A Guide To Planning your own Spring NYC Big Adventure!

Ah, finally Spring is upon us. Longer days, beautiful weather and...what's that...people on the street seem to be smiling. 

To celebrate, we've put together an itinerary to allow you to create your own "Spring Big Adventure" allowing you and friends to descend upon several outdoor locations throughout NYC. You can make this happen on any weekend day and tweak the itinerary for a day of basking in the sun, enjoying the outdoors and in general, rejoicing in Spring. This has been brewing since Jan 23rd – which was the coldest day of winter when we were suffering through cabin fever and immensely tired of slush and gray. All of us have braved the most miserable winter in a while. Now…we celebrate spring!

We encourage you to pass the information along to anyone who might enjoy outdoor bars, rooftop locales, competitive chalk art, New York City Parks and musty old tombs (really). If you follow our guide, we promise will be unique, affordable, social and distinctly NYC. 

The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café – 1:00 PM –Walk as far west on 79th Street as you can past Riverside Drive until you end up overlooking the Hudson River and Boat Basin. We’ll sit with a view of the House Boats and Riverside Park as we sip Electric Lemonade and fried perfection. The perfect place to soak in the sun and start the day.



Host a Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition - 2:30 PM –As you stroll through Riverside Park –one of the most beautiful and underrated parks in NYC– set up and enjoy some Sidewalk Chalk Art. It’s art guerilla style (because Sidewalk Chalk is verboten….breakin’ the law, breakin’ the law). Create teams, bring art supplies, endless chalk and lovely sections of sidewalk to vandalize…er decorate. After everyone hones their skills and talent, chose one winner will be crowned the Picasso of the Park! The Salvador Dali of the Sidewalk! The Rembrandt of the Road! The Georgia O'k....you get our drift.

  

Grant’s Tomb – 3:30 PM – 122nd and Riverside Drive - Hop on the M5 Bus and journey up to what is officially known as The General Grant National Memorial. Nothing like spending a spring day at a tomb. Seriously though, this is a very cool museum that opened over 110 years ago. Despite rich history, architecture and grandeur, seemingly few New Yorkers have ever visited. Rectify that with a private tour by the National Park Service guide all dedicated to that 18th President and Civil War General with the awesome first name: Ulysses S. Grant

The Heights Bar and Grill – 4:45  PM– Broadway and 112th –The Heights (named after its neighborhood Morningside Heights) is a somewhat secret gem and the only rooftop bar in Manhattan north of 59th street. Swing by for a drink while lounging on the top floor roof-deck patio and judge who has the best sandals in the bar.

Traversing The High Line -6:30 PM – Entering at 20th Street and 10th Avenue- The plan here is simple – a stroll down the most unique urban park on the East Coast at Sunset. Starting at the northern most section and ending at around 12th street, we’re going to walk every inch of the park and get it on like Ponce De Leon. Lots going on most spring days including a roving book cart and guides.

The Standard Beer Garden– 8:00 PM -  Little West 12th and Washington Street – Fresh off The High Line and back on firm ground, you’ll be transported to a magical faux German land. Outside and spacious, visitors leave their Meatpacking pretensions at the door in exchange for Ping-Pong, Brats and Steins.

Ear Inn – 10:00 PM – 326 Spring Street near Washington Street – Man, we love this place. End the evening with one of New York's oldest bars where the drinks are as tasty and affordable as the history of the place is remarkable Historic Home turned Brothel turned Bar. Great to get our relaxing on after a long day of trekking. Also known as the Green Door Bar or the James Brown House. God Bless drinking establishments with three names.

 

Enjoy! We hope this makes for a wonderful Spring Adventure for any who follow our route! Let us know how your journey goes by visiting us on Facebook  or sending us an E-mail: Info@NYCBigAdventure.com

To do in NYC Today- Visit The Ear Inn

Every day, we post a one minute guide to one great thing happening today in New York City. We list doings that are inexpensive or completely free, social and 100% unique to New York. Designed for the curious local or savvy tourist, we aim to expose the eccentric and obvious all over NYC. Check back every morning to crack open a new nutshell

Take a trip to the historic Ear Inn

With a legitimate claim to possibly being New York City’s oldest bar, this historic tavern has a welcoming crowd and a unique feel. Crowded at happy hour, but cozy most other times, it’s a great local spot for conversation and drinks.  Also known as the Green Door Bar or the James Brown House. Ah, God bless drinking establishments with three names.

Legend has it the building, which has been everything from a brothel to a record company, was once home to General George Washington’s Aide De Camp way back in the late 18^th century. But now you’ll only find a knowledge bar keep and new friends. Because it is located almost on the Hudson, it can be a little harder to find, but well worth the effort.

When: Open Noon to 4:00 AM everyday

Where: 326 Spring Street (between Greenwich and Washington Streets

Cost: Free 
Category: Bars, Pubs, Restaurants

More Details: www.earinn.com

The Big Adventure Guide of Things to See & Do in NYC - Bars, Taverns, Ale Houses, Watering Holes and more Bars

The Big Adventure recently hosted an event in NYC that brought scores of people to town. We had gathered some recommendations of various places to see and go for first time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. In the end, we had a list of restaurants, bars, activities, and museums  that are unique to New York City,relatively inexpensive and eye-opening. In short, A Big Adventure "Best Of" list. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our suggestions here…

Looking for something to drink? Some of our beloved bars... 

  

Ear Inn

326 Spring Street (between Greenwich and Washington Streets)

www.earinn.com

With a legitimate claim to possibly being New York City’s oldest bar, this historic tavern has a welcoming crowd and a unique feel. Crowded at happy hour, but cozy most other times, it’s a great local spot for conversation and drinks.  Because it is located almost on the Hudson, it can be a little harder to find, but worth the effort.

Stout

133 W. 33^rd Street (between 6^th and 7^th Avenues)

www.stoutnyc.com   

One of the largest bars in the city, Stout is just steps away from Macy’s, The Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. By New York standards, this is an unfathomably huge space that serves top notch Pub Fare. In an area that’s packed with tourists, this is a great place to rest your feet, recharge and get some food.

Stone Street

Between Coenties Aly and Hanover Square

www.stonestreettavernnyc.com/

Not just one bar, but rather a series of bars and restaurants on a surprisingly cute cobblestone street in the middle of downtown. Many bars seem similar, but Ulysses 

is our personal favorites. If you find yourselves down by Wall Street, Battery Park and World Trade Center Area, this is a great place to stop, enjoy outdoor (or indoor) dining and watch the happy hour crowd.

The Pony Bar  
637 10^th Avenue (between 45^th and 46^th Streets)

http://www.theponybar.com/

A Beer Bar in the most traditional sense of the term. The taps have all domestic craft beers that are hand chosen and all pints are $5. A fun atmosphere packed with a welcoming crowd who share a common bond of sincerely enjoying beer. Good snacks on hand as well. Don’t forget: when you hear the bell ring, join the other patrons by yelling out “New Beer!”

Next Up - More Bars ranging from a Canadian experience to the city's best beer selection...