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Central Park Conservancy—Official Central Park Tours
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14 E. 60th St.
Aside from presiding over one of the world’s most famous parks, the Central Park Conservancy also coordinates numerous events including official walking tours, games and chess lectures at the Chess & Checkers House, an annual summer film festival at Sheep Meadow, a performance festival on the Harlem Meer, and a live jazz concert on the Great Hill. The Conservancy operates five park visitor centers (The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Chess & Checkers House, Belvedere Castle, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and the Columbus Circle Information Kiosk) where you can find out what's happening in the Central Park.
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Staten Island Zoo
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614 Broadway
The Staten Island Zoo might not be the largest or most exotic zoo around (its nickname is the "biggest little zoo"), but it is highly educational and acclaimed for its Serpentarium, housing an extensive collection of rattlesnakes. The zoo also cares for many warm-blooded creatures, with more than 800 species in all.
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Via Carota
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51 Grove St.
Via Carota is a joint venture between West Village power couple Jody Williams (Buvette) and Rita Sodi (I Sodi). All three of their restaurants are in a charming West Village enclave near Sheridan Square and attract a strong following of locals and restaurant-industry types. It's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't want to hang out in the welcoming, glass-fronted 75-seat space. The food is spectacular too. Salt cod fritters, black kale with pork sausage, gnocchi bathed in gorgonzola and fried rabbit with rosemary and garlic toast barely scratch the surface of the delights found here. Risotto and pasta specials are also good.
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Fotografiska New York
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281 Park Ave. So.
Fotografiska New York uses the power of photography to inspire a more conscious world. Housed in a historic landmark building, NYC’s newest museum located in the Flatiron District presents powerful and unparalleled exhibitions featuring some of the world’s best photographers. With extra touches like open until 9pm, live music and DJs on select nights, new exhibitions, and timed entry with limited capacity, Fotografiska is anything but an ordinary New York museum.
