I asked a local New Yorker to describe the city in three words. She gave me “Different” “Magical” and “Delicious.”
This was my first time visiting New York so when people heard about the trip they were quick to give recommendations on what to see and do. I made it known, however, that I didn’t want to do the typical tourist visit. I had no desire to see the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero or the Empire State Building.
In fact, those were the last things I wanted to see, instead, it was the ‘difference,’ the ‘magic’ and the ‘deliciousness’ that I had on the top of my list, and there was no one better to show those characteristics of New York to me than someone who lived there. It was then that a local New Yorker took me by the hand and showed me the city that they knew; a world that no one else did.
Different – “You have to see a show” is the notorious recommendation to any trip to New York, but a visit to a more overlooked show, you’re regular old movie theatre, offers a very local experience. The Nitehawk Cinema is New York’s first independent cinema eatery.
A night out here means you’ll have to set your popcorn urges aside and opt for the specialty drink and food menu inspired by the featured films. Imagine sitting back in a comfy cinema chair with a tiny table and light in front of you. The down-lit lights beneath your personal cinema-seat table let you peruse the menu. To place an order, you write it down using the provided pen and paper and leave it in the order slot on your table. The staff will be around shortly to collect it without any lingering, as to not disturb other cinema guests.
Magical – Imagine being able to walk through a story being read aloud to you. Picture a theatrical and physical world, where the characters you are told about are real people, who can grab your arm and pull you into the story. Blending classic texts, physical performance, award-winning design installation and unexpected sites, a London performance company called Punchdrunk has engineered a magical way to observe a live show.
It is a chance for the audience to become part of the viewing performance, though the only difference between the actors and audience is that the audience must remain silent and masked at all times. You’ll start off in the saloon, where a man holding a gin martini and speaking in a regal English accent will have you pick from a deck of cards. The card you draw places you in a group of people who have also drawn the same card. Together you will enter the experience, or you can leave the pack and wonder off to explore the magic on your own. “If you find the candy room, eat it,” my friend advised.
The performance comes to a close at 10:30 pm but the hypnotic flare doesn’t end there. Just down the block from the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea is a gas station that sees random art installations. Don’t be fooled, you didn’t just stumble up on a lost farm and those are not real sheep, it’s art, and New York is jammed packed with it. Now, some 25 sheep make up this random installation thanks to the public art program, Getty Station. The installation is the work of Michael Shvo and Paul Kasmin Gallery.
Delicious – Every visit to New York deserves a stroll through Central Park. Even on the coldest of winter days or sunniest of autumn ones, this place strums on your nostalgic chords with its sprawling beauty. Take a horse and carriage or let yourself get lost in the mix of runners and bikers or dozens of other people who hold this park close to their hearts. Central Park is also home to many music shows on the weekends and also opens its doors to many wedding picture backdrops.
In Madison Park, you’ll find a small shack that’s nothing much to look at, but what it has to offer is what people come here for. Serving up arguably the best burgers in the world, The Shake Shack attracts both locals and tourists alike which means you’ll have to join the cue, but it’s well worth the wait.
What The Locals Like
Take a side trip – The Amtrak route the runs from New York to Montreal has been recognized as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The route runs through the calm refuge of the Adirondacks and through Lake Placid.
Stroll - through eclectic Willamsburg and pick from an assortment of pubs, bars and restaurants like Irene’s, House of Small Wonder and The Meatball Shop.
Visit - Time Square in the middle of the night when there’s no one around.
Shop - Vintage shopping (recommended spots are Hush Hush Closet and Beacon’s Closet).
PHOTOS: Lindsay Ford, matthewviragh, Punchdrunk, Tourism USA
By Lindsay Ford
