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Are you visiting New York this Memorial Day weekend? We have put together a list of all of the different things you can do. If you are planning on staying in the city, it’s a good weekend to visit the different attractions in New York as they tend to be quieter as many New Yorkers travel out of the city for the weekend.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins date back to the end of the Civil War when it was known as Decoration Day. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

It’s also the unofficial beginning of the summer season!

Fleet Week

Fleet Week offers members of the Navy and Marines the opportunity to experience New York City, while giving the public a chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. You can tour Navy ships, watch military formations or see a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid.
For a full list of events taking place, make sure you check out their website. Many of the events are free, so if you’re in town be sure to check them out.

Little Neck Douglas Memorial Day Parade

The largest of the city’s Memorial Day parades and takes place on Monday, May 27th. You can honor those lost in battle by cheering on veterans, the local members of the military, marching bands, brownie troops and boy scouts marching from Northern Boulevard in Queens from Great Neck to Douglaston. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument in the courtyard of St. Anastasia Church elegantly finishes off the parade.

Visit Coney Island

A trip to Coney Island is the perfect day out for all the family! With rollercoasters, an aquarium, lots of restaurants and shops, it’s a day out that everyone is sure to enjoy. If you’re thinking of visiting, then make sure you check out their website coneyislandfunguide.com

Memorial Day Concert

The annual Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn features the New York City Symphonic Band in a free afternoon performance at 2.30pm. There are also local vendors are on hand to provide food and refreshments. To find out everything you need to know, then make sure you take a look at their website green-wood.com

Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park, located between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and running from 59th Street to 110th Street, it is the most visited urban park in the United States. We’ve picked some of our favorite places for you to visit so make sure you check out our previous blog.

And if you’re planning to visit New York later in the summer, make sure you check out our new special offers.

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park, located between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and running from 59th Street to 110th Street, it is the most visited urban park in the United States. We’ve picked some of our favorite spots for you to visit!

Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo has been a New York Institution since 1860, when it was first opened as a menagerie. Nowadays, a walk around the Zoo’s five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on 5th Avenue, on the east side of the park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most renowned museums. With over 7 million visitors a year, it is the world’s fifth most visited museum. You will find art from all over the world and with many different exhibitions, there is always something new to see. If you are going to visit ‘The Met’ as it is affectionately known by locals, then prepare to spend a few hours wandering the different exhibitions. Also if you visit during the summer, be sure to check out their rooftop, the views of Central Park are not to be missed!

Ice-skating at Christmas
The Wollman Rink is located on the east side, very close to the Central Park Zoo. People from all over the world travel to New York at Christmas time and ice-skating in Central Park with the backdrop of the New York City skyline is a must! The Wollman Rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals, and lockers.

Belvedere Castle
Named for the Italian meaning “beautiful view”, Central Park’s Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. With its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park’s most beautiful and famous landmarks. It now serves as Henry Luce Nature Conservatory.

Bethesda Terrace Arcade
Bethesda Terrace Arcade is the arched, interior walkway in the center of the park that links the Mall to Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake. This was created in the 1860s as a part of the Park’s main architectural feature. The highlight of the arcade is the magnificent Minton Tile ceiling, which features than 15,000 colorful, patterned encaustic tiles.

Different Movies
A number of world famous movies feature scenes shot in Central Park, we have listed a few but there any many more, just ask us if you want to identify any of the famous New York landmarks featured in your favorite films.
– The Thomas Crown Affair
– Maid in Manhattan
– Godzilla
– Fatal Attraction
– Stuart Little
– When Harry Met Sally
– Elf
– Home Alone

If you want to fit in a visit to Central Park on your next visit to New York, why not check out our ‘Stay Longer, Save Bigger’ and get 10% off! 

New York Coffee Festival
Love coffee? Well, then you’re in luck! The New York Coffee Festival is a weekend-long fest featuring tastings, interactive workshops and barista demonstrations from more than 85 coffee-industry insiders. It runs from Friday October 13th – Sunday, October 15th!

Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center
The rink opens in October, so get your skates on! With only room for 150 skaters, there may be long lines but ice-skating here is a truly memorable experience in a unique setting!

Pumpkin Flotilla
Taking place on October 28th at 4 pm, don’t miss out on this New Yorker favorite! Taking place in Central Park, enjoy ghost stories, check out a costume parade and partake in the pumpkin carving. Afterward, the Central Park Conservancy will partake in a traditional Pumpkin Flotilla, where 50 gourds will take a sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight.

The Village Halloween Parade
Head to The Village Halloween Parade. NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village. More than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade takes place on October 31st from 7.00 pm-10.30 pm, on 6th Avenue, running from just North of Spring Street to 16th Street! This year’s theme is I Am Robot!

Catch a game at Madison Square Garden
Catch a New York Rangers game when they are playing at home in Madison Square Garden! The atmosphere will be electric as New Yorker’s cheer on their team at home!

About Halloween
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, dressing up and eating sweet treats.

The Village Halloween Parade
Head to The Village Halloween Parade. NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village. More than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade takes place on October 31st from 7.00 pm-10.30 pm, on 6th Avenue, running from just North of Spring Street to 16th Street! This year’s theme is I Am Robot!

Pumpkin Flotilla
Taking place on October 28th at 4 pm, don’t miss out on this New Yorker favorite! Taking place in Central Park, enjoy ghost stories, check out a costume parade and partake in the pumpkin carving. Afterward, the Central Park Conservancy will partake in a traditional Pumpkin Flotilla, where 50 gourds will take a sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight.

Take a Ghost Tour
There’s lots of different ghost tours to do in New York, each with their own exciting offering. Some different options include The Haunted Broadway Walking Tour, Candlelight Ghost Tours of Manhattan’s Most Haunted House and The Greenwich Ghost Tour! Joining any of these tours is a spooky way to spend Halloween Weekend!

Wander the City
New Yorker’s take their Halloween decorations very seriously! For some amazing house decoration, a visit to the Upper East Side is a must! Houses covered in cobwebs, giant witches and ghosts and perfectly carved pumpkins will all greet you on your adventure!

Visiting New York this November? Well we’ve compiled a list of our top things to do and see in the city this month!

Winter in Bryant Park
1st November
With ice-skating, over 170 holiday shops and some of the best food stalls around! Winter in Bryant Park is a must for those visiting New York City over the Winter season! Enjoy a hot chocolate as you browse the Christmas gifts or watch everyone ice-skating

Fitzpatrick Oyster Festival
1st – 15th November
Join us for our annual Oyster Festival on the patio at The Wheeltapper! Each day we will have a different Oyster Special, including Deep Fried Oysters, Chicken and Oyster Gumbo and Herb Baked Oysters! A truly delicious festival, so make sure you stop by to say hello!

New York City Marathon
4th November
First run in 1970, The New York City Marathon is now the largest in the world, with more than 50,000 finishers last year. The 48th New York City Marathon course goes through all 5 boroughs! Even if you’re not taking part, it’s worth taking to the streets to cheer on the marathon runners!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
22nd November
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the world’s largest parade, is presented one of our favourite department stores Macy’s! This 3 hour event is one not to be missed if you are visiting New York City! Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West, the parade travels through Manhattan finishing up at Macy’s Herald Square!

Hit the Sales on Black Friday
23rd November
After Thanksgiving come the Black Friday Sales! If you want a bargain, Black Friday is your best option to get one! Head out with the crowds and hit the sales!

Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony
28th November
A symbol of the start of Christmas in New York! The tree lighting ceremony this year takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 28th November! Make sure you head along to enjoy music and the Christmas atmosphere!

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original historical significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends.

Thanksgiving takes place this year on Thursday 22nd November, so we decided to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving Traditions with you.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the world’s largest parade, is presented one of our favorite department stores Macy’s! This 3 hour event is one not to be missed if you are visiting New York City! Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West, the parade travels through Manhattan finishing up at Macy’s Herald Square! It’s one of Teddy Fitz’s favorite things to do on Thanksgiving Day before he heads to the hotel to meet all of our guests so make sure you keep an eye out and say hello to him if you pass him!

Try some of our Favorite Dishes
Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to get together to share a meal with one another. Some of our favorite dishes include:
Turkey – this is a staple at any Thanksgiving table.
Stuffing – A delicious addition to any meal!
Pumpkin Pie – A seasonal dish that over the years has become the dessert choice for Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potato
Mac ‘n’ Cheese – This was an addition by Teddy Fitz, he’s loves this and make sure he adds it to his Thanksgiving Day table.

The Wishbone
If you’ve enjoyed a turkey Thanksgiving, you will be left with a wishbone. This is to be snapped between two people, the person who gets the bigger end will have their wish granted in the coming year.

Take A Walk Around The City
One thing Teddy Fitz always recommends is a post dinner walk around the city. He loves to see the city on a quieter evening after the crowds from the parade have gone home for their dinner.

Football
A lot of people will spend the afternoon watching the Football games with their families. The first Thanksgiving Day football game took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving Day of 1869 and it has been a Thanksgiving Day tradition ever since!

All of us here at Fitzpatrick Hotels would like to wish you, your family and your friends a Happy Thanksgiving.

Are you planning a trip to New York December? We’ve put together a list of our must-see sights this December!

Winter in Bryant Park

With ice-skating, over 170 holiday shops and some of the best food stalls around! Winter in Bryant Park is a must for those visiting New York City over the Winter season! Enjoy a hot chocolate as you browse the Christmas gifts or watch everyone ice-skating.

5th Avenue

5th Avenue comes alive at Christmas! Stroll down one of the world’s most notable shopping streets and take in the Christmas buzz! First stop, Tiffany’s – their Christmas lights display is a sure sign that Christmas in New York has kicked off! Next stop off at Rockefeller Center to view their iconic Christmas tree and ice-skating rink! The Christmas windows that line 5th Avenue are always a treat and some of our favorites include Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendels and Saks Fifth Avenue!

Ice-Skating

Why not try your hand at ice-skating if you’re visiting the city this December? New York has a number of ice-skating rinks including Wollman Rink in Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.

Go See A Show

Going to see a show in December is a great Christmas treat! Some of the classic Broadway Shows include The Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked! Or if you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, why not go and see the Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes which runs for the month of December.

With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve decided to share a list of our favorite things to do in New York this Christmas.

Christmas Display Windows

Christmas is the time when all of the stores in New York go all out for their Window Displays! Some of our favorites include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Macys and Lord & Taylor! (Make sure you check out Lord & Taylor’s window display if you are in New York this year as the store is due to close their 5th Avenue location in 2019!)

Ice Skating

We may have mentioned this before but only because it’s a wonderful winter experience to enjoy while you visit the city! Some of our favorite locations include Bryant Park, Central Park and the Rockefeller Center!

 Rockefeller Center

Visit the famous Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center! It’s almost a New York tradition to take a photo in front of the tree! Although, if you are looking for the biggest Christmas Tree in New York, head to the New York Stock Exchange!

Go to see The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City

This show runs through to January 6th and is a New York Tradition! The show is 90-minute long and features more than 140 performers combining singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes.

Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue

The light show at Saks Fifth Avenue is one not to be missed! Running every few minutes and accompanied by music, it is a showstopper and you will often find a number of people stopped on 5th Avenue to watch the show!

Visit More & More Antiques

Located on the at 378 Amsterdam Avenue, More & More Antiques transforms from an Antique Store to a Christmas Shop each year! It’s filled with hundreds of ornaments and the perfect Christmas gifts!

In today’s world, many families have become scattered far and wide throughout the globe with people choosing to move away to seek opportunities or to simply indulge their inner wanderlust. As a result family reunions have become important occasions, providing the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and to create memories that last a lifetime!

And for those planning a family reunion, New York provides the perfect backdrop! Whether your family is travelling from near or far, New York provides a wonderful destination for all generations within the family. Our Fitzpatrick Hotels Manhattan and Grand Central are easily accessible from all of the major New York airports, providing an easily accessible location for all those visiting from all corners of the globe!

Here at Fitzpatrick Hotels we combine a warm Irish welcome with impeccable service offering the perfect destination for your reunion! With our unique Irish Hospitality and our great choice of places to entertain the family including our famous Wheeltapper and Fitz Bar, you’ll experience a home away from home that is really special and that will provide family memories that last a lifetime! We’ll even have our famous Teddy Fitz come and greet the little ones of the family, which will give you that extra special home away from home feeling!

In the city that never sleeps, New York is one of the most exciting, buzzy and spectacular places to explore. And at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York, we’re centrally located right in the heart of Mid Town Manhattan, with the pulse of the city right on your doorstep allowing you and your family to be perfectly situated to explore all that New York has to offer.

Hop on Hop Off Bus
Entertain all ages of the family with a trip on the famous Hop on Hop off bus, which will bring you around all of New York’s famous attractions, something which all generations will enjoy!

Statue of Liberty
Another great family attraction in New York is of course a trip to see the Statue of Liberty and the best way to see this famous attraction is on the Liberty Cruise. Enjoy the open air boat, this Cruise provides a great way to see the famous statue and also Governor’s Island, Brooklyn Bridge Island and Ellis Island, making this an unforgettable sightseeing tour.

Broadway
Experience the magic of the New York Broadway and choose from a wide range of shows which are suitable for all the family. A host of great shows are currently on offer including the Lion King, Wicked to Aladdin so there’s certainly something for everyone!

Shopping
New York is truly a shopper’s paradise! Whether you’re looking for elegant, trendy or discounted stores these are all on offer in New York! With so many possibilities it’s hard to know where to begin! From Century 21, Macy’s, Saks on Fifth Avenue there’s something for all ages and budgets.

So with so much to see and do in this fantastic city be sure to contact us today to discuss your next family reunion and make memories that last a lifetime!

Your dreams have come true and you’re finally in New York! But, you only have one day! Take a deep breath and let us help you. Here at Fitzpatricks Hotels New York we’ll be delighted to give Teddy Fitz a day off just to give you an amazing tour of the best New York attractions!

Start your day with full Irish breakfast at our cozy Wheeltapper Bar. A warm welcome and great atmosphere with delicious food and lovely hot tea will give you enough energy for the day. Now you’re ready to start your 24-hour adventure.

Take a short walk to Central Park where you can enjoy in beautiful nature, fresh floral scents and hungry squirrels for company! You can see the famous Balto Statue and visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. With lots of current exhibitions and interactive content, you’ll experience that feeling unique to being in the present of amazing, unique art. Then take a selfie at the famous Madison Avenue and board the Metro to visit the incredible Brooklyn Bridge! This exquisite bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River and it was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge termed as “a daring act of engineering”. So, Teddy Fitz dares you to walk across!

Once you’re in Brooklyn, visit the Brooklyn Flea Market for on to go lunch and try Blue Marble organic ice cream! You can also find antiques, vintage clothes, records, art, and jewelry. Not bad at all!

Back to the Metro and the last, but not least, is one of New York’s most famous attractions – Broadway! Choose between musicals and plays, such as Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera and The Parisian Women. Enjoy extraordinary performances by great actors – we’re sure you not be disappointed.

It’s almost end of the day, and before you finish your tour, Teddy Fitz invites you to his favorite place, The Fitz Bar, on some burgers&pints (maybe more than one). Be sure to put Teddy Fitz to sleep before midnight.

And that’s all folks! Hope you enjoyed your one-day stay in New York and we’re happy to see you once again. Hugs from Teddy Fitz :*

NOTE: No Teddy was harmed during this one-day tour!