Several buildings in Manhattan and New Jersey were evacuated earlier today, after officials spotted a Boeing 747 jumbo jet flying over the city escorted by fighter jets. As it turns out, the jet was one of President Barack Obama’s backup aircraft that was circling for a photo op. The whole operation was supposed to have been coordinated among the FAA and local officials, but apparently the message wasn’t communicated too well. The WSJ has video of the circling jets below. Imagine watching this from your highrise in Manhattan.
Two guys, two thumbs, one week and no money. Hitchhiking across the U.S.
There’s a line in the “The Hitchhiking Movie” that made me laugh. Ryan Jeanes, one of the two guys who decided one fine day to hitchhike across the U.S. from New York City to Berkeley, California in one week to test out the kindness of strangers says, after one car dropped them off at what looks like the middle of nowhere, “Three miles further and only 3,000 miles to go.”
There are the rides one takes when hitchhiking because at least a short ride means going further in the right direction, and who knows when there will be another chance to sit down again?
It took Ryan and Phillip Hullquist 23 rides to make it across the U.S., although, I don’t know if they made their deadline. If they didn’t make the deadline, they would have missed their flights back to NY. Ryan had purchased the tickets before hand to add some motivation.
After reading the text on the movie’s website and watching the trailer, I became intrigued about the unfolding of the journey. There are the people they talked with about their trip who thought they were nuts, and the stories of the people who gave them rides. All are woven into the narrative while the scenery adds the backdrop and also highlights the diveresity between the coasts.
Whether they made it from New York City to Berkeley, California within their self-imposed time period is almost beside the point. Having a goal did influence the outcome. People altered their own trips to help Ryan and Phillip out. Because these two vowed not to use any of their own money, their success depended upon others’ generosity.
Their success also depended upon their willingness to stick out their thumbs to see what would happen. Sticking out their thumb took effort. According to Ryan, they “piddled around for awhile” in New York before they actually hit the road. Starting seemed to be one of the hardest parts.
Last spring, there was a story about three friends who were driving through 48 states in less than a week. Some states meant a quick trip through one small section, and in one case, in and out on the same road. At Four Corners, they checked off Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, for example. “The Hitchhiking Movie” reminds me a bit of that story, except Ryan’s and Phillip’s success involved others’ efforts. In the case of driving through every state, it’s a matter of getting the geography, gas, and bathroom breaks just right.
The “The Hitchhiking Movie” was released on DVD this week. Watching it seems like it would be a great boost to fuel the traveling spirit. Here’s the trailer to get you in the mood. You can buy the film on the 11 Visions Website or pay to watch it online.
Undiscovered New York: Strolling “Brownstone Brooklyn”
Welcome back to Undiscovered New York. It’s often said that New York is a city made for walking. Between one of the world’s largest subway systems and an increasingly pedestrian-friendly city government, walking is typically the easiest (and most enjoyable) way to get around town.
In fact, walking isn’t just a practical way to get around. One of the great pleasures for any New Yorker is the leisurely stroll of his/her chosen neighborhood of residence. Within any given block you’re likely to encounter the sights, sounds and smells that give New York its particular personality – the bright green awnings of the neighborhood bodega, the thwack of rubber against concrete at the local handball court, or the gently wafting scent of fresh-baked loaves of bread.
Although just about all of the city of New York is a great place for walking, it’s only in Brooklyn that walking reaches its purest form. Don’t get us wrong, Manhattan’s got plenty of accessible pavement, and Queens and the Bronx are sidewalk friendly too. But there’s just something about Brooklyn and its stately rows of elegant old Brownstone houses, placid parks and tiny storefronts that has particular appeal.
This week at Undiscovered New York, we’re taking you on a leisurely tour of one of Brooklyn’s most famous old Brownstone neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights. And we’re doing it the way Brooklyn was meant to be seen – by foot. Interested in walking one of New York’s most beautiful old neighborhoods? Curious to see where authors like Tom Wolfe and rocker Bob Dylan once lived? How about an interesting look inside Middle Eastern culture in New York City? Let’s take a stroll through “Brownstone Brooklyn…”
A Walk Through Brooklyn Heights
As the settlement of New York began to grow rapidly in the early 1800’s, a new “commuter town” appeared along the banks of the East River opposite downtown New York. This new neighborhood, now known as Brooklyn Heights, became home to street after street of grandiose mansions, tall, shady trees and stately Brownstones. If you’ve heard of the beauty of Manhattan’s West Village, imagine an area just as beautiful – except minus all the gawking tourists.
Brooklyn Heights is one of the easiest, most beautiful and interesting spots to kick off your Brooklyn walking tour. Take a stroll along beautiful Pierrepont Street, stopping at the ornate building that houses the Brooklyn Historical Society. In addition to being a beautiful building, the site is filled with exhibits on the Borough’s history.
Just a block south is the commercial strip of Montague Street, lined with cafes and restaurants. Rock legend Bob Dylan claimed to have lived along this historic strip in his song Tangled Up in Blue. Then make your way south along Hicks Street, pausing to admire the majestic 19th Century facades. Book-lovers might also want to check out 5 Montague Terrace, once home to novelist Thomas Wolfe in the 1930’s.
Down Atlantic Avenue
Just south of Brooklyn Heights is Atlantic Avenue, one of Brooklyn’s most prominent East-West thoroughfares. A walk along this interesting and rapidly changing strip of Brooklyn will take you through the heart of some of the Borough’s more interesting businesses and landmarks. Between Clinton and Court Streets lies a strip of Middle Eastern restaurants, groceries and bakeries. Neighborhood favorite Sahadi’s stocks a wide variety of dry fruits and nuts as well as Middle Eastern specialty food products. Stop into nearby Damascus Bakery for a piece of Baklava or some of their famous pita bread.
Just a little further east, near the corner of Atlantic and Hoyt, you begin to enter one of Brooklyn’s more famous antique districts. The area’s biggest hub for antique and vintage furniture of all kinds is Horseman Antiques. Covering over three floors, Horseman stocks everything from vintage sofas to stained glass. For something a bit more modern, keep going just down the street to artez’n, a quirky shop specializing in locally produced artwork and gifts.
Undiscovered New York: Cooking up a storm
It’s no big secret that New York is absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to food. If you need any proof, Undiscovered New York has already reviewed a whole slew of New York City’s more interesting eating neighborhoods and cuisines.
Yet one of the greatest benefits of all this great food is that you don’t even have to go to one of New York’s many restaurants to enjoy it. New York is also a really great place to learn more about the art and science of food, including the practicalities of how to cook it. Whether you’re an avid Top Chef viewer looking to kick off that fledgling culinary career, or just a casual cooking fan looking to pick up a new skill, the city has a diverse range of culinary schools and classes to fit your timing and budget.
The other truth about New Yorkers and food is that they’re not just passionate about great cooking – they’re passionate about great ingredients. Ever wonder why some people swoon over a great Pinot or some smooth French Brie? Or why New Yorkers like to hate on Starbucks coffee so much? Plan to make time for a number of great food classes specializing in the intricacies of palate-pleasing foods like cheese, wine and coffee.
So go grab those chef pants, cleanse that palate and bring along your best whisk, this week Undiscovered New York shows you how to “cook up a storm” on your next visit. Click below to learn where…
Cooking Classes
Not only is taking a cooking class a great way to learn a new skill. It’s also a great way to learn more about what makes New York tick. Each year thousands of students come to the city hoping to catch their big break at one of New York’s world-class restaurants. Many inevitably find their way to one of the city’s several culinary schools. But the best part is that temporary visitors can also take advantage of these school’s programs by taking a day-long class.
In addition to 6 and 11 month-long career programs, The Institute for Culinary Education also offers 4-5 hour “recreational” sessions on a variety of cuisines. For around $100, you can learn how to make your own sushi, cook a great risotto or taste a few craft beers. Why not take a cooking class with you and that special someone? Or get a gift certificate for an interesting birthday present?
Great Coffee
New York coffee chain Joe The Art of Coffee is serious about their brew. It’s only natural then that the chain also offers a variety of java-themed courses to help teach joe-lovers a thing or two about a quality cup. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about espresso, proper milk steaming techniques or how to brew a great cup of coffee at home, stop by one of several locations around the city and check out one of their classes.
Wine and Cheese
Wine is one of those food products that tends to intimidate many drinkers. Between all the different grape varieties, food pairings and vintages, it can be downright confusing to know what’s good and what’s merely a ripoff. Want to look like the hero the next time you order a bottle at dinner? Get in touch with the helpful team at NYC Wine Class, offering a range of courses exploring food and wine pairings, regional specific wine tastings and courses in wine and cheese.
If you’d like to skip the wine altogether and just fill up on some delicious cheese, head to cheese experts at Murray’s for one of their regular classes on everyone’s favorite dairy product.
Undiscovered New York: Getting sporty
You probably already know New Yorkers are a competitive bunch. Whether it’s fighting it out for designer duds at the latest sample sale, running down a taxi or climbing the corporate ladder, it’s a city that thrives on getting ahead. What you may not realize, however, is that these very same facets of New York City also make it the ideal place for athletic pursuits.
Despite all the glass and concrete, New York is an increasingly athletic and outdoor-friendly city, with residents (and visitors alike) reaping the many benefits. Recent years have seen new city regulations to make the streets of the Five Boroughs increasingly bike and pedestrian-friendly. Just a few months ago, a project was announced to convert a stretch of Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets to a pedestrian-only mall. What’s more, large-scale projects like Hudson River Park have redeveloped once-gritty industrial waterfront areas, adding new trails, running paths and parkland.
Perhaps the most surprising fact of New York’s athletic culture is the variety of great outdoor-centric activities you can do just by jumping on the subway. Ever wanted to paddle a sea kayak next to a canyon of skyscrapers? How about a rock climb on one of the highest man-made climbing walls on the East Coast? Or maybe you’d like to “clown” around on a trapeze for the day? Lace up those cross-trainers and click below – this week, Undiscovered New York is “Getting Sporty.”
Climbing and Bouldering
You probably already associate New York with towering skyscrapers and climbing the corporate ladder, but it’s also a great place for some climbing of the more natural sort. Not only can visitors learn climbing skills like bouldering within Manhattan’s Central Park, there’s also a wealth of large climbing walls located all over the city.
Organizations like Climb NYC over a wealth of climbing info to help you find a wall that’s right for your skills and interests. Over at Chelsea Piers, visitors can tackle a 46′ high x 100′ wide climbing wall – one of the largest (and most expensive) man-made climbing walls on the East Coast. Others prefer the City Climbers Club, which offers a more modest but also more reasonable climbing area. Whether you’re just a beginner or a climbing expert, you’re sure to get a challenging experience.
Hudson River Kayaks
The image many visitors have of New York City waterways is grim. Visions of the East River are likely to conjure garbage and decomposing mob victims. Thankfully a concerted cleanup effort has left New York’s waterways in 2009 surprisingly clean – clean enough that you can now ride a kayak on them.
Visitors interested in taking a FREE kayak ride should head to Piers 40 and 96 as well as 72nd Street along the Hudson River. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation rents out free boats for 20 minute rides every weekend during the warmer Spring/Summer months. No prior experience is necessary other than knowing how to swim. It’s a great way to spend the day, paddling your way along the surprisingly serene river between the protected nooks of the river piers. You’re certain to get a view of the city you wouldn’t otherwise get back on dry land.
Trapeze School
Ever harbored a secret fantasy to run off and join the circus? You might finally get your chance when you come to New York. Just a short walk from Hudson River kayaking at Pier 40 is the Trapeze School of New York. Complete with all the necessary swings and safety nets and harnesses to get you up and swinging, the school has been attracting urban daredevils and just the plain curious for almost 10 years.
There’s quite possibly no better setting to learn – as participants flip, swing and glide their way through the lesson they are greeted with panoramic views of the city waterfront and skyline. Visitors can purchase a two-hour lesson starting at around $50-60 plus a one-time $22 registration fee. The school has a second indoor location at 30th Street.