Category Archives: Dining in and out

5 Fun Day Trips in or near New York City (For Labor Day Weekend or Any Weekend)

Dining in and out, New York Stories, Travel Blog
New Yorkers love to get away from the city, especially on long weekends during the summer, but if you didn’t make plans, it’s not too late to have a fun three-day weekend. There a lots of interesting places to explore within the five boroughs of New York City, and there are plenty of easy day trips outside of the city that don’t require finding a “last minute”  car rental.

Here are five ideas for outdoor excersions that will feel like mini-vacations.

  1. Explore Manhattan’s Northern Tip

You can start by catching the A train to 207th Street. From there you can visit Fort Tryon Park. The park offers beautiful Hudson River views on winding paths. This is also where you can find visit The Cloisters. You can then walk to Inwood Hill Park, which offers hiking trails with old growth trees. There is also a Nature Center there where you can learn more about the local ecology. Sometimes there are additional activities sponsored by the Parks Department, such as kayaking.

Along the route from Fort Tryon Park to Inwood Hill Park there are other attractions like the Dykeman Farmhouse Museum – the only remaining Dutch colonial house in New York (circa 1764). There are several good restaurants in the neighborhood. I would recommend Indian Road Cafe and Bocaditos Bistro.

Inwood Hill Park

Adjacent to Inwood Hill Park is a small park, Isham Park. In Isham Park, you will find Bruce’s Garden. This is beautiful community flower garden named for Bruce Reynolds, a local policeman who was killed on 9/11.

You can see the rest of this post at Perfect English NYC.

Thymari and Toast Chicken Bar — Two Places I’ve Visited Lately

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Thymari, 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria – Greek food, with a “modern interpretation.” Not your traditional Astoria joint.

We arrived early for dinner — half an hour after the Saturday brunch ended, and the place was empty. (I’d gotten to the neighborhood earlier and scoped it out. It was hopping at brunch). It’s an attractive site with wood tables and a relaxed vibe. Then again, an empty restaurant isn’t going to seem bustling. Service was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. There were a fair number of fish and veggie options. Four people – four different entrees and a couple of appetizers — everything ranged from delicious to outstanding. Tzatziki dip to die for. I’d recommend Continue reading Thymari and Toast Chicken Bar — Two Places I’ve Visited Lately →