New Things To Do In New York

Every now and then, a new term pops up that just tickles me pink. My new favorite made-up word? Staycation: a stay-at-home vacation, usually for the purpose of saving money. Though first reported use of this term dates back to 2005 (according to Wikipedia, anyway), it has really taken off since the recession. Fortunately for New Yorkers, we are surrounded by some of the world’s greatest attractions, so staycations have some really fabulous potential. Here’s something exciting for your pennywise staycationers (or jet setting vacationers): for the first time since September 11, 2001, the Statue of Liberty’s crown will re-open to the public. The anticipated date of the re-opening is July 4 (I wonder why…) though that is not set firmly in stone just yet. We will definitely keep you posted, however, since lovely Lady Liberty is our neighbor. So while you’re in the area, you can always visit us as well.

Another stay/vacation idea for all you Gossip Girl fans out there: a Gossip Girl walking tour. "On Location Film Tours," a private company here in New York, has begun offering private tours of many of the real-life locations where the show has filmed. Our own gossip girl (…fan) Betsy, however, informs me that she questions some of the locations listed in the linked article, as she believes Lily and Bart’s wedding was filmed at the Ukrainian Institute, and she definitely knows of a school in Brooklyn Heights where the show frequently films. I am woefully out of the loop and don’t even know who Lily or Bart are, but since they are on Gossip Girl, I can only assume they are beautiful and rich. The Gossip Girl tour takes place uptown; if you have a hankering to see what the rest of the city has to offer, CityWalks has some great suggestions including a Lower Manhattan walking tour that includes the Museum.

So what about you? What are some of your favorite staycation spots, in New York or elsewhere?