Ten Best Hidden Gems in NYC

Description:

If it weren't for this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, many New Yorkers would never get to this northernmost point in Manhattan. This remote yet lovely spot is devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Atop a cliff overlooking the Hudson River, you'll find a 12th-century chapter house, parts of five cloisters from medieval monasteries, a Romanesque chapel, and a 12th-century Spanish apse brought intact from Europe. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, this is the one place on the island that can approximate the kind of solitude suitable to such a collection. Inside you'll find extraordinary works that include the Unicorn tapestries, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, ivory, and precious metal work.

Modern times have even come to the Cloisters. There is an official blog devoted to their wonderful medieval garden, http://blog.metmuseum.org/cloistersgardens. Garden lovers will love to peruse its postings. By the way, even in the dead of winter and without flowers, the garden -- which is inside the museum in the center of a courtyard -- has a magical quality, especially when it snows.

Despite the remoteness, the Cloisters are quite popular, especially in fine weather, so try to schedule your visit during the week rather than on a crowded weekend afternoon. A free guided Highlights Tour is offered Tuesday through Friday at 3pm and Sunday at noon; gallery talks are also a regular feature. Additionally, Garden Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1pm in May, June, September, and October; lectures and other special programming are always on Sunday from noon to 2pm; and medieval music concerts are regularly held in the stunning 12th-century Spanish chapel. For an extra-special experience, you may want to plan your visit around one.

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(The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is closed until the fall, 2008.) Walk the flight deck of the 900 foot-long aircraft carrier Intrepid. See hundreds of exhibits on aviation, deep sea and space exploration. Board the world's fastest passenger jet, Concorde, and see dozens of vintage and modern aircraft parked wind to wing on our flight deck. Experience the 4D-X Flight Simulator motion based thrill ride that holds 20 or climb the Special Forces Challenge rock wall. For directions, hours, prices, and the latest information on special events, call or visit website.

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If you are looking out for a picnic spot where you can throw a frisbee around with your friends, then head out to this sprawling green spot. Since it is nestled in the old industrial area, one can't help but notice the two huge warehouses nearby. The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park offers a great view of the bridge and lower Manhattan on a clear day.

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A wide variety of objects -- costumes, photographs, prints, maps, dioramas, and memorabilia -- trace the history of New York City from its beginnings as a humble Dutch colony in the 16th century to its present-day prominence. Two outstanding permanent exhibits are the re-creation of John D. Rockefeller's master bedroom and dressing room, and the space devoted to "Broadway!," a history of New York theater. Kids will love "New York Toy Stories," a permanent exhibit showcasing toys and dolls owned and adored by centuries of New York children. The permanent "Painting the Town: Cityscapes of New York" explores the changing cityscape from 1809 to 1997, and carries new profundity in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In 2009, the exhibits, "Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Worlds of Henry Hudson" and "Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity" were featured.

Our Local Expert Says:

P.S. 1 makes the most of its eccentric space--exhibits are displayed in the basement boiler room, as well as some bathrooms, hallways and stairwells.

Description:

Located in a former public school in Long Island City, Queens, this spacious art center provides a production and exhibition space for a variety of artistic works. The center is now part of the Museum of Modern Art, though it retains its own identity. Exhibits here range from video and sound projects to painting, photography and sculpture, but everything has a bit of an edge. Artists whose work is featured in P.S. 1 range along the more experimental end of the spectrum; prominent past exhibitors include Jack Smith, Julian Schnabel and James Turrell.

Description:

City Island is a tiny place, located beyond Pelham Bay in the northern part of the Bronx. It became an English settlement in 1685, and was used as a supply point for schooners traveling from Manhattan. Now the island is filled with yacht clubs, sailing schools, marinas, sail makers and some great seafood restaurants. Enjoy the water, fresh air and art galleries on the island. For those interested in the history of Native Americans, a Siwanoy Indian burial ground can be found at the island's highest point.

Our Local Expert Says:

Governors Island is home to the city's newest Water Taxi Beach, complete with 20,000 square feet of sand (300 tons), concessions and a live music venue. When there are concerts, the NY Water Taxi runs free rides to and from Governors Island after 7 pm, when the ferry stops running.

Description:

Governors Island, located in the harbor south of Manhattan, is a former military post that played a vital role in the Revolutionary War as well as virtually every other major U.S. military engagement, from the War of 1812 through World War II. In the 1960s, control of the island went to the Coast Guard, and at one time it served as a residential area for some 3,500 of that organization's members. Governor's Island played host to history several times during the last few decades, including a U.S.-U.S.S.R. summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1988 and U.N.-sponsored talks about restoring democratic rule in Haiti in 1993.

In 1995, the Coast Guard closed its facilities on Governor's Island, and in 2001 President Bill Clinton designated 22 acres of the Island, including the two great forts, as the Governors Island National Monument. In 2002, President George W. Bush, NY Governor George Pataki, and NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced that the federal government would sell Governors Island to the people of New York for a nominal cost, and that the Island would be used for public benefit.

After a major refurbishment, Governors Island is now open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 30 through October 11 (2009 season). In addition to the Historic Landmark District, which includes the Governors Island National Monument (Fort Jay and Castle Williams), the island offers five miles of car-free biking and acres of green space for picnics, art exhibitions, performances and other events.

Free ferries to Governors Island run from Manhattan on Friday through Sunday (leaving from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry) and from Brooklyn on Saturday and Sunday ONLY (leaving from Fulton Ferry Landing, just south of the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, at the end of Old Fulton Street).

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This unassuming restaurant, which is located in a neighborhood that is filled with similar eateries, manages to hold its own in the face of intense competition. Salt exudes a low-key vibe, adorned as it is with the ubiquitous exposed brick walls and minimalist furniture; though it also sports a sign that proclaims "Good Food" above its open kitchen. On that count, the restaurant delivers—it offers a menu that features excellent salads, sandwiches and flatbreads,  along with a few entrees at lunch time. At dinner time, it additionally offers you a choice of a protein like a Grilled Dorade or a Roasted Flounder which can be combined with two sides for a pretty substantial but healthy meal. - Anjeeta Nayar

Description:

A constantly changing menu showcases organic and local ingredients in a cozy and warm dining space. Housed on the ground floor of a turn-of-the-century storefront, Applewood projects a relaxed, neighborhood feel with its dark wood bar, working fireplace, and comfortable seating, both indoors and out. It's perfect for both a casual neighborhood meal as well as a special event.