The Big Apple: What to Experience During Your Next Visit

By Alex Clark-McGlenn –

New York City is one of the cultural hubs of the world. This melting pot draws people from all over, so it is the perfect place to find a diverse range of foods, drinks and cultural events. But, with so much to see and do how do you prioritize your time? To help you decide what to see and do, here are some of the best experiences The Big Apple has to offer.

For Music Lovers

If you’re a jazz junky, you won’t find New York City to be lacking. The Smoke Jazz and Supper Club boasts some of the best musicians in the business as well as an award winning chef. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more rustic, check out Jazz Standard, which has world class talent on the stage, great sight lines and Blue Smoke barbecue for your enjoyment.

If you’re more interested in attending some classic New York theaters, the Apollo is one of the most famous venues in the United States. A range of performances take place here, including plays, classical concerts and stand-up comedy acts. The Apollo, despite its lofty place in history, is also quite cozy and will give you a great view of the stage no matter the seat. Another classic venue is Radio City Music Hall. This venue can turn a mediocre show into a novel one, as the Art Deco of the theater lends historic weight to the performance.

If you enjoy looking for those hidden gems, take a look at Pete’s Candy Store. This bite-sized venue might be small, but it plays host to some great musicians as well as spoken word and art installations. Finally, ShapeShifer Lab hosts live instrumental concerts every night of the week. It’s an intimate space that is used by the neighborhood musicians during the day to practice and record.

For Foodies

Food is a massive part of culture, and no city has as many cultures as New York. Because of this, any kind of food you’re craving, you can find no matter the time of day or night. From Thai, to Japanese, to Middle Eastern, to Italian, New York offers food from every corner of the world.

Balaboosta is a restaurant of food fusion, and the chef, Einat Admony, is a master of ingredients from all over the world. Because of this, Balaboosta offers a variety of daring dishes that combine flavors from India, the Middle East and Europe. Or, if you’re a steak person, check out Keens Steakhouse. This rustic restaurant has hosted famous guests dating back to Teddy Roosevelt. The open pipes on the ceiling and the moose head above the hearth give this 120-year-old establishment a vibe that few other places accomplish.

For Broadway Enthusiasts

For years, Broadway has been a cornerstone of American culture. From “Cats,” to “Aladdin,” to “Cabaret,” Broadway has always been the best of the best. Now, newcomers such as “The Book of Mormon” and “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time” are also making a splash. Broadway has a host of shows to offer, but it is also important to get your tickets early. With some of the best theaters in the world, tickets sell out fast and often.

Alex Clark-McGlenn is currently taking his MFA in creative writing from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts. He has been published in eFiction Magazine, Inkwell at Evergreen, Slightly West Literary Magazine, and appeared in Smokebox Literary Magazine July, 2014. He currently lives in Bellingham, Washington.