New York in Winter

If you are competitive, athletic and adventurous, you are invited to take part in a unique race, which undoubtedly will make you forget about the cold: climbing the stairs of the Empire State Building. In this annual Empire State Building Run-up you will have to climb all 86 floors and 1576 stairs – not an easy task. The present record, achieved by a young Australian in 2003, is nine minutes thirty-three seconds (9.33). This year the competition will take place on February 3 and who knows… maybe you will be the one to break the record? Website: www.esbnyc.com

If you visit New York in the winter during the cold month of February, you will be able to enjoy live shows by the best artists as part of their world tours. Mark Anthony, for example, will perform at the Madison Square Garden on February 6. On that same day, Bryan Adams will appear at the Beacon Theatre. If you arrive during the chilly month of March, you can enjoy a performance by the legendary artist Billy Joel who will appear on March 15 at the Madison Square Garden, or even take shelter under the umbrella of the International star Rihanna, who will perform on March 27 and 30 at the Barclay’s stadium. And if you did not manage to purchase tickets to watch Jerry Seinfeld in Israel, you can catch one of his winter shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York and laugh until your stomach aches. Website: www.beacontheatre.com

It’s a well-known fact that people in the Big Apple know how to celebrate and enjoy alcohol, a pleasure they don’t give up even in the cold winter. Every winter the New York City Brewers Guild organizes the New York City Beer Week. Over one hundred local businesses take part in this festival, such as restaurants, pubs, beer breweries. And lots of special events take place like performances, wild parties, tasting events, lectures and ceremonies to award the best beer producers in the city. During the festival period, bars all over the city will give discount on beers. This year, the event will take place from February 19 through 28. Website:
www.newyorkcitybrewersguild.com

A warm and stylish indoor market has been established in the Chelsea neighborhood. Chelsea Market has lately become a popular tourist site. The food hall is located in the famous former Oreo cookies factory. In Chelsea Market you can escape the rain and the cold and experience the great variety of unique food shops, bakeries, wine boutiques and more. Besides the various delis, you can find stores selling any kitchen utensils you might need or always dreamed of. So spoil yourself with a hot pastry and absorb the unique atmosphere of Chelsea Market. Website: www.chealseamarket.com

When it is cold outside it is really hot in the Jersey Garden’s Outlet. Only half an hour bus ride from Port Authority Station, a huge outlet is waiting for you with over 200 shops offering all the famous brands and big names at excellent tax-free prices. You will find among others stores of Victoria Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Nike, American Eagle, Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch and many more. Website:
www.jerseygardens.com

Ice skating in New York in the winter is perhaps one of the most cliché attractions but it is also one of the most fun and enjoyable activities. Prospect Park ice rink has recently been reopened after a massive renovation. Renting a pair of ice skates will cost you six dollars on weekdays and nine dollars in weekends and it is really worth it! Don’t forget to bring gloves and a change of clothes! Website: www.prospectpark.org/lakeside

New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is an ancient Irish tradition that has been kept alive for more than 250 years in honor of Ireland’s Patron Saint. This parade is considered the most famous and most popular in New York; it starts at 11 am every March 17 unless this date falls on a Sunday, in that case the celebration takes place on the day before. The parade route goes up Fifth Avenue beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street and passes many important touristic attractions such as St Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park. The parade ends at around 4:30-5:00 pm. Every year, between 150.000 and 250.000 people participate in this huge event. Website:
www.nycstpatricksparade.org

New York takes pride in its famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Arts, the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Jewish Museum. Whether you are an art lover or not, New York's museums have an international reputation and they exhibit some of the most important and famous masterpieces. During your winter stay in New York City it is highly recommended to visit at least one museum of your interest. Not only will you enjoy some important cultural experiences, but you also have a chance to warm up and evade the cold weather.