By Tiffany Chen
As a native New Yorker, I will confess that I haven’t visited many of New York’s famous attractions. Empire State Building? Nope. Statue of Liberty? Nope. Radio City Musical Hall? Nope. Top of the Rock? Nope, and probably never. In fact, I avoid long lines and large crowds at all costs, weaving in and out of traffic to arrive at my destination as quickly as possible with minimal stops at crosswalks. So how can someone who has never visited New York’s greatest attractions write about the top 5 places to visit? Born and raised in five boroughs of New York City, I have discovered a few treasures worth sharing J
1. Manhattan Eats at Umami Burger
Umami Burger is an eatery comparable to New York’s Shake Shack and California’s In n’ Out. Mainly on the west coast of the U.S., Umami’s arrival to the east coast took New York’s West Village by storm. Lines were out the door and lasted over two hours! Admittedly, I am not a foodie but I just had to try it. While researching about menu options, I discovered the secret menu featuring a duck burger and cheesy tater tots and that’s just what I ordered after my two hour wait. My thoughts? You simply gotta try it for yourself. *Vegetarian Options Available.
For more information about Umami and its menu: http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/
2. Brooklyn Beaches at Coney Island
There are many beaches located in New York City, but I’d say Coney Island is the most popular of all. Home to the Luna Park Amusement Park, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the Annual Mermaid Parade on a food-filled boardwalk, Coney Island Beach will guarantee a good time. Only 40 minutes by the D, N, F train, I’ve spent many summers at Coney Island just lounging around and soaking in the sun. You don’t need to pay any admission to enter the beach and you can stay as long as you like!
Check out upcoming news at http://www.coneyisland.com.
3. Staten Island Kayaking at South Beach
Notoriously the forgotten borough of New York City, Staten Island offers many hidden gems. Isolated from the rest, you must take a free ferry (or drive) into Staten Island from downtown Manhattan. What’s there to do in S.I.? (Not to be mistaken for semi-intensive ;)) You can go kayaking with you friends! Personally, I’m unable to swim so I enjoy water activities with a life vest… like kayaking. You can have your own kayak or share with your friends, either way – it’s a guaranteed good time.
Kayak up, down and all around Staten Island at these locations: http://www.visitstatenisland.com/activities/kayaking/
4. Queens: Home of the Mets
Have you enjoyed yourself a game of American baseball yet? New York is home to two Major League Baseball (MLB) teams which are the Yankees and the Mets. While the Yankees are based out of the Bronx, the Mets live at Citifield Stadium in Flushing, Queens. Baseball games are typically 2-3 hours but can go up to 6-8 hours! Get your walking shoes on and head up to Queens! You can take the 7 train towards Queens and get off at Mets/Willets Point Station.
Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the fun! More information about home games: http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=nym#y=2013&m=9&calendar=DEFAULT
5. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is New York City’s biggest zoo. If you are up for it, take a visit up to the Bronx (on Wednesdays when it’s free admission) to catch aardvarks, chinchillas, lions, and polar bear galore! You will also get the opportunity to see an amazing range or animals from birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and insects. Now who wouldn’t want to leave the concrete jungle for an actual jungle all for the price of a $2.50 metro pass? I know I wouldn’t miss it!
Leopards, Parakeets, King Cobra’s and more at: http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/animals.aspx