It was a rainy Thursday morning when I joined the line for the New York TV & Movie Sites Tour, between Ellen’s Stardust Diner and the Winter Garden Theatre—the tour meets there at 11am daily and goes until 2:30pm. Once we boarded the coach bus, with carpeted seats and overhead TV screens for showing movie clips, I was in heaven. Not only would I be spending the next three and a half hours talking about movies and TV shows (answering trivia about the AFI’s top film quotes), but I was surrounded by tourists with awesome accents, from Australia and the UK.
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2 Comments | Posted on August 3, 2012 | Categories: Entertainment, From the Blog, From the Book, Only in New York, Theater
tags: cinema, cinematic tours, Katie Rietberg, movies
Many might think that “urban” and “environmentally-friendly” are nowhere near being synonymous. But did you know that New York City has the largest fleet of clean-air diesel hybrid and compressed natural gas buses in the world?[1]Owners of environmentally-friendly and LEED-certified buildings can also qualify for a “green building tax credit” that can reduce as much as $6 million when the bills come in.[2] In short, New York City has taken large steps to go from gas guzzler to treehugger metropolis. See the list below to see how you can live sustainably as a students or young professional in the city.
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No Comments | Posted on August 2, 2012 | Categories: From the Blog, From the Book, Only in New York, Talking About
tags: Andrea Garcia-Vargas
This is the second in a series of NYC walking tours from Inside New York.
New York City has played a pivotal role in sculpting both the history and future of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, The Velvet Underground, The Ramones (and many other legendary artists) lived, performed, and composed some of their most memorable songs in the neighborhoods of Manhattan. As Lennon once said, “If I’d lived in Roman times, I’d have lived in Rome. Where else? Today, America is the Roman Empire, and New York is Rome itself.”
Begin by heading to the Dakota Apartments (119-121 Central Park West at W 72nd St). Completed in 1884, this structure is not only one of Manhattan’s first apartment buildings, but also where John Lennon lived and died. Across the street in Central Park is Strawberry Fields (West Side between 71st and 74th St), a memorial to this extraordinary legend that includes a black and white mosaic along a path, detailing the word “Imagine.”
Take the B train down to 7th Ave and head around the block to the Ed Sullivan Theater (1697-1699 Broadway, between W 53rd and W 54th St). It now houses The Late Show with David Letterman but was once home to the Ed Sullivan Show. Within this 400-seat theater Elvis Presley hip-thrusted his way into the hearts of American girls, and the Beatles launched their British Invasion.
At 50th St, hop on the 1 to 23rd St, near which you’ll find the renowned Hotel Chelsea (222 W 23rd Street, between 7th and 8th
Ave). As the first building to be preserved by the city as a cultural landmark, it boasts a laundry
list of famous guests, including Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, and Rufus Wainwright. Many popular songs also contain allusions to the
hotel, such as Bob Dylan’s “Sara” and Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning.”
Now take the 1 down to Christopher St– Sheridan Sq. At the corner of W 4th and Jones St you’ll see the backdrop for the cover photo of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (161 W 4th St, between 6th and 7th Ave), the album that established him as one of the greatest songwriters in history. The photo depicts Dylan and his former girlfriend Suze Rotolo huddled together, strolling down
snow-covered W 4th St just a couple of blocks away from his Greenwich Village apartment.
It’s only a short walk back uptown to Electric Lady Studios (52 West 8th St, between MacDougal St & Ave of the Americas). Behind the plain stucco walls and black-curtained windows lies one of the most famous recording studios in existence. Built in 1970 for Jimi Hendrix, it was the second personal recording facility ever constructed. Unfortunately, Hendrix died just months after its creation, but since then hundreds of artists have recorded there, including M.I.A., Lil’ Wayne, and U2.
Just down MacDougal is Café Wha? (115 Macdougal St between Bleecker and W 3rd St),
distinguished by a bright neon rainbow sign. In its six decades in the East Village, this small but significant cultural landmark has featured knockout, energy-charged performances by artists such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and New York City has played a pivotal role in sculpting both the history and future of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, The Velvet Underground, The Ramones (and many other legendary artists) lived, performed, and composed some of their most memorable songs in the neighborhoods of Manhattan. As Lennon once said, “If I’d lived in Roman times, I’d have lived in Rome. Where else? Today, America is the Roman Empire, and New York is Rome itself.”
Walk down Macdougal toward Bleeker St, then turn left on Prince St and right on Mercer St
to reach the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC (76 Mercer St, between Spring and
Broome St). Though the Hall of Fame itself is in Cleveland, the Annex houses “New York Rocks,” a section dedicated to the city’s rock history that also displays personal vestiges of rock icons like Billy Joel and John Lennon.
Now turn right onto Spring St, make another right at Bowery St, and turn left at Delancey to catch a show at the The Bowery Ballroom
(6 Delancey St, between Bowery and Christie St). This building was converted into one of New York’s smaller venues for indie groups such as The Hold Steady and The Decemberists. Its slightly cramped size creates an intimate vibe (complemented by a velvet-draped lounge and leather chairs) absent from larger venues. And with unbeatable acoustics, it still attracts wellknown performers.
Walk back uptown on Bowery to the former site of the iconic club CBGB & OMFUG (315 Bowery at Bleecker St), often regarded as the birthplace of punk rock. Here, The Ramones and other bands drilled out the melodies that
instigated an entire counter-culture in the 1970s. Recently, however, contemporary designer John Varvatos has converted the club into a highend clothing store, preserving a section of the original wall under glass as a tribute to its former
tenants. Visit for the history—a Varvatos t-shirt runs upwards of $60.
Finish by turning right on 2nd St and then left on 2nd Ave to reach another gentrified former
venue, The Fillmore East (105 2nd Ave, at 6th St). Though now a bank, during the three years it was open as a music venue it was a favorite performance spot of classic rock bands including CCR, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. Dozens of live albums were recorded here, such as Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys (1970).
No Comments | Categories: Attractions, Entertainment, From the Book, History, Walking Tour
tags: rock and roll
Strolling through Chelsea on any given night, you might not be inclined to stop at the Four Points by Sheraton unless you’re a tourist or in town on business, but located just past the hotel’s concierge desk, in the back of the lobby is…a tapas lounge, and a good one to boot!In order to survive in an environment where tapas bars have become trendy, if not overused, something has to make a place stand out from the rest. Maybe stellar drinks or taste-bud-blowing dishes? Enter Las Chicas Locas, where the atmosphere is good, the drinks are better, and the food is the best.The place lends itself to hanging out with a group or enjoying a cozy meal. The front room is set up with tables and low, wooden chairs, while the back room–what appears to be a repurposed greenhouse– has a bar and plenty of chairs and couches to give it a loungey feel. Dim lighting adds to the warmth, and the crowds can be loud, much like the music, but not in a disturbing or rowdy way. Not to mention the patio out front is perfect for warm summer nights. Read the complete post »
No Comments | Posted on March 5, 2012 | Categories: Chelsea, Dining, From the Blog, From the Book
tags: dinner, drinks, Locas, tapas, Victoria Musselman
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Better than ever, our newest book features 600+ brand new reviews of restaurants, nightlife venues, attractions, and more! This year’s edition has an expanded “Outside New York” section for day or weekend trips outside the city and has also grown to include a “Self” guide in every neighborhood, which reviews local spas, gyms, classes, and more. And, for the first time ever, Inside New York is printed on recycled paper!
We want 2012 to be the best year for every New York, new or old to the city, and we hope our guide can help!
Click here to order your copy today and feel free to email info@insidenewyork.com with any questions.
No Comments | Posted on January 17, 2012 | Categories: Editor's Pick, From the Blog, From the Book
tags: 2012, Amazingness, books, gifts
Inside New York has been turning newcomers into New Yorkers since 1984! With over 600 new reviews of the hottest lifestyle, dining, and nightlife venues, INY is conscious of your time and budget so you can make the most of NYC!
Our book can be purchased here, at McNally Jackson Books, Book Culture, and other fine NYC book retailers.
No Comments | Categories: From the Book
College Candy’s Anjli Mehta gives us an insider perspective on the Sex and the City bus tour!
Galavanting around New York City in heels is sometimes a little less than glamorous. Yet Carrie Bradshaw made it look so effortless as she floated from sumptuous department stores to hipster bars, in Manolos at that. If the thought of running around in heels exhausts you, have no fear. Grab your three best friends and take over the town on the Sex and the City bus tour with On Location Tours.
Listening to our tour guide was like listening to my best friend tell me about a weekend of drunken debauchery. You’ll do more than laugh out loud, you’ll nod your head in agreement and wonder how she knows the story of your life so well, until you look around and realize all the girls around you are nodding their heads too. Our guide did an amazing job of setting the tone for a fun (and sometimes shameless) girls’ day out and the rest of the tour couldn’t help but feel like a sorority trip with close friends, even if you didn’t know their names.
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2 Comments | Posted on August 3, 2011 | Categories: Attractions, From the Blog, From the Book, Native's Pick, Neighborhoods, Only in New York
tags: Anjli Mehta, College Candy, SATC, Tour
Need a quick escape from the city this summer? Check out these close and cheap venues for your perfect getaway. Look for full reviews and more in Inside New York 2012 , coming to NYC bookstores in August!
A quick (and FREE) ferry ride from the city, Governors Island provides not only an escape from the hustle and bustle but also a venue for dozens of fun events. It’s open to the public every weekend all summer, so there’s no excuse to miss this haven of adventure. Stroll the island while checking out its military history, or rent bikes or kayaks for a new perspective. Head to govisland.com for the ferry schedule and a list of events.
Fist-pumping: fact or fiction? T.G.L: real or rumored? Head to the Jersey Shore and uncover the truth. You’ll find beaches, bars, bikinis, and burritos. It’s t-shirt time!
The birthplace of both Frank Sinatra and baseball(!?), Hoboken certainly has a rich history. But not to worry! You’ll also find more pizza parlors and sports bars than you can possibly imagine, as well as dazzling waterfront views of the city.
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3 Comments | Posted on June 14, 2011 | Categories: From the Blog, From the Book, Native's Pick, Outside NY
tags: book
