CityPASS New York articles

While I’ve made many trips to New York City, and relish it each and every time, I admit that my comfort level still soars when I have a friend show me about. Not only do they steer me to the most interesting restaurants, taverns and galleries in ethnic neighborhoods, they know the subway system. It makes for a much richer and less-stressful experience.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Long Island, New York? Take it from someone who knows, it’s a pretty great place. Radio host, author, blogger and television host Jennifer Koppelman Hutt is a Long Island native and longtime resident. She LOVES Long Island, New York. And why not?

Nothing can really take your breath away. But New York City comes pretty darn close. At the tippy-tippy top of Manhattan’s tallest buildings, you’ll find spectacular views of this brightly lit city and beyond. Here are some well-known vantage points to take in all the Big Apple has to offer, as well as some nice boite spots that not only offer a spectacular view but also a comfy seat as well.

New York is famed for tall buildings and expansive skylines, but come autumn there’s one more reason to tilt your head up toward the heavens: the canopy of blush-bursting trees that dot the skies of this delightful city with an explosion of color. Here are just a few sweet (and free!) spots to take a stroll under these leafy skyscrapers and enjoy a cascading view of lush red, brown and golden hues.

City Island is a fun day trip for adventurous visitors willing to leave Manhattan and travel off the beaten path. Located up in the Bronx (one of New York City’s 5 boroughs), this tiny community is surrounded by the Long Island Sound on one side and Eastchester Bay on the other, and is one of New York City’s hidden treasures, with a rich maritime history.

While Manhattan may have its tiny Little Italy on downtown Mulberry Street, for a more authentic and less touristy experience, head uptown to Arthur Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx. You’ll discover a working class immigrant neighborhood where little old ladies in black still order in Italian from the butchers and fish mongers, and guys sit outside the social clubs sipping espresso and talking about the Yankees. But the main attraction is the food.