Larry Mossey I Love New York web article: Itineraries
New York City Shopping Spree The stores are the stars on this dream shopping spree through the world’s most famous shopping centers, and you can hit them all in just a weekend if you have a battle plan. Let’s start in midtown Manhattan, where most are within walking distance—at least by NYC standards. And why not start with a bang at quite possibly the city’s most famous department store. Saturday itinerary Macy’s It’s Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square—a solid city block of shopping. Take in ten floors of merchandise from fashions to kitchenware, many connected by R. H. Macy’s vintage escalators, America’s first. The prices are moderate and sales are frequent so keep a sharp eye out for bargains. Open Mon-Fri 9am-9:30pm, Sat 10am-9:30pm, Sun 11am-8:30pm. Tiffany & Co. No, you can’t have breakfast here, but Tiffany’s will whet your appetite. One of the world’s few stores where just the bag is a status symbol, Tiffany’s is the crown jewel of— well—jewels. You don’t have to be a millionaire to shop here and browsing is free. Peruse jeweled key rings and cuff links, signature men's watches, pearls, pink and yellow diamonds, and maybe that must-have tennis bracelet. You’ll find it here, or just buy a scarf so you can show off that bag. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm. Mood fabrics If you ever watched “Project Runway” you’re already up to speed on Mood, a world mecca for fashion fabrics. The NYC flagship store welcomes 1,200 customers a day to explore its bolts of amazing fabrics destined to become designer fashions. Chances are the smart outfits you see in movies and television shows came from Mood fabrics and, if you’re handy with a sewing needle, Mood can become your second home too. You might even catch a glimpse of Tim Gunn or Swatch the dog. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sunday. Lord & Taylor Less luxurious than Saks and less trendy than Barneys, Lord & Taylor has been a New York institution since 1826, widely known for ever-reliable fashions and classic brands like Ralph Lauren. This is the spot where style-conscious men build their power wardrobes, but the ladies aren’t forgotten either and prices are quite reasonable. At yuletide don’t miss their famous holiday window displays. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. American Girl Place Okay, this specialty store is a little off topic, but a 43,000-square-foot doll store should not be missed. Home to countless 18-inch historical dolls outfitted in period clothes, the American Girl Place is alive with the twinkling eyes and adorable faces of both the dolls and the children who come to see them. Add a café, a bookstore and a theater to bring the dolls to life, and you might not want to leave. Sunday Saks Fifth Avenue If you absolutely must have a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti foiled leather high-top sneakers with crystallized strap bars, Saks Fifth Avenue is your store. Located across from Rockefeller Center, Saks positively oozes with opulence. Let’s not even start listing the designer labels that call this place home. Recover from sticker shock at swank Cafe SFA. Better still, Saks has some pretty great blowout sales where you’ll pay a lot less for those jaw-dropping labels, and we won’t tell if you don’t. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm.
Larry Mossey I Love New York web article: Itineraries Bergdorf Goodman It’s made cameos in movies from “How to Marry a Millionaire” to “Arthur.” It’s where Marlo Thomas gazed famously at a mannequin of herself in the opening credits of “That Girl,” and Bergdorf Goodman will leave stars in your eyes too. As famous for its window displays as its fashions, this NYC landmark is a playground for label shoppers with a flair for younger styling. Designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and gifts abound. A separate men’s store directly across the street caters to masculine tastes. Even kids—with big allowances—can score here. Open Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6. FAO Schwarz To generations of New Yorkers FAO Schwarz is simply another name for toys. Extraordinary toys, unique toys, showcased magically to lure the inner child of every shopper. Today the retail creation of Frederick August Otto Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the United States and a must-see tourist destination, often spotted in films like 1988’s “Big,” where Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia tap out a tune on the store's giant foot piano. Open Sun-Thur 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Barney’s Trendy is the word for this fashion icon’s offerings. If you’re looking for fashions to be seen in and you’re willing to pay for them, Barney’s is your next stop. If you time your visit right, Barney's twice-annual sales can fill your wardrobe faster. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Bloomingdale’s Your next stop can overwhelm even seasoned shoppers. Bloomie’s is simply a whirlwind of designer fashions from killer shoes and handbags to jewelry and cosmetics. Its gift registry stays busy too, and keep a keen eye out for sales. Revive your energy at the B Cafe. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm, Sun 11am-7pm. ###
Larry Mossey I Love New York web article: Itineraries
Hudson Valley By Air Time to tour the Hudson Valley from treetop to cloud bank on this airborne odyssey that gets higher and higher. Your feet will barely touch the ground as we fly from zipline to biplane to hot air balloon to helicopter on a floating voyage down the Hudson Valley. Day 1 Zip Line New York, Hunter Mountain The adrenalin kicks in with a New York Zipline Adventure Tour at mega-destination Hunter Mountain, just two hours north of New York City off Thruway exits 20 or 21. Suit up here for the fastest, longest, loftiest zipline in North America, four miles long and 600 feet high. Not a ride for the timid, the three-hour SkyRider Tour reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour with side-by-side racing ziplines, a self-powered Zap-line and Burma Bridge. You might prefer the gentler Mid-Mountain Tour with six family-friendly ziplines, rope bridges and tree platforms. Or tackle the Adventure Tower vertical obstacle course and conquer nine different obstacles as you spiral up its 60-foot tower. Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Now that we have our pulse racing, we’re ready to scoot about an hour southeast across the Adirondack Northway to Rhinebeck for some old-fashioned barnstorming. “High or low, fast or slow, anyway you want to go,” promises the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Strap on helmet and goggles and climb into the open cockpit of your 1929 Bird biplane, Pitcarin Mailwing or New Standard D-25. These special barnstorming aircraft were built for death-defying stunts but your ride will be safely flown by your copilot who will show you the thrill of early flying. Rides are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings from June through October, weather permitting, but arrive early to ensure a seat. Back on the ground, wirness World War I and earlier aircraft in action during an afternoon air show. Pre-arranged weekday rides and gift certificates are also available. Day 2 Wurtsboro Airport Soaring An hour’s drive south on Route 209 brings us to Wurtsboro Airport and the closest you’ll ever get to growing wings as you climb into your Schweizer 2-33 or Schleicher ASK-21 soarplane. A towplane pulls your glider into the sky before releasing you—and your FAA certified commercial glider pilot—to the gentle air currents that sustain your silent flight over the Mamakating Valley, Shawangunk Ridge, Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. On a clear day you might even spot the New York City skyline. As you surf the air currents your pilot will point out landmarks. No shouting required, it’s completely quiet up here during your motorless flight that descends slowly, sometimes rising as updraft currents nudge you further skyward. The whole thing lasts 15-20 minutes, but you’ll wish it never ended. Weather permitting, rides are offered every day. Fantasy Balloon Flight, Middletown Perhaps the most whimsical tour stop is our next one, just 30 minutes south to Middletown at Fantasy Balloon Flights. A hot air balloon ride seems to be on everyone’s bucket list—isn’t it time we checked this one off? Fantasy Balloon Flights will lift you into the clouds on a dreamlike flight over the lower Hudson Valley. Not only are the views spectacular, they go by slowly enough to enjoy. Fantasy Balloon Flights has been soaring above the Hudson Valley for 30 years and no two flights have ever come down in exactly the same spot because in a balloon you never know quite where you’ll land. Rides are offered May thru November here, weather permitting, but be prepared to lift off at the crack of day or just before sunset, the two
Larry Mossey I Love New York web article: Itineraries best times to launch a hot air balloon. Gift certificates are available for creative gifters. Dating tip: there is possibly no more romantic getaway. Day 3 Liberty Helicopters NYC Tired of looking up at skyscrapers? Try looking down from a Liberty Helicopter. Our final stop on this tour offers plenty of eye candy as we cruise New York City from the skies. You’ll see more of New York than you ever imagined and avoid the crosstown traffic entirely. Lift off at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport for a 12- to 20-minute flight of your choice. The “Big Apple Tour” shows famous landmarks including Ellis Island and the new Freedom Tower, the Empire State, Chrysler, Woolworth and Met Life buildings, the USS Intrepid, George Washington Bridge and Central Park. You’ll even get an eyeball-toeyeball fly-by with Lady Liberty. A longer “New York, New York Tour” adds Yankee Stadium, St. John’s Cathedral, Columbia University and the New Jersey Palisades. Why not get creative? The skies over NYC make a romantic place to pop the big question or tie the knot, and Liberty Helicopters has seen it all.