Adventures for Anyone

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Wind and Sea in Denmark...That's Part Two of My Thoughts on That Country

I'm continuing my fascination with Denmark, by discussing two unique spots in that country. Now, I know that the castles and Copenhagen are great, but they are not the only places in the country to see. First off, as I have mentioned previously, Denmark is expensive. If you have a lot of money, you can stay in the city, shop til you drop and enjoy those expensive restaurants. If you have no imagination, you can still have a great time in Denmark. Don't think that you can't. There are a whole lot of things that you can do in Copenhagen. It has it's own city flavor. It's not just like visiting Krakow, Prague, Budapest, Helsinki, or Stockholm. It does have all the same kind of stuff that the others have, but only I would truly find them similar. But, wouldn't you love to see something that you can't see elsewhere?

West of Copenhagen, very much west, is the city of Ribe. Ribe is the oldest town in all of Denmark. The place sits on the edge of the Wadden Sea, and was once the home of Vikings. The town really hasn't changed all that much, save for a dyke that helps to control the floods. What you do find in Ribe is great food, laid back atmosphere, and great little places to stay. You get that small town feel, along with that traditional lifestyle that is part of what makes Denmark what it is today.

Around Ribe the locals are very proud of their Viking heritage and the Ribe Viking Center is there to help teach us all about the experience of being a Viking. It wasn't all raids and pillaging, although that was definitely part of life for the Vikings. At the center they will show you how they lived their day to day lives. They have houses, tents, food, games, and tradesmen there to show you. If you bring the kids they might be able to learn a little bit about using a bow, shield, or sword. They also might get to see how they made these items. Also in Ribe there is a Viking Museum that can show you some of the real artifacts from the Viking time.

Next to Ribe, I mean within a couple of miles, is the Wadden Sea National Park. This is one of the largest protected marsh areas in the world. I know what you're thinking. I thought that it would be lame too, but it's gorgeous. This place has extreme tides, so you can take a tour amongst the mud on one of their tractor buses, which is also largely how you get from island to island. It is not advised that you go walking about the tidal areas if you are not completely familiar with the tide schedules in this area. You also should not try to drive in the tidal areas unless you know what you're doing. They will flood the flats and you will be in trouble if you are in the way. But, as long as you do things safely, you can have a really great time. There are quaint little villages out the way of Mando Island with windmills and quiet little inns. There are the bus tours that take you out into the tidal areas and from island to island. They also go on seal watches in season. You can go on oyster trips, or go hiking. There are three islands associated with the national park, and on some of them are beaches as well. There's something for everyone that loves the outdoors. It's a beautiful place to watch the sunset too.

So, Ribe has a Viking village, Viking Museum, and churches and buildings that are over 1,000 years old. The Wadden Sea National Park has seals, amazing tides and great tours. The whole area is relaxed and easy to get around in. The accommodations and the food are good. You will have a great time in the area, and it is a great Adventure for Anyone.

So, take the time to get out of Copenhagen and see some of the wildlife. Take a walk back in history with the people who's ancestors lived it. I think that sometimes you can learn and have fun. I think that there is something to be said for seeing the sea from somewhere other than a beach full of umbrellas. It's a unique area that you don't hear much about. I love Denmark, and I will write more about this fascinating country in coming weeks. I hope that you will continue with me on my journey to see what else is in this little country that has so many happy residents.
Enjoy!

http://www.visitdenmark.com/en-us/south-jutland/live-viking
http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/ribe.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/denmark/jutland/ribe/sights
http://www.visitribe.com/ln-int/south-jutland/accommodation/accommodation-mandoe
http://www.visitribe.com/ln-int/south-jutland/activities/wadden-sea-national-park-0
http://eng.nationalparkvadehavet.dk/
http://www.danhostel-ribe.dk/en/wadden-sea-national-park
http://www.danhostel.org/2014/05/17/a-sea-explorer-barefoot-tour-in-the-wadden-sea-national-park/#.VCQ6YBawRqw
http://whenonearth.net/wadden-sea-national-park/
http://www.waddensea-worldheritage.org/
http://www.ribevikingecenter.dk/en/home.aspx
http://www.tripomatic.com/Denmark/Fyn/Ribe-Viking-Centre/
http://www.jeremyhead.com/denmark-vikings/
http://www.tours.com/tours_vacations/denmark.htm
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred

Thursday, September 18, 2014

My Fascination With Water and Cruising On Rivers and Lakes

It's not that I don't like cruises. I hate big giant floating amusement parks that keep you busy, but make you miss the point of traveling in the first place. I just can't spend my time in the casino, or the club, or up on deck at the pool, or hovering over a buffet or bar. When I travel, I want to spend all or most of my time seeing where I am. It's who I am. Now, does this mean that I don't like cruises? No!

I love a good cruise. Ferries are some of my favorite boat modes of transportation. But, I could digress all day on the issues of ferry travel. I decided to mention some of my favorite river, lake and harbor cruises around the country. Maybe, if I have some time, I'll stop on this subject again and add some more exotic ones from around the world. Let's start with Chicago. That city is full of drawbridges and skyscrapers. That makes for interesting scenery to start off with. They also have some specialty tours which I've mentioned before like architecture tours and historical river tours. It's a one of a kind place to spend some time, and the scenery is truly impressive.

Before we leave Chicago, let's talk about the Spirit Cruises. They have them in Chicago and on the Hudson River, and many other places. These guys normally throw in a great meal to go along with the views around the cities. You can catch them in several cities around the country, especially Chicago.

Texas has a lot of coast, but it has the incredible San Antonio Riverwalk area, and the river cruises to enjoy them on. It's one of the prettiest and romantic riverfront areas in the country, and the cruise is the best way to see it.

Out west in Newport Beach, CA, you can catch a gondola ride. The canals there reminded the locals so much of Venice, Italy that they made gondolas their business as well. It's a great way to see the city and relaxing as well. There are also Venetian Gondola rides at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Those Gondoliers are actually from Italy. It's pretty cool.

If you miss the old days of paddlewheelers, you will be happy to hear that they're still all over the place. They run up and down the Mississippi, the Ohio, the lower Colorado, the Columbia and several other rivers. They also are found on lakes from Lake George, to Lake Michigan, to Lake Mead and beyond. They are an iconic piece of American history and they won't fade away any time soon.

If the hop on hop off style of tour isn't your thing in Washington DC, then you should try out the Patomic River Cruises. These guys take you around to get all the best vistas of the city. You can catch them on the waterfront anytime during the season.

But, the thing is, whether you're in Boston going out to look at whales, or taking a harbor cruise, or riding a jet boat in Niagara Falls, the water is a great way to see stuff and have fun. Jet boats are becoming more popular from Niagara to the Colorado, to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Wisconsin Dells. It's great to go through the locks in Sault St. Marie. There are houseboats for rent on several big lakes around the country including Lake Powell of northern Arizona.

So, whether you're normally inclined to take a cruise or not, there are some great idea around this country. There are cruises of some kind on every navigable river. There are cruises of many kinds on every large lake in every corner of the country. They even have cruises in the desert. They have cruises in the north. They have them everywhere. You can even take a glacier viewing cruise in Alaska. It's a great way to add to a great vacation. Hey, who doesn't love telling their tale of nearly drowning while viewing Niagra Falls from the Maid of the Mist? It's fun. Do it.
Enjoy!

http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises/home.aspx
http://www.nywatertaxi.com/
http://www.spiritcruises.com/chicago
http://www.chicagoline.com/
http://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/tourism_rivertour.html
http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/
http://gondolas.com/
http://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/mississippi-river-cruises
http://www.cruisebostonharbor.com/
http://www.hudsonriver.com/hudson-river-cruises
http://www.sunstonetours.com/columbia-river/
http://www.adventure-life.com/cruises/ships/ss-legacy-278/legacy-of-discovery-3482
http://www.yumarivertours.com/sternwheelercruises.htm
http://www.maidofthemist.com/
http://www.whirlpooljet.com/
http://norrislakehouseboats.com/
http://www.lake-powell-houseboat-rentals.com/
http://www.houseboating.org/Lake-Mead-Houseboat-Rentals
http://www.whalewatch.com/
http://www.gondolaman.com/gondola-tours
http://www.soolocks.com/
http://boothbayboattrips.com/
http://www.dollysteamboat.com/
http://www.hornblower.com/home/sf
http://www.glacierbayalaska.com/glacier-bay-day-cruise-day-of-family-fun/
http://www.superiorvisits.com/content/Lake_Trips/Cruising/
http://detroitprincess.com/
http://www.gatewayclipper.com/
http://www.nashvillesightseeing.com/?event=offer.detail&offerId=3875
http://www.mainstreetlakecruises.com/
http://lakegeorgesteamboat.com/
http://www.dellsboats.com/
http://www.wisconsindellstours.net/?event=offer.type&productType=BOAT&mpt=1706
http://www.hartfordbelle.com/
http://www.katahdincruises.com/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html?tab=artwork
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred

I could have talked all day on this one, but visit the sites and see for yourself. They are everywhere and fun!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

It's Fall in New England...The Fairs Are Here!

It's my favorite time of year, and if you aren't in New England, you're missing it. I love the fall. I love the foliage. I love the last rage against the machine that is the long cold winter to come. By the way, I hear that this year is supposed to be bad. I don't know if that will pan out, but just in case, I'm celebrating fall with some of my favorite things.

Here's my schedule:

Terryville Country Fair--August 23, 24, 25 it's over.
Goshen Fair--August 30,31, September 1 it's over.
Bethlehem Fair--September 6, 7 it's over. It's my favorite!
Brooklyn Fair--August 23, 24, 25 it's over
Durham Fair--September 25, 26, 27, 28
Harwinton Fair--October 4, 5
Riverton Fair--October 10, 11, 12
The Big E--September 12 through 28
Jiminy Peak will be open weekends and on Columbus Day

Can't miss fall. Can't miss all the fairs. Get out! Get going! Run through a corn maze, pick some apples, go to a haunted house, or on a haunted hayride, or to Lake Compounce for the Haunted Graveyard. It's a great season to be out. It's a great season to take a Hudson River Cruise to look at leaves. It's a great time to take a bus tour to Vermont. It's all the best stuff. Don't put it off. Winter will be here soon!

I beautiful out there! Enjoy!

By the way, I updated everything on my blog, so if it's looked a little shabby lately, it should all be better for a while.

http://www.goshenfair.org/
http://bethlehemfair.com/
http://www.durhamfair.com/
http://www.brooklynfair.org/daily-schedule/
http://terryvillefair.org/
http://harwintonfair.com/
http://www.rivertonfair.org/
http://www.thebige.com/fair/
http://www.jiminypeak.com/
http://www.discovernewengland.org/seasons/fall/
http://vermontvacation.com/Fall.aspx
http://foliage-vermont.com/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html?tab=artwork
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Thursday, September 4, 2014

My First Thoughts on Denmark

I've looked forward to talking about Denmark for a very long time, but I'm just now getting around to it. It's a fascinating country with so much to do and so much to learn. Denmark is currently considered the happiest country in the world. It's socialized lifestyle, while impossible to implement with any success in a larger country, works extraordinarily well for the Danes. They do have one of the highest taxation levels in all of Europe, but they also have one of the highest standards of living. What does that mean to the traveler? For one thing, it does mean that prices might be a little high, but they don't follow the Euro like most other countries in the continent. They still use the Danish Kroner, so make sure you look up the exchange rates for the right currency.

Denmark is famous for wind turbines. The sea around the conglomerate of dozens of islands that make up the country is full of them. They also have one of the more interesting bridges in the world to unite them with the rest of Europe. Everywhere in Denmark are amazing examples of architecture and engineering. It's one of the things that the country is known for. They still have an international empire as well. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are still protectorates of Denmark. Pretty good for a small little island nation in the North Sea.

If you're looking for one of those European countries that still has a monarchy and has a whole lot of castles, then you've come to the right place. Denmark is home to one of the world's oldest running monarchies. They have a changing of the guard at the main palace complex every day, and it's really popular with the tourists. The country is currently ruled by Her Majesty the Queen.

Amalienborg Castle is the main residence of the royal family headed by Queen Margrethe. It's part of a four castle complex in Copenhagen, and only one of the fabulous castles to see around the country. I'll cover that one in a different entry to this blog. Irregardless, Denmark has some amazing historic sites to see.

I've taken this time to write about two theme parks in Denmark. Theme parks are not always an adventure for anyone, but this time they are. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is one of them. This place sits in Copenhagen amongst the history and the new found food culture and the architecture of the city with a beauty that is hard to match. The gardens are hundreds of years old, the buildings are amazing, the gardens themselves are gorgeous. You could spend all day wandering the grounds just to look.

But there's more to it than just gardens and cool looking buildings. There's a theme park in there with roller coasters, thrill rides, amusements, boats to ride around in, great food, and in the winter time, you can come to see the Christmas lights and go ice skating. It's the preferred spot for the locals to go and spend the day. It's part of the happiness that the Danish folks enjoy.

One thing to remember however. At Tivoli Gardens there is beauty all around. That's why I see it as being for anyone. European theme parks have been around for millennia. There weren't always roller coasters. In the old days, you brought your family and a picnic to spend the day here. You went there to see the gardens and float around in a boat. Beauty is part of the park here. So, take time to smell the roses and don't worry about standing in line to ride the rides all day. This is an experience. Make sure you have the right one.

And that brings us to Legoland. That's right. It's one of the few things that Americans really know about Denmark. They invented and are home to the Lego building block. There are Legolands in other countries, but I say visit the original. Copenhagen has one of the loveliest old waterfronts in Europe, and if you missed it while in town, it's been immortalized 150 miles away in Legoland. Part theme park, part garden, and part Lego art museum, Legoland has something for everyone and is a great adventure for anyone. It's the kind of place that lets your imagination run wild.

Is it real, or is it made from Legos? That's an interesting question, and one that you will answer over and over during your visit to this park. Legoland comes with a theme park, a water park, numerous Lego sculpture areas, places where you can build your own things, gardens, shops, restaurants, theme hotels, and so much more. It's a one of a kind park, even thought there are a couple of others roaming around the world. But this is the original, and you should not visit Denmark and miss it. I found out a few years ago that the factory that you can take a tour of here is the only place that you can order regular old Lego sets from. If you want to reach for the stars and make the kinds of things that you see in the park, then you need regular Legos, not a kit to build some star wars ship or something. In many places throughout the USA, the only way to get that is to order it from Denmark. I've done that, and it was worth it to my son.

You can ride stuff, make stuff, buy stuff, and experience stuff. The best part about Legoland is that it sets your imagination on fire. You see so many amazing things. It sets your own wheels in motion about what you could build. If you can dream it, you can build it with Legos. And if you build it, they will come. I don't know about that, but if James May can build a house out of Legos, imagine what you could do.

So, set your mind and your imagination free with a trip to Tivoli Gardens and the original Legoland. Come to the happiest country on Earth and have the best time ever!
Enjoy!

http://www.visitdenmark.com/en-us/denmark/tourist-frontpage-usa
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/denmark
http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen-tourist
http://denmark.dk/en/practical-info/visit-denmark/
http://www.goaheadtours.com/tours/europe/?popup=europe&utm_content=hover&mkwid=vxvP2wsj_dc&pcrid=5095262484&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=GAT_Europe&utm_term=tours%20in%20europe&mt=b&utm_medium=cpc&utm_group=Europe_General
http://www.copenhagen.com/sightseeing/nycarlsbergglyptotek
http://www.10best.com/destinations/denmark/copenhagen/attractions/historic-sites/
http://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdest/dapts.htm#Best_Places_to_Visit_in_Denmark
http://www.denmark-getaway.com/Legoland.html
http://www.legoland.dk/en/
http://www.tivoli.dk/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaWZWQcaKQ4
http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/thingstodo/p/legoland.htm
http://www.destination360.com/europe/denmark/legoland
http://www.copenhagentours.net/?ctt_id=1736891&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=tc&ctt_cli=11x23045x69524x515068&ctt_kw=copenhagen%20day%20tours&ctt_adid={creative}&ctt_nwtype=search&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Copenhagen%20Denmark&utm_term=copenhagen%20day%20tours
http://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans?medium=tsa&refsrcprg=sem:Ocean-Cruises-Denmark-Search-USA-CAN&gclid=CNDQzfyXyMACFce_7AoddDAACw&gclsrc=ds
http://www.affordabletours.com/Denmark/
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html?tab=artwork
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Sunday, August 24, 2014

More of My New York...Love That City!

So, we're still discussing New York City. There's a reason for that. I've been to a lot of large cities around the world, and I must say that there's something addictive about New York. The more you go, the more you know. The more you know, the more you go. It's a really cool addiction though, and I highly recommend it. So, on with my tips. I have some really good ones. One of the last times I went into the city, I stayed over. This is something that I had never done before, but I would definitely do again.

What's the secret? There's this hotel in the financial district called Club Quarters. I've never found anyplace like this. We had a small suite for a great price and the view was really good. You are surrounded by skyscrapers, but there's a great plaza across the street with some cool sculpture work that makes a pretty good view. It's really reasonably priced and the amenities are fabulous. They even hold your luggage before and after you check in and out so that you can run around the city some more without toting it all around. This place changed my view of staying over in New York. The financial district is mostly on the red line subway, but take a 2 or 3, not a 1.

So, what about the financial district? Let's take a look at this one. I hadn't before. During the week, this place is full of people, because of the stock exchange. They are everywhere, and the one time I was down there during the week, I felt like I was suffocating in an ant hill it was so overrun with people. Not so on the weekends however. It is true that the stock exchange is closed on the weekends, but Federal Hall is open and you can see where George Washington was sworn in. The original Tiffany's is there with all it's amazing jewelry and glass work. There is a police museum and a museum of finance that are open. There's a lot of stuff to see and do. The neighborhood itself is interesting.

My favorite spot in the financial district is Trinity Church. That's right, that church in National Treasure. This ancient church is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of New York. It's stained glass windows, carved doors, vaulted ceilings, and marble carvings are really something to see. There are several people there who can tell you all about the history of the building and why the tree roots are outside. It' one of the oldest buildings in the city, and one of the best places to just stumble upon.

Just down the street from all of that is the waterfront. Manhattan has put a lot of time into the waterfront. The greenway that they have made goes everywhere and is over 30 miles long. I have my favorite spots which are from the financial district to the Brooklyn Bridge and the South Street Seaport and the area from Ground Zero over to Battery Park. They provide some great views and activities. On the west side by Battery Park, the views of the sunsets are magnificent, and the food is also good. You can take blue and green subways down there, but the best ones are the C and the 5. This area is a great place to rent a bike and take a ride. Citibike is a relatively new option in New York, but for $9.95 a day it's a bargain. You can pick up a bike pretty much anywhere and return it anywhere with just a credit card. But to ride along the waterfront, it's priceless.

The sunsets are worth it. Promise.

Now, neighborhoods. You must visit Chinatown, Little Italy, and Chelsea. It's that simple. Chinatown has all the shopping you'll ever want. If you need a purse, watch, Iphone case, or sunglasses this is your spot. It's cheap, you get to haggle and the stuff is nice. You can also get all the crazy Chinese souvenirs you want if you want. Take the yellow line, probably a Q to Lafayette Street for optimum entry to the neighborhood. I recommend that you eat here, but not on Canal Street. Lots of tourists don't leave that street, leaving the restaurants crowded and loud. Take a look down those side streets and try out some of the little places. The low prices and great food will both surprise and delight you. Before you leave Chinatown, check out Columbus Park. It's just south of all the hustle and bustle. Here you will see musicians, dancing, tai chi, and mahjong. The locals have really kept their traditions alive, and most tourists don't go to the park. You'll find yourself in a world of real culture, with a lot of nice people who want to show you how they do things. It's an experience that I can't recommend enough.

While in Chinatown you have to visit Little Italy. It's right there. Little Italy is another great place to eat and shop. If you like to cook, they have some of the best kitchen gadget shops in all the city. They also have Christmas all year round, and all the gelato you can eat. In the summer, go on a Saturday night and eat outside in the street. They block off Mulberry Street and all the restaurants spill out into it, with street performers to serenade you. It's a special evening.

Not far north of One WTC is Chelsea. Here is the home of another one of my favorite parks. The High Line. This place was made from an old elevated train. It runs from the Meat Packing District through most of Chelsea. It has it's own unique views and the wonderful Chelsea Market. You can see things on this park that you just can't see anywhere else. They even have a set of bleachers so that you can have a unique view of the city. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy a beautiful day. Here you will want to take the L line which runs across Manhattan, so it's unusual. You can catch it best from Union Square.

Now, you're probably wondering if I do any shopping in the city. Not much to be honest, but there is one neighborhood that I like to shop in. Union Square and NYU has some great shopping. They also have a great Citibike hub. Take the green line, any number to this area. This is home to two great stores. One is Forbidden Planet. That's for all you sci fi geeks. I love this place. You only get started with the life size Terminator in the window. They have all the Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who stuff that you could ever want plus so much more. Next to that one is The Strand. This is the greatest bookstore I've ever been to. They have everything and a lot of it is used and cheap. Period. You can't beat that. You can try. So, it's true. I don't hit the expensive stores like Bloomingdales and Saks. They just aren't for me. I like the stores that real people shop in. I don't like to spend too much time in Central Park, especially in the summertime. It's crowded, people are cranky, and it smells. I like all the kitchy little parks around the city. I like to go where the people go. I like to see what the city is really like.

I hope you've enjoyed my little stories of the city. I will always take time to add more. I love New York, and I say that everyone should visit there. Just in case you don't live as close as I do and you have to take a train or fly in, just remember that you can always take the metro. You can catch it just of the Sky Train at JFK and you can catch it in both Penn Station and Grand Central. It's really the best way to get around. There are many wonderful things to see in the city, so don't limit yourself to the things that you see in travel guides and on TV. See the real city and you'll love it even more.
Enjoy!

http://www.hotels.com/
http://clubquarters.com/
http://gonyc.about.com/od/manhattan/ss/Battery-Park-Financial-District-Map.htm
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/wall-street-and-financial-district-walking-tour
http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/feha.html
http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/
http://taznewyork.com/
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/mwg/mwghome.shtml
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/battery-park
http://onewtc.com/
http://www.littleitalynyc.com/
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/columbus-park-m015/
http://www.explorechinatown.com/
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/new-york-city/union-square/
http://www.strandbooks.com/
http://www.fpnyc.com/
http://www.thehighline.org/
http://chelseamarket.com/
http://www.citibikenyc.com/
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html?tab=artwork
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Here are Some Tips for New York City part 1

I've been living on the East Coast for a long time now, and I can say with great conviction that if you go to New York City and only see the things that you hear about on TV, you've really missed a great city. I know that it's customary to go to Times Square and the Empire State Building. I know that everyone feels obligated to go to the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. I realize all of this. You could spend a week seeing Broadway Plays and touring 30 Rock. It's easy to do. It's a wonderful way to spend some time. But, if you want to see New York, you should get out there and mingle. See what the locals see. They like to go out and do things to. You should learn from them. I do.

It's summer, and I've made a point to talk about beaches, so let's start with Coney Island. It's old, it's famous, it's a landmark, and it's one of the places that I highly recommend you go when in New York. Coney Island is found at the end of the yellow and orange subway lines in the very south end of Brooklyn. Always take the subway. There are maps of the subway for sale in places like Grand Central Station on the lower level at Hudson News for $5.00 if you need a hand with directions. Coney Island has been through a lot of changes in recent years. They were hit by a superstorm and had a turnover of landlords on the premises. What has come out of all the havoc, amazingly is a new and improved Coney Island. You still have Nathan's and the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone and the Circus Sideshow, but you also have a whole lot of new rides and attractions. There's no end to the fun, the food and the view.

If you spend time on this beach, you will see a lot of things. You will see people from all over the world. You will see some great kites, great sights, and a lot of ships passing by. New York is one of the busiest ports in the world, and it all passes right by the beach at Coney Island. While you're pondering whether or not you should take a ride on the world famous Cyclone Roller Coaster, take some time to visit the New York Aquarium, which sits right at the end of the main boardwalk. There are lots of things to do at Coney Island, although, if you wanted to shoot the clown, you missed it. I was a bit disappointed, because that was the craziest carnival game I ever heard of, but it is gone. If Coney Island isn't quite enough beach for you, hop back on that train for a few stops and stop and Brighton Beach. This one, known as Little Russia or Little Odessa for many years is quite a beauty too. In addition to the beach here, the whole area is signed in Cyrillic and most of the folks are from Russia. Here you have Russian gifts, Russian Food and the National Night Club. If you like drag queens, stick around for the show.

Now, once you've been to the beach, head on back toward Manhattan. But, stop in DUMBO along the way. This is only a blue line trip away on the subway. Check your map. Home of one of the best parks in all of New York, DUMBO or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Organization, is a little community that sits right under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. This place is a great place to stop for a snack or meal and take in some art galleries. They also have a great park that runs underneath the Brooklyn Bridge and has some views like none you've ever seen. The views of the Manhattan skyline are breathtaking and the views of the bridges are amazing. They have an antique carousel in the park too that's a can't miss. But that's not even the main attraction here. My favorite activity in the city is to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge. You just can't get a better view of New York. It's an amazing walk, and I recommend it almost more than anything else in the city.

So, you've landed back in Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. After you visit the South Street Seaport--you can't miss it right underneath the bridge--and seen some interesting shops and street performers, hop on the green line subway, head all the way to 59th street and walk a couple of blocks east. This is where you catch the tram to Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island used to be primarily a mental institution. The Octagon is the notable remnant of that period. Now, it's a whole city, full of luxury condos. When you land on the tram which follows the Queensboro Bridge and has amazing views, you'll see a visitor center. Anything you need or want to know about the island, you can learn there. On Roosevelt Island there's a red bus. This is how you get around. It's free, no matter what you've read. I like to go to the parks and the center of town.

There's a lighthouse in the park at the north end of the island. It's great. You can see all kinds of things from there. But, there are walkways all around the island and you get the most amazing views of the city from all over. It's a great relaxing way to spend some time. If you get hungry, stop at Gristedes Cafe at the supermarket and have a relaxing sidewalk lunch. If you own a camera, you need to visit this place.