picture via Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Cruise ships may have bowling alleys, rock climbing walls and putting greens, but the ships docked around Manhattan this week for Fleet Week tower over them. Especially the USS New York. Made from steel from the Twin Towers, it is not to be missed. With activities for everyone including watching the movie Top Gun on the deck of the Intrepid, don’t miss the opportunity to see these huge ships in person. And of course to thank the men and women of the Armed Services that you are bound to see both on and off the ships this weekend.

Yesterday was such a beautiful sunny day, it got me really excited for the Spring and Summer ahead. All this rainy weather had made me forget how many fun things there are to do in the area. So I thought I would share some of my favorites over the next few days.

One great tour I went on last year was of Bannerman’s Island. Located on the Hudson River, the island is actually called Pollepel Island. It is referred to as Bannerman’s because ammunitions dealer, David Bannerman built a storage facility on the island. The building looked more like a castle, which became known as Bannerman’s Island because he painted the name on its side as a form of advertising for all those sailing by. The castle, now in serious need of repair, and its grounds are an amazing site. A tour to the island includes a boat ride from Cold Spring, New York, which is a quaint town and a great place to enjoy lunch.

Vacations are for sleeping late. But when you can do something as cool as ride in a hot air balloon, I am willing to bend the rules. Last week while my husband and I were in Napa, we went on a ride with Balloons above the Valley. With a meeting time of 6:15, I wasn’t too happy when the alarm went off, but it was all worth it about an hour later when I got to see this amazing view. This company actual has baskets that hold 12-24 people. We were in one with 22 others plus the pilot. The weather was very cool, but the combination of the heat from the propane and the excitement of literally flying over the Napa Valley, it wasn’t too bad. There were plenty of other balloons out that morning, which made the view even more beautiful.

Taken in some wonderful exhibits all over town and some fabulous eats.  Who knows, maybe Spring will finally make an appearance!

See the full list here in my weekly CBS column.

Stephen Burks Man Made

Enjoy Harry Potter and some other fabulous artists with exhibits all over the city. And of course some great restaurants to enjoy after!

See the full list here in my weekly CBS column.

Spring is on its way. So head to the New York Botanical Gardens annual Orchid Show when it opens this Saturday, March 5. The theme is “On Broadway” and if it is as wonderful as it has been in the past, it is a must see event.

image from New York Architecture Images

Tour the Flatiron district, then relax with a massage.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/guide/a-guide-to-nycs-flatiron-district/

It’s cold, so stay in once place without feeling cooped up. For more information on spending the day at the American Museum of Natural History and some great restaurants nearby, check out my article on newyork.cbslocal.com.

A meal at Tipsy Parson is just as cozy as your home, but the food is better!

I know it is hard to get out of bed when it is freezing outside, but if you are going to do something fun, it should be a little easier, right? Why not check out Chelsea and the High Line (and have some great food also). Here is a great itinerary for today. Come on, get out a little bit, and then go back home and be a lazy bum.

Everyone loves a spectacular fireworks display, even if you have to stand outside in 20 degree weather to view them. Tonight, at 6:45 witness a fabulous display to celebrate the meeting of all three Cunard Queen Ships in New York Harbor. The Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth ships will all have a Royal Rendezvous at the Statue of Liberty. For your chance to view this and the Grucci fireworks, find at spot at one of the below sites. Or perhaps you are lucky enough to have a friend with view from their window, allowing you to stay warm and see it at the same time!

Battery Park
On the southern shoreline of Manhattan, www.thebattery.org
Map link: http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/map/map.php

Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
Overlooking the Hudson River with great views of the Statue of Liberty
Just south of the Museum of Jewish Heritage
By subway: 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or N or R to Whitehall

The Esplanade
Running the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School, on the north end all the way south to Battery Park

Hudson River Park
550-acre Park extending for five miles along the Manhattan shoreline from Battery Place to West 59th Street