The Best Things To Do In NYC On Father’s Day

By Dom Bewley

Picture the scene: it’s Sunday morning. You wake up and take a shower. Midway through your breakfast you get a calendar notification. Your heart sinks. It’s Father’s Day. And you forgot. Images of your dad sitting at home, staring blankly at the TV as a single tear rolls down his face fill your mind. You are a terrible child. How could you? The only day dedicated to dads in the whole year and you forgot. Never fear, we’re here to make sure you save Father’s Day, and become the hero your dad knows you are. Here are the best things to do in NYC.

The Father’s Day Experience Guide

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Deno’s Wonder Wheel

The Crown Jewel of Coney Island’s famous boardwalk, Deno’s Wonder Wheel has been around nearly as long as your dad has, and when you go, definitely make that observation. He will love it. At the very top, you can savor a view of the city, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. And when you’re done, there are plenty more amusements to amuse him with, and places to eat and drink too.

The Empire State Building

Why not take Dad to one of New York’s most famous landmarks, and head up to the observation deck of the Empire State Building? It’s one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, so it’s the perfect place to show your dad that he’s the wonder of your world. The most breath-taking views of New York, and on a clear day, you can even see as far out as Pennsylvania!

Central Park Bike Tour

If your dad’s getting a bit thick around the waist, why not help getting him into shape with an exhilarating bike tour around Central Park? You can book a 2 hour guided bike tour to discover the park’s highlights, or simply challenge him to a race to prove the student has become the master. And don’t worry, if he tries to weasel out of it because he doesn’t have a bike, there are lots of places to rent them. Let nothing get between you and a victory you’ll never forget.

The Guggenheim Museum

One of the world’s most revered modern art galleries, and an architectural masterpiece, the Guggenheim is a great place to take dads who appreciate a bit of culture. Make your way up the grand spiral designed by Frank Lloyd Wright back in the 50’s, and ponder some of the most interesting paintings and collections our species has ever created. Don’t forget to check out their new ‘Artistic Licence’ exhibit.

Museum Of Modern Art

Dads who pretend to understand art will also love the Museum of Modern Art, a huge collection of over 200,000 works spanning painting, architecture, film and photography. Once you’re through agreeing with your dad’s preposterous interpretations of the exhibits, you can take a moment to reflect in the peaceful Museum gardens.

Film Forum

Does your dad fancy himself a bit of a cinephile? Why not take him to New York’s premier independent movie theater – Film Forum. See some of the best films doing the rounds on the award circuit, as well as older foreign pictures and classic cinematic favorites. See if he knows the difference between his Kubricks and his Kurosawas.

Food On Foot Tours

Give Dad a guilt-free trip through New York’s cultural cuisine with a Food On Foot tour. Sample authentic favorites from some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, and since you’ll be walking everywhere, you needn’t worry about his beer belly getting any bigger.

Peter Luger Steakhouse

Vegans can skip right past this one. But nothing says “I love you Dad now be quiet and eat that steak” quite like the Peter Luger Steakhouse. A New York institution since 1887, prepare to loosen your belts and gorge on some of the best beef around. There’s burgers, steaks, and every combination in-between. Or if you’re both feeling brave, try and overcome their 44 ounce ‘Porterhouse for Two’. Good luck!

City Winery Tour

If music, food, and wine are up your dad’s alley, you can’t do much better than City Winery. Indulge your senses with top-end culinary and cultural experiences, while tasting some of the finest wines around, courtesy of your very own wine expert. Definitely one of the best things to do in NYC on Father’s Day.

Yankee Stadium Tour

Experience some of baseball’s best history with a tour of Yankee Stadium. The 27-time World Series Champions have a huge amount of history to discover. One of their experienced tour guides will show you around, and tell you about the various events that have taken place throughout the stadium. This isn’t just for Yankees fans, but for all baseball enthusiast dads.

The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

If you’re looking for a bit of activity, why not challenge your dad to a game of shuffleboard at Brooklyn’s Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club? Good for experienced players and newbies alike. It’s a great place to sink a few drinks and play a few rounds.

There are just some of the best things to do in NYC on Father’s Day. Are there any we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page.

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Best Things To Do In NYC In Summer 2019

The sun is out, and the only snow you'll see will be dolloped on cones. Yes, summer is finally, finally upon us — time to hang up your windbreakers, hip shakers. If you're looking for something wild to do this weekend, or taking a vacation to the Big Apple, we've got some suggestions that should keep you more than occupied. Here are some of the best things to do in NYC this summer. Starting with... Central Park Bike Tour There's never a better time to take a ride around NYC's most famous park than in summertime. Bring your own bike or rent one onsite, and take a tour around the park's most famous landmarks like the Cherry Hill Fountain, and Strawberry Fields. Ride with a guide for a more educational experience, or go your own way. Whichever you choose, you're bound to have a blast. Gay Pride Celebrate diversity and equality by attending Gay Pride. While events are happening all throughout June, the climax is the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30. This year is special as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a huge turning point for queer rights, so you can be sure it'll be unmissable. Expect performances from LGBTQ icons like Madonna, a huge parade, and plenty to eat and drink. Bryant Park Movie Nights Make the most of the sunshine, grab a few friends, and find the perfect spot in Bryant Park to watch some classic movies. Bryant Park Movie Nights is back, and if you've ever been before you know what to expect. If you've not, don't miss out. There's lots to eat and drink, and you'll have the chance to watch award winners like Goodfellas, as well as cult comedies like Anchorman and Coming To America. Macy's Independence Day Fireworks What better way to get lit this Fourth of July than attending one of the greatest fireworks displays in the country? Macy's annual bang bonanza returns to the Brooklyn Bridge this year. Nothing screams freedom like 75,000 fireworks being set off over the course of a half hour. And while you're there, make the most of your 11% discount at Macy's Herald Square. Coney Island Why not add a little sand and sea to your summer by heading over to Coney Island? Over two and a half miles of beach are at your disposal, so you should definitely find a spot for you and some friends to lay some towels and relax. Go for a swim, or simply soak up some rays under the sun. It's a convenient alternative to an expensive beach holiday, and it's only a train ride away. And if you want to make an evening of it, Brooklyn boardwalk's got restaurants and bars to keep you busy, and then of course there's Luna Park if you fancy some exhilarating rides. Definitely one of the best things to do in NYC this summer! Shakespeare In The Park If you fancy getting a bit of culture, stop by the Delacorte Theater in Central Park for a show. It's open-air, so it's the perfect place to watch some of the world's most famous plays, courtesy of the world's most famous playwright. And you might even catch performances by some of the world's most talented stars! Acting juggernauts like Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, and Meryl Streep have all graced the stage in the past. Summer Streets NYC If you've had a little too much to eat and drink this summer, and you're feeling a little soft around the edges, try your hand at lots of free activities at this year's Summer Streets event. Get your blood pumping with a spot of rock climbing, or ride the huge, breathtaking zipline. You'll also find walking tours, pop-up shops, and plenty more to do once you've burnt off some of those calories. And best of all, seven miles of the city are car-free, so you don't need to worry about breathing in fumes or back-flipping into traffic. US Open Sorry golf fans, this is the other US Open. But in that case, tennis fans - rejoice! The greatest stars in the ball-hitting world will be congregating at Corona Park this August for the US Open. Nets will be skimmed, grunts will echo, and eyes will dart back and forward. As usual, expect plenty of choices when it comes to food and drinks, and music performances too. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Get a different view of the city's beautiful skyline while making the most of the dwindling summer months by taking a Downtown Sightseeing Cruise. You'll glimpse all of NYC's most iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and during the hour-long cruise, your tour guide will keep you entertained and educated. 29Rooms Ever wanted to enter the mind of your favorite celebrities and artists? You won't want to miss 29Rooms. As you will gather from the name, 29Rooms is a collection of 29 interactive exhibits designed by celebrities, creatives, and brands for you to get lost in. This year, the theme is 'human connection', so expect politically charged and thought-provoking experiences. Taste Of New York at Brooklyn Brewery If you're out and about, why not stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a beer to quench your thirst? Brooklyn is world-renowned as the birthplace of the craft beer revolution. And where better to take shelter from the beating sun, and enjoy a nice, refreshing beer than in the establishment that started it all? And if you want, stay for a few more? No judgments here! Diner En Blanc Fancy a colossal picnic where everyone's wearing white? Strangely, we actually have you covered. Diner En Blanc is a little elusive. It takes place in different areas every year, but if you find it, you'll be treated to great food, refreshing drinks, and a night under the stars. A great way to end the summer with a bang. These are just some of the best things to do in NYC this summer!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in New York for your Birthday

Psst. Hey, you. Yes, you. Are you looking for fun things to do in New York for your, or someone else's birthday? Wondering what shenanigans you can get up to, but the thought of actually doing your own research sounds super dull? You've come to the right place. We have placed the burden of boring research on our own shoulders, so sit back, put on your best monocle or other reading utensils, and read on as we blow your freaking mind with our recommendations for the best things to do for your birthday in New York! Including: Game of 1000 Boxes Catacombs by Candelight Escape Virtuality Drinks, drinks, drinks and more! Gameshow Shenanigans What's a little friendly competition among birthday celebrators? If the bow on your big day involves you beating your fellow partygoers on a faux-gameshow, then check out Game of 1000 Boxes. This immersive, sensory overload of fun pits teams of four against one another. Through a series of escalating challenges, you must score points and beat out the other teams. Exercising your teamwork, puzzle-solving, and trivia muscles, you'll work your way towards the ultimate prize - a mystery box. Oooh. What could lie within? Who knows. The only way you'll find out is by heading there and seeing for yourself! A Creepy Birthday Crypt Crawl Fancy adding a sprinkling of spookiness to your celebrations? Why not venture into the crypt beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral for a spooktacular time courtesy of Catacombs by Candlelight? Throughout 90 minutes, your guide will steer you along the underground tunnels beneath the streets, reeling off ghoulish stories of the ghastly goings-on under New York. You'll even come face to face with the final resting place of historical figures from the city's past. Perhaps the ghost of Lincoln's friend Thomas Eckert will appear to talk battlefield tactics? Who knows. Are ghosts even real? To answer that, you'll have to descend into the belly of the city and see, won't you? Enter another reality If reality is a bit too humdrum for birthday fun, why not enter another world at Escape Virtuality, New York's best VR experience! Explore four unique virtual reality experiences that throw you into the heart of the action. You and a friend can hook yourselves up to the state-of-the-art Xtrematic system and run away monsters, zombies, and other creepy critters, or race down a ski slope as you battle to beat your opponent! Xtrematic moves with the game, so you'll feel every turn, every hill, and every near-miss! Or, hop behind the wheel and race around a virtual track, or board a rollercoaster and go for a ride you'll never forget with the Speed Simulator. You could even try your hand at rock climbing, or jumping out of a plane! A world of wonder awaits you at Escape Virtuality, making it easily one of the best things to do in New York for your birthday! Go on a delicious food tour Is all that excitement getting you feeling a bit hungry? Why settle for one restaurant when you can try a bunch on a Food On Foot Tour? This award-winning tour will take you to a number of authentic New York eateries, letting you sample New York-style pizza, chow down on some delicious street food, and much more! Covering a number of international cuisines, you can pick and choose what to have, and how much to have, at each stop. You'll also have the chance to meet both local and visiting foodies to exchange notes, and maybe numbers should the food gods dictate it. And best of all, the whole thing's on foot, so you'll have the chance to burn some of the many calories you'll be consuming! Drinks that hit different And finally, no birthday bonanza would be complete without a tipple or twelve. You could go the usual route. You know, standard bars with standard drinks and nothing much else. But why not add a little birthday excitement to your session with some of our leftfield suggestions? At Elsewhere, you can pair your beer or cocktail with some live music, a DJ set, or even a performance! This trendy Brooklyn hangout spot is making quite the name for itself in the party scene, so why not check it out? You can even book a party package if you want to guarantee a spot for you and your troupe of celebrating chums. Or, unleash your inner Viking at Kick Axe. 'What does that mean?', we hear you cry and wail in the night. Well, it means you can down beers and throw freaking axes while you do it! Axes. Like, real axes. Yes, Kick Axe takes your drinking experience to another level, thanks to its brilliant drinks menu coupled with cathartic ax-throwing. Or, combine your food and drinks needs for the evening, and marry it with some sun, fun, and a spot of dancing at Nowadays. This outdoor foodcourt slash bbq slash party bar has it all, and surrounds you with a taste of nature while it does it. Things to Do On Your Birthday in New York With its world class sights, thrilling attractions and unique experiences like hot air balloon rides, skydiving and private yacht cruises, New York City offers you plenty of options to make your birthday the best day ever. Whether you want to relax and take in the views from one of Manhattan’s many iconic skyscrapers, or get adventurous with zip-lining over Brooklyn or kayaking on the East River, there’s something for everyone here. Plan an intimate party at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum or just enjoy a delicious meal with friends — whatever you choose to do in New York City will make your special day an unforgettable one! And those are our recommendations for the best things to in New York for your birthday!
Dom Bewley
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Mountain Bike Trails & Bike Trails Near You

More riders are hitting the mountain bike trails, bike trails and cycle paths than ever. Fact. Which is why World Bicycle Day is the perfect day to get on your bike and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. But where should you go if you're looking for mountain bike trails and bike trails that stray from the beaten path? If you live in a major city like London, New York, or Paris, you may want to head out of the urban sprawl to one of these top tier bike trails. Get on your bike - bike trails Sunrise Ride at Grand Army Plaza - US Yes, you can take this ride at any time of the day, but it truly becomes something spectacular if you're there at sunrise. The trail begins in Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, right at the northern tip of Prospect Park, passing Fort Tilden. You'll take this to Bedford Avenue and will ride through some of the most beautiful and often under-experienced neighborhoods in all of Brooklyn. Along the way you'll pass Brooklyn College and arrive at Sheepshead Bay. If you time it right, you'll be able to see the morning boats departing the dock. Riding over Jamaican Bay in the morning is beautiful and there's a cooling breeze. This ride is longer at 27 miles, but it's not hilly and always a pretty comfortable ride. Plus, it isn't as busy as some of the other trails and parks throughout New York, which gives you the sunrise almost all to yourself. Ocean Parkway Ocean Parkway makes the list of top bike tours in New York City because it was the first actual bike path in the entire United States. Created in 1894, it is seven miles long and travels down Ocean Parkway, beginning (again) at Prospect Park and heading out to Coney Island Beach. This path is away from pedestrians and a shorter route. Plus, it ends at Coney Island, so make sure to stop off for a hot dog or a ride. Either way, it's a great way of taking in some American history while getting fit. Tamsin Trail When you're in London and want a leisurely ride, The Tamsin Trail is perfect as it is 12km that has plenty of built-in stops. There are also a ton of ice cream shops, making it perfect for a summer cycle. The Tamsin Trail is London's largest royal park, so you'll be riding through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in London. Of course, if this path is too easy you can always hop off and take the National Cycle Route 4's hill climb. This will really work your legs and is one of the most recognized bike paths in all of London. Westminster Bridge to Box Hill This is a longer path of 42km. It's also more of a challenge, so only tackle this bike path if you've been riding road bikes for a while now. In fact, the "Zig Zag Road" portion of the path was part of the 2012 Olympic road cycling route. Taking this longer trail also brings some incredible views with it. The trail heads out of London along Richmond Park. Now, you can take the hill, but with this path there's no need to. You'll hit plenty of hills during the path and it's best to not blow your energy all at the beginning. Beyond Richmond Park you'll pass Hampton Court Palace and ride into Surrey. When you hit Box Hill you'll climb 120 meters over about the next 2 kilometers. You may want to stop at the base of Box Hill and grab some refreshments at National Trust Cafe. Plus it's just a nice little spot to relax a bit. Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes There's plenty of fantastic bicycle paths in and around Paris, so you'll have your pick. However, one of the best is Stalingrad to Bois de Vincennes. You'll start off at Canal Saint-Martin and head past Bastille as you take a left just after Opera Bastille. You'll take this until you hit Viaduc de Arts. You will need to carry your bike up the Promenade Plantee stairs, which gives you a fantastic view from the overpass. You'll then take your bike and finish at Bois de Vincennes. Thankfully, there will be plenty of chocolate shops along the way if you're feeling like rewarding yourself for this bike ride. More and more people are taking to the saddle every year.Ride every mountain - mountain bike trails Jura Mountains - France The Jura Mountains, with its cool green pine forests, secret landscapes and immutable topography. It's the perfect place to get your adrenaline and your Zen, all in one go. The well-marked and maintained routes feature challenging and varied terrain to suit all levels. Find flatter terrain further south if you're a fledgling rider. Follow the trail out of the trees, to the Grande Traversée du Jura to enjoy stunning meadow-scapes, or if technical difficulty is your thing, the northern section skirts the Doubs gorge. Epping Forest - UK Just outside of London, Epping Forest is known for its varied and, let's be honest, muddy, mountain bike trails. The route is 95 per cent off-road and 90 per cent singletrack. The highest point is located at Pole Hill, at 91 metres. But be wary: navigation can be difficult due to the trail being largely unmapped. But you’ll never be far from a road or a landmark. The trail is never more than 4km wide and 19km long. Epping Forest is near several car parks located at the edge of the woods. Look out for the free weekend parking on the residential streets. Lippman Park - US A proud community asset to the Town of Wawarsing with a name that means "where the stream bends". Lippman Park is a well-maintained mountain bike trail for intermediate to advanced riders, with a singletrack of 14 miles and 301 ft elevation. This beautiful area features a park that plays host to both open and woodland areas, so be sure to stop off to relax once you're done. And look out for the brewery near the park's entrance. These are just some of the few bike tours to consider for World Bicycle Day if you live in London, New York or Paris. Don't fancy leaving the city? No problem. Celebrate World Bicycle Day by taking a Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour! That and a number of other top London attractions are free with The New York Pass.
Suz Pathmanathan

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