The Skyscraper Museum - Big Adventure Recommends a visit

There are seemingly thousands of museums, galleries and the like in NYC, but some of the most interesting are the hardest to find. A solid entry in the "Lesser known yet amazing Museums of NYC" category, is The Skyscraper Museum. Near Battery Park in lower Manhattan, this small but mighty non-profit boasts fascinating exhibits series of interesting expert speakers, an ever-changing collection and a lively, excitable staff that could talk Big City Skyscrapers all day.

Billing themselves as experts in the world's first and foremost vertical metropolis, this unconventional museum operates in the shadow of some of biggest and oldest buildings in the city ever since the museum opened in the splendid new space in 2004. Founded in 1996, The Skyscraper Museum is a not-for-profit, educational corporation devoted to the study of high-rise building, past, present, and future.

Why go now? Because the new exhibit is the perfect way to beat the cold and get into the buildings without actually getting into the buildings.The very cool exhibit SUPERTALL is worth the five bucks entrance fee alone. SUPERTALL is all about the world's tallest buildings from Asia to Dubai that have been built since 2001 or scheduled to be completed in 2016. Visit now as the exhibit closes end the end of January. On their site, they even have this thought-provoking graph showcasing where the Supertall Skyscrapers have appeared across the globe over the last generation.

One of our favorite past exhibitions was 2011's Vertical Urban Factory which featured the innovative architectural design, structural engineering, and processing methods of significant factory buildings from the turn of the 20th century to the present. Now, over a century after the first large factories began to dominate Now, over a century after the first large factories began to dominate our cities, the exhibition posed the question: Can factories present sustainable solutions for future self-sufficient cities? Oooh! That's a true puzzler. Right up there with if you kill a mime in the woods, will it make any noise?

The big buildings of this town never cease to fascinate the Big Adventure and a visit provides a nice homage to all of them. Not to get overly sappy, but it is some concrete and steel poetry in the big city

39 Battery Place on the other side of the Ritz Hotel. 

$5 Admission, Open Wed-Sun Noon-6 PM.  

http://skyscraper.org/ -Phone: 212.968.1961

The Big Adventure Recommends: The Skyscraper Museum

There are seemingly thousands of museums, galleries and the like in NYC, but some of the most interesting are the hardest to find. A solid entry in the "Lesser known yet amazing Museums of NYC" category, The Big Adventure highly recommends The Skyscraper Museum. Near Battery Park in lower Manhattan, this small but mighty non-profit boasts fascinating exhibits series of interesting expert speakers, an ever-changing collection and a lively, excitable staff that could talk Big City Skyscrapers all day.

Calling themselves experts in the world's first and foremost vertical metropolis, this unconventional museum operates among some of biggest and oldest buildings sine it opened in it's new space in 2004. Founded in 1996, The Skyscraper Museum is a private, not-for-profit, educational corporation devoted to the study of high-rise building, past, present, and future. The museum just closed their stunning showcase on Wall Street that ran last year and will be opening a new installation on the "Vertical Urban Factory" on Wednesday, January 12th.

Why go now? Because the new exhibit is the perfect way to beat the cold and get into the buildings without actually getting into the buildings. Vertical Urban Factory features the innovative architectural design, structural engineering, and processing methods of significant factory buildings from the turn of the 20th century to the present. Now, over a century after the first large factories began to dominate our cities, the exhibition poses the question: Can factories present sustainable solutions for future self-sufficient cities? Oooh! That's a true puzzler. Right up there with if you kill a mime in the woods, will it make any noise?

The big buildings of this town never cease to fascinate the Big Adventure and a visit to this location provides a nice homage to all of them. Not to get overly sappy, but it is some concrete and steel poetry in the big city

39 Battery Place on the other side of the Ritz. $5 Admission, Open Wed-Sun Noon-6 PM. http://skyscraper.org/

The Next Big Adventure is coming!

What do The NYC Institute of Culinary Education, NYC Actor Tracy Marrow and the Diamond District of Manhattan all have in common? Once you’ve figured out that riddle, you’re well on your way to determining the theme of the next Big Adventure on December 11th….

Visit NYC's Most Secret Art Gallery via Subway...sorta.

Send to us by Friend-Of-The-Big-Adventure Dan, this seems to be the ultimate hidden Big Adventure: A Secret Art Gallery in an abandoned NYC Subway Station.

Dubbed “The Underbelly Project”, this giant make-shift galley features stunning work by several talented graffiti artists in a giant empty space. Created over an 18 month period, these pieces stretch from ground to ceiling. Completely free and open 24 hours a day. The catch? No one knows where the secret gallery actually is. And you have to travel down the tracks from an active Subway Station to get there. Hey, unsafe AND slightly illegal!

But they pay off is supposedly worth it – huge untouched canvases of over 100 pieces in untouched splendor. Ah, wacky artists. On this one, getting there alone might be the reward.  We don't want to spoil the quest, but finding the station doesn't take a lot of work with some online digging and a subway pass. We like these final thoughts from our friends at the Second Avenue Subway Blog:

"It is a dangerous thought about a morbid project that somehow captures both the recklessness of a bygone era, the foolhardiness of this undertaking and the mystery of an abandoned aspect of the New York City subway system. I don’t think Arts for Transit will approve."

 

Read more at Gizmodoo and check out the amazing images from The NY Times:

http://gizmo.do/cNZYEw

http://nyti.ms/dwTo0o

http://secondavenuesagas.com/2010/11/01/a-subway-art-project-in-the-abandoned-underbelly/

The Next Big Adventure is Coming!

It's coming...and we're starting to get the engines in gear for another amazing Big Adventure!

Mark your Calendar for Saturday, December 11th and get ready to join us for an entire day (and a good portion of the evening) of an inexpensive, social, incredibly unique and unbelievably fun way to explore New York City.

More details are forthcoming as our staff, various interns and contracted minions are putting everything in place. We'll be providing all of the sorted details in the next couple of weeks well in advance of the day, but we like to keep a lid on thing until all is in place. Let's just say, we'll be celebrating the winter season with one cool theme on December 11th.

Let us know if you'll be joining us by reserving your space on our Facebook Event Page. Hope you can join as this is already shaping up to our biggest and best event yet! http://www.facebook.com/TheBigAdventure?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts

The Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve: #11- New York Transit Museum

The Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve:

#11- New York Transit Museum (The Subway Museum)

Visited on The Letter C Big Adventure

The Met? MoMa? The Guggenheim? They’ve got nothing on The Subway Museum.

Housed in a 1936 decommissioned, but still operational, subway station in downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is perfect for visitors of all ages. Upon shelling out the nominal entrance fee of $6, you can enjoy the permanent collection and temporary exhibits all dedicated to the buses, roads, bridges and, of course, the 106-year-old Subway System. We personally love the collection of turnstiles through the years (man, those things used to be easy to jump) and old subway tokens. 

By far the best part is the Subway cars from the last century that live on two working subway tracks on the lower level. You can meander through every car; each reflects a different era and each is in immaculate condition. To complete the experience, the cars even have print ads and subway maps relevant to the years the car ran. For as much time as most New Yorkers spend on our respective subway lines, this place is a must visit.

Located at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights (below ground)

http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/

 

The Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve: #12- Criff Dog

The Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve:

#12- Criff Dog (Visited on The Letter C Big Adventure)

In a city that’s already well known for its ubiquity of Hot Dogs, it’s a tough thing to open a restaurant that makes a quality, custom dog. That’s why Criff Dog easily makes our list. Located in a basement level space on St. Marks, this tiny but always busy Hot Dog joint is a must for any out-of-town visitor.

Criff Dog is a delicious late night option (open till 4:00 AM), but great just about anytime. They've created a menu with unique and tasty custom Hot Dogs – we recommend the one that is bacon wrapped with avocado and sour cream. Criff is incredibly affordable and has an uber-friendly staff that always seems to love being there.

Bonus: getting to watch people get turned away from the Super Secret bar next door (P.D.T) where you have to enter via phone booth.

St. Mark’s Between 1^st Ave and Avenue A

www.crifdogs.com/

Presenting: the Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve

Presenting: the Big Adventure NYC Top Twelve

Starting Tomorrow and continuing over the next two weeks, the Big Adventure is going to unveil our Top Twelve favorite bars, restaurants, museums and other destinations and hot spots that we’ve visited as part of our NYC exploits over the last dozen adventures and four years. Why twelve? Well, limiting it our list to ten just wasn’t working. We’ve seen way too many amazing locales.

Like the best elements of any solid Big Adventure itself, the members of this elite list are all one-of-a-kind, unique to NYC, accessible and affordable to all and have demonstrated the ability to be incredible fun places. Because, really, in the end, that’s what it is all about.

Thanks to all who offered input on this indispensable ranking. We’ve created our list based on a weighed scale of various criteria, polling of complete strangers and our own whimsy (we love the whimsy). What do YOU think our Number One Pick will be?

Announcing the Carnival and Coney Island Big Adventure on Saturday, August 28th!

Brooke and Phil are pleased to announced the next Big Adventure -The Coney Island and Carnival Big Adventure! Few things say Summer, Big Adventure and Americana more than a slice of the Carnival and Coney Island. On Saturday, August 28th, we're going to celebrate summer as we take a trip out to beloved Coney Island. While we're still working out the details, we're planning a trip to the Coney Island Circus Slide Show (aka the freak show), El Dorado Bumper Cars and Arcade, The Historic Cyclone Roller Coaster and some of the finest bars on and near the beach whee you can try a Coney Island Lager (or, for the bold and daring, an Albino Python Ale)

We'll start and end the day in Manhattan with some great Carnival and Fare themed bar/restaurants/locations.We're working on a Skee-Ball Tourney and some VIP transport to Coney Island and back (screw you, NYC Subway!) We'll have more detailed information by August 10th, but we're excited to hit the beach and hit the bar on August 28th! We're certain that you'll have a splendid time beating the heat and enjoying the last week of summer before Labor Day Weekend. If you've never taken the trip to the southernmost point in Brooklyn we invite you to join us, won't you? As always, all are welcome - so bring a family, loved on or even a stranger off the street. Let us know your coming today by RSVPing at Our Facebook event page here or commenting below.

Brooke and Phil’s Belmont Stakes and Delicious Steaks Big Adventure

The time has come once again! Save the date for Saturday, June 5th as we’re embarking one of our most ambitious New York Big Adventures yet. We’re calling it: Belmont Stakes and Delicious Steaks!

We’re starting and ending in New York City, but we’re also going to break new ground as we trot/gallop out to Belmont, Park in Elmont, New York (just outside of Queens). The plan is to enjoy a good chunk of the 142nd Belmont Stakes and cheer till we’re horse (groan...)! Tickets are surprisingly inexpensive at just $10 a piece and the grandstand seats are a laidback, enjoyable time. Most importantly, this is truly a signature event in this area that we think many of our friends haven’t had the chance to experience yet.

We’re also incorporating some very cool Horse Racing themed events and bar-related stops back in the city before and after our day at Belmont. We will tie in some of the city’s best grilled steaks (think along the lines of Philly Cheese rather than Peter Luger’s) and more. Perhaps a Wooden Horse Racing Contest? Or an award for Best Dressed Race Day clothes?

As per usual, we’ll be posting all the information, stops and critical details you will need In about two weeks. We plan on starting around noon and, once again, going to the late hours of the night where you can join us along the way and invite anyone you choose.

In the meantime, you can pick your pony, rent a copy of Seabiscuit and place your boxed trifecta bet when you visit The Brooke and Phil Big Adventure Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/TheBigAdventure (become our fan!) or other info always here.

We also planning ahead and returning to our more traditional roots with a purely in-city event in August in case this Adventure isn’t the one for you.

Hope to see you on Race Day!

The Film Big Adventure Details!

For the photo gallery from this Big Adventure click here!

 

With both the next Big Adventure and Oscar night on the horizon, we wanted to provide out all the details for Brooke and Phil’s Film Big Adventure. We’re hoping you can join us in just under two weeks on Saturday, March 6th:

Below are the particulars on our cinematic day complete with all the info you need to get from location to location around NYC. You can always visit us on The Blog or FaceBook Page for more information as it develops. We’re plan to roll the projectors around 2:30 PM, but, as always, feel free to meet up with the Big Adventure at any point throughout the day.

Brunch at Film Center Café – 2:30 PM - 9th Avenue at 45th St (Hell’s Kitchen). We’ll start the day with a brunch at this charming location that boasts an unlimited drink brunch (or AYCD for those in the know) as well as a delicious selection of pancakes, omelets and more. Sure, it might cost more than movie theater popcorn with extra butter, but it’ll help get you through the day better.

Paley Center for Media- 4:00 PM - 52nd Between 6th and 7th Avenue (Midtown)– Ah, we bet you’ve never been to this museum (formerly known as the Museum of Television and Radio). An amazing place, Paley boasts one of the largest collections of archived television programs and video clips in the world. After viewing some of their permanent collection, we’re going to set up a custom screening. Trust us, you’ll love it. Admission is $6.

The Blind Tiger- 6:00 PM – To celebrate the “The Blind Side” - 281 Bleecker near Commerce and 7th Avenue (West Village). To salute Sandra Bullock’s Oscar Winning performance (she’s a lock; trust us), we’re going to visit one of the best Ale Houses in the city. With an incredible beer selection that would make Sam Adams salivate, great relaxed setting and tasty dishes, this is one of our favorite bars in the city.

Viewing of the 2010 Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films–at the IFC Theater -7:00 PM - 3rd Street & 6th Avenue (West Village). This should be as enjoyable as it is unique – The IFC is screening all six of this year’s nominees. Certain to be an eclectic collection of animated shorts you won’t see anywhere else. That way, when the Oscar is presented for animated short, you can say you’ve actually seen it. There is even an entry for Wallace and Gromit - A Matter of Loaf and Death (hah!). We’ll be getting tickets in advance, so be sure to let us know if you are interested. Otherwise, you'll have to get them on your own that day, and know that it may sell out. Tickets are $12.50

Cowgirl Hall of Fame – 9:30 PM- To mark the achievement of “Crazy Heart”- 519 Hudson between 10th and Charles Street (West Village) –Jeff Bridges himself would feel right at home at this restaurant/bar with a fun & festive atmosphere. A touch campy without being ridiculous, you can drink your margarita from a boot. We’ll also be doing a Razzie pool inviting you to make predictions on the year’s worst films. Trying to line up an appearance by Maggie Gyllenhaal, but oddly enough she’s not returning our calls.

Flight 151 Bar- 11:30 PM– To revel in the glory of “Up In The Air” - 18th Street and 8th Avenue (Chelsea) -A bar with an aviation theme is perfect for people who want to go to the airport but don’t want to fly. They check off on all the key ingredients needed for a Big Adventure: cheap drink prices, popcorn at the bar, invitations to draw on bar napkins and, best of all, flight announcements in the bathroom.

French Roast – Late Night - For Un Prophète (Foreign Language Film Nominee) and the eponymous animated film - 11th Street at 6th Avenue (Greenwich Village)– We’ll end the night, dine on some delectable café fare and say our adieus at this popular 24 hour staple as the end credits start to roll…

As always, there will be a mix of surprises, personal touches and a contest or two of personal skill that tend to accompany every Big Adventure.

Keep in mind all are welcome so feel free to pass this on to whomever you choose. The auditorium can hold all for this screening. Let us know if you think you might make it so we have an idea for size and how many tickets to buy in advance. Hope to see you next Saturday!

Announcing The Brooke and Phil's Film Big Adventure

Its Time once again...plan to join us on Saturday, March 6th when we’ll be embarking on yet another Brooke and Phil’s Big Adventure.

Brooke and Phil are setting out on the cinematic streets of New York City to determine if life really does move at 24 frames per second. Starting in the eEarly afternoon and adventuring through the wee hours of the night, we'll be paying homage to the finest of American Film throughout the city.

From Midtown to the West Village to Chelsea and beyond, we’ll be making stops that are unique, social and friendly to the wallet. We’ll visit some familiar and not-so-familiar establishments and even have a few surprises along the way. Also, it is no mere coincidence that we’re hosting our outing the day before another bigger film event (see: The 82^nd Annual Oscars)

In two weeks, we’ll be posting all the information, stops and critical details you need right here on the Blog. As always, everyone is always welcome. Check back for specific details including route, locations and times in the next couple of weeks. But for now, Buy your tickets from the box office, save the stub and join us on Saturday, March 6th for Brooke and Phil’s Film Big Adventure. Hoping to see you there...

Questions? We've got something for that now. Feel free to e-mail us anytime at BrookeAndPhilsBigAdventure@Gmail.com

Reminder and Final Itinerary: Brooke and Phil’s International Big Adventure.

We're just a couple days away from The International Big Adventure.Feel free to join us anywhere along the way this Saturday, December 5^th!

If you’re planning on joining us, note that the times have changed a bit and there is one major revision in the set up below. Be aware all ye who plan to travel internationally with us!

Lederhosen Restaurant – (Germany) 2:30 PM -39 Grove Street Near 7^th Ave & Christopher St. - West Village. The only combination of Bavarian murals and indoor picnic tables in NYC.

Wang Chen's Table Tennis Club – (China) 5:00 PM ­-250 W 100th Street Near Broadway on the Upper West Side. Due to sundry issues. Spain and Fencing are tagging out but Ping Pong and China are tagging in. Olympic Medalist Wang Chen (truly!) and others who take Table Tennis vvvveeerry seriously are serving up private coaching for us and will then set us loose on their tournament tables. Feel free to come armed with your best “Everyone Wang Chen Tonight” joke.

Pinetree Lodge--(Canada) 7:00 PM -326 E 35th St - Between 1st Ave & Tunnel Entrance St – Murray Hill. This place could only be more Canadian if it was called the “Hoser Hut”. Note that there are seriously two Pinetree Lodges in the same neighborhood, so beware.

Fáilte Irish Whiskey Bar-- (Ireland) 9:00 PM - 531 2nd Ave- Between 29th St & 30th St – Murray Hill. If we don’t see someone dancing a jig or doing a terrible Irish impression, we’ll be a bit sad.

KGB Bar --(Russia) 11:00 PM 85 E 4th St – Near 2^nd Ave. –Lower East Side. From Russia with love, this bar knows that with a little vodka, anyone can pronounce “Dostoyevsky” correctly

Won Jo Korean BBQ --(Korean) Late Night - 23 W 32nd Street between 5^th and 6^th in (where else?) Korea Town. Delicious BBQ prepared right at the table. We’ve reserved the tables with the window view of 32^nd street. A great way to end the night.

As always, the only gear you’ll need is an NYC Metro Card and your drinking shoes. The day is set up to be as inexpensive or as lavish as you want it to be.

While we strive to stay on schedule, the timing on most of these stops is approximate. If you need to find us anytime during the day or see where we may be along the way, reach out to the cell phones.

Hope to see ya Saturday...so we can fill your passport with stamps from around the globe!

Brooke and Phil’s International Big Adventure Update!

We’re hoping you can join us next Saturday, December 5^th.

We’re going to get started around 2:00 PM, but feel free to meet up with the roaming Big Adventure at any point throughout the day. Below is the detailed Itinerary complete with the foreign lands we’ll be visiting without leaving NYC.

Germany -Lederhosen – 2:00 PM -39 Grove Street –Near 7^th Ave and Christopher Street in the West Village.

Our day begins here! Between the over-the-top Bavarian mural and well-priced German cuisine, Lederhosen is the perfect blend of schtick and deliciousness. Often cited as the real Deutch deal when it comes to dishes from schnitzzle to the imported beer and wine.

Spain - Manhattan Fencing Center – 4:00 PM - 225 W 39th St, 2nd Fl – Near 7^th Avenue.

That’s right. We’re going fencing. Foils, Épées, Sabres and those crazy mesh masks. We’ll be taking an entry level class custom taillored just for us. The hope is that Mandy Patinkin will coach us and then accuse us of killing his father over and over again as he searches our hands for six fingers. We'll keep you posted if you need to bring any additional gear.

Canada -Pinetree Lodge -6:00 PM -326 E 35th St - Between 1st Ave & Tunnel Entrance St.

After all that exercise, we’ll kick back at the ole Pinetree Lodge. Tucked away on 35^th Street, its chock full of charm and giant moose heads…just like they have in Canada! We’ve reserved one of their cozy dens and have arranged for 2-for-1 drink specials. Their Pine Tree Ale is a must try. Note that their are TWO locations with "Pine Tree" in the title near one another. Do NOT go to the one on first Avenue. You'll be much happier drinking near the Midtown tunnel and Chinese Embassy.

Ireland – Fáilte Irish Whiskey Bar -8:30 PM - 531 2nd Ave- Between 29th St & 30th St

Just around the corner from Pinetree Lodge, we’ll make a stop at Fáilte. The bar’s name is Gaelic for “Welcome” and is pronounced “fault-ya” as in “I know you stole my money, but I won’t fault ya.” They have received endless accolades for the Best Irish Coffee in the city. A wonderful Whiskey Bar that captures the spirit of the Emerald Isle. John, the affable and attentive bartender, is setting up a space just for us.

Russia- KGB Bar -10:30 PM 85 E 4th St – Near 2^nd Ave.

Man, we love this bar. Located on the second floor above a small performance space and decked out in red, this Communist throwback dive is plastered with posters of Iconic, fallen leaders from the land of Tsars. An endless vodka selection behind the bar and, to be honest, it is the opposite of the bar where everyone knows your name…or even cares that you’re there. With supposed ties to old Russian revolutionists, we always feel like a Bolshevik revolution is just about to go down while we're inside.

Korean –Won Jo Korean BBQ -Late Night - 23 W 32nd Street between 5^th and 6^th

Located in the heart of Korea Town, we’ll cap off the evening with some late night tasty grub: cook-it-on-the-table style. An array of colorful and exotic foods combined with a 24 hour restaurant the specializes in open flame at the table = win. Plus,as a nice bonus its close to a dozen subway lines near 34th Street.

As always, there will be a mix of surprises, personal touches and a contest or two of personal skill (How well do you know your International Flags and Geography?) that tend to accompany every Big Adventure.

Keep in mind all are welcome so feel free to pass this on to your friends, roommates, landlords, and more.

The more the merrier. No need to RSVP, but let us know if you think you might make it so we have an idea for size. Also let us know if you have any questions and suggestions are always welcome. Hope to see you next Saturday!

Brooke and Phil's International Big Adventure is Coming!

Mark you calendars for Saturday, December 5^th, as we’ll be embarking on yet another Brooke and Phil’s Big Adventure.

Keeping in the spirit of all the Big Adventures, we plan on taking advantage of the amazing opportunities available to us by living in New York City. Therefore, this adventure will be our first International Big Adventure!

But there’s no need to pack your passports, fanny packs or any Dramamine because you’ll be touring the world without ever leaving New York City. We will be making stops in Germany, Central America, Canada, Ireland, Russia, Korea and more! As we cross borders throughout the city, we’ll dine on the food, imbibe in the drink and engage in the culture from different nations in our signature casual and fun way.

As with all Big Adventures, the fun starts in the early afternoon and will continue until late at night. Check this very blog for specific details including route, locations and times in the next couple of weeks. But if you would like travel with us, save the date of Saturday December 5^th, for Brooke and Phil’s International Big Adventure.

Photos from The W Subway Line Big Adventure

Some quality snapshots from throughou the day on the last Big Adventure in late May In New York City during the W Line Big Adventure - From Ulysses' at Whitehall Street in Downtown Manhattan all the way to the Beer Garden at Ditmars Blvs in Astoria and many places in between. Selected for your viewing pleasure...

You can take a gander at all of the photos and leave some comments over on Flickr