Things to Do in New York

A gracefully gentrified neighborhood in South Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens was originally considered part of more working-class Red Hook, just a few blocks to the south across the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. First settled by Dutch farmers, then Irish, Italian and Norwegian merchants, and now a combination of French immigrants, American yuppies and aging couples, this evolving area retains traces of all its past inhabitants. Most renowned for what it has preserved, Carroll Gardens today is increasingly full of independent-owned cafes, boutiques and antique stores, most set along Smith Street.

Named for Charles Carroll, a Revolutionary War hero and senator from Maryland and the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, the neighborhood is centered on tree-lined Carroll Park. Around and near the park is the Carroll Gardens Historic District, comprised of 19th-century brownstones with elaborate gardens out front.

Located between 40th and 42nd Street and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Bryant Park encompasses 9.6 acres of public green space and recreation. For those looking for a respite from the bustling city, Bryant Park provides a relaxed atmosphere with historical monuments, colorful flower beds, London plane trees, the 300-foot lawn and the Southwest Porch lounge where you can relax on rockers and swings and enjoy free wireless. Play games like chess, backgammon and ping pong or get a free petanque lesson Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm. For something whimsical, Bryant Park also features a timeless carousel. In the winter, the park is full of festive cheer with an ice skating rink as well as a makeshift village of “streets” lined with artisanal holiday shops. And no matter what time of year it is, visitors can enjoy quality food and drinks in the park. While Bryant Park Grill features American cuisine and a rooftop for aerial city views, Bryant Park Cafe is an informal outdoor cafe. Moreover, ‘wichcraft kiosks litter the grounds and offer seasonal snacks, sandwiches, soups and salads. To get to Bryant Park, take the B,D,F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or the 7 to Fifth Avenue.

While the first beer was brewed in Brooklyn in 1822, this homegrown brewery founded in 1988 by a couple of neighbors, led the charge towards a new trend in borough-local micro-brewing. While it began with just a single lager, Brooklyn Brewery’s lineup now includes a pilsner, an IPA, a brown ale, a few seasonal brews, and a number of rotating small-batch brews. These days, the Brooklyn Brewery label (designed by graphic artist Milton Glaser of “I <3 New York” fame) is ubiquitous in the pubs, tavern and markets of New York City.

Due to Brooklyn zoning laws, neighbors and home-brewing enthusiasts Steve Hindy and Tom Potter originally had to open their operations in Utica, New York, but were finally able to move to their present Williamsburg digs in 1996. Garrett Oliver, Hindy and Potter’s first apprentice, has been their brewmaster since 1993 and is now one of the most famous faces in the beer industry. All three of these gentlemen have written books on beer, and all are available for sale at the brewery.

Located at 115 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, Cafe Wha? is a historic bar known for being the career birthplace of many well-known musicians and comedians. Open since the 1950s, some artists who consider Cafe Wha? a home include Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Bill Crosby and Peter, Paul & Mary, to name a few. Although it’s gone through many changes over the years, you can expect high energy music in an informal atmosphere every night of the week. In 1987, the Cafe Wha? House Band was employed, and are now known throughout the world and regularly feature celebrity guest performers. You can hear them live Wednesday through Sunday, playing everything from Motown to Reggae to Alternative Rock and more. On Monday nights you’ll hear Brazooka, a Brazilian dance band incorporating elements of Jazz and Samba, while Tuesdays are a mix of soul, R&B and Funk with Disfunktion. While the house bands play every night at 9:30pm, you can check their calendar for talented guests to go on beforehand. Although the drinks tend to be overpriced and there is usually a cover charge, you will be guaranteed a good show of eclectic music. Moreover, the venue features an extensive bar menu with delicious appetizers, salads, burgers, entrees and desserts.

Cafe Wha? Is open daily from 8:30pm, except for Mondays when it opens at 9pm. Reservations are recommended. Cover charges are $10 on Mondays and Tuesdays, $5 on Thursdays, $12 on Fridays, $15 on Saturdays and free to enter on Wednesdays and Sundays. To get to Cafe Wha? by subway take the A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W 4th Street, or the 1, 2 to Christopher Street- Sheridan Square or Houston Street.

Located at 881 Seventh Avenue in Midtown West, Carnegie Hall is a prestigious concert venue known for being an important cultural institution as well as a space where many notable musicians were able to break out. Opened in 1891, it is the place where Judy Garland made an album that won five Grammys in 1961, Benny Goodman elevated the status of swing music and produced one of history’s greatest-selling jazz albums in 1938, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his last major public address of all time in 1968. Today, Carnegie Hall puts on about 250 high-quality classical and popular music performances each season. The architecture is another draw to the attraction, as it is one of the city’s last large buildings built entirely of masonry without a steel frame. Moreover, its Italian Renaissance design, eclectic international accents, intricate carvings, brick-insulated walls and high-ceilings allow for an elegant space with first-rate acoustics.

Along with seeing the show and touring the building visitors can peruse the Rose Museum, which tells the story of Carnegie Hall’s history and showcases artifacts like photographs, concert programs, manuscripts and more. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs like apparel, posters, CDs, DVDs and books.

Ticket prices vary by show, although you can tour the building without seeing a performance. To reach Carnegie Hall by subway, take the N, Q, R to 57th Street-Seventh Avenue; F to 57th Street; B, D, E to Seventh Avenue.

Set on the Brooklyn shore of the East River’s Wallabout Bay, directly between the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, this shipyard was once America’s largest. Utilized by the U.S. Navy since 1801, it saw the building of some of the country’s most renowned fighting ships, including the USS Maine and USS Missouri. Remaining attractions within the Yard include a 24-acre Naval hospital campus and a dry dock that pre-dates the Civil War and is still in use for ship repair today.

The Navy Yard reached its peak of operations during World War II, when 70,000 employees worked here around the clock. After a period of decline in production, the shipyard was decommissioned in 1966 and a few years later the entire yard was purchased by the city of New York.

Today, the 300-acre Brooklyn Navy Yard is an industrial park operated by the nonprofit Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, with over 40 buildings leased by more than 330 companies in a wide range of industries, from movie and television production to green manufacturing. One building houses BLDG 92, a LEED-Platinum Visitor Center that includes exhibitions about the past, present, and future of innovation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a café that overlooks the site. From World War II history to sustainable architecture and industry, there are various tours of the yard available, including theme-based bus and bike tours start and end at BLDG 92. A portion of all ticket proceeds go to support the Visitor, Exhibition, and Employment Center at BLDG 92.