Do you find that when you travel to New York City that you go to familiar places and maybe do the same old thing? I visit NYC several times a month for business. I realized that it is time to break away from my familiar routines and try new things in one of the world's greatest cities.
Just in time for New York City Gay Pride ( July 29 ), NYC & Company and ManAboutWorld wrote what might be the best New York trip-planning guide. And better yet, it's available for free this month at NYCGo.com . New York-based ManAboutWorld is a global authority on travel available as an iPad subscription magazine.
Planning a trip here can be overwhelming but I took to the New York ManAboutWorld guide to get new ideas and the up-to-the-minute recommendations for where to stay, eat, play and meet as well as what to see and do. The free guide to New York also lets you experience the Big Apple your way whatever slice of the city you want: hipster, cultural, trendy or classic. So break away and try something new. I did!
Back to Broadway
It is the iconic NYC tourist experience but Broadway is always changing. So I took friend and R family vacations co-founder Gregg Kaminsky to Broadway to see Rocky. Yes, we all know the story, or at least you think you remember the entire story. I have to admit I needed a refresher.
The show is a knock out and worth every penny. When you hear "Eye of the Tiger" and see Rocky Balboa run up the mock Philadelphia art museum steps, you almost have to stop yourself from yelling out, "Yo!" Playing at the Winter Garden Theater ( 1634 Broadway ), Rocky is a hot ticket with the recent Tony Award win and great reviews. It is smart to book early on Ticketmaster and be sure to pick your seats wisely.
Insider's tip: Book back orchestra or side orchestra seats. I can't tell you why but you will see why at the incredible climax in Act 2. For more information, visit www.rockybroadway.com
There are plenty of terrific Broadway shows to chose from including Jersey Boys, Cinderella and, off—Broadway, Naked Boys Singing.
Stay somewhere new
To really experience a "new" New York, book a hotel in a different part of town. This time, I skipped the OUT NYC and choose the Quin, a new not-to-be-missed NYC hotel located just two blocks from Central Park at 57th and 6th Avenue. The hotel is a sanctuary in the city and incredible service reigns supreme. As more hotels claim "luxury," it is exceptional service that defines luxury travel today. The Quin delivers.
Almost everything is different about the Quin. No regular hotel concierge here but rather your own personal attache—dedicated lifestyle curators empowered to offer special insider access. Each attache is an expert in everything from fashion to culture with access to exclusive privileges. Prior to arrival, your assigned attache will gather information to curate an itinerary tailored to you. The attache can do anything from arrange a private tour of Metropolitan Museum of Art's new "PUNK: Chaos to Couture Exhibit" or coordinate a private, after-hours trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman.
In our theme of doing something different, splurge and book the Quin's "Shakespeare in New York" experience package through Aug. 17. The experience includes a three-night stay in a premier suite, two reserved seats at a performance of Much Ado About Nothing or King Lear, and a complimentary Arden edition of the play to take home. Prices are $1,000 per night.
Or try the Quin's Petrossian Picnic in Central Park Experience, a two-night stay and high-end picnic foods in Central Park. Grab a bottle of wine!
Jeff Guaracino is the author of Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.
