Just a New York minute!

Why would one designer push the feminine boundaries while another uses ‘bad taste’ in color to play up the female beauty ideal? Imagine watching iconic women discuss their work in the Spring Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Spring 2012 Costume Institute exhibition, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, brings a simulated conversation between two iconic Italian designers: Elsa Schiaparelli (born in 1890) and Miuccia Prada (born 1949). There will be a discussion of fashion and form topics such as:

•  The use of detailing and focus below the waist in "Waist Up/Waist Down" 
• Hats by Schiaparelli and fabulous footwear by Prada
• The twist in taste that uses both good and bad of fabrics, prints and color in design in "Ugly Chic”
• The "Hard Chic" style of menswear used in feminine wear
• Age appropriate styles are challenged in "Naïf Chic
• 18th and 19th century styles as seen in "The Classical Body," as well as "The Pagan Body"
• Eastern culture, silhouettes and Eastern fabrics in "The Exotic Body" 
• "The Surreal Body” the final showcase

For fashionistas looking to go on a shopping spree while visiting the Big Apple, this exhibition lends a different perspective and experience to make your visit even more memorable. Let the whole family see that the city is more than just a great place to find the greatest fashions and deals, but also to learn. To see fabulous styles up close and personal like this is a great experience for anyone who has a passion for fashion!

The exhibit runs from May 10 – August 19^th, 2012 so be sure to check with NYCTrip.com when planning your trip to the Met. We can help you save and see more of what the city has to offer with our Met Vacation Package. Mark your calendars – it’s going to be a wonderful exhibit. 

In our last post, we shared castles, bulls, and peanut butter – who knew that NYC’s quirkiest spots could be so interesting! In this next installment of quirky things to do in NYC, we’re listing off attractions that are sure to delight music lovers and antique collectors alike!

Here are three more interesting things you can do on your New York City vacation:

Steinway & Sons Piano Factory Tour: See the famous Steinway pianos construction from start to finish! The factory tour (ahem, free) shows the piano-making process from beginning to end. Voted one of the top three factory tours in the country by Forbes, the tour is almost three hours and shows visitors the process from creation to final tuning. Watch in awe as the final lacquer is applied and meet Steinway artists who meander about while visiting the factory, located at 1 Astoria Place, Astoria, NY.

GreenFlea Market: GreenFlea Market, between 76^th & 77^th Streets on the Upper West Side, near the American Museum of Natural History, is the place to find antiques, odd collectibles, thrifty deals, homemade home items and more. Some regular vendors include The Oyster Bay, which creates one-of-a-kind art furniture and AC Agates, a handcrafted-jewelry maker with a plentiful selection. If you have a taste for quirky, you’ll be sure to find something interesting at this yard sale!

Louis Armstrong House Museum: Make your way through the famous jazz trumpeter's home in Corona, Queens, and check out his living area and garden, and take note of his trumpets and letters found throughout. Since no one has lived in the house since Louis and his wife, you’ll get a true sense of the musician and his life. And, with it being Jazz Appreciation Month, now seems like the perfect time for a tour.

While we know there are hundreds of special spots throughout the Big Apple that aren’t on this little list, we hope you’ll find some of our suggestions helpful for your next visit – or extended stay – in New York City. 

 When you travel to the Big Apple, certainly there’s more to see than the average person may think.  While there’s a broad spectrum of theaters, restaurants and shopping hubs to encounter in every district, there are also a host of other lesser-known, odd and even downright quirky attractions worth penciling onto your map of possible places to check out.

While you might not have time to hit all the “off-the-map” spots we recommend, picking one or two to visit is sure to add to your latest New York City vacation package.  Plus, in terms of photos, you’ll have more than the norm to show your hometown friends upon your return.

Here goes:

Peanut Butter & Co.: An adorable little peanut shop near New York University, The Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop is your spot for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made just the way you like ‘em.  The options are plenty.  Try the Peanut Butter Cup, a combination of peanut butter and a chocolate Nutella, if you have a sweet tooth begging for attention. If crunchy peanut butter is more your thing, order the Bagel Nosh, made with all the peanut butter crunch, jam and vanilla cream cheese smashed together you can handle.  How about peanut butter and pickles? If that sounds appealing, the Pregnant Lady concoction is for you.  Those, of course, are just a few of the options available.  Learn about the Peanut Butter BLT, Cookie Dough Surprise, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedy Special, and more at the official site.

The Wall Street Bull: If you’ve never heard of it, The Wall Street Bull is often referred to as the “Charging Bull” or the “Bowling Green Bowl”.  If you’re the type who loves filling those Facebook albums with fun photos, a stop by the bull in Bowling Green Park near Wall Street is a must.  The brown bull looks ready to charge, but don’t be alarmed, the 11-foot-high guy is merely a sculpture designed to show the “strength and power of the American people” following the stock market crash of the late ‘80s.

Castle Clinton: Upon first hearing of it, you may think Castle Clinton is a NYC spot named for the former President or the current Secretary of State, but actually, this spot has been of historical significance longer than Bill or Hillary have walked this Earth. First built as a way to stop British invaders from entering during the War of 1812, Castle Clinton now welcomes visitors on a regular basis.  The sandstone fort in Battery Park has been home to an aquarium, theater, exhibition hall, and even a beer garden.  Now, however, it’s a national monument that welcomes tourists daily from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST. Registration is required for groups of 10 or more and can be made by calling 212-344-7220.

Stay tuned for another installment of quirky things to see and do in NYC next week!

There’s nothing like a sweet sensation to end a hopefully already fun-filled day or night at the theater. As you most likely know, there’s a bevy of options available to grab some dessert after enjoying a Broadway show with our Broadway show and hotel packages, but below we highlight a few we think you’ll find flavorful.

• You can find a somewhat traditional menu of sweets at Bryant Park Grill, 25 West 40^th Street. Belgian Chocolate Cake, New York Cheesecake, English Apple Tart, Upside Down Lemon Meringue, cookies and ice-cream are among the offerings at this cozy hotspot, which, as the name may imply, offers a lovely view of Bryant Park. Sit under the heated outdoor deck in the winter or enjoy patio or rooftop dining seasonally if outdoor dining is more your thing.
• Black Duck at 122 East 28^th Street in the Park South Hotel is a business casual restaurant that boasts crème brulee with caramelized brown sugar on top as its specialty end-of-the-meal snack. That, with a glass of wine off the diverse wine list, makes for a perfect New York nightcap.
• Craft, 43 East 19^th Street, has a dessert menu to fit any fancy. Whether you like a delectable dish, ice cream, dessert wine, coffee, tea or cheese, this place has it all. Enjoy cheese from around the world along with a classic or seasonal dessert combination such as apricots and toasted almond ice cream or coconut and passion fruit jalapeno sorbet, to name a few. Pair them with a wine, coffee or tea of your liking to completely soothe your palate.
• A spot like Mercury Bar East has a short and simple dessert menu consisting of banana splits, hot fudge brownies, pie ala mode and milkshakes (chocolate, strawberry or banana!). All under $8, this relaxing spot at 493 Third Ave is a welcomed option.
• It’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Rock Center Cafe, located inside Rockefeller Center, as a dessert haven featuring pies, several flavors of ice cream, chocolate custard and the famous New York Cheesecake with raspberry sauce. There’s nothing like a relaxing end to the day in an atmosphere boasting original Warhol prints on the walls and a view of the Manhattan skyscape.

The moral of this post? While the theater shows may bring you to the city, some of the dessert options can be added to the list for reasons to come back, too. Enjoy!

Music, adventure, excitement - the shows on Broadway offer all this and so much more to the New York City vacation experience you have planned. When it comes time to picking out your ‘must-see’ attractions on your trip to NYC, a Broadway show should be on your list without a doubt.

Here at NYCTrip.com, we’ve put together a variety of Broadway packages to cater to your theatre needs. Want a great view? You’ll want one of our seats in the mezzanine or orchestra giving you the best line of sight and auditory experience for the show. No matter what your theatre tastes are, there’s a show for you!

Looking for thrilling excitement and rock music?

Then check out our Spiderman: Turn off the Dark musical package. The show features music from Bono and The Edge. For young boys, comic book lovers, or anyone looking to see a play that’s different from your typical storyline, take a look at Spiderman.

Want to see a tried and true classic on Broadway?

There’s no better Broadway show than the Phantom of the Opera if this is your first trip to Broadway. Be a part of the New York City Broadway experience with this classic show, which recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary. Another great classic for the whole family? Try The Lion King musical experience, an uplifting experience that brings the movie to life.

Want a ticket to a constantly sold out show?

We’re able to score the tickets to often sold out shows like Wicked, Jersey Boys and The Lion King. These tickets are the perfect thing to sneak onto a NYC trip package to surprise your special someone with! Just picture arriving at the city for a day of sightseeing, arranging your path to go past the theatre of her favorite show, and then casually revealing the tickets. It’ll really make it a trip to remember!

Whether it’s a musical that just opened or a show that’s been a part of Broadway for years, the New York City theater scene simply can’t be missed. All of our Broadway packages include two nights of accommodations in a convenient hotel, plus NYCTrip.com exclusives like shopping discounts and passes to some of the Big Apple’s best attractions. Plan your perfect trip today!

Easter will be here before you know it, but this year, why not do something different? Easter in NYC is a great experience for the whole family, especially if you’re tired of the same old Easter baskets at home.

Our Easter in NYC vacation package is great for families who want to get away for Easter weekend while enjoying the mild springtime weather. The highlight? The New York City Easter Parade on 5^th Avenue will wow every member of your family, no matter their ages.

Start out your Easter in NYC vacation by checking in at a Midtown Manhattan hotel for two nights or longer. We offer great deals and options near the Easter parade route, including some great savings at the Sheraton New York Hotel. The Sheraton New York Hotel offers convenience, luxury, and style that is within any family’s budget. Once you’re checked in to your hotel, spend the day exploring the city or take in a show on the famous Great White Way. Your stay will be within walking distance of Broadway theaters, so take in a show like Mary Poppins, Chicago, Wicked, Jersey Boys, or The Lion King. We can even arrange a special sightseeing tour for your family so that you design a vacation that gets in everything you’d like to see and do.

Then, on Sunday, April 8, you can take part in one of the most amazing events the city has to offer. The 2012 Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York City is a must-see event as paraders wander along 5^th Avenue from 49^th to 57^th Streets, near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’ll run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will include people from all around the world gathered to show off their finest Easter bonnets and costumes. It’s truly a sight to see!

Interested in services on Easter Sunday? There are several nearby churches to accommodate you:

St. Patrick's Cathedral, 50th Street and 5th Avenue

• Saturday Vigil – 8:00 p.m.
• 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m. (Tickets Required), Noon, 1 p.m., 4 p.m. (Spanish Mass) and 5:30 p.m.

Saint Thomas Church, 53rd Street and 5th Avenue

• 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Solemn Eucharist
• 2:30 p.m. Organ Recital
• 3:00 p.m. Solemn Evensong

5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, 55th Street and 5th Avenue

• 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Festival Services

In addition to the accommodations, all state taxes and fees, and the chance to see the parade, your Easter in NYC vacation also includes a variety of NYCTrip.com exclusive deals, such as:

• Admission to your choice of the Empire State Building Observatory, Museum of the City of New York, or the NY Water Taxi Statue of Liberty Flex Pass
• Admission to your choice of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Shopping discounts at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and the South Street Seaport

Plus, you get the personalized service that no other New York City tour company offers. Let us take you and your family away for Easter with our Easter in NYC vacation package. Have questions? Give us a call at 877-NYC-TRIP and we’d be happy to help you book or give you more information. 

At NYCTrip.com, we’re always coming up with new ways for you to enjoy the best of what the Big Apple has to offer. One of our favorite features of New York City is that of the New York City Ballet. Featuring world-class dancers and production staff, the New York City Ballet puts on truly memorable performances. If you want to see the New York City Ballet for yourself, then you’ll love the NYC trip package we’ve put together: The Double Feature NYC Ballet Trip.

What does the Double Feature NYC Ballet Trip include? Well, for starters, you get accommodations for two nights or longer at a hotel in midtown Manhattan, near Broadway theaters, shopping, restaurants, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. You’ll also get orchestra seating at the 2:00 p.m. performance of Double Feature on May 26, 2012 at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, the home of the New York City Ballet. Plus, you’ll also get to take advantage of exclusive NYC tickets, discounts, and other features to make the most of your NYC trip! Before the show, you’ll get to take the Meet the Dancer backstage tour, giving you inside looks at the New York City Ballet. For a dancer, this is the perfect way to enjoy the Big Apple! Here’s a full rundown of everything our package includes.

Double Feature is Susan Stroman’s second ballet for the New York City Ballet company and is homage to the silent film era. The first part of the ballet is The Blue Necklace, which is a gripping melodrama about sacrifice featuring music by Irving Berlin. The second part is Makin’ Whoopee! A comedy scored by Walter Donaldson that asks, “What would you do for seven million dollars?”

For dancers and ballet lovers alike, our Double Feature NYC Ballet Trip is just what you’ve been looking for when you want to see the city for its beauty and appreciation of the arts. 

The W New York Hotel in New York City is one of the most luxurious, full-service hotels in the world. Maybe that’s why it’s a favorite amongst celebrities. The W’s service and standard of comfort is just that amazing and the minute you step into this New York City hotel, you’ll feel the same way.  Stay in style – and just steps away from the Theater District, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Fifth Avenue shopping, and Rockefeller Center.

Each room in the W New York Hotel features:

• W Signature feather bed with goose down comforter and feather pillows
• Bliss spa bath amenities
• In-room movies
• Daily weekday newspapers
• 27” television and CD player
• 350 thread count sheets
• Dual-line cordless telephone with voicemail
• High speed internet access

Did we mention that pets are welcome at the W New York Hotel? It’s true!

In addition to these in-room amenities, the W New York Hotel also features full service health clubs, the Bliss49 Spa, a business center, 24-hour room service, valet parking, wake up service, W the Store, and Whatever/Whenever Service. When you stay at the W New York Hotel, you’re staying in NYC like a celebrity.

Best of all, the W New York Hotel also features some great hotel restaurants and bars. Dine on fresh, natural meals at the health-conscious Heartbeat restaurant that serves everything from formal to casual. Afterward, enjoy a cocktail at Whiskey Blue, the W’s chic cocktail lounge, or at the Oasis Bar.

Ready to stay like a star? Book your NYC trip and stay at the W New York Hotel with NYCTrip.com. 

March is a great month to visit New York City. Not only is that winter weather beginning to taper off, but it’s also a great time to catch the best sites, sounds, and experiences of the city without the crowds. If you’re planning on visiting the Big Apple this March, be sure you read through this quick and handy guide to what to expect when traveling to NYC in March:

The Weather & What to Wear

Temperature-wise, March tends to be on the more mild side. The average high is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Definitely jacket weather, but not too bad in terms of weather conditions. March can be a bit rainy, so you’ll want to bring a pair of rain boots, a rain coat, and umbrellas on your trip. As for what to wear, most people are comfortable in long pants, sweaters, long sleeved shirts, and closed toe shoes and socks.

The Events & Things to Do

As for events, here are some of the things you can enjoy on your New York City vacation in March:

• The NYC Children’s Film Festival on March 4, 2012
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2012
• The New York City Circus Walk on March 22, 2012
• 5^th Annual New York Wine Expo on March 2 & 3, 2012
• Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at the Museum of Moving Image – until March 4, 2012

March is also a great time to take in a NYC food tour, museums, or a Broadway show. Check out our full listing of New York City vacation packages to explore your options. We even have a special NYC vacation just for St. Patrick’s Day!

Other Things to Consider

Be mindful of some crowds in mid-March, as many universities go on “Spring Break” for a few days. Students who live nearby and cannot travel to other destinations usually end up spending time in New York City.

What are you planning to do on your March NYC vacation? 

New York City is known for having some of the best cuisine in the world. Ethnic foods, comfort foods, artisan foods…it’s all wonderful – even right down to the food cart hot dogs! At NYCTrip.com, we’ve been hearing more from our guests about the best tastes in NYC and we’ve decided to put together a full line of New York City food tours to help you taste what this entire great city has to offer. If you’re a foodie or just enjoy exploring new tastes, all of these NYC food tours are just what you’ve been looking for!

At NYCTrip.com, here are the New York City food tours we offer our guests:

• Beer, Cheese, & Chocolate Upper West Side Food Tour: A comfort food lover’s dream, this tour serves up the best in the Upper West Side.
• Chocolate, Dessert, and Wine Upper West Side Food Tour: Taste the finer things in the Upper West Side on this decadent NYC food tour.
• Flavors of New York: Eat your way through the East Village with NYC’s favorite foods.
• In the Steps of a Top Chef: Love “Top Chef”? Then you’ll love this yummy and interesting food tour!
• Lower East Side Artisan Food Highlights: Get the best of artisan foods in the Lower East Side on this delicious NYC food tour.
• Nolita: Eat a Bite of Ethnic NYC: Everyone loves tasting something new, so why not try some exotic treats on this Nolita tour?
• Food Cart Tour of Midtown: Food carts are a classic in NYC and with this food tour, you can savor all the best tastes.
• Shearwater Wine Tasting Sail: Sail through the New York City Harbor and enjoy a wine tasting on this exclusive NYC trip.

The best part of these food tours? They pair perfectly with any of our existing NYC vacation packages. Choose them as an add-on and start tasting! It’s that simple.  Have questions? Feel free to call us at 877-NYC-TRIP and we’d be happy to give you more information about our NYC food tours.