New York City: Off the Beaten Path

Most people who visit want to do the touristy things. But I find the most joy sharing some things that may not be on the iconic lists, but are just as fun. This list is perfect for your second, third, and twentieth visit to the Big Apple!

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Updated ago

Afternoon Trip

Roosevelt Island

@hayleytaggart

You can get there by subway (on the F line) or the Tram using your metro card. We highly recommend the tram since it gives you a bird’s eye view of both the island and Manhattan. Plus there has not been a sighting of the Green Goblin attacking Trams in a while so you are probably safe! It can take 2-3 hours to leisurely walk the entire perimeter of the island, but if you don’t want to walk as much, just walking to the southern tip is your best bet! The abandoned smallpox hospital is a reminder of what the island's purpose was in the last century. And the Four Freedoms State Park is not only a tribute to a great president, but one of the most fantastic views of both Manhattan and Queens. It was great to feel the sea breeze and fresh air for a couple hours. I would highly recommend it!

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Brooklyn Flea

@hayleytaggart

Great Saturday market with the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge!

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Hudson River Rail Excursions

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Spent the perfect day taking a restored vintage train up to Albany. We packed some books and spent most of the time look out the windows taking in the sights! Perfect for any train enthusiasts!

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WORLD SPA

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I spent all day there with some friends! Known for their diverse cultural representation through all the spa treatments.

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A museum that I truly enjoyed

New York Transit Museum

@hayleytaggart

It is a little hard to find because it is a converted subway station near downtown Brooklyn. Walking down the stairs you are transported through different eras of public transportation. The last exhibit is the largest collection of vintage subway cars in the world, including cars from throughout NYC history. There is a fun scavenger hunt for the kids, but we had a lot of fun looking at old commercial posters advocating everything from the new type of cigarettes to a Disney on Ice show! Plan on spending three hours there if you want to really soak it in. It’s $10 a person, so definitely worth it for the sheer amount of information. Also be warned there is limited air conditioning, so going in the summer will be very hot (we learned that the hard way!)

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Museum of Broadway

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The Morgan Library & Museum

@hayleytaggart

While not as famous as a couple other museums in the area, this is not something to miss! The private libraries are breathtaking and they cycle always have an interesting exhibit!

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Local Tours

Where else can you take a yellow school bus to the best pizza in the world! Scott is so knowledgeable and makes sure you go to pizza places you have never tried before. We had so much fun comparing how something like a basic cheese pizza can taste so different depending on so many factors! Perfect for any pizza lover

Scott's Pizza Tours

www.scottspizzatours.com

This is a fun Friday night out! Usually with a performance once a month, the audience and cast drink along while acting out iconic movies! I have seen Hocus Pocus, Legend of Zorro, and School of Rock acted out and have a great time!

A Drinking Game NYC

www.adrinkinggamenyc.com

Everything Pickles

The Pickle Guys

@hayleytaggart

make sure to sample some their unique pickles products!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hayley Taggart

Available for hire

Hey it's Hayley !! Latte enthusiast, used bookstore connoisseur and huge fan of walkable neighborhoods Having spent at least one day and night in 42 states and counting my specialty is traveling within the USA. I grew up in Southern California, lived for six years in Utah, had a brief stint in Orlando and now on year 2 in New York City. Want to know the cheapest times and places to fly? My day job is a flight attendant based in NYC! Trains more your speed? I once spent a month backpacking from Utah to Boston using Amtrak! Love a long road trip? I have driven across the country three times! After years of travel planning for my friends and family I thought I would share my resources with the world wide web :) I enjoy planning the trips more then actually leaving for the trips so this is the perfect place for me.

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New York City, NY, USA