36 Hours In New York

Met Life Stadium, MSG, Yankee Stadium by loving-newyork.com

36 Hours in New York City

New York is famously known for theatre, museums, and fashion, however, the sports culture in New York is in integral part of the city’s landscape. New York City offers opportunities to play sports all over the city. With famous athletes repping the city (Aaron Judge, Kyrie Irving, Gary Sanchez, Kevin Durant, etc) sports enthusiasts can be found all over the city, working on their craft. You can even find famous basketball players playing in public courts like the Holcombe Rucker Park, an infamous basketball court located in Harlem at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Nevertheless, sports are never far; In a city with limited space, sports still find a way to dominate the scene.

Photo of Nike’s new flagship store is location on Fifth Ave. in Manhattan

Friday 

1. Sports shopping, 3 P.M. 

Travel up to Fifth Avenue and experience all that the NBA store has to offer. Anything and everything about basketball will be there. At this 25,000 square feet location, it’s more of an experience with a gift shop inside. There are interactive screens for you to compare stats, and compare your height to NBA players to see how much they really tower over you. Throughout the year, NBA players will host signings, so maybe you just might bump into your favorite player. Not too far is NikeTown- 5 levels of sportswear for you to marvel at. It’ll be hard to resist leaving without a couple of souvenirs, not to mention there’s a basketball court on the top level for you to show off your skills. 

2. Pit stop, 6 P.M. 

Make your way down to Madame Tussauds where you can take pictures with all your favorite sports stars and stars in general. They have the best life sized wax figures, you’ll have a hard time finding out whether or not they’re real. Sometimes they are! As celebrities play pranks on visitors when their new figure becomes unveiled. 

Photo Courtesy of Madison Square Garden

3. The Mecca, 7:30 P.M. 

The Mecca, MSG, Madison Square Garden, this is considered the best basketball court in the world. Michael Jordan, widely considered as the greatest basketball player of all time once said MSG is his favorite court to play in. Many other greats seem to agree, this is the place where every player wants the shine. Not just one of the best sports stadiums, many musicians also consider MSG to be special. Just take a look from the outside and you can see that it is different from other stadiums. The air is different, it feels almost special. Enjoy the unique cable-supporting ceilings prior to going inside and enjoying a Knicks or Rangers game. 

 

Saturday 

1. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, 10 A.M. 

Visit NY Yankee Steak, filled with memorabilia for guess what? The Yankees! This is the perfect spot to visit prior to going to a Yankee Game. Right inside the stadium this is perfect as you’ll never have to worry about missing the opening of the game. Featuring a world class bar for you to enjoy and get ready for the game. Food options are good, there is just steak as the name many deceive you, there’s vegetarian options as well. One of their more popular options is their veggie burger. Not into steak or vegetarian options? There’s plenty of seafood to go around, lobster, crab cakes, and sashimi. 

2. The Game, 2 P.M.

America’s greatest past-time: Baseball. It’s been around for more than a century and is still going strong. The Yankees are home to twenty seven time World Series championships. One of the most successful franchises in the United States. With a capacity of over 54 thousand, you’ll be sure to find a good seat. Yankee stadium is considered to be the cathedral of baseball. 

3. After Party, 7 P.M. 

Haven’t gotten enough of your sports fix yet? Visit Harlem Tavern. It has an fantastic outside seating area with a large screen and projector to watch your favorite team go at it. With over 25 different beers on tap you’ll stay refreshed while the game comes down to the wire. Not to mention they have wings, the perfect sports food. 

Photo of sunset at Chelsea Piers golf range

4. Late night Golf, 9 P.M. 

Head over to Chelsea Piers and their golf range. In a city that never sleeps, sports stays awake as well. Play golf while looking over the skyline across from the Hudson river. It’s an all weather facility, so you’ll not have to worry whether it’s raining for hailing. Open all year around it’s Manhattan’s only four-tier outdoor driving range. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring amateur, this place welcomes it all. Each player area is sectioned off from one and another so you can enjoy swinging away without judgement. 

 

Sunday 

1. ‘za for Breakfast, 9 A.M. 

Did you even go to New York City if you didn’t have a slice of the infamous, thing crust pizza? A true “New York slice” can only found in this city- maybe the secret is in the water! Washington Square is home to Joe’s Pizza and Bleecker Street Pizza, two of the best pizza places in New York City. Grab a slice or two and head to the West 4th Street basketball courts, where there’s always a pick up game going for you to enjoy. Just make sure you don’t stand too close to the court, or else you’ll find a ball heading straight towards you!

2. Parks for Days, 11 A.M.

Prior to making your return trip, visit one of these two parks to get some fresh air and rejuvenate yourself. Battery Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park, both these parks provide beautiful scenery and activities for you to do. There’s open grass ranges for you to play catch or just run around. Have a nice sun tan session and enjoy the ocean breeze. 

Photo of Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards by Collin Hughes

Lodging.

To stay close to all the action for Sports, check in at the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. The hotel is designed for fitness and sports enthusiasts. The rooms are designed for “total regeneration” perfect for resting after that long trip into the city and the walking that soon comes afterwards. Need to get the treadmill after having too many New York Slices? The hotel has a full equinox gym with all the amenities you need; group fitness training. recovery-driven spa and more. Newly opened in 2020, the design is modern with public spaces made for socializing and relaxing. The rooftop features an immaculate view of the Hudson River with marble counter bars and fire pits to keep you toasty. Located close to 34th Street Penn Station and Herald Square, you can get pretty much anywhere in the city with ease.

 

Works Cited

Equinox Hotel New York: Luxury Hotel in Midtown NYC. (n.d.).,
from https://equinox-hotels.com/nyc/

Golf Club. (n.d.).,
from https://www.chelseapiers.com/golf/driving-range/overview/

Olson, C. (2019, August 06). Go Inside the World’s First Equinox Hotel.,
from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/equinox-hotel-hudson-yards

SCARPINATO, J. (2015, December 30). The Sports Fan’s Guide to New York.,
from https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nyc-sports-guide

Tervooren, M. (2019, December 11). The Best Sports Bars In NYC – New York.,
from https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-sports-bars-nyc

Yankee Stadium – history, photos and more of the New York Yankees ballpark from 1923-2008. (n.d.).,
from https://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/ballparks/old-yankee-stadium/

Jamaica, a beautiful place that has a lot to offer for every age. from sandy beaches to fancy hotels to exquisite dining.

The area of tourism discussed to me is historic tourism. Port Royal Jamaica, a historic town on the southern side of Jamaica, was once a place where trade was done until an earthquake destroyed monumental buildings and areas leaving behind rubble and half-destroyed cites. Now, Port Royal is a vacant and intresting tourst area for those who want to know and indulge in the history of the most important trade center in Jamaica.

FRIDAY:

(photo credit: peaceoftourism.org)

Historic fun, Friday at 3:00 pm

When in Port Royal, make sure to see some historic land sites. Grab your family and take this adventure down to a place called Giddy house. Originally called Fort Cromwell it was known as a royal artillery store that sank partially during the 1907 earthquake. you might even want to try a fun activity, a  well-known challenge called the “giddy house challenge.” Since the tilting house messes with people’s heads try walking in a straight line back and forth without getting out of the line! do the challenge if you dare!

(photo credit: maps)

Friday 8:00 pm

To wine down the night with good food and dancing by the Caribbean sea, take a trip to Gloria’s Top Spot. an old restaurant currently Popular among the tourist groups and also for their fried fish, bami, and festival get a taste of Jamaican culture among kind people who will cater to your every need. what a nice way to end the night.

SATURDAY:

Pirates, Saturday 10:00 am

 

(photo credit:https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sunken-pirate-stronghold-at-port-royal)

Want to know more about the history behind port royal? take a tour at the sunken pirate city. Over 40 feet of water covers the remains of the original city today, but it hasn’t stopped travelers, academics, and researchers from finding a way to interact with this incredible pirate story from the past. Diving is allowed at the site with special access granted on the part of the Jamaican government. The majority of items that have been recovered from the Sunken Pirate City to date are on display at The Museum of History and Ethnography.

(photo credit: http://things-to-do-in-jamaica.com/hellshire-beach-in-jamaica/)

Beach day, Saturday 2:00 pm

After a long day in the heat, a beach to cool off seems ideal. Hellshire Beach is one of the most popular beaches in port royal jamaica. This beach was once called “Healthshire” due to its reputation as a health retreat and its name has since evolved into “Hellshire” though both pronunciations are technically correct. This beach was once a place in the early nineteenth century where hundreds of runaway slaves would escape to. Now, it is a popular tourist area famous for not only the water but for escovitch fish fix!

Adult time, Saturday 7:00 pm

Saturday nights in Port Royal are lively for adults. Especially a place called fishermen’s tavern This is a funky watering hole drawing locals who wash in and out and overindulge in white rum. It has a tremendous character on Friday and Saturday nights when a mountain of speakers is built 7m high in the main square and ska music reverberates across the harbor, attracting a friendly crowd of Kingstonians.

SUNDAY:

(photo credit: devonhouseja.com)

Sweet treats, Sunday 9:00 am

Only 4 miles away from port royal, When in Kingston, make time for a stop at Devon House, a grand 1891 Georgian mansion that was built for George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first non-white millionaire. The lovely upright house and its 11 surrounding acres are now protected as a National Heritage Site, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no fun to be had. Take a stop at the bakery for a beef patty or warm treats to start your morning!

Joining the culture, Sunday 12:00 pm

Religion in Jamaica is very important. If you are up to experiencing and seeing how churches run down here visit the most popular church called St. Peter’s church. Built-in 1725 of red brick, this church is handsome within, despite its faux brick facade of cement. Note the floor paved with original black-and-white tiles, and the beautifully decorated wooden organ loft built-in 1743. The place is replete with memorial plaques. Come dressed up for a Sunday service, and take in the beauty of the church.

Relaxation, Sunday 4:00 pm

After a long day, watching one of the most beautiful sunsets should be ideal. In Port Royal, a place called Ynot is popular for families and adults who just want to sit back, relax, and drink a few beers while overlooking the Caribbean sea.

 

LODGING:

Close to all the action and also priced at $255 a night the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel is the Caribbean’s most distinguished address for business and leisure. A 17-story building in  New Kingston, the hotel is surrounded by a beautiful garden and offers stunning views of the mountains and the blue Caribbean Sea. There 300 designed rooms and suites offer an abundance of space and modern amenities including  Wi-Fi and a Royal Club level accommodation which includes access to the Royal Club Lounge, with its multiple benefits.

Elsewhere at the hotel, you can relax with a treatment at White Orchid Salon and Spa, have a swim in the Olympic-sized pool, go for a walk or a run on their private jogging trail or play a game of tennis. They also have Terrific dining options which include Blue Window Restaurant, which serves a complimentary daily buffet breakfast as part of your room rate and also hosts exciting themed dinners throughout the year.

 

citations:

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2018, May 11). Port Royal. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Port-Royal-Jamaica.

Hellshire Beach in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Things to do in Jamaica. (2017, June 22). http://things-to-do-in-jamaica.com/hellshire-beach-in-jamaica/.

Ugc. (2016, July 21). Jamaica’s Sunken Pirate City. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sunken-pirate-stronghold-at-port-royal

Top things to do in Port Royal, Jamaica. (2019, September 8). Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/jamaica/kingston/port-royal/top-things-to-do/a/poi/358075

Heritage Site. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.devonhouseja.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36 Hours in New York City

San Francisco is famous for a lot of things. But in this 36 hours article, by Bonnie Tsui, her focus seems to be on sharing with her audience some of what is necessary to know about the city. As she mentioned, San Francisco is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself. In a blank of an eye, things can take a new turn, and that’s mainly because of the city tech industry. But let’s not focus there, there’s much more to San Francisco. If you’re looking to get lost in the mix, this city is a great place for you to visit. It is a very diverse city in terms of arts, architecture, music, cuisine, etc. Take a day to explore San Francisco Bay Area. It’s known for its beautiful parks, waterfront, bridges, museums, and delicious lively food services. A stroll along the Embarcadero will lead you to an old staple in San Francisco food industry, ” The Red Java House” on Pier 30. They opened their doors in 1912, and still operating today. It is the spot to visit, and while you there, try their famous sourdough cheeseburger ( for a small fee of $5.52), munch on and enjoy the beautiful view. For a more modernize experience, the Ferry Building might be the place for you to visit. There you’ll find all the modern food trends. Find yourself in the expert hands over at “Ichi Sushi & Ni Bar” for a chef special seafood madness, costing about $65 for 12 pieces of either salmon, sweet shrimp, and saba; Or, a three-course menu and wine pairing at the heirloom café ( for a price tag of $65). If looking for a fun place with great music and cocktails to end your night and unwind, one place in particular rings bell in the bay, ” The Royal Cuckoo.” As suggested in the article, try the carnival Mule, with cachaça, ginger beer, Domaine de canton, tangerine and lime ( jeez what a mixture). Enjoy that, along with some live music Wednesday through Sunday). By the way, there’s a strict ‘”no selfie” rule there, if broken, management might boot you out (yikes! some might reconsider). But let’s move along! For those who enjoy the outdoors, find yourself lounging/relaxing at the Mission Delora Park. The Northern part of the park just got an 8 million dollar renovation, with new tennis courts, six acres of fresh green grass, and expanded restrooms. And last but not least, If art is your thing, get familiar with Precita Eyes, a neighborhood art organization that has been sponsoring local and international mural projects. They offer weekly mural walks, costing $20( with exceptions for student and seniors).

One paragraph introduction. I will discuss the area of tourism assigned to me and how it is represented in NY.

(photo credit: Karen Goodlad)

Friday at 3:00pm

Start the journey with a mid day exploration of a location in NYC that fits your category of tourism.

Friday 8:00pm

Consider dining and entertainment options that will fit into your category of tourism.

Continue with at least 10 more (total of 12) activities. Include photos with a photo credit.

Lodging

Include two lodging opportunities a the end of the article.

 

Go to Aruba for clear skies sunny days and hot weather ready to bask on beaches or to just tour around. Aruba has plenty of options from learning to do various water sports to snorkeling and if beaches aren’t your thing there are shopping centers, restaurants and beautiful landmarks to explore. The food is various and not just traditional Aruban food there are barbecues and sea food boils as well as dutch bakery for your breakfast moods. All the prices are perfect for anyone and it should be even cheaper due to what is going on but most likely travel isn’t the most safe thing to do right now.

The article highlights Aruba’s panoramic beaches that attract tourist who wish to either relax on the beach with a few drinks or indulge in water activities which include snorkeling, windsurfing etc. One activity that stood out the most was snorkeling around the ship wreck and sunken airplane. The weather is typically humid year round which promotes beach activity. Various styles of restaurants cater to different types of tourist, for persons who want to experience dining in a high class Aruba restaurant, the Papiamento provides just that. However, persons who wish to experience local cuisine will be ecstatic with the amount of fresh seafood and BBQ spots available. Transportation around the island is really easy, tourist can rent a car and drive around the island viewing the beaches and landscape. Tourist can get the opportunity to learn a bit about Aruba’s culture through a museum visit or by exploring the Arikok National Park which has a cave with drawings from the native inhabitants. In addition travelers can also encounter true customs of the natives by visiting local bars and interacting with the locals. Lodging is a bit pricey but overall I would recommend traveling to Aruba because it is a great value for money.

Famous for its white powdery beaches, Aruba is a beautiful island situated in the Southern Caribbean Sea, about 50 miles (81 kilometers) west of Curacao (which we read about 2 weeks ago). As mentioned in the article, Aruba contains unique treasures such as: a windblown national park of volcanic crags and raging waves; a revitalizing town lined with mosaics and murals; and an offshore shipwreck considered one of the best wreck dives in the world. These are rare luxury, and as a tourist, that’s the type of things/places you can plan an outing for you and your love one to get into. It’s not every day you get the chance to see and experience such magnifique treasures. If I were to travel to Aruba, I would definitely take full advantage of the opportunity and visit as many attractions as I can.
I’m also a thalassophile, a trip to “Eagle Beach” would be ideal for me. It has some of the most beautiful turquoise water and white sand on the island. Located in Oranjestad, an area known for its resorts and top tourist attractions, after a fun-relaxing day at the beach, a quick stroll around the area would be the icing on the cake. I mean what’s the point of going on vacation if you mainly spend your time indoors? I said, grab your sunscreen, a hat, pack a light snack and water, and head outdoor. In a place like Aruba, there are all kinds of things to see and lots of opportunities for fun. Get out there, mingle with the locals, and learn new things about the island.
Aruba is also known for its wonderful blend of Caribbean, Latin American and Dutch influenced meals, with its own Aruban twist. I’m a sucker for great, tasty, colorful foods with mouthwatering flavors, that’s without any doubt my all-time weakness. As a self-proclaimed chef and foodie, although this place is a bit pricey, a visit to Papiamento sounds fun and very exciting. Diving into the local food scene in Aruba would be a nice way to enjoy my stay and get familiar with the many cuisine there. But with so many great restaurants around town, I know it would be hard to explore/visit them all, so getting a unique experience of at least one or two of the bunch, learning about the history behind some of their most famous dish would’ve been awesome.
Other than a day at the beach, or eating out, I’d also love to take the time to visit the aloe factory, and also San Nicolas (a historic small town with an interesting history). To top it all off, I would include a little shopping in my plans, so you could definitely find me out and about, gathering different items and souvenirs to bring back home. Overall, Aruba seems to be a beautiful place to visit, with lots of things to offer, I would definitely recommend it!!!