My Backstage Pass to New York City

Life is utterly crazy right now with my move tomorrow and trying to get everything ready – eek. I am so excited that the day is almost here and by Sunday I know I am going to be loving life but until then, eek.  Really though, it is a first world problem. I live in the best city in the world and am moving closer to more of my favorite things, I will be less than a mile from the Met and Central Park.

What are my other favorite New York City things?  Well, I did a guest post on East &, formerly Back East Blonde, on my Backstage Pass for New York City in January.   Well,  today I wanted to share my list with you on Sparkles and Shoes! These are eight places and things to do you will not find in the first few results  of “TOP NYC THINGS TO DO” on Google.

I grew up in the suburbs of New York, went away for college, and am now back in New York City.  After two years of living here as an adult I still have not scratched the surface of all of the things there is to do.  I am constantly being surprised by this magical city.   Today I wanted to share with you my backstage pass – eight things you won’t find in the guide books and that are what the “locals” do.

1)  Visit the Alamo  – No, I am not suggesting you go to Texas. Instead, we have our very own Alamo in the heart of the city. The Alamo, also known as the Astor Place Cube, is in the heart of Greenwich Village.  Once you see the big cube, it is hard to miss, bar hoping in Greenwich Village is a true must. I am not going to give you a list of my favorites – simply walk into one, feel the vibe, and do not be embarrassed to turn right back around and pick the next one if it does not suit your fancy.

2)  Check out TKTS – TKTS is where you can go to get discount tickets to the top Broadway shows. The only catch is you have to get them day of.  The Times Square location is probably in the tour books but there are two much less crowded locations that have the same tickets – the South Street Seaport location or the one Downtown Brooklyn. If you want to see a play check those out.  My recommendation?  Get tickets to see Kinky Boots if you can, it is the best show I have ever seen on Broadway.

(3) Take A Tour – In the city that never sleeps I have heard of at least 50 walking tours that I would like to go on.  If you want to see the sites I recommend the SoHo sites, NoLita Shopping tour, or one of the many walking tours in Central Park so you do not walk around the 778 acres unguided.  I have also gone on both chocolate tasting and cheese tasting tours which were amazing.  Whether you want to walk, eat, or bike your way through a tour NYC has something for you. You can check them out here.

(4) Staten Island Ferry – I am so surprised how many born and bread New Yorkers have never been on the SIF.  The boat takes a five mile, 25 minute ride from Manhattan to Staten Island and provides a majestic view of New York Harbor.  It is an absolutely stunning ride any time of year! Check out the schedule to find out when you can take your free ride!

(5) Walk the High Line – Not all of New York’s parks are green spaces. The High Line Park is actually on an elevated disused freight rail line in Manhattan’s West Side. It’s a great place to view the city, chow down on a picnic or just relax. Open daily, between 7am and 10pm, there are various access points.  I brought my parents to The High Line in August and they loved it!

(6) Take a Break in Green Acre Park – New York City’s secret gardens are a terrific place to escape the noise and bustle of a major city.  Once such is these little pockets of green is called Greenacre Park on 51st Street between Second and Third avenues. I visit this little midtown oasis at least once a week on my lunch break and it features a beautiful 25-foot waterfall.

(7)  Experience Smorgasburg – Smorgasburg is a gigantic food market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, every Saturday that hosted by The Brooklyn Flea. In the summer it is outside and truly magnificent, I went two weeks ago when my friend was visiting from England and enjoyed Mexican elote and some local beer.  The fare ranges from elaborate chocolate truffles and s’mores to gourmet grilled cheese and pulled pork sliders.  If you decide to take my advice make sure to arrive hungry and bring cash!

(8) Dine at Fig and Olive – I found this spot during Restaurant Week and it was so good I have gone back numerous times and paid full price.  Between the  Manchego, Fig, Marcona Almond and Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, Walnut crostinis to the Yellowfin Tuna ala Provencale and Sirloin you really can’t go wrong.  There are three locations and as proof that I love it?  I had dinner with my brother at the Fig & Olive Meatpacking location on Tuesday night!

Well there are you go, eight of my favorite spots in New York City. Make sure to check out at least a few on your next trip to the big apple or even look me up for a blate!