New York

A Well-Read Weekend Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Patricia Bates Like your favorite authors, make it a page-turner of a weekend in New York City with your girlfriends. Take your book club to see the literary landmarks from Greenwich Village to Madison Avenue. At the New York Public Library, enjoy “Celebrating 100 Years” during a major exhibit of 250 items, from the Gutenberg Bible to digital recordings, open through December 31. Before you attend a free lecture or class, have a group photo taken by the stone lions — Patience and Fortitude — located outside on 42nd St...

You Can Bet on the Falls Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Claudia Taller The roar of Niagara Falls is left behind when you walk up the hill to the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort , with its beautiful scenes and atrium above Victoria Park. Check out the slots, then relax in the atrium and do some shopping with all your winnings in a glistening space. Then eat at 17 Noir, an elegant restaurant facing the falls and take in a view of the pathway along the river. Niagara Falls, Ontario , is home to the Niagara Fallsview, the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and the Casino Niagar...

To the Dogs Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Jill Sell Dogs that look like little lambs. Dogs with fur like twisted clothesline rope. Dogs so big you wonder, “How did a bear wander unnoticed into Madison Square Garden?” More than 2,500 canines vie for Top Dog honors at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City , held February 13 and 14, 2012. No other dog show in the world compares to the prestigious Westminster. Established in 1877, it’s America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby. Best in Sho...

Safari in the City Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Patricia Bates New York City is an urban jungle for kids who love animals. They can explore the wilds of Madagascar at the Bronx Zoo, gaze at colossal stuffed kangaroos in the outback of FAO Schwarz and discover an African Savannah on Broadway in “The Lion King.” They’ll stare at “The World’s Largest Dinosaurs” exhibit through January 2 at the American Museum of Natural History, which includes a skeleton of the Mamenchisaurus, one of the tallest dinosaurs to walk the earth. Nearly 140 million years ago, these “sauropo...

Gourds Galore Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Christine Smyczynski With a name like Pumpkinville , you know exactly what this place specializes in. Located in western New York’s Southern Tier , about 90 minutes south of Buffalo, Pumpkinville is New York State’s oldest continually working pumpkin farm. Naturally, you’re going to find row after row of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale. However, the farm isn’t merely a market — it’s a fall entertainment destination. Besides the orange gourds, one of the first things you’ll notice at the farm is the wonderful aroma ...

Snow Much to See Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Christine Smyczynski Snowshoeing is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air during the long cold western New York winter, and it doesn’t even require any specialty ability or equipment — if you walk, you can snowshoe. One of the region’s best places to snowshoe is Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java, New York , located in rural Wyoming County, about 40 miles south of Buffalo. The nearly 400-acre nature center has been operated by the Buffalo Audubon Society for more than 50 years. One could easily spend an entir...

Presidential Past Issue: Spring/Summer 2011 Author(s): Matthew Biddle At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo, New York , was in its heyday as host to the majestic 1901 Pan-American Exposition. The fanfare was cut short when President William McKinley was assassinated, making Teddy Roosevelt the new head of state. Roosevelt was sworn in at the beautiful home of his friend Ansley Wilcox, a Victorian mansion located in Buffalo’s Allentown district. Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site has been returned to its former glory. Before your tour begins, ...

Vinte Time Issue: Spring/Summer 2011 Author(s): Claudia J. Taller In the heart of the New York Finger Lakes region , Keuka Lake is surrounded by 14 wineries. The area also boasts 12 artisan cheese-making operations that have developed into a cheese trail, rounding out the delicious offerings in Keuka Lake Wine Country . The farmers market, quaint shops and casual gourmet restaurants make for appealing wandering. Keuka Lake’s name means “canoe landing” in the Seneca language, but settlers called it the crooked lake because it looks like a fat river with two branches. Hi...