Erin & Matthias
Things To Do
Greenwich Avenue
If you want to indulge in a little shopping, or enjoy the BEST window shopping/ people watching, Greenwich Avenue offers high end boutiques and department store chains, international, national and local, all along the stretch of "the ave." Well known brand stores include Hermes, Theory, Tiffany & Co., Rag + Bone, Kate Spade, Lululemon, Athleta and Lilly Pulitzer, as well as department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and local dept. store Richard's. Great local boutiques include Out of the Box, Great Stuff, and shops off the corner of the ave like Splurge (which has beautiful souvenirs), and Olivine Gabbro. If you want to dress like a local, visit the loud, preppy and ever-popular Vineyard Vines (also a good souvenir choice!). Check out local favorites Meli-Melo, a french crepe restaurant, Bistro V, the Ginger Man, Terra and Elm Street Oyster House for a lunch break or post shopping dinner. Erin Kiss' Tip: note the free parking after 12 pm on Saturdays. Don't feed that meter!
Greenwich Point (aka Tod's Point)
Have a day at the beach and visit Greenwich Point, known to locals as Tod's Point. Named after the Tod family that owned the property until 1939, it features a paved road that loops around the entire park, so visitors can drive, bike or jog around and enjoy views of the the Long Island Sound. Park passes are required for entry, but can be purchased online. Regulations of entry to the park have changed during Covid, but may be lifted or altered this year. Check out the "view" button below for updated information on pass purchases. If you run into difficulties booking a day pass, let us know and we'll look into it. Eileen Marks' tip: head to the sandwich shop, Alpen Pantry, prior to your beach day and grab yourself an awesome sandwich to go!
Greenwich Polo Club
Put on your fancy pants and head to the fields! September rounds out the end of the regularly scheduled polo season in Greenwich, and it is quite a sight to see. The people watching rivals the actual playing of polo during these events, and makes for an excellent picnic opportunity. If you happen to arrive early, there's a match on Sunday, September 11th and tickets will be available online for purchase. Dress to impress and get ready to stomp the divots! Marks' Family Tip: this event is BYOB, so plan accordingly!
Grand Central Station
The last stop on our local Metro North Train, Grand Central Terminal is NYC's stunning station in the heart of Mid-Town Manhattan. A long list of major sites are all within walking distance from Grand Central, including: the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, Moma and Central Park. Please see our Travel & Accommodation page for more information on taking the Metro North Train. Matthi Kiss' Tip: save some room for your arrival or your departure from Grand Central. Shake Shack in the lower level of the station serves up amazing burgers and fries. They are a must for those who have never tried the chain! Photo by Architectural Digest
Broadway or Bust!
If you venture into Manhattan during your stay, we highly recommend a broadway show. Tickets can be expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. September is prime-time for broadway, since it marks the beginning of a new theater season. If you feel spontaneous, check out a TKTS booth early that day to score heavily discounted tickets for the evening. Click "view" to be linked directly to the TKTS site. Erin Kiss' Tip: No shows on Mondays (for most productions) but you will find Wednesday, Saturday matinees along with an evening show both nights. Check out the Playbill website for a full schedule of show times and dark days.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
If you want great views of Manhattan and the neighboring boroughs, the Circle Line provides an amazing opportunity to see parts of the city that you'd otherwise never witness from the streets. It's at least one point on your travel itinerary where you can sightsee and take a well deserved break from the hustle and bustle.
Museums of Manhattan
NYC has so much to offer, and the museums are a highlight. There are an incredible number of world class museums to visit, here are three of our favorites: The American Museum of Natural History A Marks Family favorite and Matthias' top choice; excellent dino exhibits, impressive taxidermied animals of all sizes, and an amazing planetarium (don't miss it if you visit). It's a beautiful museum and wonderfully curated. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the other Met) One of the only buildings that houses multiple buildings inside; an Egyptian temple, a Greek Revival Bank facade, and the Frank Lloyd Wright living room are all features of this larger than life collection of treasures from around the world. The Museum of Modern Art (Moma) A pilgrimage for modern art fans, this museum houses some of the greats and some...really modern stuff. Get up close with Starry, Starry Night, The Persistence of Memory, Warhol's soup cans and much more.
The Highline
A very cool "greenway," 1.45 mile (2,33 kilometer) stretch of a former freight train line above the streets of Manhattan. The Highline is a fairly new park, where visitors can enjoy some green space and beautiful views. Free tours are held on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Saturdays in September. You can also book a private tour on the website linked in "View." Indy and Ollie's tip: Dogs aren't allowed on the Highline, so leave us at home for this adventure. Photo via Wikipedia
The Bronx Zoo
Spend a day immersed in the U.S.'s largest metropolitan zoo. The exhibits are fantastic and large, giving animals freedom to roam. There's a lot of shade on the grounds, making it nice to explore on an Indian summer day. The Congo exhibit is a must-see! Marks' Family Tip: Make a reservation for tickets (Limited Admission Tickets) on Mondays at 5pm for that coming Wednesday and get in for free!
A game at Yankee Stadium
Batter up and see some great NY baseball. There's a home game September 30th against the Baltimore Orioles if you stay in town. Tours of the stadium are also available.
Exploring Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Enjoy some awesome food, beer and shopping in Brooklyn. Some recommendations include: The Brooklyn Flea Market--An open air market where you can find some incredible trinkets and treasures. The Smorgasburg-- An open air market with the latest food trends and a stellar view of Manhattan. Bring cash and an empty stomach. Click "view" for more info. Brooklyn Brewery--New York's now famous brewery offers tours and tastings of its great American beer (we are more than our Bud Lite in the U.S.!)