A New York state of mind

Zoomer | February 17th, 2008

Canadians love New York City so much that 840,000 of them visited in 2007, according to the city’s tourism agency. And it’s no wonder. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a fun-filled sightseeing adventure or a family-friendly vacation, New York has something for everyone.

Shopping
Of course when we think of New York City, one of the first things that come to mind is great shopping. From shoe shopping in Soho to exploring Tiffany’s on 5th avenue, you are sure to find something that strikes your interest and is within your budget.

One of the top department stores in NY is Barneys New York. If you are fashion forward and able to afford the price tags, you’ll love shopping at this department store known for its trendy selection of merchandise. And if you happen to be in town for the store’s twice a year Warehouse Sale (August and February) you just might score a deal. (During the sale, the store sells overstock at 50 – 75 per cent off original retail prices.) Location – 660 Madison Avenue 60th/61st

If you are a shopping veteran and don’t mind spending a long period of time in a department store, Bloomingdales is for you. It may be slightly overwhelming for some, and a sales-goldmine for others. Location – 1000 Third Ave. 59th

Sample sales are a great way to find designer clothing at a fraction of the retail price. Finding these sales, however, is the challenge. Here is a list of tips from about.com of how to find sample sales.

• Top Button – Registration is required, but free, on this site which strives to offer comprehensive sample sales listings.

• The Budget Fashionista – This blog is regularly updated with discount clothing options, and they maintain a List of Sales in New York City

• juli b – This bi-weekly lifestyle email newsletter often includes lists of upcoming sample sales, as well as unique discounts for subscribers.

Sight-seeing
The NY SEE IT ALL! Tour is the only tour in NY where the tour guides step off the bus with you to give you a more comprehensive description of your surroundings. Enjoy free refreshments throughout your tour as well. Pricing is $60 for adults and $55 for children under the age of 12. The tour lasts 5.5 hours.

The New York Party Shuttle Tours presents a night tour called NY See the Lights! This tour starts in Times Square and takes you around the city allowing visitors to soak in the city at night. You will cross over the Manhattan Bridge and journey through Brooklyn and visit the Fulton Ferry Landing while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the lights of Manhattan from across the river. This tour lasts 3 hours and is $40 for adults and $37 for children under 12.

Or if you’re up for a little adventure, consider taking a romantic helicopter flight. For the price of $68.99 a person, you’ll enjoy the ultimate aerial view of downtown and midtown Manhattan. The 7-minute flight includes a fly-by the USS Intrepid, the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, and Central Park.

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Nightlife
What would a trip to New York City be without seeing a Broadway or Off-Broadway show? Here are just a few you can select from.

Spring Awakening
This alt rock musical was created by singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik and playwright Steven Sater to bring audiences a story about first loves, hidden passions and lasting regrets.

The story is based on Frank Wedekind’s ‘controversial 19-century play that was banned for 71 years. Spring Awakening ‘boldly depicts how young people navigate the thrilling, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening.’ Tickets go on sale at the beginning of June, 2008.

Gypsy
Gypsy is about a relentless stage mother, Rose, who travels the country with her two daughters June and Louise and their manager Herbie. All June and Louise want is for their mother to settle down and marry Herbie, but instead Rose decides to pursue dreams of fame and fortune for her daughters. When June decides to leave the act, Rose then focuses her attention to timid Louise in hopes that she will become a star. When her act is mistakenly booked at a burlesque house, Louise is forced into the spotlight and Gypsy Rose Lee is ‘born’. Tickets on sale March 2008.

To save money on tickets you can sign up for the free discount ticket listings at sites such as Theater Mania and Playbill, which offer savings on advance tickets for select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Or to save even more, get in line at a TKTS Discount Booth on the day you want to see a performance (you can save up to 50 per cent on some plays.) If the show you’ve set your heart on is sold out, check online ticket brokers such as StubHub or RazorGator, where people sell extra seats or tickets they won’t be using.

Listen to the music
Virtually every night of the week, New York offers world-class musicians in venues across the city. Check out current music events at websites such as Classical Domain and for jazz at Gotham Jazz. Rock-n-roll fans can find indie events listed at Oh My Rockness. Some concerts are free of charge, especially during the summer.

Cultural Treasures
Don’t forget to save time for the many ‘cultural treasures’ NYC has to offer such as the museum of natural history or the museum of modern art.
Learn more.