A four-day weekend in the Big Apple can be an intimidatingbrexperience. But we've narrowed down the exponential listbrof “things to do” in New York City to five favorites. Onebrsuggestion: Don't be a straphanger and spend your timebrriding the subway. You'll see much more on your trip walking the blocksbrwith native New Yorkers.
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Brunch at Broome Street near Thompson
We've discovered that brunch has become more than just somethingbrto do in NYC. It is, in fact, the thing to do. And the city prides itself onbrthe variety of tastes, flavors and atmospheres which make this mid-brmorning course a must do. You can visit for a weekend, a week or evenbra month and still not sample all the fare around town. We scientificallybrconsulted web list after web list of favorites for brunching, and thebrone that caught our eye was repeated on most all of the rankings:brChalk Point Kitchen.br
The food at this NYC favorite is a mix of local, seasonal, sustainablebrand organic products, according to Chef Joe Isidori. “We take the edgebrand flavor of the downtown NYC markets and combine them withbrpristine local products and vegetables in order to help develop ourbrcuisine here at Chalk Point Kitchen.”
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With dishes such as Freddy's Avocado Hash seasoned withbrlemon and cilantro, and cocktails such as Bloody Marty McFlybrconcocted with too many amazing ingredients to mentionbrhere, there is undoubtedly an item for every tourist's taste. ChalkPointKitchen.com
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Education on Manhattan's Upper East Side
In 1937, Solomon R. Guggenheim established a foundation for abrmuseum that would forever hold and preserve his collection ofbrnon-objective art. Now, with a permanent collection of more thanbr7,000 artworks that focus on modern and contemporary art, thebrSolomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the museum that trumps allbrothers in the city. We think you'll agree this warrants stopping by.br
We suggest visiting the Kandinsky Gallery exhibition, which isbrcurrently on view at the Guggenheim until Spring 2016. To trulybrunderstand the value of a visit to the museum, you must appreciatebrthe history behind the exhibits and collections. Vasily Kandinsky, whobris considered the pioneer of abstract art, has been linked to historybrof the museum more than any other twentieth-century painter.brThe Guggenheim's collection of Kandinsky's work began withbrSolomon's private holdings in 1937 and now contains more thanbr150 works by this single artist. Guggenheim.org
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39 Steps East of Broadway
While tourists may have it on their bucket list to see a Broadwaybrproduction, off-Broadway shows can be of the same caliber. Thesebrtickets are often more affordable and seats are often easier to comebrby. However, don't confuse a great value for lack of a standingbrovation-worthy production.br
One such off-Broadway show that has garnered the attentionbrof many critics—in a good way—is 39 Steps. Showing at the UnionbrSquare Theatre in New York City, which is just “39 steps East ofbrBroadway,” the production is a two-time Tony Award-winning hitbrcomedy. The production is a comic spoof based on the classic moviebrthat itself was based on the novel The 39 Steps by John Buchan.brGet ready to laugh and don your big red nose (which is only explainedbrwhen you see the show). You can join in the fun through the endbrof December. 39StepsNY.com
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Stepping Out for a Nightcap
Don't limit your consumption of adult beverages to just a few hoursbrin the middle of the evening; try partaking in a new trend sweepingbrNYC: whiskey bars. Perfect for opting out of the live music and clubbrscene, enjoying a subtle nightcap at places such as Maysville Food &brBourbon, located on 26th street between 6th and Broadway, is the newbrdrinking trend.br
With a selection of more than 150 American whiskeys, Maysvillebris sure to introduce you to a few, new fermented favorites. Whilebrthe majority of the offerings are available in one- or two-ounce tastes,brthere are five Maysville fermented favorites you can enjoy in eight-bror 16-ounce decanters. This short, but well-respected, list includesbrWild Turkey Rare Breed and Knob Creek Single Barrel. Cheers!MaysvilleNYC.com
This View Rocks!
Considered to be the “plaza of the people,” 30 Rockefeller Plaza is filledbrwith a variety of shops, boutiques and eateries. But what we found to bebrmost interesting about the building isn't what was inside, but at the top.br
Known as the Top of the Rock, the observation deck of the Rockefellerbris a three-level observation deck that consists of the 67th, 69th, and 70thbrfloors of the building. The total surface area of all the decks combinedbris approximately 55,000 square feet. The 70th floor, the uppermostbrlevel, is 850 feet above street level and provides a completely open air,brunobstructed 360-degree view of New York City and beyond. The upperbrdeck allows for awe-inspiring views of the city's hustle and bustle duringbrthe day, and breathtaking sunsets in the evening.br
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As with most attractions worth visiting in New York City, you mustbrpurchase tickets to admire the view. The prices vary depending on thebrtime of day you visit and your age, but range between $25 and $45. Topbrof the Rock is a great place to reflect on your visit to New York City—andbrrealize that you won't be able to experience everything the city has tobroffer in one trip. TopOfTheRockNYC.com