If you’re looking for a fun and easy day trip from Manhattan this summer, why not spend a few hours exploring Roosevelt Island? A unique blend of residential neighborhoods, waterfront parks, and fascinating history, the island is just a four-minute ride from Midtown aboard the Roosevelt Island Tramway at East 59th Street. Once you arrive, simply wander at your own pace and you’ll discover plenty of unexpected sights that make the trip worthwhile.
One of my favorite things about New York City is that it never runs out of surprises. Even after decades of exploring, I’ll stumble across something that I had no idea even existed. That was exactly the case with The Marriage of Money and Real Estate, artist Tom Otterness‘ delightfully quirky trio of bronze sculptures that quietly inhabit the East River just off the western shore of Roosevelt Island.
If you’re planning an inexpensive and easy day trip from Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is already worth the visit for its waterfront promenades, parks, and spectacular skyline views. But keep your eyes on the water as you stroll along the west side of the island, because these playful sculptures are waiting to reward curious visitors. Depending on the tide, they may be standing proudly above the water or peeking just beneath the surface, making the discovery feel even more magical. Continue reading Hidden in the East River: Tom Otterness’ Whimsical The Marriage of Money and Real Estate→
Jungle Fool Sculpture (All Photos By Gail Unless Otherwise Noted)
Do you love living in NYC, but occasionally like to take a Day Trip so you can get a new cultural perspective, or just go out in nature and explore? I love doing that, but sadly there must generally be an impetus that motivates me to make a plan. Planning (ugh!) is not my favorite thing, but it is sometimes necessary to achieve the goal of having a crazy fun new adventure. Recently, I took day trip with my art-loving pal Teddy outside the City via Metro-North.  The impetus: The Haas Brothers have an exhibit at the Katonah Museum of Art! Continue reading Constant Carnival: The Haas Brothers in Context at the Katonah Museum of Art→
There are not many things I love more than joining a good friend for a day-trip adventure that involves both Nature and Art. The Katonah Museum of Art is a relaxing 90 minute ride from Grand Central Station via Metro-North, and you can plan a very fun day around a visit to this small museum (about the size of one of the larger galleries in Chelsea) which is situated in the middle of beautiful nature. Right now, they have a fun exhibit of sculptures by The Haas Brothers called Constant Carnival, which runs through June 26th, so you still have lots of time to see it. Pictured above are me and my pal Teddy with one of the brothers’ Â larger-than-life sculptures, Jungle Fool, who keeps watch out front on the museum lawn. Watch for my full review of the show coming soon!
Atlantic City has long been a popular option for New York City residents seeking a different kind of night out, or even a weekend away. As you might expect, this sort of activity more or less came to a halt during the worst of the pandemic in 2020. Now, however, we’re seeing a little bit of a tourism push from Atlantic City — and it appears to be working. A May article on NorthJersey.com offered a number of positive indicators regarding tourists returning to Atlantic City, and activity returning to the area’s casino resorts specifically.
It’s a lot of fun to know that this option is back on the table, and we figured now is as good a time as any to offer tips to New Yorkers who want to make the trip. Here are a few things to know if you’re eyeing a night out (or weekend away) in Atlantic City.