by TopView Sightseeing & Kev Berry

I love traveling alone! Not having to follow anyone’s schedule but your own is the best. Following your own impulses while walking around a city you don’t know too well can often provide great memories. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when booking a trip to The Big Apple, but have no fear, I am the loneliest New Yorker of all, and I’ve got The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Alone in New York!

First of all, let’s talk about getting around. While the subway makes the city fly by, if you’re in no rush, I suggest walking as much as you can. The best way to get to know any city is on foot, and in New York, there’s so much to explore with surprises around every corner. Central Park provides seemingly endless opportunities for exploration, and even after years of exploring the park, this writer has barely even scratched the surface. Take a walk up the broad tree-lined mall to Bethesda Fountain, and from there take any of the winding paths north and see what you find! 

Head over to the Museum Mile on Central Park West and pop in at any one of the stunning museums and check out the art and artifacts on display! If you’re downtown, check out the shopping scene in SoHo, where the stores are impeccably designed to give patrons an eye-popping experience. (Not a big fan for walking too much? Consider taking a bus tour to save you some legwork.)


After all that walking, you’ll probably be pretty hungry. With such an exciting food scene in the city, making a choice can be tough. The Counter, a build-your-own-burger bar with an unbelievable happy hour, at 41st and Broadway is a great spot for a quick pre-theatre bite. 

Gazala’s Place on 9th Avenue is a killer Middle Eastern joint with a BYOB policy and an insanely affordable wine store directly across the street. If you’re looking for a bite in less familiar territory, head up to 148th and Broadway, where Harlem Public will wow you with their beers, signature cocktails, and wild burgers; or down to Fort Greene, where Smoke Joint will satisfy your barbecue cravings with their unbelievable brisket, pulled pork, and a slew of sides to choose from, like mac and cheese or housemade slaw. If you’re craving a New York slice, Bleecker St. Pizza is the absolute best, and their Nonna Maria pie is a must-try.

At the end of the day, you’ll be pretty tired. The Pod Hotel Times Square has small rooms for single travelers on a budget. It’s brand-new and almost every single room has a great view. If you’re interested in exploring one of the outer boroughs of the city, try renting an AirBnB in BedStuy, Crown Heights, or Astoria, and check out their hopping nightlife and brunch scenes on the weekend.
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Landing in New York City for a solo vacation can be daunting. But if you put on your shoes, start walking, and follow your impulses, and this guide, I guarantee you’ll have a killer trip.

As featured in Connextions Magazine Issue 14.
by Manny Valesquez-Paredes

The Sagamore - a family vacation resort

The Sagamore is located in the picturesque town of Bolton Landing and opened its luxurious doors in 1883. It was fully reconstructed in 1930 after experiencing two fires, one in 1893 and another in 1914. Due to financial difficulties in 1981, The Sagamore closed its doors and one hundred years after its doors first opened, it was restored to its former grandeur and reopened. The Sagamore is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and a recipient of the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award.  While the Sagamore is noted for their luxurious accommodations, don’t let that scare you from bringing the toddlers for a fun-filled adventure in the adirondacks.  

Before arriving, we had arranged to take a ride on The Morgan, a complimentary scenic boat cruise, which cruises twice a day from May to October. It so happens, our cruise was the last one of the season and we almost missed it because of traffic, but the front desk and Assistant Manager, Tyler, called The Morgan and asked them to wait as we ran to the ship. The Morgan takes visitors through the best scenic views of the Adirondacks.  

Babysitters can be arranged for hourly rates. Weekend activities include culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, history tours, bonfires, mini-golf, and swimming in the indoor heated pool, downhill and cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or simply strolling or hiking through the woods and mountains just to name a few. If relaxing and pampering are your style, the newly renovated Spa and Salon caters to rejuvinate.  

We stayed on one of the lodges facing the lake near The Wapanak Castle, which is an historic six-bedroom, four-bath home located on the lake next to The Sagamore’s Historic Hotel, which is also available for up to 12 guests. The castle features five gas-logged fireplaces, a large modern kitchen and dining room, a formal living room and a uniquely decorated family room leading out to the lower deck and lake. The upstairs bedrooms are individually air-conditioned, while ceiling fans and refreshing lake breezes cool the public area.  

We thoroughly enjoyed the majestic views at sunrise from our private balcony, and enjoyed quality time with the kids.

Whiteface Lodge

The second part of our adventure took place in Lake Placid, which is home to two Winter Olympics games (1932 and 1980). We stayed at the award winning Whiteface Lodge.

The Lodge features unique wood creations, or rather - works of art, and much of the timber used on property was hand-milled on-site. Accents, such as handcrafted Adirondack furnishings and beautiful antler chandeliers adorn the interior  spaces creating a wonderfully elegant, luxurious and authentic cabin ambiance.

Each suite is designed to conjure the essence of the Adirondack great camp tradition. All 94 suites welcome guests with handcrafted furnishings, forged accents, and (in most suites) cast-iron fireplaces, as well as fully complemented kitchens, radiant-floor heat, jetted tubs, pillow-top beds, private cedar and mahogany balconies.  Our two-floor suite featured two upstairs bedrooms, including the master bedroom, a third bedroom that was located on the first floor, along with a kitchen and open space dining room and living area. Our kids played hide and seek and found several closets and three bathrooms.

Full access to all of the resort amenities, from platform tennis, to ice skating, indoor pools and hot tubs, Kamp Kanu for the kiddies along with nightly s’mores are all part of the daily complimentary activities.

Whiteface Lodge is a non-smoking, pet-free property. The Premier Lake Placid NY Spa is located in Whiteface Lodge and it is ranked among the Top 100 Spas in North America by Condé Nast Traveler.  This 5,800-square-foot spa blends the rustic beauty of its setting with an extremely relaxing and serene ambiance, featuring saunas and steam rooms. I was able to enjoy some alone time at the steam room, followed by a very relaxing full body, hour-long massage on our first night.  My partner Jose enjoyed a scalp and foot massage.

We visited Kanu, the Lodge’s American cuisine premier restaurant, which offers three- or four-course wine-pairing experiences featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms.

One particular morning, we were pleasantly surprised as we awoke to see a blanket of snow that had covered the grounds. Anna, the Lodge’s Concierge, had booked an afternoon of fun and games for our kids in Kamp Kanu, in order for us to enjoy a romantic lunch.  

Enough snow had accumulated overnight so the kids were thrilled to learn the ice skating rink was now open. It was on this trip, that we realized our little boy, Max, at three years old, is a natural on the ice. He put on those skates and was fearless, and all I kept thinking was please let him come back with all of his fingers and no broken bones.  Thankfully, he was successful.

It was an absolutely beautiful vacation.  So much so, that we are considering the Whiteface Lodge as a place to host our upcoming nuptials.  

As always, it is not the destination that counts, but the journey we take and the memories we make.

Allegany State Park - Creekside cabins featured in our "60 Seconds or Less" travel series videos.

Green Lakes State Park in Upstate New York - featured in the "60 Seconds or Less" series of travel videos by Connextions Magazine.

Warm Up at THE OUT NYC this Winter with Hot Deals! 

Urban Resort steps from Times Square offering up to a 25% discount for January and February

To kick-off 2013, THE OUT NYC is offering guests discounts of 15%, 20%, or 25% through February 2013. Now is the perfect time to visit THE OUT NYC and Manhattan to get the New York experience without the crowds of the holiday season.  




Valid through February, THE OUT NYC’s discount includes:

·15% discount off a one and two nights stay

·20% discount off a three and four nights stay

·25% discount off a five (or more) night stay  

*Pre-discount rates for THE OUT NYC start at $179 per nightand are based on availability, exclusive of taxes. Blackout dates apply. This offer is not combinable with other promotions or packages.

Guests can experience some of the THE OUT NYC’s key amenities that helped distinguish it has a2012 Fodor’s 100 Hotel Award winner. Some highlights include the just-opened Spa at THE OUT NYC that features a 5,000-square foot wellness center with luxury treatment rooms, hot tubs, cabanas and a private gym; a Winter Wonderland alpine snow lodge complete with ice skating rink, seasonal cocktails and fondue; KTCHN Restaurant where Executive Chef Dale Schnell serves modern American cuisine, fixed in tradition and inspired by the seasons; and XL Nightclub which has featured performances by the likes of Cher Lloyd and Carmen Electra. 

Conveniently located within walking distance of “must-see” NYC landmarks including Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park, THE OUT NYC also serves as a great home base for sightseeing in Manhattan.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact the hotel at (212) 947-2999 or visitwww.theoutnyc.com.    

ABOUT THE OUT NYC
THE OUT NYC, located on 42nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues, encompasses a 105-room hotel, the 14,000 square foot XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge by John Blair, Beto Sutter, and FV Events, a late-night restaurant called KTCHN, three courtyards, a business/conference center, function space, and a wellness center. Rates start at approximately $250.

Why get married and honeymoon in Niagara Falls?  The reasons are endless!


Niagara Falls has long been self-proclaimed as the honeymoon capital of the world.  One of the locals, Historian Paul Gromosiak will gladly tell you the many stories of the history of his home town, along with movies and songs that portray the beauty of the falls and its romantic charm.

During our visit to the Niagara region, we had the opportunity to sit with Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster.  I was elated to learn just how gay-friendly and welcoming, this city is.

We also met with some local business owners who are also in favor of the newly passed same-sex marriage law in New York State.  Not only because their businesses have increased in sales, but because the attitude of the locals are all in favor of human rights and equality for all.

The endless reasons to marry at the falls, along with a shocking conversation with the Mayor, are all detailed in Connextions Magazine Issue 9.

Paul Gromosiak is also an author of over 10 books relating the Niagara Falls.  Including "Seeing Niagara: The 10 Best Ways to Experience the Falls"  Click here for a look at all his works.

photos are copyrighted by Stu Gallagher Photography

Enjoy culture, diversity, and spectacular views in ITHACA, NY!
 
As a child, I can recall camping trips to Ithaca, visiting Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park.  Riding bikes and swimming during the day, then eating smores while laying flat on the picnic table staring at the blanket of stars that glisten in the clear night sky.  It wasn’t until much later in life when I was able to appreciate the fascinating culture and delectable diversity offered in a community as gorgeous as Ithaca.

It is no surprise to me that Ithaca made the list as “Most Liberal Places in America” by www.epodunk.com, or that The Utne Reader named the city “America’s most enlightened Town.”  Home to the prestigious Ivy League Cornell University, it would not be unusual to see a local walking through the infamous Ithaca Commons with dreadlocks, a backpack, and no shoes in this college town.

Ithaca may not be a place where ’everybody knows your name’… but the LGBT community certainly feels welcomed, rather than just accepted.  Partners walking hand-in-hand don’t get the‘double take’ from passers by.   

Statistics from city-data.com show lesbian couples account for 0.8% of all households and gay men account for 0.5% of all households.  This may seem like a small percentage but compared to a larger city such as Rochester, NY, where the population difference is over 203,000 more residents, their statistics show only 0.4% for lesbian households and 0.5% for gay men.

You ask:  "What is there to do in Ithaca?"  I say: "What ISN’T there to do in Ithaca? 

Set on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, sailboats, fishing, and tours on the water are pristine when weather permits.   Imagine a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary with more than four miles of walking trails, found at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology/Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.   Take a scenic hike through a one mile long gorge at Fall Creek with waterfalls, cascades and rapids!  When seeking shelter from the temperamental weather in Central New York, visit several art galleries, find plenty of unique gifts in ‘the commons’ shopping strip, or maybe a wine tour is just up your alley!  For a great history lesson, the Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution, as well as the Earth Science Center are great ways to practice reverse psychology on the kids!

Did you know?
- The Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca hosts a used book sale twice a year and it is claimed to be the 3rd largest used book sale in the United States.

- In June of 2008, 6,000 Ithaca residents set the unofficial world record for the largest human peace sign at Stewart Park.

- In 2006, VegNews Magazine listed this unique town as one of the “12 Hippest Hometowns for Vegetarians.”

- According to a poll taken by www.city-data.com, East Ithaca is #49 on the list of “Top 101 zip codes with the most full service restaurants in 2005.”

So whether a camping trip with the young ones is on the agenda, or a romantic getaway at a quaint B&B would better suit your needs, consider the breath-taking views, liberal attitudes, and unique atmosphere in Ithaca, for your next trip.  As the locals would say, “Ithaca is gorges!”

Intimidated by the Big Apple?  Trust me... there's no need to be.  I'm from small town America and made my way into the big city at 16 years old, the weekend after I was privileged with my drivers license.  Not eveyrone has been this adventurous, even many of my family members, who live less than 4 hours away, have never even been to the world's best city! (My opinion, of course.)

It's not just a concrete jungle like the media portrays it to be.  It's urban design is unlike any other.  Mixed with parks and recreation, along with office and retail space, all on one small island, packed with millions of people, there's more tourist options than you can imagine.  Whatever tickles your fancy, you are sure to find it in NY.

Let your kids imagination run wild and show them the sights they have only seen in photographs.  We've mapped out a trip for you and your family that will make you feel safe in the City and offer you AND your little followers, the time of your life.

The view in the photo above, can be seen from the hotel we are recommending.

NYC-JC is a hotel with extended stay suites, owned by my very good friend Jarl Haugedal.  This hotel is located in Jersey City, which is directly across from downtown Manhattan, along the Hudson River. 

Rates are reasonable, and if you mention Connextions Magazine, you can get yourself a 20% discount.  The rates do not increase with additional guests, so bring ALL the kids along! 

Modern amenities and decor, along with a full kitchen and laundry facilities in each room, make this accommodation perfect for a trip with kids.  They can have their bowl of cereal before bed!  The Hudson Market is located in the same building as the hotel, so you can stock your fridge, grab a breakfast bagel in the morning, and on the way home, make sure to get yourself a sweet treat... the creme brule is to die for!

www.nyc-jc.com

What's the best part about staying at NYC-JC?  Well, that's a tough question, since I am partial to ALL the offerings of this hotel, but for those of you who have never been to NYC, you will be happy to know you never have to drive your vehicle directly into the city.  Park in the hotel garage and take the path train into Manhattan.  The path train is 2 blocks from the hotel, and delivers you in less than 2 minutes, to the World Trade Center. 

Not comfortable on a subway system?  Not comfortable riding through a tunnel under the Hudson River?  No problem, take the kids on a ferry ride, which is only 1 block from the hotel. 

Another notable mention is that the Statue of Liberty is located just minutes from the hotel.  Many people come to NYC to see visit Miss Liberty... why?  When she's actually located in New Jersey.

There are SO many sights to see that entrepreneurs are making a good living, just delivering daily events to tourists and residents alike.  We have listed just a few of our favorites:

Empire State Building
Visit the most photographed landmark on Earth, according to scientists at Cornell University.  It will cost $25 per person for a ride up to the observation deck, and they are open every day, rain or shine from 8am to 2am.  http://www.esbnyc.com/

My personal favorite is the Skyride!  It is New York's only virtual tour simulator where you sit in a chair and fly across the skyline and under the Hudson.  Narrated by Kevin Bacon, the ride lasts 30 minutes and it is a MUST-SEE for kids AND adults!  I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or the kids.  For tickets and info: http://www.skyride.com/

Times Square

A visit to NYC isn't complete without a stop in Times Square.  This is what they kids think of when they picture New York.  You can find a dozen tourist shops on every block and this is a great place to stop for lunch because all the familiar favorites are located here.  Be prepared for a wait, no matter which restaurant you choose, but the kids will never forget it!

Bronx Zoo

Administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoological parks in the world. There's over 265 acres, full of exhibits, so plan on spending the entire day.

Ticket prices are as follows: $29.95 adult/$19.95 ages 3-12 but if you buy tickets online, you can save 10%.  They also offer military discounts.

http://www.bronxzoo.com/

After an exhausting day in the city, you can rest easy when you land back in Jersey City for the night and enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you are flying in, NYC-JC offers car service from all the major airports.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

The cascade of colors cover the mountain side like a fine made quilt, as though each color carefully chosen and placed precisely in the perfect spot. Deer graze in a picturesque setting that one could only dare to imagine and only hope to see at least once in a lifetime.

Fresh water travels down the creek, kissing the rocks as it passes by, serenading the forest with a lulaby of relaxation and calm.

Going to Allegany State Park for the first time was like stepping into an Ansel Adams photograph and leaving the technological insanity of everyday life behind for moments of peace. 

Small cabins tucked away amongst the trees in little communities gives you the opportunity to ground yourself back to what life truly is about – living, breathing, nature and beauty. Without this annual “outing,” I would not be able to respectfully appreciate myself for what I am.  What we all are. We are living creatures amongst this planet, just as the trees, the lakes and the animals that inhabit them.  We get so caught up in the mainstream of today’s society and “keeping up with the Jones’,” that we have forgotten how to just stop. “Stop and smell the roses.” Take a little time for ourselves, for our family, for our friends without the persistant robotics of today, keeping us wired to devices that, guess what… we CAN live without.

You will be amazed, mesmerized and pleasantly surprised by how much enjoyment you and a group of loves ones will have.  Whether hiking, biking, fishing, boating, exploring, or cooking in the cabin… the list goes on, or just sitting by a fire conversating, there surely is no disappointment to be found here. But don’t shake your head if you are not the tent pitching, camping type. These cabins come in all different styles. Some even with electricity! There are options for your accommodations at Allegany State Park to help ease your mind. And if you ‘must’ pick up your communication device at some point, a short ride to town will once again get you “connected.”

Once you take the small step into this breathe-taking landscape of living, you will be saddened to have to leave and will absolutely count down the days until you can return.  In 2010, Allegany was one of several State Parks in New York to be closed due to funding, but thankfully they survived. Gather your friends for an annual inexpensive memory making trip… doing so also keeps our parks alive and gives your family memories that last a lifetime!

For a complete itinerary, cost breakdown and camping list, click here:  

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