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Broadway Bound Part 2

For the past few days I have been researching current Broadway shows in preparation for what could be my first visit to New York in more than four years. I am thrilled at the prospect of heading back to the Big Apple and especially overjoyed that I could soon be sitting in one of the city’s famous theaters taking in a Tony Award-winning musical. Now, if I could only come up with the money I would be in business. When Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein opened on Broadway last year, the top price of a ticket reached $450 for the first … Continue reading →

Broadway Bound

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without taking in a few Broadway shows. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in one of New York’s famous theaters or you make going to a musical part of your annual family vacation you will pleased to know that tickets for some of Broadway’s biggest shows are still available. In my previous blog I mentioned that I am seriously considering taking a trip to New York in the coming months. My friend from high school generously offered me a place to stay and asked if I would like to take in a couple … Continue reading →

Glen Keane Leaving Disney Animation

Glen Keane announced over the weekend that he’s leaving Disney Animation. Most of us probably don’t know who Glen Keane is, even if we’ve seen his name dozens of times while idly watching the ending credits of many Disney movies. I only know him because my work on this blog has motivated me to watch and pay more attention to behind the scenes Disney films and featurettes. Keane has been an animator at Disney for around forty years. He arrived in the 1970s, in time to be mentored by Eric Larson, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston—members of the old guard … Continue reading →

Holiday Love in NYC

So much to see, so little time to take it all in. If you are traveling to the Big Apple this month, you will be delighted (and probably a bit overwhelmed) by all the holiday happenings. In addition to the traditional haunts—-Rockefeller Plaza, Macy’s and FAO Schwartz-—there is a slew of other seasonal stops you should consider making. Start at Barneys New York, at 666 Madison Avenue near 61st. You don’t have to bring your wallet to have fun here. Just peer into the store’s windows. This year the upscale retailer is celebrating with characters from a different genre: Its … Continue reading →

Spending the Holidays in New York City

I love spending the holidays in New York City. The problem is, so do millions of other people. If you don’t mind dealing with huge crowds, then soaking up the sights and sounds of the season in one of the world’s most magical cities, should be on your to-do list this month. At the top of your must-see list should be Rockefeller Center. Its world-famous tree and ice skating rink serve as amazing backdrops to family photos. In addition, Radio City Music Hall, the view from Top of the Rock, and the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are equally … Continue reading →

New York Lights the Way for the Summer Olympics

New York is sizzling hot… with Olympic fever. Despite the fact that the Summer Games are taking place a half a world away (and technically the Opening Ceremonies are already over), beginning tonight New York’s Empire State Building will pay tribute to the Olympics by illuminating the four sides of the famed tower with the colors of countries’ flags. For the next 16 nights, the world’s most famous building (well, one of them anyway) will honor the top 66 countries (based on the number of athletes on each national team) using colored plastic gels over 182 floodlights. Tonight, the north … Continue reading →

Family Travel: Tour a Massive Handbag and Sleep in a Sandcastle

It’s a bird, it’s a plane… no, it’s a massive designer handbag and it’s headed straight for New York’s Central Park. Park managers say if you stroll through the popular Big Apple green space you’ll be able to recognize it immediately. It’ll look like a cross between a spaceship and a quilted purse, which makes sense since Chanel (the makers of the famous quilted handbag) commissioned the structure. The 7,500-square-foot building, which is made out of gleaming white plastic panels, will land in New York’s Central Park on October 20 and remain there until November 9. The structure will house … Continue reading →

Once in a Lifetime Travel Opportunity in New York City

Have you ever dreamed of traveling through the air like Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat—-clutching a handful of balloons and letting the wind and some helium provide the fuel for the ride of your life? My preschooler does. Each and every time she reads her Curious George book or watches the famous monkey’s movie she begs me to buy her enough balloons so she too can fly through the air like her favorite marsupial. Typically, I tell her that she is a “big girl” and it would take thousands of helium filled balloons for her to … Continue reading →

Affordable Travel Options in New York and Massachusetts

Would you believe me if I told you that you could stay at a hotel in Manhattan for less than $100? No, it doesn’t require sharing space with rats or a dozen other strangers. In fact, you’d be lucky to fit more than yourself and a couple of duffel bags in the room. The Jane, New York’s newest budget hotel, has 200 rooms to offer cash-strapped visitors to the Big Apple, but spacious they’re not. The word tight might not even do them justice. Most of the rooms are as compact as old-time railroad compartments and the shared bathroom is … Continue reading →

Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown

There was a time when I thought the day would never come that I would be able to give my daughter the same opportunity my parents gave to me during our first trip to New York City nearly 30 years ago—the chance to view one the most populated places on Earth from the Statue of Liberty’s iconic headpiece. According to the documents released by a New York congressman on the Fourth of July, the National Park Service is considering reopening Lady Liberty’s crown for the first time since the September 11th terrorist attacks. U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner says the park … Continue reading →