Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Tire out your kids with a trip to the building that invented the children’s museum format. Opened in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a great place to spend a day letting your kids run around, have fun and—as an added bonus—learn something in the process. The museum teaches its pint-sized patrons about ecosystems with its exhibits filled with plants and animals, and its culture exhibits introduce them to the incredible cultural diversity of Brooklyn. Avoid the museum on holidays to beat the crowds.
www.brooklynkids.org
Circle Line Cruises
There’s nothing quite as striking as the New York skyline, but it’s hard to get a good look when you’re stuck in the middle of Manhattan. Circle Line has several different cruises that take you out of the city and let you see the most breathtaking landmarks. Each cruise lasts anywhere from just over an hour to three hours and is narrated by a knowledgeable guide, so you’ll walk away having learned more about the city.
www.circleline42.com
John’s Pizzeria
If you’re looking for great hand-made pizza in the heart of New York, there’s no better place than John’s Pizzeria. This classy venue has an incredibly comfortable atmosphere, a beautiful interior, and amazing food to boot. John’s is also less than a block from Broadway and Times Square, making it a perfect place to sit down for a great meal before catching a show.
www.johnspizzerianyc.com
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Whether or not you consider yourself an art lover, you won’t want to miss this landmark New York museum right on the eastern border of Central Park. Exhibits at the Met are rotated frequently, so you’d be hard-pressed not to find something new every time. The building’s vast collection means you can’t see everything in just one trip, either. Plan ahead when visiting this massive museum.
www.metmuseum.org
Peanut Butter & Co.
Peanut Butter & Co. makes choosing a type of peanut butter more than a question of chunky or smooth. This small Greenwich Village hotspot specializes in different takes on the peanut butter sandwich, from their Peanut Butter BLT to “The Elvis,” a sandwich stuffed with peanut butter, bananas, honey, and bacon. They also sell jars of their specialty peanut butters. Try flavors like dark chocolate or maple—and have a tasty bit of New York to take home.
www.ilovepeanutbutter.com
Rockefeller Center
This iconic Manhattan landmark is packed with hours of fun for the whole family. The center of NBC’s New York studios offers tours every day: go behind the scenes and see the storied sets of Late Night and Saturday Night Live. If you’re lucky, you may even see some stars. Drop by early in the morning to see the daily taping of The Today Show—you may even catch one of the concerts. If you’re there in the winter, don’t forget to head to the Lower Plaza to check out the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, or strap on some ice skates and visit the best-known rink in the country.
www.rockefellercenter.com
Wave Hill
If you ever get tired of the big city rush and noise of NYC, head over to the Bronx for a unique slice of tranquility. Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden that’s fun for all ages. Stroll through its impressive and diverse collection of flora—from brilliant water lilies to magnificent cacti—and enjoy the beautiful views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
www.wavehill.org
Population: 8.1 million
Average Temp. in Sept. & Oct.: 50°-75° F
Distance from Knoxville: 706 miles
Flight Time: 2 hours
Direct Flight from Knoxville: Yes
Time Difference: None—same time zone
