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This poor decapitated turkey float (I think) made a quick getaway to New Jersey after yesterday’s parade. #thanksgiving #paradefloat #selecttoursnyc #macysthanksgivingdayparade

The red maples on the Great Lawn in Central Park were in full color this week. Perfection. #centralpark #autumn #redmaple #selecttoursnyc #red #tourism #iloveny

My friends and I enjoyed delicious drinks and lunch at @tavernonthegreen. The Boathouse Cafe in Central Park might have the edge on setting, but I love the old sheepfold which houses Tavern On the Green and Tavern wins on meal quality. This cocktail, called a Brooklyn, is a version of a Manhattan and was fabulous. #tavernonthegreen #centralpark #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #tourism #cocktails

One thing remains constant. Central Park is beautiful. #centralpark #pinebankarch #autumn #selecttoursnyc #fall #iloveny #walkingtours

Let’s do it, America!

Save the Date! October 28 at 8 PM! Join me for an unforgettable evening of virtual storytelling where scandal, intrigue, and the bizarre come to life! 🔍 What to Expect: - Meet a self-made brothel keeper who entertained mobster Dutch Schultz, Duke Ellington, and even FDR! -Discover the shocking lengths a Colonial descendant went to for her inheritance. - Dive into a Jazz Age romance that was anything but ordinary. - Unravel the tragic story of Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson. - Witness a very public affair between a newspaper mogul and his movie star lover. - Learn about a murderer who used the most unconventional weapon! 💵 Just $12 for 90 minutes of captivating tales from the comfort of your couch! 👉 Register for “Scandalous Tales from Early 20th-Century Upper West Side & Harlem” at the @nyadventureclub bio! #virtualevent #nychistory #upperwestside #harlem #jazzage #couchtravel #webinar #NewYorkAdventureClub #liveevents #selecttoursnyc

I didn’t think it would happen but I went back to the Kit Kat Club to see Cabaret. I had seen it with its original cast it this past April and didn’t have a good experience. Because my friend, Marty, having seen the show several times in the past, was undecided but decided to get a ticket, I elected to join him because Adam Lambert moved into the role of Emcee and I was curious. I’m so glad I did. Lambert has such a beautiful singing voice and inhabited the role in an appropriately decadent and sinister manner. Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, which I love, was a satisfyingly angry and defeated Sally Bowles. I really hope she does more musical stage work in the future. The supporting cast, including Bebe Neuwirth as Fraulein Schneider, are all very good. I appreciated the pre-show arrangement downstairs more this time, despite being deprived of the free shot of schnapps. It’s fun being so close to the hunky, scantily-clad dancers and musicians (Marty and I wondered if klezmer music was actually a thing in 1930 Berlin club culture). They sure do a lot of work before the show even begins. I’m glad to say I recommend seeing Cabaret. Go see it! Photo notes: I love the shot of me in the alley before we entered the theater - no photos allowed inside! @adamlambert @auliicravalho @kitkatclubnyc #adamlambert #auliicravalho #cabaret #selecttoursnyc #broadway #musical

Over the course of her career, Mia Farrow acted on Broadway a total of four times, including the current production of The Roommate with Patti LuPone. The prior time was in 2014. The arrival of new roommate, Robyn (LuPone) to her house in Iowa, proves to be the trigger that sets Farrow’s character, Sharon, aged 64, on a journey of extreme change. Mia does all of the heavy lifting here playing Sharon as she bounces off of Robyn and evolves in unexpected way. She’s funny, slightly sheltered, and powerful. My friend and I were very impressed with her acting skills, particularly given her lack of stage work. We know Patti LuPone is super comfortable on stage and it shows. If you want to see a pair of pros doing their thing, you have until December to see this. We found our tickets at TKTS. P.S. I’ve never seen a dog in the audience of a play. This little one in the photo was in the row in front of us and never made a peep. #broadway #theatre #selecttoursnyc #timessquare #iloveny #tourism @pattilupone @realmiafarrow #theroommate #pattilupone #miafarrow

While watching Suffs earlier this week, it occurred to me that it did the same thing Hamilton did several years back. Suffs is a refreshingly original piece based on an historic true story with a good book and really good songs, both written by Shaina Taub. Taub also plays Alice Paul, the young upstart *third* generation leader of the women’s suffrage movement in the nineteen-teens (another similarity to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s portrayal of A. Hamilton). Having seen the excellent PBS two-parter about the women’s suffrage movement, I am familiar with the story, and was impressed with Taub’s skill in distilling the salient points of a very long fight into a two hour show. I haven’t yet seen The Outsiders, but I feel that this should have won the Tony Award for Best Show. This is an important story and it’s an entertaining way to consume it. I suggest watching The Vote for the extended story. It’s available for subscription on PBS but might re-air at some point. Photo #3 is kind of fun - I managed to isolate (not intentionally) the conductor’s face during the bows. @shainataub @suffsmusical #suffragist #thevote #jenncolella #theatre #broadway #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #musical #alicepaul #susanbanthony

A bucket list tour of the @ssusc at her pier in Philadelphia. A relic of a more graceful era in transportation, she is America’s last ocean liner, the fastest ever, and built to military specifications. The interiors are stripped but the hull is sound. The SSUS Conservancy needs to find a new home pier before 9/15 (they’re trying to get an extension to December due to hurricane season). The alternative is scrap or sinking as a dive wreck in Florida. SS United States deserves better. SOS! #ssunitedstates #oceanliners #blueribband #williamgibbs #heritage @susangibbs1 #tourism #selecttoursnyc #philadelphia

Fun evening at the Lambs a few nights ago. We saw an homage to Sinclair Lewis’ 1935 dystopian political novel/play “It Can’t Happen Here” with current writing by Wesley Savick, James Carroll, and Rachel DeWoskin for Writers for Democratic Action. The original hit the stage right before the presidential election of that year. The reading on Friday was mimicked at the same time in 74 different locations. It struck me how cool it was to sit less than ten feet away from five professional actors doing what they do best: @jenniferbassey1, Timothy Jerome, Dave Rappaport, @rush_joanna, @thewalterwillison. Great experience. @thelambsinc #thelambs #sinclairlewis #vote #theater #thestage #election #livetheatre #broadway @sarliefin #selecttoursnyc #tourism

A very hot, muggy tour in the north end of Central Park this morning for @boweryboyswalks. The park, of course, was as beautiful as ever and full of Pokémon-ers! #centralpark #northwoods #iloveny #tourism #fredericklawolmsted #calvertvaux #nycparks #selecttoursnyc #summer

Boisterous, exuberant, loud, colorful, joyful, beautiful, and GAY! 🌈 This is the CATS that I not simply sat through but really enjoyed. The original show is a bunch of songs written to poetry with no real story. This version of the Jellicle Ball presents the songs masterfully and frames them around ballroom culture (see Madonna’s Vogue, Paris Is Burning or Pose). It doesn’t need a narrative, just brilliant performers, who are more cat-ish than cats, and costuming, which it has in spades. The audience is encouraged to participate and cheer - a really fun evening. The Perelman Arts Center - hoo boy, what a weird, Byzantine place. All stairs and one long corridor around the outer perimeter of the building. It’s so confusing, staff needs to be stationed throughout the interior to help guide people to their seats and bathrooms. Bonus points for many bathroom stalls in the women’s room and gender neutral bathrooms. #catsthejellicleball #cats #andrewlloydwebber #parisisburning #broadwaymemes #selecttoursnyc #musical @thejellicleball #ballroom #vogueing #vogue #fabulous #rainbow #pride #iloveny #gay

I managed to catch another Tony-nominated musical prior to tonight’s awards. The strongest aspects of Water For Elephants are its performers and the production. The leads and supporting cast are all very strong - I think @paulalexandernolan, who played ringmasters in both the past and present day, made the strongest impression. I was happy to see @grantgust, late of Glee (mean prep school guy) and The Flash (superhero), in the lead role - he has a lovely singing voice and us a fine actor, as is versatile @izzymccalla. The production is really the star - great puppetry and fantastic acrobats including tumblers and ribbon and rope workers. The circus numbers were, by far, my favorites, both musically and choreographically. There were two really nice moments when the roustabouts sing a capella while pounding a tent stake into the ground. It’s an enjoyable evening at the theater. I wish all the best to everyone associated with this show at the Tonys tonight! @w4emusical @thetonyawards #waterforelephants #tonyawards #glee #theflash #selecttoursnyc #musicaltheatre #broadway #iloveny #goseeashow #puppet #circus #acrobat

I was near Toledo, OH a few weeks ago for a long weekend of birding (fun!) and had to stop by this important M*A*S*H landmark. Max Klinger would be proud. @tonypackos @mashmatters @4077_mash @lorettaswit @mike_farrell_official @clearandvivid #mash #lorettaswit #maxklinger #klinger #mash #lorettaswit #jamiefarr #hawkeyepierce #alanalda #tonypackos #hotdog #coneydog #toledo @biggestweek

Post-tennis gelato. Trying to find a coach but I might have someone to hit around with at least. 🎾🍦 @amorinousa @amorinonewyork @amorinogelato #amorino #gelato #sweettreats #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #upperwestside #icecream

Post-bus tour dinner courtesy of the @hungarianpastryshopnyc! 😁 This old school place uptown has the best pastries. #hungarianpastryshop #pastry #tourbus #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #schoolgroup

I’m leading a tour of the north end of Central Park for Bowery Boys Walking Tours this Thursday, May 23 where the secrets of this enchanting lesser-known part of the park will be unveiled. Join me in the gardens and trails that hold a wealth of interesting history waiting to be discovered! Register at @boweryboyswalks bio! #centralpark #walkingtour #tourism #selecttoursnyc #garden #fredericklawolmsted #calvertvaux #iloveny

If you enjoy theater, go see Lempicka. Three experienced theater-going friends and I all really enjoyed it. In fact, I enjoyed this more than the two revivals I saw recently. It suffered from inexplicably brutal reviews and will close on May 19. This is unfair because: 1. Lempicka is a new show - it’s not a revival, based on a movie/TV show, or a jukebox musical. It’s a unique story. 2. The show is about Terese Lempicka, a real person, a brilliant Art Deco artist, who led an interesting life. 3. All of the main performers were terrific. Two earned Tony nominations (Eden Espinosa & Amber Iman); I think another two George Abud & Natalie Joy Johnson)should also have been nominated. 4. Cool stage design. Also earned a Tony nomination. 5. It was very well-received by an enthusiastic *young* audience. Please support original theater. It’s a great night out. @lempickamusical @edenespinosa @amberiman_ @njjisrelentless #lempicka #artdeco #selecttoursnyc #theater #goseeashow #iloveny #broadway #musical

A pair of last-minute tickets became available to The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers so I headed down to West 50th Street last night. What a fun show! I was past the demographic for Summers’ TV show, Double Dare, on the then-new Nickelodeon network. This show draws on the format and fun of Double Dare (audience participation and on-stage DD games) but not having watched it didn’t detract from the evening’s experience. Summers led quite a TV career starting on 1970s game show productions on to Nickelodeon shows and beyond, all while dealing with OCD and other issues. All told with endearing self-deprecating bonhomie. Speaking of audience participation, audience members were offered the option to write their names on slips of paper for random selection for the games. I chose not to but no matter, I was plucked from my seat for a little skit on stage as Marc’s dinner date! That was unexpected and fun. The show closes on June 2. If you want to spend a really entertaining 90 minutes, go see this! @lifeandslimes @realmarcsummers @newworldstages #selecttoursnyc @mike_nappi #nickelodeon #doubledare #ocd #goseeashow #ilovenewyork #offbroadway #broadway #theatre

Before seeing a show this week, my friends and I enjoyed a really delicious dinner at Azalea Ristorante on West 51st Street in the theater district. My branzino was excellent as were the pasta and salad dishes. The owner is also good friend to @guidesofnyc as well. Highly recommended for a pre-theater meal! @azalearistorantenyc #greatfood #pretheatre #goseeashow #supportlocal #broadway #theaterdistrict #timessquare

On my way back home. I will miss Wales and all of the fun I had in Portmeirion and in Trefriw. Wonderful country. #wales #portmeirion #snowdonia #selecttoursnyc #travel #tourism

It was really, really windy at the top of the Great Orme in Llandudno (the town just past my right shoulder). I wanted to take the photo at the trig point (the very top) but I was afraid I’d look like the nannies who were competing for the job to care for the Banks kids in Mary Poppins. #wales #greatorme #llandudno #selecttoursnyc #windblown #travel

The weather has been fairly dire here in Wales but I’m actually wearing sunglasses for a change! #wales #portmeirion #theprisoner #herecomesthesun☀️ #selecttoursnyc @portmeirionvillage @portmeiriononline

My primary reason for attending this year’s Prisoner convention in Wales was to see Catherine McGoohan speak about her father and his brilliant crazy TV show. She is a true keeper of the flame and warm, witty, and lovely. The convention itself has been a ton of fun. I told her privately that I’d seen the short film she acted in for Jonathan Del Arco (the Borg, Hugh, in one of my favorite Star Trek Next Generation episodes). She was pleasantly surprised and texted Del Arco who responded with “Wow!” I was over the moon. Nerd heaven! The people in the third photo are Sara Jenkin (Six of One), Tony Sloan (film librarian on The Prisoner - great stories about McGoohan), Catherine McGoohan, Dave Barrie (founder of Six of One) #theprisoner #patrickmcgoohan #portmeirion #thevillage #startrek #startreknextgeneration @jonathandelarco @sixofoneprisoner #selecttoursnyc @theprisonerofficial

In Portmeirion right before my livestream tour of the Village for @wowzitude began. And then the rain and spotty internet happened. I was positively soaked an hour later. No matter, it was fun! Thanks, @meurigreesjones for the photos! #tourguidelife #portmeirion #theprisoner #wales #livestream #selecttoursnyc #thevillage #beseeingyou

It’s a misty morning in Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #wales #walesadventure #portmeirion @portmeiriononline @portmeirionvillage #mist #sheep #green #selecttoursnyc

Waiting on totality. #eclipse #celestial #science #centralpark #selecttoursnyc #iloveny

The Doomsday Machine Star Trek episode is one of my favorites from when I was a kid watching it on reruns. But the machine always looked like a Bugle snack to me. #startrek #doomsdaymachine #classictv #snackfood #bugles #selecttoursnyc #rerun

I learned today of the passing of @leslieshreve, a fellow Lamb. I became a member of the club in the fall of 2020 so I didn’t get to spend a ton of time with her, thanks to the pandemic and, later, her illness. It didn’t take long to learn how kind and sweet she was, though - she was the loveliest of people. I’ll miss her. And f*ck cancer. #leslieshreve @thelambsinc #thelambs #cancersucks #breastcancerwarrior #selecttoursnyc #siezetheday

After talking about it for months, I finally got my butt down to the Booth Theatre to see Kimberly Akimbo a month before it closes. (I’ve got the Lincoln Center TKTS routine down pat now so I paid $89 for my ticket.) Overall, this is a wonderful show. Victoria Clark, who is in her 60s, did a great job of portraying Kimberly, a 16-year-old with progeria, a real aging disease, the name of which was oddly never used in the show. Bonnie Milligan, playing Kim’s aunt, Debra, is fantastic with a singing voice that just awes. These two really earned their Tony Award. Justin Cooley, the stand in for Kim’s friend, Seth, last night was just the right amount of sympathetic and did not disappoint. The adults in the story are all kinds of flawed, particularly Aunt Debra. I find I’m sensitive to unlikable characters and credit to the playwright for somehow writing this in a way that kept me in the story. I didn’t love the scheme Debra involved the kids in but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the show. I liked the score very much - in fact, the final song featured a ukulele, which is always a bonus! See this before it closes on April 28th - you won’t be sorry. Regarding Kim’s disease, kids with progeria don’t age as physically portrayed on-stage - this would be impossible since kids with this condition rarely live past their teen years. If you’re interested, take a look online to see how it actually presents itself. @akimbomusical @victoriajclark @beltingbons @miguelito.gil #selecttoursnyc #kimberlyakimbo #progeria #broadway #broadwaymusicals #iloveny #goseeashow #supportthearts

A last minute invitation last night had me running over to @westsidecomedyclub to see Zarna Garg (she opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, by the way). I’m not usually a comedy club goer but I’m glad I went. Zarna is very funny, her set full of jokes about her family and her heritage in general - her mother-in-law jokes are gold. The club’s snacks were quite tasty, too. If she comes to your neck of the woods, go enjoy her show! @zarnagarg #zarnagarg #comedy #comedyclub #westsidecomedyclub #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #upperwestside #tinafey #amypoehler

Remembering silent comedy legend Roscoe Arbuckle on the 137th anniversary of his birth — March 24, 1887! Roscoe was a brilliant silent comedy film director and mentor and close friend of Buster Keaton. Sadly, he was accused and later exonerated of perpetrating a horrible crime, causing great harm to his career and, likely, hastening his death in 1933. Buster kept a photo of his friend hanging in his house until his passing in 1966. Cheers to you, Roscoe! (And don’t call him Fatty!) #roscoearbuckle #fattyarbuckle #busterkeaton #silentcomedy #silentfilm #silentfilmstar #charliechaplin #selecttoursnyc #keystonekops #halroach #classicfilm

What an irreverent 2.5 hours of fun is Spamalot! As befits its Monty Python source material, it’s incredibly silly and satisfyingly full of scenes from the film (it was hard not to quote lines along with the actors - I didn’t always succeed - “five is right out!”). The performers were great. I love when actors break character and laugh and two did just that when then the Lady of the Lake (Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer) riffed during one of her scenes and really got them going. What a powerhouse singer! Thanks, TKTS, for providing seats quite close to the stage. We were so close, I’m pretty sure I got a “hands heart” from cutie Jonathan Bennett (Sir Robin) who saw me cheer when we were asked if any of us were Jewish. He’s the guy in the green hat in the first photo - he handily exemplifies the spirit of the evening. It’s a pity the show closes on April 7 as it’s great for tourists, if one overlooks the teasing about religion. Go see this before it closes! @jonathandbennett @lesliekritzer @spamalotbway #broadway @tkts #tkts #selecttoursnyc #montypython #musical #goseeashow #tourism #iloveny #theatre #montypythonandtheholygrail #timessquare

Another terrific evening at the Lambs! @thelambsinc Melissa Newman visited the club to share her beautiful new book about her parents, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman (his wife always went first when he discussed them in tandem). Expertly interviewed by film professor, Foster Hirsch, Melissa shared so many wonderful anecdotes about her parents and her own work - the evening just breezed by. Melissa is also an artist and a jazz singer. She plans to return to the club later this year to perform. Can’t wait! This book is gorgeous (with its subject, how could it not)! Find it in bookstores and online! @joannewoodwardandpaulnewman @paullnewman @melissamudandmusic #joannewoodward #paulnewman #selecttoursnyc #melissanewman #classicfilm #hollywood #hollywoodroyalty #oscars #oscarwinner

I look forward to sharing my Scandalous Tales Of the Upper West Side and Harlem online webinar this coming Tuesday, February 27 at 8pm. It’s a collection of six stories that range from traditional cuckoldry to murder to a famous madam to an unfortunate Hamilton grandson as well as other surprises. All of this for a mere $12 and the ability to watch a replay up to seven days afterward. Register with @nyadventureclub at the link in their bio. It’ll be 90 minutes of fun! @nyadventureclub @selecttours_nyc #newyorkadventureclub #pollyadler #mariondavies #selecttoursnyc #scandal #murder #hamilton #madam #debbyapplegate @debbyapplegate @backlotsfilm

Fantastic? That’s not the half of it. Last weekend, my friend, Dane, and I checked out the collection Elton John is putting up for auction at Christie’s. It was truly a sensory overload experience. Belongings only from his residence, an apartment, in Atlanta encompassed three floors of the auction house from jewelry, watches (he favors Cartier, as do I), to costumes, lots of Versace shirts and dishes, a 1990 Bentley, and hundreds of photographs. Think of a 20th century photographer and it’s likely in the collection. I knew he collected photographs but the volume of all of it was just stunning. I could have spent hours just with the photographs. When we arrived, we heard music. I thought it was a player piano but, no, it was a person playing Elton’s conservatory grand. He stopped just as we approached, sadly. We were told later he was the pianist for Jimmy Fallon who does his show there at Rockefeller Center. If you’re an Elton John fan, this is not to be missed! #eltonjohn #auction @christiesinc #christies #photography #captainfantastic #goodbyepeachtreeroad #versace #imstillstanding #cartier #chihooly #bentley #yamahapianos Elton John Christie’s auction photography Chihooly Bentley Yamaha

Really terrific show by @brendanhunting at the Soho Playhouse about his relationship with his very difficult mother channeled through his deep love of the Beatles. You’d expect a well-written show by one of the creators/writers of Ted Lasso and you’d be right. So funny and moving. I loved that he said VHS tapes were like streams through a toaster. Those Beatles trivia questions. He wove all of the answers into his script - brilliant stuff. I wasn’t going to bother him for a photo but I had to use the bathroom after the show and by the time I got outside (small facilities), he was there with a small crowd of people waiting for photos. At first I thought a selfie would have been enough (that’s his aunt in the orange coat. She said she saw his show last time he was here in November and this was even better.) but he seemed so cool about it, I decided to stay. I enjoyed his reaction to my telling him that Ted Lasso is the best TV show since M*A*S*H. I will die on that hill! 😅 Welcome back to New York, Brendan. Come back soon! @sohoplayhousenyc #brendanhunt #tedlasso #coachbeard #selecttoursnyc #richmondtillwedie #beatles #sohoplayhouse #iloveny #heyjude brendan hunt ted lasso coach beard richmond till we die beatles i love ny hey jude

Encores’ production of Once Upon A Mattress was my first experience with this show and I’m very glad I had the chance to do so. This classic musical version of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale is goofy, silly, wonderfully performed - just the right thing to experience in the middle of the winter. Sutton Foster as Winifred Woebegone is always a joy to watch and the rest of the cast including J. Harrison Ghee (Jester), Cheyenne Jackson (Harry), Nikki Renée Daniels (stunning soprano), Harriet Harris (such a funny Queen), Francis Jue (wizard), Michael Urie (took me a while to figure out he appeared on Younger with Foster), and David Patrick Kelly as a fun miming King. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Amy Sherman-Palladino adapted the show for this production. The sparkling dialogue made perfect sense. Sutton Foster, having worked for AS-P on the criminally-cancelled Bunheads, is accustomed to the rhythms of her dialogue. Just a wonderful experience all around. I wish this could run longer than two weeks but Ms. Foster is moving on to Sweeney Todd. Last performance of Mattress is this Sunday, February 4 at City Center. #onceuponamattress #suttonfoster #broadway #theatre #goseeashow #selecttoursnyc #tourism #iloveny @nycitycenter #cheyennejackson #jharrisonghee #bunheads #younger #encores Theater theatre Broadway musical tourism show amy sherman palladino sutton foster Bunheads city center encores New York City NYC

I headed out to the @nassaumuseum this weekend to attend a special tour for the @thelambsinc. They’ve got an interesting exhibition hanging called Our Gilded Age and two pieces from the Lambs’ extensive art collection are included - first photo is the group with our portrait of Gus Thomas. My favorite was a portrait by Frederick Edwin Church of his daughter. He was a prominent Hudson River School artist but also did some portrait work. It’s really beautiful. @slippman4u and I enjoyed the docent-led tour and the snow-covered grounds (when will we get some real snow in NYC??). The museum is housed in a former Frick-owned mansion and sits on 140 acres of land owned by William Cullen Bryant of the NY Evening Post and for whom Bryant Park was named. It’s a peaceful setting full of large sculptural pieces, à la Storm King Art Center. I look forward to returning in warmer weather and exploring the art and nature trails on the property. #gildedage #tourism #selecttoursnyc #portrait #frederickedwinchurch #nassaucountymuseumofart

Early this week, friends and I saw Harmony, the show that took Barry Manilow decades to get to Broadway. It’s about six men, three Jewish, three not, who form a vocal group called Comedian Harmonists in 1920s Germany. You can infer from this (1930s Germany, Jews) the trajectory of the story. It was good, not great. The performers were all wonderful, just brilliant singers and dancers. I found the numbers in which the Harmonists performed their show pieces to be the most enjoyable - really high energy, particularly a marionette piece lampooning the Nazis. Harmony recounts a story of real people that is mainly unknown. For me, it falls into a category of shows that may not be a masterpiece but is still worthy of being told, like Paradise Square, for example. Parade is another, although it’s a better show. Another thing occurred to me after the show while having a very tasty Manhattan at West End Bar on 8th Ave. with Marty is that whether a show is good, bad, whatever, one of the best aspects is sharing the experience with friends. My main takeaway from the night is that. Upshot, get a ticket to this to learn the story and see some wonderful singers but do it through TKTS. Do it quickly - it closes February 4. P.S. I’ve always liked Barry Manilow’s schmaltz. #barrymanilow #harmony #selecttoursnyc #theatre #tourism #iloveny

I went to Grand Central Terminal with a fellow guide yesterday and we decided to have lunch at Pershing Square cafe under the bridge across 42nd Street from the terminal. I start my tours there and was curious about the place for a while. I’m glad we did because it was a very satisfying meal - I had a salad and the vegetables were quite fresh. In addition to the food, the staff were very professional and accommodating. Do try it if you’re in the neighborhood. Oh, those are Guastavino tiles in the ceiling. Same kinds of tiles across the street in the famous Whispering Gallery, Oyster Bar, and old taxi stand. @pershingsquarenyc #pershingsquare #grandcentralterminal #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #walkingtour #tourism #guastavino

Vive la vie Bohème! It was back to Lincoln Center for another excellent evening of music, this time to see La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera, a first for me. For theater lovers who probably already know this, this is the opera that aren’t is based on. This opera is full of beautiful music, singing, humor, and, of course, tragedy at the end. The production itself was designed by Franco Zeffirelli and has the most beautiful set design - I think this was the first time I attended an opera in which the audience applauded the set. I was delighted with a donkey and a horse pulling carriages across the stage. This is a perfect opera for anyone interested in trying it for the first time. Give it a try! #labohème #metropolitanopera #lincolncenter #francozeffirelli #opera #culture #selecttoursnyc #puccini #giacomopuccini #iloveny @metopera @lincolncenter

Great night at the New York Philharmonic! I loved the entire program and the piano soloist, Rudolph Buchbinder, with whom I was somehow completely unfamiliar, was brilliant. He even graced us with a virtuosic Johann Strauss encore, appreciated even by the musicians on stage with him. You cannot beat a night at the New York Phil for a classical music concert. @nyphilharmonic #newyorkphilharmonic #concert #classicalmusic #culture #pianoconcerto #selecttoursnyc #symphony #symphonic #richardwagner #beethoven #johannstrauss #brahms #rudolphbuchbinder

Cheers to a very happy and prosperous 2024! #happynewyear #2024 #cheers #cocktails #alanalda #waynerogers #selecttoursnyc #davidogdenstiers #mash @lorettaswit #celebration #toast #hawkeyepierce #trapperjohn #charlesemersonwinchesteriii

It’s a few hours before the New Year and it turns out that this past week between holidays was quite a fun one. I was fortunate to make new friends and see a not-so-new friend on my tours. First was a fun Christmas Eve tour of Grand Central Terminal with Betsy and her lovely companion, Taryn. The best part was enjoying post-tour drinks with them at the Campbell Bar (Taryn expertly arranged a table for us, despite all being reserved). You can probably tell from our photo I was a tad toasted. No regrets! A few days later was a Central Park tour with my former Estée Lauder colleague, Craig. We even started our tour across Fifth Avenue from our office building. It’s always interesting doing a tour for someone who’s already familiar with the city but we had a great time and I really enjoyed meeting his girlfriend, Anne. Overall, it was a decent year for tours - not super busy but an improvement over former years. Grateful. #grandcentralterminal #walkingtour #tourism #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #takeatour #beauxarts #centralpark #walkingtour #fredericklawolmsted #calvertvaux #urbanpark #nycparks #holidays #christmastree #christmaslights #holiday #seasonsgreetings #fifthavenue #selfie #grateful

Another night, another festive tree. I was in the Financial District last night and thought I’d check out the New York Stock Exchange tree. This one is beautifully decorated and lit, it is taller than the famous Rockefeller Center tree, and, best of all, in a much, much mellower setting. This tree is kept company by the Fearless Girl statue as well. Just around the corner on Broadway is historic Trinity Church with its own lovely stained glass window that is like a beacon in the dark. Such a pretty time to be in NYC. #fearlessgirl #christmastree #christmaslights #wallstreet #fidi #selecttoursnyc #seasonsgreetings #iloveny #tourism #selfie #holidaylights Trinity Church Wall Street

I decided to visit the beautiful @rockefellercenter Christmas tree after an event at @thelambsinc. This town is hopping! Hint: go around the corner to 48th or 51st Street for a selfie - it’s busy but nothing like the crowds on Fifth Avenue. #rockefellercenter #rockefellerchristmastree #christmastree #christmaslights #holiday #selecttoursnyc #seasonsgreetings #iloveny #tourism #fifthavenue #30rock #selfie

“Sun is shinin' in the sky There ain't a cloud in sight” First 2 mile run without stopping, feeling great! Gorgeous day, Central Park was full of visitors. #running #runningmotivation #selecttoursnyc #nycmarathon #exercise #centralpark #inspiration #c25k #couchto5k #getoutside #blue #iloverunning #nyrr #centralpark #iloveny

Today is the anniversary of John Lennon’s murder in 1980. This morning, I happened upon the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields after my run. It’ll get more crowded as the day goes on, well into the evening. Imagine. Give peace a chance. ✌️ #johnlennon #givepeaceachance #thebeatles #yokoono #dakotabuilding #imagine @johnlennon @thebeatles #paulmccartney @paulmccartney @georgeharrisonofficial @ringostarrmusic #ringostarr #georgeharrison #iloveny #selecttoursnyc

My friends and I made a little trip drive up the Hudson to Lyndhurst Mansion to see a local production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives. It was nice to see the play in such a setting but the setting was truly the star of the day. The mansion is always beautiful but, dressed for the holiday season, it was over the top gorgeous! See it before the mansion closes for the season on December 31st. Support the arts, locally, if you can! They’re doing A Christmas Carol thru the 26th. #lyndhurst #lyndhurstmansion @lyndhurst_mansion #gildedage #gildedagemansions #selecttoursnyc #gould #christmas #christmasdecor #festive #holiday #holidayseason #tourism #walkingtour #iloveny #tarrytown #noelcoward #privatelives #thearts

How cool, Bowery Boys Walks published a quick interview with me about Grand Central Terminal! https://mailchi.mp/bdc5eedefe85/grand-central-insider-tips-victorian-christmas-tour-more?e=16e839ba2f @boweryboyswalks #grandcentralterminal #walkingtour #tourism #selecttoursnyc #boweryboyspodcast #iloveny #takeatour #beauxarts @grandcentralnyc

Tomorrow, the tree at Rockefeller Center will be bright with festive lights. Because I don’t love crowds, I will be far from the area when they are switched on! 😅🎄 #rockefellercenter #christmas #christmastree #selecttoursnyc #holiday #iloveny #season #christmaslights #tourism #midtown #midtownnyc #iceskating #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear

The massive balloons are the stars of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In person, they are massive and really impressive. Going back in time, the balloons were the brainchild of illustrator Tony Sarg who was the designer of Macy's window displays. His balloons first flew in the 1927 parade - back then, they were simply released to drift away! If one was relocated after falling to earth, it could be returned to Macy's for a gift certificate. There is also a curious connection between those original balloons and Grand Central Terminal. Tony Sarg also painted the interior of a lost movie theater back in 1937. While the space is long gone, a remnant of his work still remains in one of the shops, as represented in the last photo. There is an even more impressive mural there that reflects the beautiful ceiling in the main concourse but unfortunately, I don’t have a photo. It is, however, easily seen from the Graybar passage on the east side of the terminal. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍁 #thanksgiving #macys #macysthanksgivingdayparade #selecttoursnyc #holiday #balloons #iloveny #parade #spongebob #pillsburydoughboy #felixthecat #felix #tonysarg #festive #celebration

I’ve had my experience watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being blown up back when you could just show up at 77th Street and take a look. Now it’s a whole production. That said, I did get a glimpse on my way home from picking up a pie for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 #thanksgiving #macys #macysthanksgivingdayparade #parade #upperwestside #balloons #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #holiday #holidays

The ginkgo trees did their lemon/lime thing last week. I love that color juxtaposition, although I’m not sure why their leaves don’t all change at the same time. Maybe it’s a male/female thing?

The beautiful weather this weekend made it easy to finish my run training this week. I’ll get back to full runs without walk breaks in no time!

Today is Brenda Vaccaro’s birthday. Having enjoyed a long career on stage, film and TV, she has a ton of fantastic stories and she is absolutely delightful and self-deprecating. Here we are earlier this year at the Lambs theatrical club in NYC. Happy Birthday! 🎂 #brendavaccaro #hollywood #actress #thelambs #birthday #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #theatre #sexandthecity #andjustlikethat #midnightcowboy @thelambsinc

Today is Taron Egerton’s birthday so it’s a good excuse to whip out my selfie from his Rocketman days. The second is from last summer at a 92nd Street Y event in NYC. Happy 34th to a really good guy and a fine actor! Penblwydd Hapus! 🎂🎈 #taronegerton #rocketman #blackbird #tetris #eltonjohn #wales #selecttoursnyc #kingsman #eddietheeagle #aberystwyth #welshman #penblwyddhapus

Could there be a better day than marathon Sunday to start running again? I’m inspired! I’m so out of shape but the weather is beautiful and I feel great! #running #runningmotivation #selecttoursnyc #nycmarathon #exercise #centralpark #inspiration #c25k #couchto5k #getoutside #orange #iloverunning #nyrr

This is Tate looking fab on the Upper West Side. #fashion #fashionstyle #style #stylish #creative #individuality #selecttoursnyc #fallstyle #umbrella #animalprint #sunglasses #eyecatching #onthestreet #streetstyle

I spotted a spotted lantern fly on Halloween night. Scary! 🎃 #costume #halloween #halloweencostume #insect #selecttoursnyc #spottedlanternfly #homemade #iloveny #upperwestside #trickortreat #bug

Happy Halloween! This was a couple of years ago at The Lambs Club. My friend Marty and I sang and played ukuleles as Gomez and Morticia Addams. Such a fun night! #halloween #addamsfamily #morticiaaddams #halloweenparty #costume #halloweencostume #selecttoursnyc #clublife #thelambs #iloveny @thelambsinc

This past weekend, I enjoyed my second tour for a great group of Danish college and grad students. I forgot to get a photo this time, unfortunately, so I’m resharing this group from two years ago. The students ask the best questions and offer really insightful comments. #centralpark #walkingtour #selecttoursnyc #denmark #student #studentgroup #iloveny #takeatour #senecavillage #robertmoses #olmsted #vaux #dakota #thedakota

Norma Shearer below in her Oscar-winning performance in The Divorcée (1930) based on a book called the Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott. The film is a typical pre-code for its time. It’s pretty noteworthy given the subject matter. The costumes are beautiful and Norma’s character’s call out of her husband’s hypocrisy is worth the viewing. Also noteworthy is @thelambsinc will host Marsha Gordon, author of the new biography about Ursula Parrott this coming Friday. Come to the club to hear more about this remarkable woman who wrote many screenplays, books, and articles back in the 1930s and beyond. Friday, October 27 at 7pm. Drop me a DM for details! Books will be available for purchase. Suggested donation of $10 to benefit the Lambs Foundation. #normashearer #literature #precode #bookevent #thelambsclub #ursulaparrott #reading #oscarwinner #academyawards

In between Scandalous Tales presentations at Hudson Yards. #lecture #scandal @nyadventureclub #hudsonyards #vessel #selecttoursnyc #iloveny

This “coincidentally“ appeared on FB just after I watched this Star Trek episode (Doomsday Machine), always one of my favorites. @startrek @startrekonpplus #startrek #startrektos #classictv #scifi #captainkirk #spock #doomsdaymachine #commodoredecker #selecttoursnyc #williamwindom #leonardnimoy #williamshatner #trekkie

Due to communications issues last night and this morning, my Central Park tour was *not* cancelled due to the torrential rains. On the walk down to the Plaza Hotel, it was clear the tour wasn’t going to happen because all hills were raging rivers that turned walking paths into little lakes. Only the client’s coordinator made it to the meeting point and we turned around and went home. I made the mistake of attempting the subway - delays and cancellations everywhere so I walked home. Oh, and I learned my Merrell @merrell walking shoes are decidedly not waterproof - trench foot city. On the plus side, I closed my Apple Watch rings and the tour was rescheduled to next month. #extremeweather #tourguide #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #tourism #rain #rainy #torrentialrain

I spent a very fun 100 minutes last night at Títanique. This off-Broadway show wasn’t on my radar at all until a friend raved about it sometime last year. Happily for the production, this was their 500th show! Congratulations! A silly premise, sort of in the tone of Shucked with in-jokes and some raunchy humor, in which Celine Dion was on Titanic (the film version) and narrates the story. All of our characters are there, including Rose’s horrible, evil mother, played to the hilt by Drew Droege. So very funny. Most of the score is Celine Dion songs, sung by the entire cast throughout. Silly as the show is, the singing is not - all are brilliant singers. The standout, perhaps, is soprano Anne Fraser Thomas (Molly Brown). Cayleigh Capaldi, standing in for Jackie Burns, whom I was really looking forward to seeing (she was fantastic as Elphaba in Wicked), was a great and very funny Celine. There’s a section which appears to be improv in which she had two of the cast members corpsing like crazy. I love when they break character. Also the Icebirg Bitch (Marcus Antonio) doing Tina Turner - wow! My only complaint was the volume - it was very loud, particularly in the ensemble pieces. The singers are belters in the best possible way, but the 300 seat space in the former Union Square Bank building, is intimate. I found myself with fingers in my ears a couple of times. I felt badly because I’m sure some of the cast could see and get the wrong idea but I had no choice. Go see this show! (And maybe bring along earplugs.) @titaniquemusical #titanique #goseeashow #broadway #offbroadway #selecttoursnyc #celine #iloveny #culture #musical #myheartwillgoon #titanic @cayleigh.capaldi @marcus.antonio_ @annefraserthomas52 @marlamindelle @constantinerousouli

I attended a really super book event last night at The Lambs. Jake S. Friedman presented his new book, The Disney Revolt, about the strike by animators fighting to unionize against Walt Disney in 1941. I didn’t know about this and it was very informative. Jake included great photos and rare film clips of the strikers in action. It occurred to me that a byproduct of fighting very creative people is devastating charicatures against their opponents. The photo below depicts strikers carrying a large “Reluctant Disney” dragon caricature based on the Reluctant Dragon film released at that time. Jake stressed that his book is not a hit job, just relates the story - in fact he loves Disney films as much as ever. It was also a pleasure seeing fellow guide and actor, Chris Lucas, and meeting his former Medieval Times cast mates who are currently fighting their own valiant unionizing battle. Good luck to you! 💪 @jakesfriedman @thelambsinc @seanquigley1989 @jcbeckas @disney @disneystudios #waltdisney #artbabbitt #labor #selecttoursnyc #union #bookevent #strike #animation #cartoon #film #filmhistory #animator

It’s my nephews’ first US Open with their dad and goofy aunt. We were so fortunate to see Carlos Alcaraz @carlitosalcarazz play in his quarterfinal match against Matteo Arnoldi. Carlitos won but Arnaldi gave him a good fight with some brilliant points. The @usopen is one of the great annual sporting events in NYC. It’s a really fun experience and an easy subway ride from midtown. I love going every year. #vamoscarlitos! #usopen #usopentennis #tennis #carlosalcaraz #billiejeanking #professionalsports #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #7train

I enjoyed a refreshing watermelon mojito at Pappardella last evening. They serve the best cocktails. @pappardellanyc #cocktails #mojito #summercocktails #upperwestside #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #diningout #neighborhoodjoint

I spent a couple of hours at the library researching a new tour/webinar. Architectural historian @morronefrancis considers the Rose Reading Room the greatest indoor space in New York City. I tend to agree but feel that the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal really gives it a run for its money. These places are linked in my upcoming presentation, by the way. @nypl @grandcentralnyc #library #research #beauxarts #iloveny #carerreandhastings #warrenandwetmore #takeatour #selecttoursnyc #tourism

What a great afternoon seeing truly fine theater. I wasn’t planning to see Good Night, Oscar, but my theater buddy wanted to see it before it closes - who am I to refuse a TKTS matinee ticket? I’m very glad I did because Sean Hayes was fantastic as Oscar Levant, a brilliant pianist, very funny, drug-addicted, and troubled enough to be committed to a mental health facility. (Two of his more famous roles were in An American In Paris and The Band Wagon.) A real bravura performance, both acting and performing a good chunk of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue. His Tony win was well-deserved. The rest of the cast were all very good. Specifically, Emily Bergyl was a formidable June Levant. (I loved her costume, too, adly washed-out in my photo below.) She’s recognizable as one of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s troupe, most recently in Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but I’ll always see her as Francie, one of Rory Gilmore’s nemeses, in Gilmore Girls. The script deserves mention, too. It is very funny but also handily illustrates Levant’s tragic struggles. Go see this show before it closes on August 27. @goodnightoscar @seanhayes @emilybergl #oscarlevant #broadway #goseeashow #theatre #iloveny #georgegershwin #rhapsodyinblue @thetonyawards #tonyawards @tkts @tdfnyc #tkts #selecttoursnyc

I feel seen. I love attending the theater and concerts but this happens all the time! 😅 Go see a show! 🎭 🎶 #theater #concert #broadway #shortpeopleproblems #selecttoursnyc #seeashow #thearts #iloveny #tourism #supportthearts

Utterly charming wire walking legend Philippe Petit showing us how he entertains children with a simple bit of string. #philippepetit

On this day in 1974, Philippe Petit and his crew miraculously rigged a steel wire between the two towers of the World Trade Center. Several hours later, Petit spent 45 minutes dancing along the wire to the amazement of spectators and consternation of cops on the street. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of rewatching the excellent documentary of the entire affair called Man On Wire. He is charming, still wire walking, and does magic for children when the urge strikes (video in a second post). It was an honor to stand next to this legend. I also bought his book. 😁 #philippepetit #manonwire #wirewalker #circus #documentary #legend #wtc #worldtradecenter #fearless #dream #acrobat

Film Forum in New York is running a Billy Wilder series this week. One of my top favorite films, ever, is his Sunset Boulevard. Thanks to my friend’s invitation to see One, Two, Three, I have a new favorite Wilder film. I thought I’d already seen it on TV many years ago and wasn’t expecting such an entertaining film. I expected a technicolor film starring James Cagney and Jim Hutton. I got one out of three - I thought we were seeing Walk, Don’t Run, a different 1960s film with a different aging star from Hollywood’s golden age, Cary Grant. That was set in 1964 Tokyo, this is set at the Coca Cola headquarters in 1961 Berlin, adjacent to East Berlin, and filmed in black and white. It’s just wonderful - well-written, very funny, Cagney’s rapid-fire dialogue delivery master class, Arlene Francis’ dry verbal shots, the jabs at the Soviets, jabs at former Nazis, the self-referential bits, mostly concerning Cagney’s gangster stereotype. I did wonder at the ages of Cagney (62) and Francis (54) as parents of two preteen children but a minor quibble. A favorite line from Cagney’s character to his wife when she suggested moving to Coca Cola corporate headquarters in Atlanta: “Atlanta? That’s Siberia with mint juleps!” The guy hanging out of the car in the third photo is a painter who needed to paint a fake coat of arms on the car while it raced through Berlin’s streets toward the airport. One of those silly running gags that tickled me. It runs one more time this week. @filmforumnyc #onetwothree #jamescagney #billywilder #comedy #classicfilm #filmforum #filmforumnyc #iloveny #sunsetboulevard #keepfilmalive

On last week’s anniversaries of the Stonewall Uprising and the first Christoper Street Liberation Day March, I lead my Pride in Central Park tour for a lovely group from the @lgbtcenternyc. They learned about members of the Community who contributed to the rehabilitation of the Park and others who were honored there as well as how the park was simultaneously a haven and fraught place for the Community over the decades. It was my honor to share the park with this group! Thanks, @boweryboyswalks! Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈 (photo below is not from the tour but by the fab @charleschesslerphotography at this year’s Pride March) #pride #centralpark #pridemarch #stonewall #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #walkingtour #emmastebbins #barbrastreisand #sheepmeadow #bethesdaterrace #brucekelly #philipwinslow #centralparkmall #lgbt #loveislove #tourism #ramble #takeawalk

The cats have the right idea. Grateful for the a/c today. #petsofinstagram @bideawee #cat #selecttoursnyc #catsofinstagram #nap #catlover #citycat

It’s summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Soak up those rays while you can! #solstice #longestdayoftheyear #summersolstice #summer #selecttoursnyc @sandra_boynton #druid

It’s duckling season! This lovely family enjoyed their tour of Central Park this past weekend - turtles and mallard ducklings were definitely a highlight. #centralpark #ducklings #mallard #selecttoursnyc #tourism #walkingtour #waterfowl #ducklife #ilovehistory #takeawalk

Honoring Juneteenth at City Hall. #blackhistory #cityhall #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #history

Cocktail time at the club. @thelambsinc #thelambs #cocktails #dirtymartini #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #privateclub #broadway #theatre

Watching the Tonys tonight. The United Palace is a stunning building - this is what the performers are seeing tonight (my photo). They offer monthly tours and Lin-Manuel Miranda sponsors free film showings every summer, among many other programs. Show them some love sometime - you won’t be sorry! @unitedpalacenyc #unitedpalace @thetonyawards #tonys #broadway @lin_manuel #linmanuelmiranda #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #goseeashow #tourism #washingtonheights

Who you gonna call? #ghostbusters #ecto1 #selecttoursnyc #movie #film #cadillac #whoyougonnacall #iloveny #newyork #ghostbustersday

Central Park Pride Tour Saturday, June 24, 11:00 AM! It is June and June means it’s Pride in New York City! Central Park has a strong connection to LGBTQ+ history - Bowery Boys Walks will offer my Central Park Pride tour highlighting its importance to the community. Celebrate Pride with this unique take on the Park’s story. Click on the link in @boweryboyswalks bio. Share with your friends! #gaypride #newyorkpride #centralpark #newyork #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #walkingtour #tourism #celebrate #loveislove

What did I do yesterday? I visited the abandoned City Hall subway station - something I’ve wanted to see for decades. I finally got to do it, thanks to becoming a member the New York Transit Museum (and to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority - MTA), and buying a ticket for the tour the moment they went on sale. The station is nearly 120 years old and is still beautiful, despite it being abandoned for about 100 of those years. Look at all of those Guastavino tiles and arches, the terracotta tiles, and electroliers. It’s just as I expected. The 6 downtown local train still passes through this loop on its way back uptown. It’s possible to stay on the train at the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop and see a little bit of the station. Look out the windows on the right side of the car and you’ll get a brief, tantalizing view. @nytransitmuseum @mta #iloveny #selecttoursnyc #railfan #nycsubway #cityhallsubwaystation #abandonedsubway #guastavino #heinsandlafarge #irt #subway #tourism #walkingtour

Earlier today, I enjoyed a passion fruit Bellini and pea soup at The Bar Room at the Beekman Hotel. Both were delicious. Note that the skylight at the top of the iconic atrium is reflected in the soup bowl! See it in its glory in the second photo - the space really is stunning. @thebeekmanny @thebarroomnyc @tomcolicchio #thebeekman #tomcolicchio #selecttoursnyc #thebarroom #gildedage #finedining #iloveny #tourism #templecourt

What a way to celebrate a couple of birthdays on Wednesday! My friend, Marty’s, was a delayed celebration (I purchased the tickets in February, near the time of his birthday), mine was two days away, and we did it right at the Café Carlyle - Sutton Foster was on the bill. She was as delightful as anticipated and performed a lovely variety of Broadway standards, older pop songs, and others. A fun touch was her inclusion of a crochet blanket she’s working on (crafting became a very important element in her life a few years ago). The food was good, the drinks were strong (for me, no complaints), and the company great. Such an old New York tradition, I reminded myself that this evening could have occurred just as easily 40-50 years ago. A bonus was encountering Sutton by the elevators earlier in the evening. I told her I was looking forward to her show and she responded with “Oh! Yay!” So very endearingly Sutton. #cafecarlyle #suttonfoster #selecttoursnyc #carlylehotel #seeashow #birthday @suttonlenore @rosewoodthecarlyle @cafecarlyle

I headed out to Hook Mountain near Nyack, NY with my brother and family for a hike. We didn’t do the full 6 mile loop but really enjoyed the walk - the section we did do was fully-shaded, which was welcome on a very sunny day. As usual, I forgot to get a photo of the group, although I did manage a poor one of the towering rampart cliffs there. I have to go back to do the full thing now. #hiking #familytime #nyack #rocklandcounty #selecttoursnyc #takeahike #iloveny #outdoors #hookmountain

This is my great bus tour group here for the Padres series against the Yankees. We drove all over Manhattan and stopped for a photo with Lady Liberty way in the background. Thanks to NY Waterways, not much of Ellis Island is visible. No matter, what a fantastically beautiful day to experience our great city and begin the holiday weekend. #statueofliberty #bustour #tourism #selecttoursnyc #iloveny #nyc #baseballfan #ellisisland #newyorkharbor #memorialday @padres #sandiegopadres #newyorkyankees

Some Like It Hot last night. Such a fun show! The music was great - not a boring song in the show - dancing was entertaining (I’m a sucker for tap) and the penultimate chase number where the cast dances, changes costume, and runs in and out of doors that roll around the stage was brilliant. I always enjoy Christian Borle (Joe/Josephine), J. Harrison Ghee was a great Daphne, and I loved Kevin Del Aguila (Osgood) who had the most amazing swivel hips. I loved the inclusion of “nobody’s perfect.” Oh, and ukuleles! ♥️ No matter - grab a ticket on TDF or TKTS before it wins Tony awards and becomes a hot(ter) ticket! @somelikeithotmusical #somelikeithot #broadway #musical #selecttoursnyc #christianborle @jharrisonghee @kevinoftheeagle #jharrisonghee #kevindelaguila #adriannahicks #tapdance #seeashow #tourism #ukulele @shubertorg #shuberttheatre

Interesting, if not active, morning of birding. I knew a character like this (a red-winged blackbird) was guarding his nest and told him I was moving along. This wasn’t good enough for him, though, and he smacked me in the back of my head. It was a little shocking but he didn’t draw blood, the stinker. I later texted a friend to tell her that, after a slow morning, I finally saw a bay-breasted warbler, one of the more desirable spring migrants. Dictation, however, decided that I saw a *big*-breasted warbler. That would have been even more interesting. (Image is mine from 2009.) #redwingedblackbird #birdwatching #selecttoursnyc #dictationfail #centralpark #angrybirds #springmigration #birding #photography

I had this really fun group on my Grand Central tour for @boweryboyswalks yesterday. We had to be really flexible as there was a demonstration IN the concourse - they somehow commandeered the PA system and it was really noisy for a while. It was so loud, we couldn’t understand what they said. We were able to take refuge down the escalator from the recently reopened Biltmore Room/kissing gallery in the LIRR concourse and, by the time we went back upstairs, the crowd seemed to have dispersed. Crazy! #grandcentralterminal #walkingtour #tourism #selecttoursnyc #boweryboyspodcast #iloveny #takeatour #beauxarts

I’m very pleased to announce that @boweryboyswalks will offer my Central Park Pride tour on June 24th in honor of Pride Month. There is a lot more to gay history in the park than the stories from the infamous Ramble. Join me and learn more. Link at the Bowery Boys Walks Insta bio. Tell your friends! (Photo #2 credit: Gay “Be-In,” Sheep Meadow, Central Park, New York, June 28, 1970 The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1970) #gaypride #pridemonth #walkingtour #selecttoursnyc #centralpark #theramble #bethesdaterrace #nycpride #lgbt #tourism @iloveny #iloveny @ilovenycparks #loveislove

Drinking my tea from my new Portmeirion Pottery mug. Aside from my Prisoner shirt, I really wanted to bring home some Portmeirion pottery. I wish I had more room in my luggage to take more stuff home! #portmeirion #portmeirionpottery #pottery #ceramics #selecttoursnyc #butterfly #wales #walesadventure #tourism @portmeiriononline

Tan y tro nesaf (Until next time.)

My long adventure in Wales and England has finally come to a close. As I sit here in the Virgin Lounge, I appreciate how very lucky I am to have been able to make this trip. Wales was fantastic, as was England. I had so many wonderful experiences, saw stunning landscapes, met lovely people, made some new friends, ate great food, and got to spend time with some of my UK cousins. I’d do it again in a heartbeat and just might. #walesadventure #ukadventures #tourism #selecttoursnyc #traveler #takeatrip