Local Guides

12 beautiful churches and religious buildings in NYC by a New Yorker

September 11, 2019 by Dawn Allcott Leave a Comment

Last Updated on September 11, 2019

Like many major cities, New York has houses of worship and churches for every religion and denomination. Strolling through the city, you can appreciate the architectural beauty – regardless of your religious beliefs or spirituality. Spend a day exploring these historic buildings, or spend a few minutes visiting if you pass one in your travels.

Two of the churches on this list were instrumental in aid efforts following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, standing amidst the rubble to provide help and hope to New Yorkers during one of the city’s most challenging times.

All the houses of worship in New York showcased here have incredible historic significance within the city, distinctive architecture, and captivating stories if you dig deep. From the famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral with its iconic pipe organ to the historic Bialystoker Synagogue, these NYC churches and houses of worship are all unique – and distinctly New York.

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The best museums in New York not to miss by a native New Yorker

September 4, 2019 by Dawn Allcott Leave a Comment

Last Updated on September 5, 2019

One of the best things about New York City is the wealth of museums. From the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art to the one-of-a-kind Intrepid Air & Space Museum, whether you’re into art, history, or science, it’s all nestled within this 23-square-mile expanse of land. If you’re staying in Manhattan, you could easily spend days visiting museums and still not see them all. A subway ride into Brooklyn or Queens yields even more fun and adventure. This insider guide to the best museums in New York City will show you the best of culture, art, and history in New York City!

Keep in mind: Many of the Manhattan museums on this list are a short subway ride or even walking distance from each other. Nonetheless, you’ll find many great museums in the other boroughs of New York. Crossing into Queens and Brooklyn means a longer subway ride or an Uber over the historic Brooklyn Bridge or 59^th Street Bridge. You may want to plan to spend a whole day exploring the sights in these boroughs, each with their own distinct neighborhoods.

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The Insider’s Guide to the US Open by a fan attending for 30+ years

September 1, 2019 by Steve 39 Comments

Last Updated on September 2, 2019

This week is a guest post from a reader who happens to be my dad. Steve is a native New Yorker who has been going to the US Open for the past 35 years. He attends for three days every year. The most that he has ever spent on one day was $3 for a pretzel (other than tickets). Some days have been totally free. He is proud of this accomplishment.

This is an update for the 2019 US Open with corrections and other important developments from last year’s blog. It still contains insider tips to the US Open with advice on how to visit Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on a budget, what to bring to the US Open, what to wear to the US Open, and other travel tips for the US Open 2019. Remember to enjoy the Day.

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50 unusual things to do in New York City by a native New Yorker

August 23, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on September 9, 2019

New York is full of hidden gems. This insider guide to New York City written by a native New Yorker will show you best unusual things to do in New York City that are alternative, kooky, fascinating, and just weird. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride as New York has so much to offer that you might not expect. I’ve grouped these activities by borough and location.

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What to do in Enkhuizen, a beautiful day trip from Amsterdam

August 19, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

Last Updated on August 19, 2019

Enkhuizen is a beautiful city on the IJsselmeer. This West Frisian city is bustling during the summers with tourists who often moor along the port for a day trip. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of things to do in Enkhuizen. This insider guide to Enkhuizen is written by Mirjam, an Enkhuizen local!

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Tips for visiting Times Square for the first time by a New Yorker

August 18, 2019 by Dawn Allcott 1 Comment

Last Updated on August 18, 2019

Like Shibuya Station in Tokyo and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Times Square is an imminently recognizable tourist stop. The ads on the giant screens at One Times Square – where the New Year’s Eve ball drops every year – might change, but the energy of the intersection has only grown with time.

Times Square sits in the heart of Manhattan’s Theatre District, spanning West 42^nd to West 47^th Streets across Broadway and Seventh Avenue. Some sources extend this designation to 40^th and 53^rd Streets and 6^th to 9^th Avenues. This article will discuss the best things to do in Times Square with input from New Yorkers with some helpful tips for visiting Times Square for the first time.

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Where to stay in Amsterdam: 15 affordable hotels by a resident

August 12, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on August 12, 2019

As someone who has lived in Amsterdam, I’ve been asked frequently for recommendations on where to stay in Amsterdam. I’ve created a neighborhood overview with affordable hotels in Amsterdam worth visiting with the advantages/disadvantages of each neighborhood in Amsterdam. I’ve also asked fellow bloggers for their previous stays at hotels in Amsterdam. I hope that this insider guide helps you find the perfect Amsterdam hotel within your budget!

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Tips for visiting Ellis Island for first-time visitors by a New Yorker

August 8, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

Last Updated on August 8, 2019

As a born and raised New Yorker whose grandfather went through Ellis Island, it was a truly special experience to revisit Ellis Island again recently. Maybe it’s something about being young, but visiting Ellis Island this time definitely was far more special. I hope that these tips for visiting Ellis Island for the first time help you enjoy this historic museum that is certainly worth visiting!

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Your insider 420-friendly guide to cannabis in Amsterdam by a local

August 5, 2019 by Laura Verheijke Leave a Comment

Last Updated on August 8, 2019

Amsterdam has long been considered to be ‘The OG Stoner Hotspot’–the place to go to get high and let loose long before the decriminalization and legalization of Marijuana started sweeping the globe.

Visiting a Dutch coffeeshop is still a rite of passage for the many tourists who flock to the city every year, but it can still be pretty overwhelming. Here’s my Amsterdammer’s guide to safely experience the city’s gorgeous ganja. This local 420 guide to Amsterdam includes the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam and what you need to know about cannabis in Amsterdam before you toke up written by a former coffeeshop employee!

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20 Tips for taking a road trip in the USA for the first time by an American

July 31, 2019 by Dawn Allcott Leave a Comment

Last Updated on July 31, 2019

The car is packed and you’re headed on a long-awaited road trip. Whether you’re taking your own vehicle coast-to-coast, or you’re renting a car to make a U.S. road trip part of your international adventure, a little planning goes a long way.

With 20 years of traveling up and down the Eastern seaboard, plus car trips to Chicago, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, I’ve picked up a few handy tips to share for taking a road trip in the United States. I hope that these helpful tips help you plan your US road trip!

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