The Campbell Salgados Take NYC
This Summer we headed to New York for inspiration. This vibrant city endlessly gives you something to feast your eyes, ears and tastebuds on.
In 7 days we put over 60 miles on our feet, countless subways, taxis and 1 Uber to explore this fine city. Here are a dozen of sights we ticked off our bucket list that you may enjoy someday too if you haven't already.
Rent a Cool Pad
Try airbnb for a taste of living in the city.
We found this sweet apt in the middle of Chinatown and Little Italy. With a kitchen, an elevator that opens into the apartment, A/C and panoramic views (seriously, Empire State Bldg and One World Trade) of the city we settled into a great home base.
Plus, a block away you can get the best hour long $30 foot massage of your life at Relax Foot Spa.
Take the Subway
Although we trekked 60 miles by foot in 7 days, we also enjoyed the experience of dipping down into the subway and hopping trains to move speedily through the city. We witnessed street performers, nappers and musicians along the way.
For $31 dollars you can get a 7 day unlimited ride pass that also includes the city busses.
Cruise the Harbor
There's no better way to see the famous Manhattan skyline than stepping aboard a ferry, tour boat or kayak. You'll not only see Lady Liberty but the beautiful bridges too.
We chose the Shark tour to satisfy the speed demon teens on our trip.
Alternatively you can catch the Staton Island Ferry for free and enjoy the views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty at a slower pace.
Experience Sleep No More
This was our big splurge. 3 hours in a creatively constructed and imagined "hotel" that covers 100,000 square feet, 100 rooms over 5 floors and a cast of actors who perform (without words) throughout that space.
A combo of Macbeth and Hitchcock–set in the 1930s–the audience members wear Venetian-style masks and are free to meander, follow actors and may participate when invited.
When they split up your party you'll all have different stories to share at the end. Really cool.
Visit the NEW Whitney Museum
In it's dynamic new location in the Meat Packing District the NEW Whitney building is stunning. Situated between the Hudson River and the High Line park this Museum is a visual treat both inside and out.
Filled with American Art from the 20th and 21st centuries you are taken on a colorful ride through history as you start on the top floor and move down.
Take a Ferry to Governor's Island
It's a short ferry ride only 800 yards from lower Manhattan. For two centuries this was a military base and now this Island has been open to the public for the last 11 years.
We saw families picnicking, partiers reveling with the Jazz Age Lawn Party, art shows housed in quaint former houses of soldiers, including a Mary Ellen Mark show.
Check out the Brooklyn Art Museum
Wow. This museum had some great shows for kids, teens and young-at-heart adults.
Including FAILE: Savage/Sacred Young Minds, (which included an arcade of repurposed vintage video game units and pinball machines into stylized art games.) The Rise of Sneaker Culture, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
We were suitably transfixed for a couple hours. Loved, loved, loved the Kaws sculpture in the entry.
Walk the High Line
High Line park is built upon abandoned historic freight rails that rise above the neighborhood and become the most creative, charming and peaceful spot in the heart of the West Side.
In the daytime there are water features to dip your toes in and a place to sit and enjoy the people every few feet.
In the evenings take a romantic stroll along the beautifully landscaped and artfully lit sidewalks. It's free to the public and open 24 hours.
One World Trade Center Observatory
Buy a ticket prior to arriving at One World Trade to get an elevator time for traveling to the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Hudson River, the Harbor and New Jersey will take your breath away.
Coming to a purposeful 1776 feet high it's a deliberate salute to the Declaration of Independence.
9/11 Tribute Tour
This experience dovetails nicely with a One World Trade Center visit and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
On this tour you are walked through the hallowed grounds of the World Trade Center by someone who was there. The memorial is a powerful and meditative place to honor those we lost.
Take a gander at the Survivor Tree (a caller pear tree) that was discovered in the rubble with a little life let in it that was brought back to life. Starts from this tree are shared with other countries and people facing devastating tragedy.
Take in Fuerza Bruta
This exhilerating show in the East Village brings the stage to the sky. The stage managers maneuver the standing audience, left, right, backwards and forward throughout the show.
It was a true feast for the senses. Pictured is a performance space suspended as a ceiling and made of clear plastic that the dancers frolic and slither upon.
Get Lost
Take a few hours and just stroll with no particular destination in mind. You'll discover all kinds of amazing sights when you bumble along.
Artists selling their work on the streets. Musicians playing for love and money. Old buildings tucked in between new.
