With summer officially here, many of us are getting that itch for a summer vacation, pulling out our suitcases, perusing travel books and searching for just the right destination.
One of the most popular places for an LGBT summer get-away is New York City, and BIZ has tapped into the LGBT business community's local leaders to find out what they consider the best things to do and places to stay in their own backyards.
"Summer in the city is particularly amazing," said Richard Oceguera, president of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce New York (NGLCCNY). "Our rivers, parks, beaches and islands are in their full glory, and dining al fresco is at its peak."
It's almost impossible to whittle down the Big Apple's countless sites and activities into one simple list, but needless to say there are plenty of things to do in the city that never sleeps.
What To Do
The Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation, an NGLCCNY member, is located at 131 Prince St. and is New York City's only gallery dedicated entirely to LGBT art and artists. The gallery includes featured exhibitions, and permanent collections in mediums including photography, paintings, sculpture and drawings, among others.
There are several museums in New York City that are free or pay-what-you-wish for admission on certain days of the week. The International Center of Photography (ICP), located at 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street, asks for a voluntary contribution Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Through Sept. 12, the ICP is showing its For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights exhibit, which looks at the role of visual culture in shaping the fight for racial equality and justice in America from the late 1940s to the mid 1970s. ICP also has a variety of permanent collections, including its LIFE Magazine collection of photos representing some of the major stories and icons published over the years, and its AIDS Graphics collection comprised of images created in response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 90s.
The Museum of Modern Art, located at 11 W. 53rd St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues, has free admission on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is filled with events and film screenings as well as interactive exhibitions to entertain any creative mind. Other museums of note for special deals include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the American Folk Art Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
One of the best ways to land a cheap seat at a Broadway (or off-Broadway) show is through the TKTS Booth, which has several locations including one in Duffy Square (at 47th and Broadway). Online vendor New York Show Tickets is another great resource for finding discount tickets to Broadway shows. For a list of the Broadway and off-Broadway shows currently running, browse this list compiled by The New York Times.
One of New York's main gay neighborhoods, Hell's Kitchen, is home to one of the city's best flea markets, where shoppers can find second-hand items from more than 50 vendors.
Travelers can still enjoy the great outdoors while visiting the city by spending time at the Hudson River Park. At the park, visitors can kayak, swim, sunbathe, go sailing, rent and ride bikes, and much more while enjoying the beauty of the Hudson River.
The new Highline Park is a public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure that was used as a freight rail line from 1934 to 1980. Before it could be demolished, the rail was saved for development into a public space, where people can now go to walk through lush greenery and gardens and enjoy views of the Hudson and the New York City skyline on either side of the park.
Dining and Nightlife
For those looking for light fare while enjoying drinks, a game of pool and chic décor, visit NGLCCNY member, Slate, for one of the city's trendiest spots.
G Lounge, located at 225 W.19th St., is one of the city's premier gay bars, with DJs and dancing nightly.
H.K., which is a great place to stop for drinks in Hell's Kitchen, has extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch menus to satisfy anyone's taste. Its sleek, open interior and diverse clientele make this a popular place with the city's gay community.
Where to Stay
When traveling, it's always nice to stay somewhere that makes you feel comfortable. These hotels corporations are all partners of the NGLCC, ensuring that the hotel atmosphere is welcoming and accepting to all guests.
The Grand Hyatt New York, located at 109 East 42nd Street at Grand Central Terminal, is in a prime location for the traveler looking to see everything. It's 24-hour business center, guest rooms with high-speed Internet access, and fitness center make this a great hotel for the connected traveler.
Kimpton has several hotels in the Big Apple, two of which are brand new. Located in Chelsea near the theater district, is Eventi—an artful hotel with beautiful décor. The pet-friendly hotel offers a nightly wine hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., 24-hour business center, complimentary morning coffee and tea bar and 24-hour fitness center and spa facilities. Through Sept. 6, save 15 percent when you book your stay.
Ink 48 is another new Kimpton hotel, featuring two on-site restaurants—one of which practices sustainability with farm-fresh ingredients served in an eco-friendly dining room. Like Eventi, Ink 48 offers a wine hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. each evening, and includes the same generous amenities and luxuries.
Hilton has several hotels in New York City—the Hilton Times Square and Hilton Manhattan East, both of which feature a fitness center, business center, and onsite restaurants, and the Hilton New York, which offers a theater and transportation desk, lounge, on-site restaurants and a business center.
Marriott's many hotels are sure to accommodate any traveler's needs. The Marriott Marquis features New York City's only revolving rooftop restaurant, which offers exquisite views from the heart of Times Square. Also close to Times Square is Marriott's Residence Inn by Marriott/Times Square. The Marriott Downtown, located in the city's financial district, is in close proximity to the Statue of Liberty and the popular shopping area of SoHo. On Manhattan's East side is the Marriott East Side hotel, which puts guests close to popular attractions including Rockefeller Center, Central Park, 5th Avenue and Broadway theaters.
The Ramada Eastside, a short walk to plenty of shopping on 5th and Madison avenues, was fully renovated in 2008 and features free wireless Internet and complimentary continental breakfast. The Ramada Plaza New Yorker Hotel has undergone some guestroom and lobby renovations and is smoke-free. The New Yorker also offers free wireless Internet access, on-site restaurants and plenty of nearby attractions the city has to offer.
There are many luxurious Starwood hotels to choose from in the city. The W New York in midtown Manhattan, is in close proximity to plenty of activities in the city, and includes an on-site restaurant, lounge, fitness center and spa. The W New York - Times Square is right in the heart of the city, perfect for the theater-going traveler. The hotel features a fitness center and on-site restaurant and bar with DJs, games, Internet access and an extensive drink selection.
At Wyndham's Garden Hotel-Manhattan Chelsea located in midtown, guests can enjoy being at the center of all of the city's attractions. The hotel features a fitness center that is open 24/7, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Wyndham offers a number of specials for weekend stays, so be sure to check them out before booking.
"All roads lead to New York City," Oceguera said. "No matter what the season, NYC is a great place for LGBT travelers because of the huge range of options that suit every person's taste."
For more information on what to do and see this summer in NYC, visit NGLCCNY member, NYC & Company, Inc. Check out the NGLCCNY's business directory to find LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses to visit while in New York.
