Downtown Profile: SoHo

Cobblestone streets are lined with small, five story warehouses in thick brick buildings and street artists paint away as culture identifies itself with the SoHo vibe. An edgy, downtown district known by the disorienting streets that lie South of Houston Street (SoHo). The area is becoming increasingly more touristy as visitors flock each week to browse the unique furniture, design, and art galleries and high end designer shops. Although many New Yorkers do not dare to set foot in SoHo, it has maintained it's artistic charm, chic grunge, and uncanny ability to savor the true flavor of downtown New York.

SoHo is perfect when one knows where to go and how to explore the intricate streets. Clothing taxes in New York weighs a lot more on the bottom line than it does in Jersey, so shopping at affordable stores is key. TopShop on Broadway and Broome Street offers three floors of shopping with a good discount for all who show a student ID. Steve Madden, Forever 21, Converse, Wink, Intermix and many other shops can be found along this road to tailor to ones specific shopping needs. Browse Spring Street, Greene Street, and W. Broadway for more amazing vintage clothes shops and even better dining.

On Spring Street and W. Broadway lies one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The cute walk up eatery offers a unique dining experience; cozy, fresh, and enticing. NYU students hang out among the young and old of the area as warm thin crust pizzas and perfectly cooked penne come out straight from the oven. The atmosphere is bright even though the lighting is dim, reflecting the vibe of the area.

Not only is SoHo a great place to eat and shop, but it is rich in museums and galleries. The New Museum on Bowery Street always exhibits the most up to date artists including their most recent, Carsten Holler Installation. Small galleries can be found along W. Broadway and are open to the public until late at night. SoHo swirls in the late morning and early afternoon with people and shoppers but clears out at night for a perfect walk along Prince Street to browse store windows and savor the innate flavor of downtown New York City; unique, edgy, and constantly changing while remaining in the past.

Winter in the City: Ice Skating to Beat the Blues

The holiday rush has passed and the city is no longer pressured by ridiculous swarms of people pushing through Rockefeller Plaza to see the famous tree or to see the lights of Time Square; all has returned to its usual influx of visitors. Winter in New York is special, but streets frozen over by chilly winds can ruin anyones trip. It is time to beat the winter blues and remind ourselves of the fun that can be found in ice skating. Many venues across Manhattan open their outdoor spaces for the classic winter sport. There is something very unique about skating among the sky scrapers and whirling around a rink as the sounds of New York echo around you. A beautiful dinner, some hot chocolate, and a good round of ice skating make for a perfect city night.

The most popular place to find a skate rink is at Rockefeller Plaza. It sits one story below ground level and a magical feeling takes over as crowds of visitors form around the boundaries to watch the skaters. The only catch is how many people attempt to try and get a pair of skates; sometimes the wait can be an hour long just for a rental. Instead of heading over to Rockefeller, why not try the large ice rink at Bryant Park? The venue may fill up quickly but admission to skate is totally free. Skaters swirl around the "Pond" at Bryant Park as on lookers sip Hot Cocoa, a good way to spend a night even if one isn't brave enough to test the ice. I recommend checking out either venue for a classic city experience, but be advised of large crowds.

Looking for a more secluded and intimate setting with far less crowds? The Standard Hotel on Washington Street and 14th Street (right by the Highline) offers a chic setting with a small but cute ice rink. The innovative hotel opens an ice rink each winter and is perfect for those exploring the Meat Packing District and looking for something to do. Not only are the rental rates fair, but a cute cafe is just next to the rink. Hot chocolate and frites are at your finger tips after a trip around the rink, a warm atmosphere that is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Ice Skating reveals a more classic side to New York. The cold air and looming clouds over the skyline suddenly become a little more tolerable with some winter sports and warmth to brighten anyones wintery blues.

For all prices, times, and addresses, links are provided below:

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/tour-and-explore/the-ice-skating-rink/

http://www.bryantpark.org/things-to-do/pond.html

http://standardculture.com/posts/5541-The-Standard-Ice-Rink-is-Back--stan-d-arde

Watch as theater group "Improve Everywhere" Turns NYC into their own Stage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKB7zfopiUA&list=UUTrtA2LyW7gie0o8hY4efXw&index=25&feature=plcp

Art for the Sake of Art

The thought of “Modern Art” can seem like a daunting and sometimes inexplicable concept for one to grasp. The dull roar of a blank canvas can seem overwhelming to an audience who are trying to discover some shred of meaning behind the plain, white gesso. But what if the constant search to find the significance within an artwork was completely removed from the equation?

Spanish artist, Maurizio Cattelan leaves his viewers with only their own comprehension of his unexpected installations and a relief for his ability to create art for the sake of art. Cattelan works simply to evoke an emotion; he has attempted to break the mold of typical modern art and gives his audience a good laugh. His large, life-sized wax sculptures are derived from strong themes that are rooted in religion, sexuality, and death. They generate a reaction from the audience that range from intrigue, to offense, to awe struck.

Cattelan’s most recent show, “All”, at the Guggenheim Museum, is an exhibition of his entire body of work, the most interesting part; it has been suspended from a contraption at the museum’s atrium. Entering the room, a rush of excitement runs through the room as visitors gaze at the massive cluster of work dangling weightlessly from the ceiling, trying to define each piece. As you ascend the Guggenheim’s famous spiraling ramp, the sculptures begin to become more discernible. An “I spy” game starts between couples and groups. A poor Pope John Paul II has been struck down by a meteor amidst some young children and anonymous bodies who have been hung in the middle of the museum. A taxidermy elephant who is covered in a white sheet with the eyes cut out, gazes at visitors and each piece is savored with it’s own identity. Cattelan uses intense images in an ironically humorous way to push the boundaries put on society. He portrays themes to his viewers which may be upsetting or outlandish to some. But whether it be religious or politically incorrect, the pieces become more interesting as the ramp climbs higher to the top. A horse has gotten his head stuck through a wall and a little old lady named Betsy is hiding in a refrigerator.

Large Billboards of perfume ads and canvases with a slashed Zorro like ‘Z’s hang among wax figures and taxidermy. Cattelan’s most infamous sculpture sways gently at the top. Viewers crowd around a praying child-like Hitler, speaking volumes about religious themes and pure irony. All of the installations have been shown in major international forums such as the Tate Modern in London and were typically meant to be shown as performance pieces. Having been viewed by thousands of people world wide, Cattelan’s refreshing take on art is surprising to many. His genuine love for creating art for his own enjoyment exposes the quirky thrill that he takes in his own career and translates into his compositions. His exhibition at the Guggenheim is in it’s final weeks, but is greatly recommended to see before it leaves town to get a good laugh and a new take on modern art.

Open through the 22 of January at the Guggenheim

How to Learn NYC: The Subway Game

For many, the subway system in New York City is a mess of trains and crowds. In reality, the metro system is the most economic and efficient means of public transportation; it is also the best way to learn the city. It shows the true side of New York with it’s residents and experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Grab a friend and take off on a subway adventure and explore the city like never before.

The rules of this game are simple and easy. One, get a metro card at any of the vendors in each station and then pick a train line. Depending on where you are, look on a map and see which trains leave from your starting station. Whether it be the 1 train, the A train or the M train, decide if you want to head uptown or downtown. While on the subway, pick a number between one and ten and that will be how many stops will pass before you get off. I recommend staying within Manhattan because it is easy to navigate the grid-like streets and find your way home easily.

For just $2.25 New York opens up. Take the 1 train from Penn Station, go uptown, and you might find yourself wandering along Amsterdam Avenue among brownstones and ultra-chic brasseries. Go downtown to NYU’s campus and experience the life and scene at Washington Square Park and the incredible vintage stores on Bleeker Street. For the adventurous spirit, taking the N,R, or Q train may take you to Williamsburg, Brooklyn; an up and coming artists’ community or take the trek out to Coney Island for a truly unforgettable experience! The possibilities are endless and after a few rounds of The Subway Game, you might just consider yourself to be a true New Yorker.

Place to Experience: The Highline

Ascending the stairs at 13th Street and Ganservoot, an unexpected dream like scene appears almost out of nowhere as the Highline opens up. Benches rise out of the ground and extend throughout the pathways along side large plants and old railroad tracks; a perfect balance between the new age and history. Running parallel to the Hudson river and over looking the downtown skyline, the Highline is the best spot at night to view New York from an eye opening perspective; all of the small apartments and hotels come to life with music, restaurants and clubs. Walking further, the path passes through abandoned warehouses and offers chic pop-up cafes and stands throughout the summer and fall seasons. Water flows out of vents on the ground and sun bathers can lounge on chaise chairs for the ultimate escape from the New York stress.

The seemingly long one mile trek flies by as the walkway makes way around buildings and streets. At each turn, something new can be discovered. I personally love the lawn at 21st Street; a place for picnics, frisbee throwing, and skyscraper gazing at night. Chairs and a set of bleachers rise above 9th Avenue that allows visitors to observe the scene and people-watch. A posh, modern escape, the Highline offers an intriguing experience that makes it’s guests feel at peace in the middle of the city’s chaos. It is promised to be one of the most beautiful twenty block stretches that can be found in New York. Entry to the park is free and all amenities, such as the chairs, are also free of charge. Stair access can be found at 13th St, 18th St, and at further points along the walk. While winters can be cold in New York, this is a sight that all should see and gets even better as the weather gets warmer and brighter.