New York Calendar 2007 - 2008 - Big Y® World Class Market®

January 2008 - Times Square

Times Square has become so much more than the heart of the Theatre District. It’s now a family destination, with something to tantalize just about everyone! Stand below the window at MTV to catch a glimpse of your favorite pop star, or check out ESPN’s flagship store for sports memorabilia. Don’t miss Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, a tourist favorite, where you can mingle with the stars and take a picture with everyone from Brad Pitt to President Kennedy. If the indoor attractions don’t dazzle you, never fear. Times Square becomes a world of illumination after dusk. Just stand outside and look up at the hundreds of neon signs blinking their messages. You’re sure to be entertained by the many street acts — jugglers, guitar players, singers — all anxious to be discovered under the world-famous glittering lights.

City Tip
If you have a sweet tooth, make your day extra sweet with a visit to Hershey’s Times Square or M&M’s World candy store, just one block apart.

February 2008 - Lincoln Center

Home of the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the Philharmonic Orchestra and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center is an internationally renowned cultural touchstone. Comprised of a total of 12 organizations, the Lincoln Center complex presents thousands of performances, educational programs, tours and other events annually. Any time of year is a great time to visit Lincoln Center.

City Tip
If you are visiting Lincoln Center during summer vacation, see their Web site for more information on Midsummer Night Swing, an afternoon dancing event for children that is both fun and educational. Don’t forget to ask about student discounts and special children’s pricing on any performances. www.lincolncenter.org.

March 2008 - Brooklyn Bridge

One of the country’s oldest and most beautiful suspension bridges, The Brooklyn Bridge is more than just a historic feat of engineering — it’s a work of art. Work began on the bridge in 1870. When it opened to the public in 1883, it was known as the Great East River Bridge. The final price tag to build this masterpiece was just over $15 million. Now a national landmark, it is Brooklyn’s most beloved attraction and the main artery between Brooklyn and Manhattan — more than 140,000 vehicles drive across its 1,595-foot span (between the towers) every single day.

City Tip
Take advantage of a brisk spring day to traverse the Brooklyn Bridge on foot — an unbeatable way to see its true beauty up close and enjoy the panoramic views of New York City. End your stroll in Brooklyn Heights, where you can sip coffee, eat lunch and visit numerous shops and boutiques just seconds away.

April 2008 - Botanical Gardens/Bronx Zoo

Use Earth Day as your excuse to visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens and world-famous Bronx Zoo, conveniently located together in (where else) the Bronx. This urban oasis consists of 50 gardens covering 250 acres, including the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. Don’t miss the Forest, which appears straight out of a fairy tale — just the place for your family to escape the city’s bustle. Stop by the Home Gardening Center for at-home gardening ideas. Children will love the Adventure Garden, with amazing animal topiaries and even a Venus Flytrap. The entire family will enjoy making a connection to nature.

City Tip
In late April the gardens feature a tropical paradise— the Caribbean Gardens. Find out more by visiting www.nybg.org.

May 2008 - Central Park

Central Park is one of New York’s greatest works of art and its greatest jewel. Where else in New York can you find bandstands, zoos, ponds, canoeing and a turn-of-the-century carousel in the summer, and cross-country skiing, horse-drawn carriage rides and ice skating at a world-famous landmark during the winter? Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park, which he intended as a destination for people of all social and ethnic backgrounds to congregate. Known
as the “lungs of New York,” Central Park has given respite and inspiration to countless millions of New Yorkers and visitors alike. This beautiful oasis is truly a year-round treasure.

City Tip
Central Park is immense — trying to pinpoint exactly where you are? Use
the numbered lampposts as orientation tools: The first two numbers indicate cross streets. For example: 68 means you are parallel to 68th Street.

June 2008 - Broadway/Radio City Music Hall

Stage musicals are one of America’s great homegrown art forms, and Broadway is the hub of American theater. Live Broadway is your backstage pass to lifetime memories as shows start here, then tour from city to city, on stage after stage, across the country. To see another slice of American pop-cultural history, head over to 6th Avenue between West 50th and West 51st Streets (just blocks from Broadway) to see Radio City Music Hall, where the famous Rockettes have performed for 75 years. If there’s no show when you’re in town, take the behind-the-scenes “Stage Door Tour” of the theater, where you’ll get to experience Radio City Music Hall up close and personal, and get to meet a Rockette as well!

City Tip
Tip: Visit TKS for half-price tickets or day-of-show specials or visit www.broadway.com for special rates, discounted weekend matinees or suddenly
available seats.

July 2008 - Ellis Island

At the heart of America is the energy, talent and skills that so many immigrants brought to our shores. For so many families, Ellis Island was the gateway, the place where our ancestors first set foot on United States soil. More than 12 million people in search of freedom and opportunity passed through Ellis Island from 1892 until it closed in 1954. Some famous alumni of Ellis Island include Irving Berlin, who came through from Russia in 1893; Frank Capra, who came
from Italy in 1903; Max Factor, who came from Russia in 1904; Rudolph Valentino, who came from Italy in 1913; and the Baron von Trapp family depicted in The Sound of Music, who came from Austria in 1939.

City Tip
If you want to find out if your family immigrated through Ellis Island and
you’d like to find their name, go to www.ellisisland.com.

August 2008 - Empire State Building

Although the Empire State Building is no longer the tallest building in the world, it still represents the soaring idea of the great American skyscraper. It offers many activities for families, including the famous observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors, where visitors can take in spectacular views of New York City and see as far as the neighboring states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Kids will enjoy the New York SKYRIDE, a simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theater. At night, a spectacular light show takes over the exterior, changing frequently for national holidays and other events.

City Tip
The Empire State Building remains one of New York’s most popular attractions for visitors, drawing large crowds. Those crowds translate into long lines — and there are actually three lines: one for security, one for purchasing tickets and one for the elevator that takes you to the top! Want to see the spectacular view without the wait? Buy an ESB express pass, which will take you directly to
the front of all three lines. Visit www.esbnyc.com and click on the “visitor information” tab for more information.

September 2008 - World Trade Center / FDNY Memorial Wall

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of 9/11, the Tribute to the World Trade Center opened on September 18, 2006, at 120 Liberty Street near Ground Zero. Founded by the September 11 Families Association to memorialize the events of 9/11, the Tribute is temporary and will eventually be replaced by a permanent museum and memorial. Visitors can take a walking tour of the memorial, which includes five exhibits depicting loss, survival and heroism. Right now Ground Zero itself is dominated by heavy construction; the permanent memorial is scheduled to open in 2009, with the museum following in 2010. During construction, a fenced walkway of the site allows visitors to safely pay their respects. Directly across the street from Ground Zero at the New York City Fire Department’s Engine 10 Ladder 10, a special memorial (a portion of the Tribute is depicted here) is dedicated to New York’s bravest. Dedicated on June 10, 2006, The FDNY Memorial Wall is inscribed with the names of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives that
day trying to save others.

City Tip
Glimpses of the site are possible from a few nearby hotels, the top of the
Empire State Building and helicopter tours that offer aerial views. The names of the deceased will be etched on the pools and ramps of the permanent memorial in random order. Visitors looking for a specific loved one’s name will be guided by on-site staff or a printed directory to its location.

October 2008 - Yankee Stadium

One of the most beloved of American baseball stadiums opened in 1923. Home to some of the greatest all-time baseball legends — Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio, to name just a few — Yankee Stadium has also housed some of the best championship teams ever to play the game. But you’ll have to enjoy the nostalgia while it lasts. In August 2006, groundbreaking began on what will be the new Yankee Stadium, scheduled for completion in 2009. But even though the stadium will have new features and be state-of-the-art in every way, the Yankees will carry over some of the time-honored traditions of their old stadium. They plan on keeping the field dimensions the same as well as transferring Monument Park from the old stadium.

City Tip
Want a private tour of Yankee Stadium? Purchase tickets at www.yankees.com or at the Yankee Stadium advance ticket windows for a one-hour tour that includes visits to the field, dugout, press box, clubhouse (when available) and historic Monument Park. Tickets are available for advance purchase until 11:00 a.m. the day of the tour.

November 2008 - Statue of Liberty

In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the people of the United States by the people of France to honor the friendship between the two nations. As the first thing seen by millions of immigrants as they arrived in the United States, the statue became a powerful symbol for the many freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. Today, this landmark, established as a national monument in 1924, is still recognized as an emblem of liberty throughout the world. Weighing in at 225 tons, the statue’s total height from the base of the pedestal foundation to the top of the torch is 305 feet, 6 inches. Just in time for its 100th birthday in 1986, the statue underwent an extensive $86 million restoration.

City Tip
If you’re planning on seeing many of New York’s most popular tourist sites,
including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Museum of Modern Art and many more, look into purchasing a New York Pass. It’s a single ticket that grants you admission to a myriad of attractions and can save you up to $300. Visit www.newyorkpass.com for more information.

December 2008 - Rockefeller Center

Known as the city within the city, Rockefeller Center is a montage of Art Deco buildings and art, complete with beautiful gardens in the summertime and the famous skating rink that draws thousands each winter. However, it’s perhaps best known for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, and for its amazing, must-see Christmas display, replete with carolers, skaters and horn-blowing angels. You can also experience the Art and Observation Tour, a family-fun extravaganza that’s a combination of the Rockefeller Center tour and a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the summit of
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 70 stories above the city.

City Tip
Rockefeller Center is also the home to NBC, and you can take a tour of the
network’s halls and operations. On the one hour and 10-minute-long tour, you’ll learn about the network’s history and visit some of its more famous studios, including the Today Show, Dateline NBC, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Saturday Night Live. You can also try to get tickets to attend a live show. For more information, visit www.nbcuniversalstore.com and click on NBC Guided Tours.

Getting Around in New York

New York has great transportation — which doesn’t necessarily mean that getting around this vast metropolis is easy. Here is what you need to know:

• The subways will take you almost anywhere for the price of a $2.00 MetroCard (easily bought at machines inside the subway entrances), and there are discounts for multiple trips. Get a map from the kiosk at the entrance,
or look online at www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm.

• Taxis cost more, but they’re everywhere in Manhattan. Just look for the distinctive yellow cars with the lit-up numbers on top (if the light on top is
off, the taxi’s taken), and stick out your hand. Prices start at $2.50; tip 15% – 20% if the driver does a decent job.

• Buses cost the same as the subway, but the stops and the traffic can make them as slow as walking. Still, they come in handy when you’re too worn out to take another step. Bus maps are available at www.mta.info/nyct/maps/manbus.pdf.

• Finally, you can always call a limo (it’s not necessarily as pricey as it sounds), and some of the most affordable companies have the easiest numbers to remember: 212-777-7777, 212-666-6666 or 212-444-4444. While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of listings, information is subject to change. Please call the telephone numbers listed to verify information, availability and pricing.

Places to Stay

Each year, more than 30 million visitors arrive armed with cameras and guide maps to explore the city that never sleeps. With so many visitors, you can imagine the enormous amount of hotels available in New York. We have made the search easier for you by compiling this list of some of New York’s more family-friendly places to stay.

New York Marriott Marquis Times Square
1535 Broadway • 1-800-843-4898 or 212-398-1900

A modern luxury hotel featuring a 37-story atrium, the Marriott Marquis offers an array of spacious guest rooms, recreation facilities and restaurants, including the View —Manhattan’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge. Located in the heart of Times Square, the hotel has its own 1,600-seat Broadway theater, and is within walking distance of all major theaters, many of the must-see museums and
Rockefeller Center. Come enjoy the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and the pulsating energy of Midtown.

The New York Helmsley Hotel
212 East 42nd St. • 1-800-221-4982 or 212-405-4300

The New York Helmsley is one hotel that is close to everything. City attractions include Broadway, the Garment District and Times Square. This hotel features a mix of state-of-the-art amenities with a classic feel. The lobby sports a gift shop as well as free newspapers. Harry’s New York Bar is the hotel’s on-site lounge and offers free hors d’oeuvres during happy hour and a 60-inch TV for those who want to check out the big game. Mindy’s, the hotel’s restaurant, spans over
three floors and features American cuisine.

The Salisbury Hotel
123 West 57th St. • 1-888-NYC-5757 or 212-246-1300

Located in the Midtown area of New York City, The Salisbury Hotel offers a location that is near various popular attractions including Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue shopping, Times Square and the Lincoln Center. Amenities include continental breakfasts, business services, Internet access and a 24-hour front desk.

Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea
160 West 25th St. • 212-627-1888

The Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan is one of the most elegant yet comfortable hotels around. With nearby attractions including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Broadway and Rockefeller Center, it’s easy to see why the hotel is a favorite for tourists. Each of the 158 rooms is equipped with high-speed Internet, a 42-inch plasma TV, CD player and
bottled water.

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square
1568 Broadway • 1-800-222-TREE or 212-719-1600

If you are traveling with a family in tow, here is one of the better New York City hotel choices. All 460 suites provide guests with comfortable luxury. Amenities you’ll find standard in each suite include everything from a refrigerator and microwave to high-speed Internet access, a flat panel TV, refreshments center and much more. The Doubletree is the only all-suite hotel located in Times Square and is next door to Broadway and steps away from spectacular attractions, restaurants and shopping. Nearby you will find Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and many other great sights and sounds of the city.

The Excelsior Hotel
45 West 81st St. • 212-362-9200

Located on the Upper West Side, The Excelsior Hotel is part of a historic, tree-lined neighborhood. The lobby features beams, chandeliers, oil paintings, fresh-cut flowers and seating areas with gold trimmed French-style sofas and armchairs. The hotel offers a library that holds hundreds of books and tables, love seats and leather sofas. There is also a state-of-the-art gym that features cardio and weight machines, free weights, televisions, towels and a water cooler. Area attractions include the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and the bright lights of Broadway just three blocks away.

Best of the Best

In an ever-challenging effort to bring visitors the best eating secrets of the city from the best pizza to the best ice cream scoops, we’ve combed the streets of New York to speak to the experts who know their city best — the locals — to bring you the best.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN

Spigolo
1561 Second Ave. at 81st St.
212-744-1100
If you are as bored with the same old, same old Italian food as the ancient
waiters shuffle around, trying to sell you on the same old dessert cart with its typical tiramisu, you’ll love this youthful establishment. Serving everything from homemade gnocchi to stuffed baby artichokes, Spigolo is famed for its REAL Italian food — like Uncle Louie’s mother would make in your dreams.

BEST FAMILY/ROMANTIC ITALIAN
• with an outdoor garden •

Bello Giardino
71 West 71st St. between CPW & Columbus Ave.
212-875-1512
When you arrive, ask for the fabulous and friendly owner Nick. He and his world famous meatballs have earned numerous glowing reviews and have even been featured on the CBS Morning Show. For savory summer meals, you can’t beat the outdoor terrace with its casual, friendly tables — its grapevine-covered ceiling provides ample atmosphere and shelter from the sun.

BEST FAMILY-STYLE AUTHENTIC FRENCH RESTAURANT

Tout Va Bien
311 West 51st St. between 8th & 9th Ave.
212-265-0190
While the lilting accents of the wait staff will make you feel like you are in Brittany or Provence, the family-friendly French fare will transport your taste buds to the continent — you can even indulge in that old-fashioned favorite escargot. Relax and mingle with the locals at the cozy, checkered-cloth-covered tables as music plays softly in the background.

BEST SANDWICH

Bar Americain
152 West 52nd St. • 212-265-9700
This very American, slightly upscale diner is owned and operated by famed chef Bobby Flay — you haven’t had an open-faced sandwich until you’ve had one created by the master himself. A great spot for when Mom and Dad need a break on a (still believable) budget.

BEST BBQ

Rub BBQ
208 West 23rd St. between 7th & 6th Ave.
212-524-4300
Urban, flavorful and right in Chelsea, RUB BBQ offers just about everything — ribs, burgers, you name it.

BEST PIZZA

Lombardi’s
32 Spring St. • 212-941-7994
Established in 1905, it’s still the first and best full-fledged pizza joint.

BEST DELI

Carnegie Deli
854 7th Ave. at 55th St. • 212-757-2245
Famous for the world’s biggest sandwich, this marquee deli has been a must-visit since it opened in 1937. Be prepared for long lines, and remember that it’s cash only.

BEST HOT DOG

Gray’s Papaya
2090 Broadway
(Upper West Side) • 212-799-0243
Don’t let the out-the-door lines scare you — they move with lightning speed. After all, where can you get the city’s best hot dog, a drink and whatever else suits your fancy for under $3?

BEST HAMBURGER
• in a neighborhood •

Lucky’s Famous Burgers
370 West 52nd between 8th & 9th Ave.
212-247-6717
Take a trip back to your childhood with one of these juicy burgers. Don’t forget all the trimmings: tomato, lettuce, cheddar, pickles, onions and, of course, the mysterious and delicious Lucky sauce. Oh, and the onion rings are to die for.

BEST ICE CREAM

Serendipity 3
225 East 60th St. • 212-838-3531
This indulgent Upper East Side ice cream
parlor focuses on kids, kids and kids!

Ciao Bella Gelato Cafe
285 Mott St.
212-226-7668
For the ice cream connoisseur, Ciao Bella’s vivid and unique flavors make it more than worth the trip to Manhattan’s funky Nolita neighborhood.

FUN FOOD

Big Daddy’s Diner
239 Park Ave. South between 19th & 20th St.
212-477-1500
What will you find at Big Daddy’s? Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner — everything including the kitchen sink is on this menu, and in enormous portions! Try the Hunka Burning Love Pancakes, laden with bananas and chocolate chips, or the Honey-Dipped Fried Chicken in a basket! You get the point.

Vynl
754 9th Ave. at 51th St. • 212-974-2003
With a theme redolent of 1950s nostalgia, you’ll expect The Fonz to walk out from the men’s room at any moment! Its walls are lined with old 45s and the decor includes Barbie dolls dressed as The Beatles and N’Sync. Vynl is sure to entertain your kids with its kitschy charm. Plus, the menu is full of good,
old-fashioned, all-American eats — foods kids will understand and parents will enjoy.

BEST KIDS EATS

Bubby’s
120 Hudson St. • 212-219-0666
This affordable family-friendly joint is known for its energized, kid-welcoming atmosphere. Did we mention it’s right across the street from a playground?

BEST CUPCAKES

Crumbs
321½ Amsterdam Ave. at 75th St. • 212-712-9800
1371 Third Ave. at 78th St. • 212-794-9800
43 West 42nd St. between 5th & 6th Ave.
212-221-1500
Longing for an actual homemade Hostess cupcake or an old-fashioned butter cream cupcake like Grandma used to make? If that’s not enough, their
lattes, cappuccinos and Snickers cookies are out of this sweet-toothed world.

Where History Comes to Life

Are you afraid that your family will run in the opposite direction the minute
you say the word “museum”? You don’t have to worry in New York, where the city’s many museums offer something for everyone. Whether you check out the modern art at the Guggenheim on a rainy afternoon or take in the life-size dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History on a hot, steamy August day,
everyone in your family will be amazed by the great variety of choices. If it is snowing, be sure to stop at the Met’s glass-walled cafe for cookies and hot cocoa as you watch the snowflakes fall. For hours of operation, maps and more
information, visit www.nyctourist.com.

Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Ave. at 75th St.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
1-800-WHITNEY

The Whitney is home to one of the country’s greatest collections of 20th century American art, including renowned paintings by Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, alongside sculptures by Alexander Calder and George Segal.

Museum of Television & Radio
25 West 52nd St. (between 5th & 6th Ave.)
212-621-6800

This museum truly has it all. The collection includes more than 50,000 television and radio programs and advertisements from the 1920s to the present. For up to two hours at a time, visitors can catch classic Jack Benny or early Ed Sullivan shows, watch the first moonwalk, view episodes of I Love Lucy, M*A*S*H and The Sopranos, or even see the Beatles’ first appearance on American television.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St.
Closed Thursdays
212-423-3500

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum encircles you in a world of masterpieces. You’ll see works of art by such noted artists as Chagall, Kandinsky, Picasso and van Gogh, plus changing exhibitions that are always
significant and intriguing.

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th St.
212-769-5100

This family-friendly favorite was the backdrop for the recent movie blockbuster Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller. Take a trip back in time to see the dinosaurs, the Vikings and the Native Americans, too. This museum also hosts many special events, so check their calendar to see what’s happening when you plan to visit.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave. at 82nd St.
Closed Mondays
212-535-7710

You’ll find it all at the Met — ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, the American Masters and everything in between. Truly New York’s grandest museum.

New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St.
718-699-0005

This 30,000-square-foot science and technology center has more than 225 interactive exhibits. Visitors can see the Pfizer Foundation Biochemistry Discovery Lab and play scientist for the afternoon. See a microbe zoo, enter a
distorted room where people appear to shrink or grow, and let your body provide the electric connection to make music! While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of listings, hours and information are subject to change.
Please call the telephone numbers listed to verify information.