Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Trying to find a fun bar in NYC isn’t difficult, but a lot of it comes down to your definition of “fun.”

Some people have fun in a quiet bar where they can catch up with friends.

You might think of a fun bar as one that has the cheapest drinks (valid point). Others are looking for bars with games and activities when they think of a “fun bar.”

In this episode, we’ll show you 7 bars where fun activities and games dominate the experience AND offer some great drinks to go along with it.

Here are the NYC bars with games we'll cover:

See the full article here.

Check out this Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out: Briciola in Hell's Kitchen here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1Jqjf5oJqCUQsty9

Download the full NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide here: ⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide⁠

Get the NYC Basic Tips & Etiquette book here: ⁠https://amzn.to/4fo5TRj

Navigating New York City can feel daunting and overwhelming, but you can get around easily with the right tools and tips!

In this episode, we'll break down three Google Maps hacks that will save you loads of time and effort when mapping your route to your next must-see spot in NYC.

Not everyone uses Google Maps to navigate, but we've found it to be the most efficient and accurate during our travels across the globe, specifically in New York. These tips and tricks will be similar to those of other platforms like Apple Maps or Citymapper.

We'll cover:

1- Live View

New York's streets can be confusing, especially when you pop up from the subway and aren’t exactly sure which cross street you’re on… enter Live View!

When using transit (or walking) directions within Google Maps, you will see an option for Live View for the walking section. Click Live View and then pan your camera around slowly so the camera can capture where you are.

Once you do this, Google Maps will tell you exactly where to walk to your destination.

Here are photos and a video showcasing how to accomplish this in Google Maps.

Step 1- Put your destination in and click “Directions,” and choose the walking option

Step 2- Click Live View

Step 3- Scan your surroundings

Step 4- An arrow will indicate which way to walk

2- Future Train/Route Times

If you punch in a location for directions, it will show you the current times. But if you’re trying to plan how you’ll get from a dinner to a Broadway show tomorrow, that won’t help.

So, change the time of travel. Here’s how:

3- Route Filtering

Some people want to avoid buses and only take the subway, or vice versa. And
you can do that in Google Maps!

When you choose the transit option for directions, you will find an “Options” menu on the right side of the top menu.

Once in the options menu, you can choose to prioritize specific modes of transportation!

You can also filter routes based on specific criteria like:

Recap & Next Steps

Istanbul Kebab House - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment, check it out here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/euY87RtJZ6G6CjKs7

Download the full NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

Get the NYC Basic Tips & Etiquette book here: https://amzn.to/4fo5TRj

Winter holidays, including Christmas, in NYC are a spectacular experience. Here's what you need to know before coming to NYC in December.

General tips to know before coming around Christmas

Things to Pack: Gloves, beanie, layers, umbrella or be prepared to buy one, good walking shoes, a jacket that has a hood, hand warmers. Room in your suitcase for shopping items. Check the weather, if it is going to rain or snow, bring some type of boot.

Plan to spend more on a hotel. Everyone wants to be in NYC for Christmas. It is by far the busiest time in Manhattan.

If you have something you really want to do or a place you really want to eat at, try to get a reservation a few weeks in advance. Again, this is the busiest time of year, and reservations fill up very quickly.

For the love of god, review our sidewalk rules episode before coming. And be sure to download the full NYC Transportation Guide once you read the sidwalk rules episode on our website.

Holiday Attractions, Decor & Things to Do

Rockefeller Tree-- This year's tree is from Massachusetts. That is the first tree to hail from that state since 1959. It will be lit daily from 5am-midnight and on Christmas Eve only it will be lit for 24 hours. On NYE it will be lit from 5am-9pm.

Holiday Musicals/Performances

Ice Skating

Lotte New York Palace--(This is also where Serena (Blake Lively) lives in Gossip Girl)

Holiday Decor on 6th Ave

Holiday window decor on 5th ave. (Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany etc)

St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th ave

Plaza Hotel--Where Kevin stays in Home Alone 2. Pretty Christmas decor. They might not let you go in unless you have a reservation in the bar or restaurant or are staying there.

Holiday Markets & Shopping

Holiday Bars & Restaurants

AuH20 - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment

Check it out here.

Buy the NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette book here: https://amzn.to/4fo5TRj

Get the free NYC Transportation Guide here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Info 2024

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City draws massive crowds, well over 1,000,000 people yearly. So, getting the correct info and knowing where to go can make all the difference between a positive and poor experience.

Here's what you need to know. 👇

Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation Info

A truly unique experience, and a much less crowded one, is to head to the Upper West Side the day before the parade to watch the balloon inflation.

You can get a closer view of most balloons, with much fewer crowds!

The balloon inflation occurs near the Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 1 pm to 6 pm EST. You must enter through security at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.

And according to ABC, there will be six new featured character balloons this year, including Minnie Mouse, Marshall from "Paw Patrol," Extraordinary Noorah with The Elf on the Shelf, Gabby from "Gabby's Dollhouse," Goku from "Dragon Ball," and Spider-Man.

See Macy's full inflation experience information here.

Parade Route & Time

The parade starts on the Upper West Side on Central Park West, near 77th Street and Central Park West, at 8:30 am. There are 2.5 miles of public viewing space, and the jury is out on where the best spot to watch (more on that in the next section).

The parade then goes down Central Park West, turns onto Central Park South at Columbus Circle (don't try to watch near here), and then turns south at 6th Avenue.

This is the longest stretch of the parade, heading down to 34th Street, ending at Macy's Herald Square.

The parade runs from 8:30 am to noon.

Where to Watch

Let's make an important point first: if you want to be close to the front to view the parade almost anywhere along the route, you should plan on getting out on the streets around 6 or 7 am. Yes, that means you will be standing, likely in the cold, waiting for a couple of hours for the parade to start.

It's important to note that even if you aren't right along the barricades close to the street, you can still see the balloons from far back. While you likely won't see all the floats and participants, you can see the balloons high above the streets.

While anywhere is going to be crowded, here are some of the best spots to watch the parade:

Central Park West

Most people, especially tourists, want to be along 6th Avenue and closer to Macy's, so the Upper West Side is usually less crowded. If you can make your way into Central Park and watch from that side of the street, that's best!

If you go near the starting point, 77th Street, you can also hear them announce each individual floats as they start down the parade route.

Just know that you must enter Central Park from the East side of the park and walk across OR from well above the parade route. Previously, when I was trying to get my dogs into Central Park on Thanksgiving morning, I had to go all the way up to roughly 86th Street before I could get in.

Even watching from within the park, there will be crowds. But many would argue this is the best and least crowded spot to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

57th Street & 6th Avenue

The reason we like 57th Street is because it is a two-way street much wider than most other cross streets along the route.

While it's still quite crowded, the width of the street allows people to fan out more than at other spots.

This Episode’s You’ll Have to Check It Out Segment - New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Take the free tour of the Rose Main Reading Room - Monday–Saturday | 11:20 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM with tickets released about 30 minutes before, FCFS

Explore all the floors and public galleries

Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures - Original Winnie the Pooh, Gutenberg Bible from 1455, lots of NYC historical artifacts, Cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia

Check out the gift shop!

The Museum of Natural History is one of our favorite NYC museums, perfect for all ages. But before going to explore this famous museum, you've got to have a full belly!

There's nothing worse than being excited to spend a few hours in a museum only to start feeling hungry an hour in...

So, head to one of these ten places to eat near the Museum of Natural History before heading in. We've included a variety of cuisines, price points, and general vibes.

Here are our 10 favorite food options within 10 minutes of the Museum of Natural History:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Beer Run UWS

If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming bar with a wide variety of craft beer options, head to Beer Run on the Upper West Side.

They have dozens of draft options (available in multiple sizes) AND multiple fridges full of various craft beer can options. They've got IPAs, sours, ambers, and any other type you'd want to try!

Check out Beer Run on the UWS here.

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Thanks for listening! 🗽

Food halls are the perfect solution when traveling with a group, especially for lunch. It's particularly true when you have any kids and/or picky eaters with you.

Everyone can try something different and reconvene to still eat together in one place!

Here are our picks for the 5 best food halls in Manhattan:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Bronx Brewery East Village

We absolutely loved the Bronx Brewery location in the East Village! The staff is very friendly, the burgers are delicious (including vegan & vegetarian options), and the sports viewing experience was ideal.

Check out the Bronx Brewery in the East Village here.

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Thanks for listening!

If it's your first time (or even 3rd or 4th) visiting NYC, you should be aware of some common mistakes to avoid!

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment: Terra Blues

Terra Blues Jazz Club ($20 cover on the weekends). You are paying to get in, and once you are in, you can stay as long as you want. First come, first served seating, but some reservations are available (until around 8pm) if you plan ahead. Terra Blues has talented artists, great cocktails, and a huge whiskey list.

Bonus Mistake: Don't walk slow on sidewalks and especially don't take up the entire sidewalk! See our full sidewalk guide here.

Bonus Idea: Watch your favorite sports team at a supporters bar. View our full list here.

An iconic piece of traveling in New York City is hailing a classic yellow taxi cab.

While sometimes it can be cheaper to take Lyft/Uber, hailing a taxi can be cheaper and easier if you get one right away.

Main Tip: Know the Cross Streets, Not Just an Address

The most important note for getting in a cab is to know the cross streets of your destination. If you’re going to a major landmark (Empire State Building, the Met, etc.) you may be fine just saying the name of the place, but for anything else, you will want the cross streets.

Here are some more general tips for taxis in New York City:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen

Jasper's is a phenomenal bar and restaurant in Hell's Kitchen with an extensive happy hour, friendly staff, and delicious bar-style entrees and appetizers.

They also have beer towers! Roughly 88oz of beer for only $30 during happy hour!

Plus, the music isn't too loud and there's sports on the TVs. What more can you ask for?

Check out Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen here.

Rideshare Hacks

Prices for Lyft/Uber fluctuate highly depending on the weather (rain drives up prices), time of day (rush hour drives up prices), and your location.

Here are some general tips for using Lyft/Uber in NYC:

It’s a good idea to check both apps against each other to compare prices. Your experience will vary, but one is almost always a significant amount cheaper than the other.
Always confirm the license plate of the car you’re getting into, again it’s about safety

It’s often best to set your pickup location at a main avenue if possible, but it’s not completely necessary
Wait & save can save you 5-15%, so use that if you’re flexible on getting to your next destination. Most of the time, the wait ends up being slightly shorter than what the app will say

If you plan on using rideshare apps frequently while in New York City, it can be worth signing up for Lyft Pink or Uber One. The monthly cost can be offset with 3-5 rides.

We’ve loved our experience with Lyft Pink and have found it to be cheaper than Uber in most cases. Lyft Pink is $9.99/month or $99/year. So if you plan on using Lyft more than 3-4 times on your trip, the cost is likely worth it.

Lyft Pink also includes extra perks like:

Never used Lyft before? Sign up via our referral link to get ride credits.

Show Notes:

Taxi Medallion Deep Dive

Whether you're a vegetarian or trying to consume less meat, we've got 7 delicious vegetarian restaurants in NYC!

Plus, we'll give two bonus ideas for finding the best vegetarian options in the city.

1- Beyond Sushi - Vegan Sushi NYC

Beyond Sushi is both Vegan and Certified Kosher, offering a variety of Sushi rolls in Midtown Manhattan. All ingredients are 100% plant-based.

2- The Butcher's Daughter Review

100% vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

The Butcher's Daughter is a popular, delicious Vegetarian option with locations in Los Angeles and New York City.

3- Friend of a Farmer Review

Loved the avocado tartare, charred eggplant dip, and the vegan pot pie.

4- Spicy Moon

Cozy spot with electic decor serving plant based Chinese dishes. One review said "This place might turn me into a vegan".

Bengal Tiger - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment

Bengal Tiger has phenomenal appetizers, entrees, and drink options at a fair price. It's conveniently located in Midtown West, close to the MoMA and Broadway shows!

They were located on 56th near 6th Avenue, closer to the Museum of Modern Art, but recently moved a few blocks west on 56th between Broadway and 8th Ave.

5- Mamoun's Falafel Review

Their original Greenwich Village spot is a true hole in the wall, but the food and service are top-notch. It may be the best falafel we've ever personally tried!

6- Empanada Mama

30+ empanada options with dozens of vegetarian options in a bustling spot; what else needs to be said?

7- Westville NYC Review

Westville has multiple locations in NYC, including the UWS, Hell's Kitchen, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and more.

They offer a wide variety of vegetable plates and locally-sourced dishes.

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