had seen the sign for Randall’s Island many times as I crossed over the RFK Bridge (formerly Triboro) in and out of the City. I was curious about what it was, but that was the extent of my curiosity. Then a few years ago my son told me that his daughter’s soccer team was playing there and did I want to go. Of course, to see her play, cheer on her team and to find out what Randall’s was all about. I was impressed as soon as we arrived. Little kids, big kids, adults in their team uniforms playing in fields all over the place. I didn’t know on that first visit the scope of the Park. It took multiple trips to really grasp it all.
The place is incredible. There are over 60 athletic fields for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and more. Space for huge concerts, outdoor movie nights, the Icahn Stadium for track and waterfront pathways for walking or biking. To top it off a mini-golf, golf and tennis centers, picnic spots and gardens. See what I mean. If you’ve been there you know what I’m talking about.
If your driving over the bridge, and time allows make the turn onto Randall’s Island. It’s free. Drive around and see this amazing part of the NYC Park system.( See under KAY’S NOTES directions on ways to get there other than by car). Fields are packed on weekends and after school on weekdays for school teams. Watch some fun games. The views are fantastic and if you decide to walk the path along the river with the City in the distance, take photos, views are that good. And notice the pedestrian bridges where people walk or bike from upper Manhattan. Check out the website packed full of info. /https://randallsisland.org/
One of the pedestrian bridges
Walk along the river
Something for everyone
Driving range
Central Park forsythia trying its best to show its colors
Back to our day at Central Park, the forsythias were just starting to show signs of spring. It was the first nice day after days of cold and rain. We had lunch at that little restaurant* by Sheep Meadow and then made our way to the west side. We headed downtown to see two of my other granddaughters. Delicious smells came as soon as the door opened at my son and daughter-in-law’s. They were preparing a wonderful dinner and after all the hugging and kissing, a beautiful glass of pinot noir came my way. A lovely City day by all counts.
LOVE THIS CITY! Dinos and all! As a special note, if you’re into dinosaurs, Museum of Natural History is the place especially with the addition of the Big Dino. https://www.amnh.org/
KAY’S NOTES
IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK
There are snack bars open during spring and summer with roving carts of hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Yes, of course, restrooms. Except for Icahn Stadium there are very few bleachers or places to sit. Suggest you take a blanket, plus a hat and that good old umbrella just in case. I take my black cashmere cape…but that’s a story for another post..
DIRECTIONS: Easy to get there by car, bus, ferry, walking, biking and shuttle. Some modes, like the ferry and shuttle, operate only during certain events. I suggest you check out the Park’s website. Don’t rely on my directions, more than likely I’d get you lost! /https://randallsisland.org/
*That little restaurant is part of the Le Pain Quotidien chain, they’re all over the City and I like them. On occasion, I’ll write about some restaurants I’ve been to as to give some info that might be helpful on your travels. This location in the Park is a great place to stop for coffee, lunch, a glass of wine. Food is good, staff is nice and has table service and to-go options. Tables are all outside and people watching is primo! If you’re walking your dog, dogs are definitely welcome.
Photos: Courtesy of Randall’s Island Park website, the dinosaur and forsythia photos by my granddaughter.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
Or…hints on visiting the Met Museum with granddaughters 10, 9 and 7 guided by 2 grandmothers.
I’m pretty sure that most of you already know much of what is in this post, but I’m going to tell you anyway just in case. These hints have worked for me over the years when going with young children. Older kids are a whole other story to be saved for another time.
FOR A FUN VISIT
Suggestion 1: Really helps to have a partner with you – my co-grandmother was the best! Keep your sense of humor (lol)
Suggestion 2: Go early. In fact, if you can get there when the museum opens all the better. It gets very crowded as the day progresses especially on weekends or holidays. We went on President’s Day and met at 10.
Suggestion 3: Although it’s fun going up those big steps to enter the Met, if you can manage them (kids fine, but grandmothers…not so much), an alternative is to use the entrance on 81st street, which is left of the steps facing the museum. The lines are less, there’s a bathroom, coat check, not as crazy as main floor and no steps!
Suggestion 4: Have a plan. Take plenty of photos. Be sure everyone has a map of the museum and check out any special events.
Suggestion 5: Start with something they have seen before and liked or never saw, but you think they would like. We headed to the Temple of Dendur walking through the Egyptian wing with all those hieroglyphics and mummies and jewels… a big hit!
Suggestion 6: Definitely see the knights and armor right off the American Wing. One granddaughter, after looking at them with their lances. weapons and shields ready to battle said, “And I’m afraid of the basketball?”
Knights and Armor – always a good stop!
Suggestion 7: See the classics and watch out for boredom. It can happen quickly. Impressionists are good as is the contemporary wing. We only made it to the impressionists, which they liked as they recognized some of the works.
Suggestion 8: Any special exhibits? We saw JEWELRY: THE BODY TRANSFORMED with unique pieces, such as these sandals. It was our unanimous opinion that they would be very uncomfortable especially with one toe missing.
YIKES!
We took our photos under the glass enclosed gold jeweled encrusted crown pretending we were wearing it atop our heads. The other wasn’t bad — but we went for the bling
Bling? Oh yeah!
Coffee? Mine. Rest? theirs!
Suggestion 9: Eat before they are starving. Go early! Cafeteria downstairs is great and has all the food they like. During lunch we talked about our favorite artists. One of our granddaughters couldn’t remember an artist’s name, but said he was her favorite. He drew pictures without faces she said and sketched a rough drawing on her paper cup. We all knew at once who the artist was, just couldn’t remember the name either. So we googled it and discovered, of course, Keith Haring!
Photo courtesy of Keith Haring Foundation
Suggestion 10: Before you leave stop at the gift shop for a souvenir. Price limit is a good idea. We set under $10…lots of choices, they were happy. We had stayed about four hours, which is just about the right amount of time for this age group. I think! We all had a really great time.
CLOSING WITH MY USUAL ‘LOVE THIS CITY’ WITH THE ADDITION OF “AND LOVE SHARING IT WITH GRANDCHILDREN”!
KAY’S NOTES:
It was really fun and they want to do it again. In fact, our next trip will be to The Whitney. A whole other vibe as suggested by my good friend and co-grandmother! Of course, we’ll return to the Met we only touched the tip of this cultural masterpiece.
THE WHITNEY
Photos courtesy of Met Museum, Keith Haring Foundation, The Whitney and my smart phone.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people. ——————————————————————————————————————–
Or…The Westminster Dog Show winner will be awarded February 12th!
I never watched the show until about 20 years ago. My dog, Nadia, was a beautiful golden retriever whom we had to put down. She was 17. Shortly after, I was flipping thru the TV channels and stopped short when I saw a field of goldies. With tears flowing, I watched as the judges decided which of those gorgeous dogs would move on. That was it… I was hooked. I’ve been watching it ever since and have gone many times.
From NY Times – which will be the best of this breed?
Over the weekend, the selection of best breed to compete for Best in Show was held at Piers 92/94 12th Ave. on the west side of the City. It’s a wonderful family outing and one I highly recommend. The finals are at Madison Square Garden. Check it all out on their website. westminster
Photo: WKC
My pick for the 2019 winner would be, of course, a golden retriever!!!
Watching the selection is a hoot. The crowds cheer, whistle and clap like it’s a basketball or hockey game at the Garden, yelling out for their favorites.
Photo from MSG
LOVE THIS CITY – AND LOVE THE DOG SHOW!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The first time I went – no problem getting a ticket. Now, close to being sold out each year. Ticket prices vary – general admission the cheapest.
FUN TO KNOW: Members of the Westminster Kennel Club and some owners come in gowns and tuxedos with lots of glitter looking their very best as they watch these elegant purebreds strut their stuff. The rest of us? You name it, but its always a great time no matter the wardrobe!
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
I had to take the LIRR at Penn Station a few weeks ago and forgot how crowded, noisy, messy with people, vendors, cars,taxis, buses all trying to get somewhere. If that was the first impression that I had as a tourist arriving in NYC and coming out of Penn Station, I too would question the sanity of anyone choosing to live here. Of course, once away from that chaos, the excitement of this City starts to hit and that first impression begins to dissipate at least for a while.
Upper West Side Neighborhood
I think that all tourists should be required (rather strong word) or encouraged (better word) to visit a neighborhood where people actually live. You know, where they work, go to school, buy groceries, go to kids’ sports games like families do. Visitors might then have a better idea of why living in the City in a tiny expensive apartment might have some pluses. Now the really young – teenagers, kids with dreams-this is where they want to be. They get it.
Upper East Side Neighborhood
I’ve written about our neighborhoods before, but I’m making this suggestion. If you are coming in to see the sights, a show, eat at a great restaurant, visit a museum how about making another plan to venture out of those popular and interesting places and find a neighborhood to walk around. A great one is a few blocks from the important and heavily tourist area of the World Trade Center. Cross over West Side Highway to Murray Street which is very easy to find. If it’s a weekend or in the evening watch the kids play soccer or baseball on the large sports field. The neighborhood has a library up the street – a school nearby –grocery stores and restaurants. Walk to the river – and then walk along the river – see families having picnics on the grass – napping and reading, playing ball, climbing and swinging in the playgrounds.
Near Murray Street and Battery Park Neighborhood
These neighborhoods are all over the City. Granted some more dense than others, but it gives a glimpse into the lives of New Yorkers who live, retire and work here and enjoy most everything that visitors do with a great perk…home is just around the corner. Maybe you still won’t want that small apartment without a yard, but maybe you’ll understand why some of us do.
Happy Labor Day! Love this City!
KAY’S NOTES:
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Just have fun here – and maybe I’ll see you in my ‘hood!
Photos by me!
:Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
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