It’ our privilege, it’s our power – moreover, it’s our obligation to vote! No matter what side of the ticket we’re on, no matter how disgusted, discouraged or disenfranchised we may feel, we have no excuses if we don’t flex our individual muscle and utilize this unique right that so many generations have fought so hard for. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 8th. Do it!
Through November 27th
Coinciding with the 2016 Presidential election, the New York Historical Society showcases more than 120 objects from The Museum of Democracy/Wright Family Collection featuring historical and political campaign memorabilia. Items on view include bold posters, paper dresses, pins, board games, t-shirts and other collectible gems so specific to these especially idealistic and tumoltuous times.
New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West (77th St.) http://www.nyhistory.org
November 6th
The world-famous New York City Marathon has grown from a small race (55 runners completed the race back in 1970, circling Central Park several times) to the largest, most popular marathon on the planet (last year there were nearly 50,000 finisher!). The race begins in Staten Island and runs through all five boroughs before reaching the coveted finish line in Central Park. Join the festivities and cheer on these weary warriors at various points throughtout the city – First Avenue and Central Park South have always been my favorite spots to lend my enthusiasm to this annual spectacle.
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Fishs Eddy is one of those shops that I can’t walk past without going inside. The sign in front reads “We Do Dishes” – do they ever!
In this 30-year-old Union Square emporium, sky-high piles of dishes and glasses compete for your attention. As far as I’m concerned, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it just doesn’t exist! What makes this store so unique is the sheer delight of wandering around this whimsically museum-like repository of all things dishes. The variety is unparalleled, ranging from traditional, novelty, collectables to my personal favorite (naturally!) the “New York Skyline” Collection.
FISHS EDDY 889 Broadway @ 19th Street http://www.fishseddy.com
November 3-16th
An extraordinary annual design competition and food charity, Canstruction challenges teams of architects, engineers and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. The large scale structures are placed on display and later donated to NYC-based non-profit City Harvest which helps feed nearly 1.4 New Yorkers facing hunger each year. Yes we “CAN”!!! Be sure and check this out.
Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street https://brookfieldplaceny.com
November 10 – 14th
The Salon Art+ Design welcomes the world’s finest galleries exhibiting historical, modern and contemporary furniture, groundbreaking decorative arts and late 19th and 20th century fine art. Many artists debut new pieces at the fair, making it a must-see for seasoned revelers on the New York art scene and an unparalleled introduction into high modern art for budding art enthusiasts.
Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave. at 66th Street http://thesalonny.com
With the holidays fast approaching, I’m always trying to figure where to find a truly unique gift. Among my most reliable destination(s) are the cadre of museum shops scattered throughout the city. Ok, so while many of these shops do indeed offer the standard souvenir totes, pencils and posters, many of them actually feature exclusive or hard-to-find items from around the world. I especially love the fact that by patronizing these shops you are contributing to various philanthropic efforts in that sales often support the individual institutions’ cultural work.
THE RUBIN MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
The Rubin Museum gift shop carries the finest artisanal goods from the Himalayas and Asia-many of which are unavailable elsewhere in the United States. Favorite items include textiles, jewelry, home goods, children’s gifts, spices, oils and incense. The shop also carries the full line of Rubin Museum of Art publications.
The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St. http://www.rubinmuseum.org
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS SHOP
This shop’s beautiful airy space is packed to the rafters with gracious ideas for gift giving, displayed in vignettes that will delight and inspire, featuring a mix of living plants, custom-designed Garden goods, a fabulous collection of books and beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts.
New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx http://www.nybg.org/home/
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY GIFT SHOP
For the best in all book-related products, this is your shop. There are literally thousands of items including classic and modern books for adults and children, desk items, toys, quirky gifts, fun souvenirs, a wide selection of fashion accessories and an exclusive collection of New York Public Library famous quote-inspired designs.
The New York Public Library, 5th Ave. @ 42nd St. https://www.nypl.org
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
This is one of the best shops to browse art books. Discover hundreds of unique gifts that are inspired by works in and around the museum. With this special season you’ll also find a vast selection of ornaments, Christmas cards and Advent calendars.
Metroplitan Museum of Art,
THE MORGAN GIFT SHOP
With a wide selection of books, reproductions, cards and decorative items related to the Morgan’s collections you are sure to find a unique gift here.
The Morgan Library, 225 Madison Ave. (at 36th Street) http://morganlibrary.org
Look up in the sky – it’s neither a bird, nor a plane but the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons taking shape! Come see for yourself how the likes of Snoopy, Dora the Explorer and Spiderman become their true selves. It takes alot of helium for these characters to come to life. The festivities surrounding their on-site inflation starts around 3pm on Thanksgiving Eve ( November 23rd), winding around the Museum of Natural History beginning at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. It’s a ton of fun but be prepared for the crowds.
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Whenever I see the red and white-stiped tents being erected throughout the city, I know that the holiday season has kicked off in earnest. Here’s where to go:
BRYANT PARK
November 1st through January 2nd
Shop the 125 holiday kiosk shops and finish off your excursion with some ice skating at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Very old-world, European market vibe!
GRAND CENTRAL
November 14th through December 24th
This is one of the longest-running indoor holiday markets in NYC. Over 40 vendors offer a range of products and price points where locals, commuters and tourists alike can find interesting gift items or just “window shop” in the extrarodinary ediface that is Grand Central Station.
UNION SQUARE
November 17th through December 24th
Located in the heart of Union Square Park, this market is a destination for unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists. There will be additional, exciting new vendors this year along with a most welcome warming station (all the better to do more shopping!)
COLUMBUS CIRCLE
November 29th through December 24th
Located at the 59th St/ Central Park West entrance to Central Park, visitors lose themselves in glittering isles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers.
Do you want to host Thanksgiving dinner but don’t know where to start? Learn all the techniques and inside scoop on preparing a Thanksgiving feast with a class or two at the Institute of Culinary Education. Modern Thanksgiving side dishes, essentials and a “Make-and-Take” Thanksgiving Pie Workshop are just of a few of tricks you’ll master at the holiday-themed classes.
Institute of Culinary Education, Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty Street http://recreational.ice.edu/Calendar