Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart Episode: NYC’s ‘Must-See Week’ Date: January 24, 2024
Overview
This lively episode of All Of It explores “NYC Must-See Week,” an initiative promoting discovery and appreciation of New York City's cultural attractions. Host Alison Stewart celebrates the city’s top ranking by TimeOut magazine, then welcomes Tiffany Townsend (Executive VP of Global Communications for NYC Tourism and Conventions) to highlight two-for-one ticket deals at renowned museums, tours, and performing arts venues. The conversation features audience call-ins and team picks, with a chorus of recommendations from New Yorkers passionate about sharing their favorite spots—touristy and hidden gems alike.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introducing NYC Must-See Week (03:29-04:26)
- NYC named “#1 city in the world” by TimeOut is mentioned as backdrop.
- Alison Stewart (A) lays out the episode: “We're talking about a range of activities from going to the Top of the Rock to attending the Met to a Brooklyn pizza tour.”
- What is Must-See Week?
- Runs through February 4th.
- Promotes New York City’s cultural institutions via two-for-one deals—museums, tours, performances.
Notable Quote:
Alison: “Okay, Tiffany, give me the elevator pitch. Must see NYC.” (04:26)
The Power of Two-for-One: Making NYC Accessible (04:26-05:21)
- Tiffany Townsend (B): “We need Must See week because it is a great way to explore New York...two for one tickets on museums, attractions, performing arts and tours...citywide, so there's something in all five boroughs.”
- Highlights major participants: Alvin Ailey, Carnegie Hall, Empire State Building, Museum of the Moving Image, Kings County Distillery, and more.
Notable Quote:
Tiffany: “Two for one, two for one, two for one tickets.” (05:18)
Defining a “Must-See” in NYC (05:21-06:14)
- Iconic vs. Local: Encourage both classic sites (Empire State Building, Met, Carnegie Hall) and deeper dives.
- Alison and Tiffany agree the value deal enables more exploration: “...it's an amazing entry point...but also go deeper, explore a little bit further.” (05:29)
Personal Picks & Family Recommendations (06:14-06:54)
- Tiffany’s personal faves:
- Botanical Garden (“I love just a good walk outside.”)
- Empire State Building (“...possibly because I also live nearby...”)
- Skating rinks, Whitney, MoMA.
- Finds new, family-friendly experiences with her child.
Hidden Borough Gems: Staten Island & the Bronx (08:12-09:57)
- St. George Theater on Staten Island (“offering two-for-one tickets on their ultimate Elvis experience”).
- Botanical Gardens programming, even in winter.
- Yankee Stadium tour during offseason.
Notable Quote:
Tiffany: “Who kind of doesn't love a boat trip, right?” (08:12)
Listener Call-Ins: Locals’ Must-Sees (10:07+)
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner (Manhattan) – Broadway-style singing waitstaff. (10:07-10:45)
- Museum of the City of New York & City Reliquary (Brooklyn) – For history buffs and quirky exhibits. (10:51-12:23)
- McSorley’s Old Ale House (classic NYC bar). (12:39-13:00)
- Louis Armstrong House (Queens) – “...just undergone a huge renovation...getting both the history of the musician, but also a performing arts experience as well.” (13:27)
- NYC Transit Museum – Decommissioned subway trains, NYC transit history. (14:40-15:29)
- Brooklyn Food Tours – Bagel and pizza experiences, Kings County Distillery date nights. (15:36-16:15)
Challenging the “Touristy” Label (16:15-17:31)
- Broadway Museum – Insights into the history of hundreds of shows.
- Observation decks: Empire State, Summit at One Vanderbilt, the Edge, One World, Top of the Rock.
- Tiffany: “...honestly, I don't think you can ever say that it gets old to see New York City from on high.” (16:29)
More Local Advice: Eating, Exploring, Hidden History (17:31-19:23)
- Cloisters (Uptown medieval art), restaurants with views, Irish pubs in Forest Hills, Jalopy Theater in Red Hook.
- Restaurant Week deals: “30, 45, and 60 for both lunch and dinner. So it's another...good pairing of like kind of creating your day of what to do and then where to eat.” (18:39-19:23)
Team ‘All Of It’ and Further Recommendations (22:21+)
- Queens Museum’s Panorama (miniature model of the city, detailed and awe-inspiring).
- NYPL’s Main Branch – Rose Reading Room and Polonsky Exhibit.
- Harlem highlights: Royal Tenenbaum house, Strivers Row, Sugar Hill Creamery, Make My Cake (James Beard semi-finalist).
- Brooklyn Navy Yard: Public tours and artisan food.
- Baby’s All Right (Williamsburg) – Live music venue for the “real New York vibe.” (27:24)
- Coney Island – Classic rides, Cyclones baseball, fireworks.
- Chelsea Market, High Line, Little Island – Food, art, and urban walks. (28:49)
- Grand Central Station and Central Park – Iconic NYC spaces.
- Greenwood Cemetery, Morgan Library, Bed-Stuy Waterfront.
- Casa Adela (Manhattan) – Beloved Puerto Rican restaurant, “feels like home style cooking.” (30:31)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:18 | Tiffany | “Two for one, two for one, two for one tickets.” | | 08:12 | Tiffany | “Who kind of doesn't love a boat trip, right?” | | 13:27 | Tiffany | “...you're getting both the history of the musician, but you're also getting a performing arts experience as well...” | | 14:40 | Caller | “I cannot say enough about the New York City Transit Museum over in Brooklyn...” | | 16:29 | Tiffany | “Honestly, I don't think you can ever say that it gets old to see New York City from on high.” | | 20:49 | Laura (Caller) | “I like to call it my immigrant New York Day.” | | 30:35 | Malik (Team) | “Their carne guisada is to die for...it feels like home style cooking.” |
Highlights by Borough
Manhattan:
- Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Broadway Museum, Whitney, MoMA, NYPL, Grand Central, Central Park, the Cloisters, Casa Adela.
Brooklyn:
- Brooklyn Navy Yard, Jalopy Theater, Bagel Tours, Kings County Distillery, City Reliquary, Brooklyn Waterfront, Greenwood Cemetery.
Queens:
- Museum of the Moving Image, Louis Armstrong House, Queens Museum Panorama.
Bronx:
- Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium.
Staten Island:
- St. George Theater, Staten Island Ferry.
Unique and Offbeat Recommendations
- Merchants House Museum (East Village historic townhouse)
- Crying on the subway during rush hour (“A classic New York experience”—text submission)
- African Burial Ground National Monument, Weeksville Heritage Society.
Episode Tone & Style
The conversation is upbeat, community-driven, and filled with practical advice and genuine enthusiasm for the city’s cultural richness. The tone is inclusive, with Stewart frequently urging listeners: “We want to hear from you.” The team and callers match the city’s diversity and reveal New York’s culture at every level.
For more information visit: nyctourism.com/mustseeweek
NYC Must-See Week and Restaurant Week run through February 4th—discover, savor, and explore the best of New York City!