Castle Clinton New York
1800s artillery battery
Everyone who visits New York City seems to know about Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry, but what fewer people know until they get there is that a castle stands here, looking out over the water. Though it may not be as large as some of its European counterparts, it still stands testament to the conflicts surrounding the founding of the United States.
The fort was originally built to keep the British at bay during the War of 1812, though it never ended up seeing any military action. Over the years, the structure was used as an entertainment center, an immigration center, and an aquarium.
Today, the bow-shaped castle has been restored and even houses a few cannons, pointed out over the water as if still to protect the city from invasion. Inside, tourists can buy tickets to see the Statue of Liberty, as well as purchasing souvenirs from the gift shop. Even with the ticket office and gift shop, the site never feels too crowded by tourists and is definitely worth a visit for history-oriented travelers like me!
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S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
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Rubenstein Atrium
Lincoln Center free concerts
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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Gray's Papaya
Traditional NY hot dogs
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
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Revson Fountain
Lincoln center
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
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Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
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La Casa Bella
Bay Ridge Italian
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
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American Legion Post 398
Hot Harlem night
At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
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"A Great Day in Harlem" Site
Historic jazz site
"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
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Hudson River Greenway
Hudson River bike route
The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
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New Plaza Cinema
Art house cinema
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
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