Seen New York’s major sights before? Michelle Harbi suggests alternative pitstops for the seasoned visitor
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
If you’ve been to the cultural heavyweights of Museum Mile on previous trips, cross the park to the Upper West Side to discover the wonderful New-York Historical Society.
The city’s oldest museum, it was founded in 1804 and explores the political, cultural and social life of New York and the US through its collection of more than 1.6 million artworks and 40,000 objects.
A stirring film provides a potted history of the city’s rises and falls, while the “New York and the Nation” display contains everything from War of Independence artefacts to part of a fire truck destroyed on 9/11.
Other areas of the museum showcase paintings, sculptures, furniture and textiles spanning four centuries, as well as temporary exhibitions.
Open Tues-Sat 10am-6pm (Fri 8pm), Sun 11am-5pm; entry US$19. 170 Central Park West at 77th Street; nyhistory.org
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Central Park isn’t the city’s only green lung – in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden makes for an equally relaxing break from the bustle (take the train from Grand Central).
Covering more than 100 hectares and inspired by Kew Gardens, it contains more than a million plants and 30,000 trees. Wandering the vast terrain of forest and garden, it’s easy to forget you’re in a major metropolis.
Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm; entry US$20. 2,900 Southern Blvd; nybg.org
MANHATTAN BY SAIL
You may have sailed New York Harbour before, but have you ever done it in a 82-foot 1920s schooner? Swap the city’s prolific ferries for a trip on the Shearwater yacht, a recognised national landmark that has circled the globe and now takes 48 passengers at a time out on the water.
Departing up to three times daily from North Cove marina, it’s well placed if you have meetings in the financial district and is a great way to take in the changing Lower Manhattan skyline. This year’s season kicks off on April 24.
From US$45 for 90 minutes; manhattanbysail.com
MINTON'S
New York has countless options for evening entertainment, although you may not often have thought of going as far north as Harlem. You’re missing out if you don’t make a trip to Minton’s, though.
Founded in 1938, it was one of the city’s most important jazz clubs, where bebop was born and the likes of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday performed.
Reborn in 2013 as a supper club with live entertainment, you can enjoy fantastic music from the house band and visiting players, while dining on gourmet “Southern Revival” cuisine.
Open Tues-Thurs 6pm-11pm; Fri-Sat until 3am; Sun 12pm-4pm, 5pm-10pm. 206 West 118th Street; tel +1 212 243 2222; mintonsharlem.com
BROOKLYN WINERY
Williamsburg in Brooklyn might not be the obvious place to set up a winery, but that didn’t stop owners Brian Leventhal and John Stires.
From their industrial-chic premises, open since 2010, winemaker Conor McCormack produces 16 small-batch reds, whites and rosés – the friendly team can take you on a tour and talk you through a tasting. You can then settle down with your favourite over some sharing plates in the bar.
Open daily 5pm-11pm (unless hired for private events, check website before visiting). 213 North Eighth Street; tel +1 347 763 1506; bkwinery.com
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