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Culture Living

Spring has Sprung at the Battery Conservancy

The Battery Conservancy

While open to the public every day of the year, the Battery Conservancy embraces spring with a lineup of exciting events and activities for New Yorkers of all ages. America’s largest perennial garden is the perfect oasis in Lower Manhattan to get away, and enjoy the warmer weather.

The Battery Conservancy

On May 8th at 8am, nature enthusiasts can join NYC Audubon, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of wild birds in the five boroughs, for a bird walk. Lead by experienced birder and naturalist Gabriel Willow, participants will have the opportunity to observe the diverse species that call the Battery their home. Those interested can RSVP here.

The Battery Conservancy Annual Gala

On June 8th, the Battery will host it’s 22nd Annual Gala. This year, the festivities will celebrate Hermès, as well as the cultural richness of Lower Manhattan. Cocktails will be served at 6:30pm, and dinner will commence at 7:30pm. Those interested in reserving a ticket for this enchanting night can contact Elizabeth Steeves.

The Battery Conservancy

Beginning April 13th, weekly walking tours through the soon-to-be lush gardens of the Battery  will be available. Participants will learn about the park’s history, visit important monuments and landmarks, and get a small break from the hustle and bustle of the Financial District. Not to be missed is the Seaglass Carousel, designed by the George Tsypin Opera Factory, for an otherworldly aquatic-inspired experience. Those interested can RSVP here.

The Battery Conservancy Volunteer Opportunities

Downtowners looking to give back to their community can join the Battery’s Horticulture Team. Volunteers help permanent staff maintain the beauty of the gardens by completing a minimum of 8, 2.5 hours shifts over the course of the calendar year on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Those plagued with a black thumb who still wish to help out can become a Battery Greeter, and help welcome visitors to the park. Information on both opportunities can be found here.

Urban Farming at the Battery Conservancy

The Battery also prides itself on being an organization that educates students on the importance and potential of urban farming. Groups from pre-K to 12th grade can be registered for self-guided or staff-guided field trips. Visits include everything from hands-on farming lessons, learning the history of NYC’s urban ecosystem, and tastings, if seasonably appropriate. More information on registration can be found the conservancy’s website.

The Battery Conservancy
Categories
Living Travel

6 Destinations To Enjoy For Your Ultimate Day Off in Downtown Manhattan

The Summer of 2016 may be behind us, but New Yorkers never have a shortage of fun things to see and do in Manhattan when the weather is cooperative. Presented by our friends at Expedia.com, here are six Downtown Manhattan spots to consider spending an off-day around:

1. Westfield World Trade Center

Opened over the summer, Westfield’s World Trade Center location is a one-of-a-kind shopping destination featuring many of your favorite stores. Seeking beauty products? There’s Sephora and Mac. Looking for the latest and greatest in technology? Try Apple or Bose. Need a new outfit? John Varvatos, Lacoste, Saks and COS are just a few of the designers stationed at Westfield. And that’s without mentioning the many wonderful dining options — like Choza Taqueria, Eataly or Wasabi — or the breath-taking Oculus.

2. Seaport District

South Street Seaport was a wonderful destination for decades until Hurricane Sandy damaged it. However, the Howard Hughes Corporation has helped revitalize this historic area, truly bringing something for everyone. Seaport Smorgasburg recently returned for its third season. Seaport Studios Design Market is an innovative retail installation at 19 Fulton Street. iPic Theaters modernizes the movie theater-going experience. Taste Of The Seaport returns on Oct. 15. The Annual Tree Lighting takes place on Nov. 29. There is no shortage of things to do around the Seaport District no matter the time of year.

3. Museum Of Jewish Heritage

One need not be religious — or Jewish, even — to appreciate the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Presenting centuries of international history, the museum regularly presents curated live events beyond its exhibits on life and culture. Those hungry from all of that learning will want to try the museum’s new restaurant LOX, as helmed by Chef David Teyf.

4. Classic Harbor Line

Known for its ticketed sightseeing New York City cruises, Classic Harbor Line offers premium sailing experiences around our island’s waters. The latest addition to the Classic Harbor fleet is the Schooner America 2.0, which was introduced in 2010 and is modeled after the iconic ship that won America’s Cup in 1854. All sorts of themed events are presented by Classic Harbor Line — including music and food-centric cruises — ensuring that year-round sailing is worthwhile for locals and visitors alike.

5. Stone Street Historic District

The buildings of the Stone Street Historic District became protected by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1996. Filled with wonderful bars and restaurants — Bavaria Bierhaus, Adrienne’s Pizzabar, and Stone Street Tavern being three examples — outdoor seating is encouraging by many of the establishments when weather permits. The narrow cobblestones also add to the charm of the area which will likely help you forget that you are on the often-noisy island of Manhattan.

6. Seaglass Carousel

A 2,575 square foot pavilion, the SeaGlass Carousel is a carousel like no other. Born through the genius of wxy architecture, this attraction combines art, architecture and music into a destination that will appeal to people of all ages. The 30 massive fiberglass fish on the SeaGlass Carousel were custom-made by Show Canada, mixing beautifully with color-changing LED light fixtures, providing a unique underwater atmosphere for all observers.

Categories
Featured

Downtown’s Summer 2016 issue now available!

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The Summer 2016 issue of Downtown Magazine is now out, and here’s a link to you to check it out for FREE:

http://bit.ly/2ajQYrI

You’ll enjoy articles on Julia Stiles, Cristiano Ronaldo, Youri Djorkaeff, Pirch SoHo, VillaVerde and plenty more!

https://vimeo.com/173536682