So, you're stuck in Princeton over spring break while all your friends are off sipping daiquiris in the Caribbean. Have no fear: You're only a quick train ride away from the culture and class of New York City.
Yes, I could sit here and rattle on about the virtues of a dinner at Pastis or a night at Marquee, but New York has much more to offer than a fabulous evening in your Manolos, even if "Sex and the City" tells you otherwise. Of course, before you embark on your Big Apple adventure spring for a Metrocard, Time Out Magazine and a map. After these essentials have been purchased, there are many activities that are fun to do and wallet-friendly.
Museums:
There is no way to have a true New York experience without stopping in a museum or two, and there is no better place to start than at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While it is impossible to cover the whole museum in one day, spending a few hours at one exhibit or viewing one specific part of the collection is fun without overdoing it. Aside from the always wonderful permanent collections, Jasper Johns' exhibit "Gray" is on display until May 4, boasting a highly impressive collection of works by the groundbreaking 20th-century American artist.
While you're uptown, I would also recommend stopping at the Whitney Museum of American Art. From March 6 to June 1, the Whitney will be hosting its Biennial, which features 81 modern artists. From March 6 to March 23, the exhibit will spill into the Park Avenue Armory, where there will also be various events and performances.
If you still haven't satisfied your cultural craving, the Guggenheim Museum is exhibiting the work of Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang through May 28 in a show titled "I Want To Believe." Cai's work, comprising mainly over-the-top installations, currently inhabits the museum's main atrium.
Finally, if you're headed downtown, the Fashion Institute of Technology Gallery is exhibiting the designs of Parisian couturiere Madame Gres from now until April 19. Aside from being especially chic, this exhibit is also free.
Shopping:
Everyone is acquainted with the 5th Avenue heavy-hitters and the chain store sanctuary found in SoHo, but to avoid blowing your budget, definitely devote an afternoon to bargain hunting in Barney's CO-OP or Century 21. Both stores have a selection of high-end places but with delightfully reduced prices. You won't feel half as bad spending $100 if you are buying four items rather than one Theory tank top.
For a bit pricier but very eclectic shopping, don't miss the West Village boutique Darling. It's a bit hard to find, but its combination of trendy new designs alongside vintage finds makes it definitely worth the trek. And did I mention its specialty is dresses? Houseparties is closer than you think.
If you're willing to cross the river and enter my native village of Brooklyn, I would recommend a walk down Smith Street or 5th Avenue. I promise your wardrobes will thank you for it. While on that side of the river, make sure to visit the Promenade and snap the best picture of the Manhattan skyline imaginable.
Oh, lastly: H & M is about as hard to find as Starbucks, so you will definitely not be at a loss for inexpensively trendy (if only for a week) clothes.
Theater:
While it is always possible to pay full price for theater tickets, there are various ways to get tickets for half price or even less. Visit the Half Price Ticket Stand on 46th Street to buy tickets on the cheap for all the current Broadway hits. If you're feeling adventurous and happen to be awake at 8 a.m., many theaters sell student tickets to their shows at the box office. Just call ahead to ensure the show you want to see has this option, and make sure to get there early. Tickets are limited, but if you're lucky like me, you can see "Jersey Boys" for $20 - it's worth every penny.
For theater specifics, my number-one pick right now would be "Fuerzabruta." I guarantee that the show will provide you with an interesting night. Presented by the same company that wowed audiences with "De La Guardia" (think naked "Cirque du Soleil"), "Fuerzabruta" promises to be a visual spectacle, including performers dancing in a swimming pool above the audience's heads. The theater is on East 15th Street, and make sure to order tickets online ahead of time.
Also up right now are previews for the musical "Cry Baby." Until April 23, these tickets are $54 each, so take advantage of the opportunity and see a musical before the rest of America does. If you're in the mood for opera, the Metropolitan Opera has $20 rush seats Monday through Thursday nights, the best bargain in the city.
Easy Eats:
If you take me up on the theater suggestion and your show is in the theater district, the best way to finish off your night is to have a nice meal on Restaurant Row on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. One recommendation would be Joe Allen, a taste of old New York - dark, slightly cramped and always busy with the after-theater crowd. The walls are lined with posters of Broadway flops, and you may very well see Nathan Lane chowing down at the next table. Call ahead and make a reservation; just tell them what show you're seeing, and they will know the very minute you'll be ready to sit down.
If you're in the mood for Italian, I would suggest crossing the street and getting a table at Becco. I can guarantee you won't leave hungry, and it has a wine list with all bottles around $25.
If you're heading back to Princeton and want to grab a bite before the train, I would highly recommend Little Korea. The district is a stone's throw from Penn Station, and many of the restaurants are open 24 hours.
Films:
I know that you can go to the movies anywhere, but only in New York can you see films that are currently unreleased or never to be released. For film buffs, or just the curious tourist, here's a short list of movie theaters to check out: IFC Center, Film Forum, Angelika, Cinema Village and BAM in Brooklyn. If you take the subway to Atlantic Avenue, it's literally right there.
There you have it: just a few ideas for those of you thinking about going to New York during spring break. And if none of these ideas sounds appealing to you, there is always the Empire State Building. Enjoy spring break! If you can't get tan, you might as well get cultured.
LOCATION INFO
Museums:
Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 5th Ave., www.metmuseum.org
Whitney Museum of American Art: 954 Madison Ave. at 75th Street, www.whitney.org
Guggenheim Museum: 1071 5th Ave. at 89th Street, www.guggenheim.org
Fashion Institute of Technology: 7th Ave. at 27th Street, www.fitnyc.edu/aspx/Content.aspx?menu=FutureGlobal:Museum
Shopping:
Barney's CO-OP Chelsea: 236 West 18th St., www.barneys.com/b/c/index.s
Barney's CO-OP Upper West Side: 2151 Broadway, www.barneys.com/b/c/index.s
Century 21: 22 Cortlandt St. between Church and Broadway, www.c21stores.com
Darling: 1 Horatio St. at 8th Avenue, www.darlingnyc.com
Theater:
"Fuerzabruta" at Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 E. 15th St. at Union Square, www.fuerzabrutanyc.com
"Cry Baby" at Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway at 45th Street, www.marquistheatre.com
Metropolitan Opera, 150 West 65th St. at Columbus Avenue, www.metopera.org
Easy Eats:
Joe Allen: 326 West 46th St. at 8th Avenue, www.joeallenrestaurant.com
Becco: 355 West 46th St. at 8th Avenue, www.becconyc.com
Films:
IFC Center: 323 6th Ave. at West 3rd Street, www.ifccenter.com
Film Forum: 209 West Houston St. at 6th Avenue, www.filmforum.org
Angelika: 18 West Houston St. at Mercer Street, www.angelikafilmcenter.com
Cinema Village: 22 East 12th St. at 5th Avenue, www.cinemavillage.com
BAM: 30 Lafeyette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street, Brooklyn, www.bam.org
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