← All Of It with Alison Stewart
All Of It with Alison Stewart
Summer in the City: Make The Most of Manhattan
00:51:33
Rossilynne Culgan, the 'Things To Do' editor at Time Out New York, talks about her favorite summer attractions from around Manhattan.
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- [00:08]
David Fuerst
This is all of it. I'm David Fuerst in for Alison Stewart. On today's show, we speak with the star and the director of the new post apocalyptic film 40 acres. And we'll learn how Live Aid spurred a conversation about celebrity and charity. Yes, it was 40 years ago. Wow. That's the plan. So let's get started with Summer in the City Manhattan edition. It's hot outside. It's summer. But a summer day or a night out in Manhattan has a chance to be a good time, no matter the weather. This week on the show, we've been brainstorming ideas for things to do in each New York borough. And we are finishing today with Manhattan, the borough that is probably already receives the most attention, and yet there are still surprises and new discoveries to be made out there. And to help us find some of Manhattan's hidden secrets, we have Rosalind Colgan back in the studio. She is Time Out New York's Things to Do editor and author of the book Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Rosalind, good to see you again.
- [01:24]
Rosalind Colgan
Good to see you. Glad to dive into these secrets.
- [01:26]
David Fuerst
Absolutely. We were talking about beaches last time. Now we're all about Manhattan. So summer in New York, it sometimes gets a bad reputation, right? It's hot, A lot of people leave for vacation. But what do you enjoy about a Manhattan summer?
- [01:43]
Rosalind Colgan
Oh, I love a Manhattan summer, especially today because the humidity is finally calming down a little bit. It's pretty amazing. Thank goodness.
- [01:49]
David Fuerst
Yes.
- [01:49]
Rosalind Colgan
But I love walking the city. I thankfully, through my book research, I've had the opportunity to walk lots and lots of the streets in this city and explore it, finding these hidden gems. And I love a free thing to do. And many of the things we're gonna talk about today are free, so that's even better.
- [02:04]
David Fuerst
We're gonna get to a lot of things, but is there anything in particular that you can experience during summer in Manhattan that you can't during any other season?
- [02:14]
Rosalind Colgan
Ooh, that's a good question. I personally love walking along our river trails. So for me, I mean, sure, you can do that in the fall. I am an avid walker, so I'm even walking in the winter when it's safe, when it's not too icy. But I think walking along any of the trails along our rivers during the summer is just unrivaled.
- [02:33]
David Fuerst
Okay, well, I'm already out there walking the trail. I like this to get us started. So, listeners, what is your best recommendation for something fun to do in Manhattan this summer? It could be anything. It could be an event, a landmark that you like to visit, a park, a restaurant, a bar, or. Or maybe an underrated activity that you think anyone would enjoy. Call now or text us at 212-433-9692. That's 212-433-WNYC. We want to hear your ideas for having fun in Manhattan in the summer, but let's talk first about your book once again. It's called New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. So you wrote all about the secrets to be found. That's New York, and we're gonna get to some of those. But how did this become your thing?
- [03:28]
Rosalind Colgan
Yeah. So I love writing about things to do in the city and helping people get out and explore these hidden gems. In particular, the things that are kind of hiding in plain sight. So when the opportunity to do this book came about, I was so excited to dive in. I tried to make it a mix of things that are true, secrets that most people don't know about. I am a proud transplant. So for me, it was seeing the city through new ey. I love being able to stump native New Yorkers. It's one of my favorite. Oh, it's a sport. It's a sport, absolutely. And that's really exciting to me. But I also wanted the book to be accessible for people who maybe are visiting. You know, maybe they want to go to the Empire State Building. Maybe they're going to Grand Central. But they could find something different in these pages.
- [04:15]
David Fuerst
Is it also something if you're working for Time out, you cover things?
- [04:19]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, it's a part of my life over the years.
- [04:21]
David Fuerst
So you're always looking for the new thing that you haven't hit on yet.
- [04:24]
Rosalind Colgan
100%. Yeah. Helping people make the most of their time is kind of definitely what I do at timeout, and then definitely what I've been doing with this side project on my book as well.
- [04:33]
David Fuerst
Very cool. So let's get to one of your ideas. We have some calls already coming in, and we'll get to those in just a moment. 212-433-9692. But first up is in your secret ideas here, the Bowling green fence at 24 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Please tell us about it.
- [04:52]
Rosalind Colgan
So I try not to pick favorites with my secrets, but this one, I have to admit, is definitely high on my list. So this is the city's oldest fence, which goes around Bowling Green Park. So why do we care about an old fence? Right.
- [05:07]
David Fuerst
First of all, that's incredible.
- [05:08]
Rosalind Colgan
It is, yes.
- [05:09]
David Fuerst
The oldest fence.
- [05:10]
Rosalind Colgan
That's right. But the reason we care about that, not just because of its age, it also has a revolutionary history. So we'll start at the beginning. It is back in 1770. There's this gilded lead statue of Britain's King George III, which is hard to even imagine, but we're going way back in time. That's up in the center of the park. So it didn't have a long life there, though just a few years later, revolution was on the way. We're in summer of 1776. We have the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in New York. People are really riled up about this. People are very excited. So what the New Yorkers do, they take that, that, that statue, they knock it over, and then they drag it up Broadway. Now, how does this relate to the fence? So in addition to the statue of the king, also on the fence post, there were these little crowns representing the monarchy, and our predecessors also chopped those off as well. Now, what I think is so fascinating about the story, they took the statue and then they had it melted down to become ammunition for the war.
- [06:20]
Caller
So.
- [06:21]
Rosalind Colgan
So, yeah, really sticking it to him.
- [06:22]
David Fuerst
Wow.
- [06:23]
Rosalind Colgan
But you can go to the park nowadays, and if you look closely at the fence posts, they look a little off. They're like a little off kilter. That is because in this kind of fervor for independence, all of those little crowns were knocked off.
- [06:38]
David Fuerst
You can really still see.
- [06:39]
Rosalind Colgan
You really can see it.
- [06:39]
David Fuerst
Feel that moment.
- [06:40]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, absolutely.
- [06:41]
David Fuerst
That's the bowling green fence. 24 Broadway, lower Manhattan. If someone travels to see, you know, a fence, is there, is there something else they can do in the area there to kind of make a day out of it?
- [06:53]
Rosalind Colgan
For sure. For sure. So most, most people who are traveling to New York are going to see the Wall street bull when they're in that area. And that's totally fine. You know, stand in line, get your photo. That's great. But, you know, continue on down towards Lower Manhattan and see this more unique secret as well.
- [07:08]
David Fuerst
Very cool. Okay, again, if you want to join this conversation, we're going to get to your calls in just a moment. 212-433-9692. We have a text right now, and you have to respond to this one. And this is one of the number one things on the list, right? Shakespeare in the Park.
- [07:23]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes. Oh, I'm so glad that this got brought up. I actually just the other day went to see a sneak peek of the new Delacorte Theater, and I can tell you it is so Beautiful. So Shakespeare in the park is going to be reopening August 7th. They're doing 12th Night this year, so I think that'll be really fun. The theater looks fantastic. They actually used redwood reclaimed from New York City's water towers across the five boroughs. And that wood is now on the theater. It looks gorgeous. And it actually smells good too, which is nice.
- [07:53]
David Fuerst
Very cool. Okay, 212-433. WNYC. Let's hear from George in Manhattan. Do you have a suggestion for us?
- [08:02]
Caller
Yes, I do. This summer, from August 3rd to the 10th, will be the inaugural Nomad Jazz Festival with free concerts in Madison Square park on the weekend, the 9th. And. But from the 3rd to the 9th, there'll be free performances in businesses and restaurants all over Flatiron. Nomad, my organization, the Tin Pan Alley American Pops and Music Project, will be presenting free concerts on August 6 from 12 to 2 at Natuzzi, a gorgeous furniture store on Madison Avenue. And then from 5 to 7 at another gorgeous venue, the Brass Restaurant in the Evelyn Hotel, from 5 to 7 with renowned cabaret Eric Eve Garcia. It's all free. And there's more information at flatironnomad nyc, the website of our partners at the Flatiron Nomad Partnership.
- [09:00]
David Fuerst
Wow, George, thank you for sharing. And Rosalind, is this an event you're familiar with or is this a new one to add to your hidden list?
- [09:07]
Rosalind Colgan
Just got an email about this actually. So I'm so glad that you or someone from your team reached out. I love a free event and I love jazz, so I'm excited about this one.
- [09:16]
David Fuerst
Okay, we're taking another call right now. This is Jesenia in Long Island. Welcome to all of it.
- [09:23]
Caller
Hi, how are you?
- [09:24]
David Fuerst
Great. Do you have a suggestion for something to do in Manhattan?
- [09:28]
Caller
Yes. So I have found myself in the city and I was like, why should we go on the train and pay? I forgot how much the train is these days. But anyways, and we took the ferry, my sister in law and I, we basically went wherever the wind blew and it blew us towards the ferry. Bounced around in the city on the ferries and it was like the best experience because it was a beautiful day. It was only like $4 or $4.50. I forgot how much it was. And it was just. It was really, really nice taking the ferry instead of being stuck on a muggy train. And you know, and then we got to see so many things.
- [10:05]
Rosalind Colgan
Even the Statue of Liberty, I love that. And if you do the Staten island ferry, that one is free and has a good view. Of the Statue of Liberty. Every summer I try to take the ferry over to Governor's Island. I absolutely love hang checking out some of the restaurants. They have a lavender field, which is so gorgeous and smells so good to walk through, and a beautiful view of Manhattan as well.
- [10:28]
David Fuerst
Well, that's great. Thank you for that suggestion. You can join the conversation. You're listening to all of it here on WNYC, 212-433-9692. And let's hear from Bob in Oceanside, New York. Welcome. Good afternoon.
- [10:43]
Caller
Good afternoon. Thanks for the call. I wanted to recommend Little island on 12th street in Manhattan, right at the river. We were there for the first day of gospel at Colonis. That costs money, but you can listen to the music. If you're walking around in the park, there were people who were way up on the trails and they were listening to it and they got as much of it as they could. And just Little island is fantastic. It's got food, it's got lots and lots of people. It's got a play area for children. And as I said, you can't beat it. It's free.
- [11:16]
David Fuerst
And Bob, as you were speaking, we just got another text saying concerts at Little Island. See the sunset. Always awesome performances.
- [11:26]
Rosalind Colgan
It's absolutely beautiful. And as the caller mentioned, some of the shows have a fee, but some of them are free as well. So you can check out the list online. There's concerts, there's theater. They have an excellent lineup this year. And I believe Little island is open until midnight, which is so cool to me. That's kind of one of the things, the things that you can do in a later night hour.
- [11:44]
David Fuerst
Great idea. Let's take another call. This is Damani in Brooklyn. Welcome to all of it. You have a suggestion as well?
- [11:52]
Caller
Yes, hi. My favorite thing to do, especially on a hot day, is to get out on the water. I know someone had mentioned that they had a great time going up and down on the ferry. I know it does cost a little bit of money, but it is the best way to beat the heat, to get a great breeze and then, you know, just to see Manhattan from a different perspective. You know, a lot of people come into the city and they want to go to a Broadway show, a museum, and so forth and so on. But when you're out on the wall, day or night, you get the bridges, you get the harbor, you do get the Statue of Liberty, and it's a totally different perspective. Great way to beat the heat for little to no money. And the Staten island ferry is Something that I used to do as a kid all the time. And now that. So, and now that the ferries go up to, you know, up on the Upper east side, you know, past Roosevelt island, even stopping on Roosevelt island. That's also another great place. But, yeah, the ferries. If any of your listeners want to get out on the water, this is a great way to do it.
- [12:57]
David Fuerst
That's great. And Rosalind, what about that Damani's suggestion that one of the best things to do in Manhattan is to get out of Manhattan and look at Manhattan?
- [13:05]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes. I mean, the view of Manhattan from the water is absolutely exquisite. So whether you're doing the ferry, which you can do pretty cheaply, you can do again, the Staten island ferry for free, or if you want to splurge a little bit, which I, you know, recommend treating yourself a little bit if you can. This summer, classic Harbor Lines is my favorite. They do these boat tours around Manhattan. They have brunch tours. They have, like, a tapas tour, which you can do on Monday evenings. It's one of my favorite things to do when I have visitors coming into the city. And then also just, you know, great. Even if you are local to the city and want to just get out and kind of have a fun experience.
- [13:41]
David Fuerst
On the water, we're speaking with Rosalyn Colgan. Your book is New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. And your next pick is, if I'm reading this correctly, a witch in Central Park. Can you explain?
- [13:54]
Rosalind Colgan
There is. This is one of those secrets that's hiding in plain sight. So this witch is located near Bethesda Terrace, right near the mall. So this is, you know, the busiest part of Central Park. It's an absolutely packed area, but people tend to walk by it. So she is one of the many intricate carvings that are located right along the mall. We can thank one of Central Park's co designers, Calvert Vox, for these carvings. It was his idea that he wanted these carvings to kind of represent the passing of time. And of course, the witch represents nighttime, so we can see her. She's hanging out there on her broom and in her pointy hat. And then there's like this little kind of cityscape behind her, which is really cool to see. And a jack o' lantern as well. Of course, she has to have a jack o' lantern. So for us, when we see this, it probably reminds us of fall or perhaps Halloween, of course, that we can celebrate year round. But back when this was built, it really paid tribute to the Irish workers who helped to build the park. Because Halloween was really associated with Irish culture. So think about that when you go to see her. She's hiding there in plain sight along all the other kind of beautiful floral motifs. There's a lot of birds, but there is a witch in fact, as well.
- [15:06]
David Fuerst
And again, if you want help finding exactly where this is, do you have this in your book?
- [15:11]
Rosalind Colgan
I do. Yes. This is in the book as well. My tip for listeners is if you are taking the stairs down from the mall to Bethesda Terrace. So you're going from the mall down the stairs, look to your left hand side and you will find her.
- [15:26]
David Fuerst
Okay. Hope you're taking notes. We'll continue this conversation in just a moment. If you would like to join the conversation, give us a call, 212-433-9692. That's 212433, WNYC. We're speaking with Rosalind Colgan, author of New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. And we're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer. This is all of it on wnyc. This is all of it on wnyc. I'm David Fuerst. And for Alison Stewart, we're spe speaking with Rosalind Colgan, the author of Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. And we're taking your calls as we're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer. And the number to call is 212-433-9692. Let's hear now from Nora in White Plains. Welcome.
- [16:30]
Caller
Hi. Thank you. I love the show. You mentioned Shakespeare in the park with the Public. But Classical Theater of Harlem has a Shakespeare or a production every year in Marcus Garvey Park. And it's Memnon this year, which I gather is a current play but about ancient times. And it's in the Richard Rogers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. And many of the performances have pre shows. I've seen classical singers in a children's convention choir and chambers music. And I think this year they have some speakers. And you if you go to cthnyc.org it shows you the schedule. It started the 5th of July and it's Tuesday through Sunday every week till the 27th. And it shows you also the schedule of the pre shows. And a lot of people there's like an hour break. A lot of people bring, you know, picnics and picnic in the amphitheater between the pre show and the production or before the production. And I've enjoyed it for many years now. I think it's been around roughly 10 years, and there's always a lot of dance. They had a Twelfth Night set during the Harlem Renaissance last year with great dance elements in it. So. And it's free, completely free. And it's, it's a couple. It's a very short walk from the, from the 4 and 5 and 6 trains and also to Metro north if you're coming in for the day outside of the city and you want to end up at the Classical Theater of Harlem, and then you're just a few blocks from your train home.
- [17:55]
David Fuerst
Nora, you have all the details. And let me ask you one more time. Did you say the website for more information was cthnyc.org nyc.org Can I add one quick item? Sure.
- [18:07]
Caller
I've called this show before. I'm a singer and I sing a capella, sort of the gold from the American Songbook at the South Gatehouse of the Central Park Reservoir. You had a show asking what people's favorite things to do in the park were a few weeks back, and you were also in for Alison. And I'm there roughly from noon to late in the afternoon with a break, and I sing all sorts of stuff. And it's for the hearing, but donations are always welcome.
- [18:34]
David Fuerst
Well, that's wonderful. There we go. Another bonus Things to do. Nora, thank you so much. And is that a show, a series you're familiar with?
- [18:41]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, I have heard of it, but I haven't made it up there yet, so I need to do it. And I am absolutely just enamored with the idea of sitting there in the park with a picnic under the stars. That sounds fabulous. And got to come see you in the park in Central park as well.
- [18:54]
David Fuerst
Things to do in Manhattan. It is a long list.
- [18:57]
Rosalind Colgan
It's a long list.
- [18:58]
David Fuerst
Let's be honest. Let's hear from Joe in Staten Island. Welcome to all of it.
- [19:04]
Caller
Oh, thank you. I have to say I'm wild about the Tenement Museum in the Lower east side because it gives us such a view of so many different kinds of New York, especially immigrant New York. And it's in the Lower east side, and you're right near Katz's, which is kind of hard to get into these days, but there's also economy candy and lots of gelato. And if you're super ambitious and you want to see how the other half, meaning the upper crust, lives, go to the Merchant's house on the same day and get a really good comparison.
- [19:36]
David Fuerst
Wow, what a great package deal there, Jo. What about that?
- [19:39]
Rosalind Colgan
I have to Agree with you, Joe. The Tenement Museum is one of my favorite places in Manhattan. It's fascinating. I've done, I think, four or five of the tours there. I'm trying to kind of work my way through them and see these different experiences of. Of immigrants and of people who lived in New York City before us. It's fascinating. So definitely recommend that one as well.
- [19:59]
David Fuerst
We have a text here. There is a nice east side riverwalk. You talked about riverwalks before. It says, enter a Promenade at 34th Street. Ferries are there and cool breezes. Also, the Clearwater does Sunset sails on the west side. What about some of these events?
- [20:17]
Rosalind Colgan
That sounds fabulous. I haven't been to that particular riverwalk, so I'm adding that to my list. I am typically on the west side, so I also need to check out the Clearwater as well. That's a great tip.
- [20:27]
David Fuerst
Okay. And now let's hear from Jeff calling from the Bronx. Welcome to all of it as we're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer.
- [20:37]
Caller
Good afternoon and Good Friday to you. I want to bring you to the other end of the island up towards Inwood park. In Inwood park, where Peter Minuet is famously born. The island for $24 worth of trinkets from the Lenape Indians. There is a big stone there with a plaque on it stating so there used to be a big oak tree. While you're there, there is a beautiful view of the Columbia Sea Rock, which is on the. Well, it's on the Bronx side, but it's really part of. Still part of Manhattan. Near Spartan Diver. At what point? The Marble Hill project. So the whole Marble area was part of Manhattan and it's still considered part of Manhattan. In fact, when they get called for jury duty, the people in the Bronx, in Manhattan, part of the Bronx, have to go downtown for jury duty. So it's a lovely park up there. And then the honey Hudson Bridge. Great views.
- [21:39]
David Fuerst
What about the parks up there? There's some really dramatic land.
- [21:42]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, dramatic land, absolutely. And I have one thing on my list we'll talk about in a little bit that gives you kind of this cityscape view not too far from the area. But that sounds absolutely extraordinary. And I need to go see this historical rock that you mentioned. That sounds fascinating.
- [21:58]
David Fuerst
If you'd like to join the conversation as we're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer. 212-433-9692. Let's hear from Jerry in Manhattan.
- [22:11]
Caller
Hi. Walking over the Triborough Bridge is spectacular on a clear Day, you have a 360 panoramic view from One World Trade north to Westchester. It's recently been made ADA compliant. You can walk all three legs. You could get off at Randall's Island. And if you wind up your trip in Queens, you'll be in Astoria, where you could go to great restaurants.
- [22:34]
David Fuerst
Jerry, what about if, let's say, let's just imagine for a moment here that you're afraid of heights. How was the experience? Can you do it?
- [22:44]
Caller
Sure. There are railings. It's protected. There's a pedestrian lane, a bike lane. Interestingly enough, the north side doesn't have a suicide fence like you see on the GW Bridge. But it's perfectly safe. It is very high up at some points. Yeah, you get north, and also you're right next to the traffic, so it's very, very loud.
- [23:05]
David Fuerst
Have you ever done the bridge?
- [23:06]
Rosalind Colgan
I've never done that, but it sounds like you have a spirit for walking like I do. So I need to get on my sneakers and go take this walk and look at the view.
- [23:14]
David Fuerst
Okay. I think for a lot of the things we're talking about today, we better keep the sneakers handy.
- [23:19]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, for sure.
- [23:20]
David Fuerst
Join the conversation. We're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer here on all of it. 212-433-9692. That's 212433. WNYC. Rita calling from Montclair, New Jersey. Welcome.
- [23:38]
Caller
Thank you. I highly recommend the trip up to Fort Tryon park up at 207th street in the inward section of Manhattan and walk up to the cloisters. The cloisters themselves are beautiful. It overlooks the Hudson river. And sometimes on Sunday they play the carillon. So you can listen to a concert while you're there and then take the bus back downtown and you see all of Manhattan as you go back downtown.
- [24:15]
David Fuerst
Very cool. Thank you for that suggestion.
- [24:17]
Rosalind Colgan
Fabulous. The cloisters are a great.
- [24:19]
David Fuerst
Getting a lot of texts about the cloisters.
- [24:21]
Rosalind Colgan
Amazing. All right. A great place to visit on a. On a hot summer day. I think the. The day I visited a couple summers ago was one of the hottest days of the summer. But it does feel like a respite at the Cloisters. Beautiful art that you can explore, some lovely gardens as well. And then the views, as you mentioned, are absolutely lovely.
- [24:37]
David Fuerst
The number to call, 212-433-9692. That's 212-433-WNYC. We had Jerry in Manhattan. Now we have Jeffrey in Manhattan. Welcome to all of it.
- [24:52]
Caller
Thanks for having me.
- [24:53]
David Fuerst
It's great. Do you have a suggestion?
- [24:56]
Caller
Yeah, I was gonna say that the new park on the east river that just opened in July is incredible. They've got all these free grills you can use. I like to go over there and do a little reading on the grass. It's just a very peaceful part of lower Manhattan.
- [25:13]
David Fuerst
Well, that's getting a big response from the room here, Jeffrey, people that did not know that park was already open. So that sounds very cool.
- [25:20]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes. You've got the scoop for us. So thank you for the news tip. That sounds beautiful.
- [25:26]
David Fuerst
And while we're talking about hidden things in New York City, your book, once again, it's called Secrets New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. We're speaking with Rosalind Colgan. And let's get to another one of the tips from your book. We're going to Harlem now, the Schomburg center for Research in Black Culture, where you can see the ashes of one of Harlem's most famous residents. Can you talk about that?
- [25:52]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes, that's right. So Langston Hughes ashes are actually located at the Schomburg center. And you can find. See the ashes or. Well, you can't quite see them, but I can tell you they're in a book shaped urn that's located beneath this art installation on the floor. The installation is called Rivers, and it actually is inspired by Hughes's poetry. So that's really beautiful. Now, if you aren't familiar, Langston Hughes was known as Harlem's poet laureate and he was this icon of the Harlem Renaissance movement, which one of our callers mentioned too, about the play that was at the Classical Theater of Harlem last year. And the Harlem Renaissance was really this cultural movement, black art, music, literature, from 1918 to 1930 to the mid-1930s. So the fact that we're able to go to the Schoenberg center and remember Langston Hughes's legacy is very special.
- [26:44]
David Fuerst
What else do you suggest we do at the Schomburg or perhaps in the surrounding neighborhood?
- [26:48]
Rosalind Colgan
It's part of the New York Public Library. So while you're there, they do have some great programming. You can check out their website online to see what kind of programs they have coming up. A really lovely community center as well.
- [26:59]
David Fuerst
Okay, join the conversation. Let us know your favorite thing to do in Manhattan in the summer. It can be anything. Let's hear from Katie in Westchester. Welcome to all of it.
- [27:10]
Caller
Hi, how are you?
- [27:12]
David Fuerst
Great, thanks. Good to have you with us.
- [27:14]
Caller
Thanks for the segment. So the West Village Chorale hosts A series of weekly summer sings at Judson Memorial Church in the West Village right at the bottom of Washington Square Park. If you're a singer, you can come in, pay $20 or 15 if you're a student. And we've got a conductor and a pianist each week and we sing through, you know, big choral works like Mozart's Requiem, Brahms Requiem. Most weeks we've got a hundred or more singers and it's air conditioned.
- [27:42]
David Fuerst
Oh, there's the little.
- [27:43]
Rosalind Colgan
That's so fun.
- [27:44]
David Fuerst
You're saving the air conditioner bonus for the end there.
- [27:48]
Rosalind Colgan
Do we have to be experienced singers or can we be novices?
- [27:53]
Caller
Novice is fine. You know, there's always a lot of. There's always a lot of folks around who are experienced and it's a very friendly, welcoming environment. So if you don't know what you're doing, no one's gonna look at you funny.
- [28:03]
Rosalind Colgan
That sounds so nice.
- [28:04]
David Fuerst
That is great. Thank you so much for sharing. If you would like to join the conversation as well, the number 212-433-9692. That's 212-433. WNYC. Let's hear from Gretchen in Pelham.
- [28:20]
Caller
Hey, good afternoon. Great show. By the way. Your book is fantastic. Thank you. And my pick, it's lovely. Just you're presenting it so beautifully.
- [28:29]
Rosalind Colgan
Thank you so much.
- [28:30]
Caller
My little pick is there's called Church of Sweden. There's actually a Swedish church in Manhattan. And you can have open face sandwiches and cinnamon buns and great coffee because, you know, I'm Swedish, my family is from Sweden. And it's just a lovely little sanctuary for, you know, those from the old country, shall we say. And you can bring books. It's a lovely place and it's beautiful. It's very beautiful.
- [28:59]
David Fuerst
Gretchen, thank you for sharing. Are you anxious about revealing this summer sanctuary of yours here?
- [29:06]
Caller
Oh, I'm sorry. It's on East 48. That sounds, I'm sorry, the location. I'm sorry.
- [29:12]
David Fuerst
No, I just want to make sure, you know, is it okay? I don't want to spoil your secret sanctuary there.
- [29:17]
Caller
Oh, that's true.
- [29:19]
Rosalind Colgan
You're right.
- [29:20]
David Fuerst
What have I done?
- [29:23]
Rosalind Colgan
Well, I have been and it is absolutely, it's gorgeous. Beautiful, beautiful architecture. The cinnamon buns, as she mentioned, are excellent. They have some really nice candies and drinks as well. Great spot to just kind of cool down and relax. If you're walking around, especially near fifth Avenue and kind of, maybe you're, maybe you're showing around tourists, maybe you're looking at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Maybe you're going to Rockefeller center and you need a little spot to relax. This is the one. I am curious to go to one of the church service and I asked about it when I visited but they told me everything is in Swedish so I won't understand anything. But I think it would be really interesting to go and see.
- [30:02]
David Fuerst
That sounds Wonderful. Join the Conversation 212-433-9692 Things to do in Manhattan in the Summertime Nancy from Bergen County, New Jersey, welcome.
- [30:14]
Caller
Hi. Thanks for having me. I wanted to tell people about a chorus that sings all summer long to prepare for a concert on a 911 memorial concert. We do it every year. This is the Schiller Institute NYC Chorus. It's community based. It's any total beginners to pros. Very welcoming again, very friendly environment. And this year we're going to be performing, I think on September 15th the requiem by Cherubini, which is not often done but is an amazing work. We will have an orchestra as well and we'd like to have as many singers as possible for this concert. We're also doing a couple of African American spirituals, which is one of our specialties as a chorus. And I know a lot of the choruses in the city don't rehearse during the summer, so it's an opportunity for people to keep on singing every week. The rehearsals are Thursday from 6:30 to 8 on West 66th street, and we also have sectional voice training before each rehearsal and on every other Monday.
- [31:33]
David Fuerst
Nancy, you sound busy this summer. If people would like some more information about that, is there a quick link you can send us or maybe we can just just look up the name of the chorus again. What is it?
- [31:45]
Caller
It's The Schiller Institute NYC Chorus or the website is sinychorus.com okay.
- [31:54]
David Fuerst
You have more things to do.
- [31:55]
Rosalind Colgan
That sounds so lovely and I love that you welcome beginners as well. A lot of good singing opportunities this summer for us to check out. We can drink some tea and get our voices ready.
- [32:05]
David Fuerst
And we're going to get to more of your calls in just a moment. 212-9692 we are speaking with Rosalynn Colgan. She is the author of Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. We're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer and I have to ask you about one of your tips here, one of your hidden items. This is a piece of the Berlin Wall, lives in Manhattan.
- [32:31]
Rosalind Colgan
That's right. This is in Kauski Plaza, which is Lower Manhattan. So believe it or not, you can experience a piece of the Berlin Wall without having to get on a flight. But this pie piece kind of shows the the brave artists who would paint on the Berlin Wall. So on the, on the west side, you'll see this piece by Thierry Noir. He's known for these head shaped drawings, really colorful. And on the back side, you'll see this white and gold piece by another artist, Kitty Sitney. It's this face that looks almost angelic. You can go visit this for free. I will say there's a little bit of construction around it right now, but you can still see both sides of it. And this really shows how imposing the Berlin Wall was meant to be. So it's 12ft tall, it's 8ft wide, it weighs nearly 3 tons. It helps to kind of show the history while you also get to experience the art. And this has been in New York since 2004. It stands as this symbol of democracy, but it's another one of these secrets that hides in plain sight. I talk about this one on my walking tour, and there's so often native New Yorkers say to me, I just never knew this was here. So once you see it, you know, you can't miss it. It's huge. But it's worth going and learning about the history and seeing the art.
- [33:45]
David Fuerst
Well, we're getting a lot of phone calls right now. I feel like I have to read a few texts quickly here. Maybe a speed round on the texts. 212-433-9692. Someone says McSorley's definitely one of New York's oldest taverns.
- [34:00]
Rosalind Colgan
Yeah, you gotta grab a beer at McSorley's. And some really interesting history there as well. So ask the bartenders about all the ephemera they have hanging at the bar.
- [34:08]
David Fuerst
Grant's Tomb, Riverside Park.
- [34:10]
Rosalind Colgan
Absolutely. Another fascinating one.
- [34:12]
David Fuerst
St. John the Divine says here one of the most spectacular places in all of New York City.
- [34:18]
Rosalind Colgan
Completely agree. The cathedral is stunning and absolutely massive. It is. When you go inside, it just, it keeps going and going and going.
- [34:26]
David Fuerst
A question here from Phyllis Saying, has anyone been to the Irish Potato Famine Museum in the Financial District on the Hudson River?
- [34:34]
Rosalind Colgan
I have. I actually mentioned my walking tours. I start the walking tours there. Oh, yeah. And it's fascinating. It's a really powerful memorial. It's been in New York since 2002. And one of the things that I think is so fascinating about it is it's not just, of course, commemorating the many people who died during the Irish Potato famine. But it is this call to action for us to think about ways that we can try to alleviate hunger in the world.
- [35:01]
David Fuerst
Some great quick ideas there. We will have a transcript up for this show, by the way, in case you're scrambling to take notes of all of these great ideas. We're talking about things to do in Manhattan, Manhattan this summer. Let's take another phone call if you would like to jump in as well. 212-433-9692. Let's hear from Michael in Brooklyn. Michael, are you there?
- [35:26]
Caller
Hello?
- [35:27]
David Fuerst
Hello. Welcome to all of it.
- [35:29]
Caller
Hi. So my mom was born in Manhattan and my dad was a professor in upstate and they married and they loved to climb this old tower across the Washington pedestrian bridge. I challenge you to find it on Google. I just spent the last five minutes looking. But the climb off of the thruway through a park, you have to get off the thruway on the Bronx or Bronx side and you climb up this amazing forest encased secret passageway like something out of the middle earth to get to the, to the landing of the bridge. And you can only get to the first entrance where it's closed. And this is where my dad instructed me to spread his ashes when he passed away at the age of 82. So, so one of those secret journey sanctuary places. If you want to find that stairway and go up to that bridge, it's last I knew it was closed, but it's, it's, I couldn't find it on Google. So here's a challenge.
- [36:31]
Rosalind Colgan
Well, that is a challenge and what a beautiful way to remember your father. If we are able to get out there, we'll be thinking of him.
- [36:38]
David Fuerst
Michael, thank you for sharing and let's take another call. Jerry in Manhattan. Welcome to all of it. Jerry, I think you might have your radio on in the background. Just make sure that the volume is.
- [36:54]
Caller
Turn the radio off.
- [36:56]
David Fuerst
Yeah. Jerry, did you have a suggestion?
- [37:00]
Caller
We're driving into Manhattan. But what I wanted to mention, after doing all that walking in Manhattan, at some point you might get hungry. So you, if you find yourself by Rao's Restaurant in East Harlem, 114th street and Pleasant Avenue. They were the original people that made the Rao sauce. And if you're lucky, if one of the people don't show up for dinner, they may see you. It only seats 45 and Woody Allen has a table there and a bunch of. The mayor used to have a table and a bunch of other celebrities.
- [37:46]
David Fuerst
Well, Jerry, thank you so much for sharing and please be careful driving. Hopefully you're not the one driving Right now. Let's take another call. Susan in Manhattan. What's your suggestion? Susan, are you there?
- [38:01]
Caller
Oh, my favorite activity as a child, second only to a good deal comic book, was riding in the first car at the front of the subway train right next to the engineer's cabinet to see the slight change from red to green, see the acceleration of the train going into the station and. No, sorry, decelerating, going uphill into the station and then accelerating, going downhill to the station.
- [38:41]
David Fuerst
What about that, Rosalind? Really, you know, that's like not one of the things we would immediately think about, like, oh, let me go ride the subway. But this is a great idea.
- [38:50]
Rosalind Colgan
I love that because so much of what I try to do with my work and with my book is helping us to slow down and appreciate these moments that make Manhattan such a special place. The subway, of course, is fundamental to our life as New Yorkers. And in Manhattan, I love riding the subway. It's been really too hot the past couple of weeks, so I've had my hand fan trying to fan myself and make the subway a bit more bearable. But thankfully, I think this weekend it'll be a little bit better. And the subway is music. I sometimes will even find myself just kind of closing my eyes and listening to the click clack of the rails. It is a moment to try to be meditative about it and experience the lights and the sounds in a new way.
- [39:33]
David Fuerst
I like how you're finding a way to bring subway meditation into your life. Yes. We're speaking with Rosalyn Colgan, the author of Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. And we are taking your calls. We're going to take a quick break. We'll get to more of your calls. The number 212-433-9692. That's 212-433-WNYC. As we're hearing your suggestions about things to do in Manhattan this summer. This is all of it on wny. This is all of it on wnyc. I'm David Fuerst in for Alison Stewart. We're here with Rosalind Colgan, the author of Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. And we're taking a lot of your calls about things to do in Manhattan this summer. And Rosalind, I wanted to get to a couple of texts right now. Someone writing in, Steve from Lynbrook, writing in to say it's not something people often think about when talking about Manhattan, but Central park lakes and ponds are often stocked and great for fishing and we have an additional note here saying that catch and release fishing is allowed at three locations in Central park, the Harlem Meer, Central Park Lake, Central Park Pond, Knots Turtle Pond, or the Reservoir. So some information there about fishing in Central Park. And we were just talking about the subway. A text here says, speaking of the subway, old City hall subway tours.
- [41:14]
Rosalind Colgan
Oh, yes, I have done it. This is the hottest ticket in New York City, but it's worth it.
- [41:19]
David Fuerst
Tell us about it.
- [41:19]
Rosalind Colgan
So what you're going to want to do is you need to become a member of the New York Transit Museum. That's the first step. And then the second step is you'll get on their email list and they'll email you when they're going to release tickets for the old City hall subway tours. These are like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets or Beyonce tickets. It's very difficult. So I tried twice. On my second try, I got the tickets. And then they will teach you about the history of the subway. And then when you go on the tour, they'll teach you more about this particular station and they'll take you into the station. It is absolutely exquisite. It truly is worth it. So beautiful. So, so beautiful. And doesn't look anything like the subway stations that we know today.
- [41:59]
David Fuerst
So the New York City Transit Museum conducts the tours you must be a member of to go on the tour. All right, let's get to another few of the items from your book, Secret New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Here's one. You're taking us to Roosevelt island, now an island technically within the borough of Manhattan, and you suggest that we check out some ruins?
- [42:22]
Rosalind Colgan
Yes. So there is the ruins of a smallpox hospital on Roosevelt Island. This is the southern part of the island. So. So, you know, it's easy for us to access Roosevelt island nowadays, but back in the 1800s, it was very remote, very hard to get there. And that is why it became the location for this smallpox hospital. So it was a place that people could go and try to get some help from doctors. It was then. It wasn't called Roosevelt island back then. It was called Blackwell's Island. And that was the nation's first smallpox hospital. So treated patients there. It's this massive Gothic Revival building. And as the smallpox vaccine became available, the hospital eventually turned into a nursing school. And then the building was abandoned. So after that time, time and vandals took their toll on the building. Which leaves us with the ruins that we have today. But they are stunning to see. They're behind a fence, of course, so you're going to want to look at them from the sidewalk level. And there's been proposals of people having ideas of maybe how to they might want to restore them or, you know, put kind of a park there. I don't know if those will go anywhere. We'll see. But it's amazing to see the ruins and look at this kind of Gothic cathedral almost just sort of crumbling before our eyes.
- [43:36]
David Fuerst
Do you have any other advice for enjoying a day on Roosevelt Island?
- [43:39]
Rosalind Colgan
Absolutely. So I love taking the tram over. It can be busy during the summer, but it's absolutely worth it. The views are extraordinary. And then there's a hotel on Roosevelt island, the Graduate. And they have a rooftop bar called the Panorama Room. And you'll get a stunning view of the Queensborough Grove Bridge and Manhattan. They have some great cocktails and food as well. So make a day of it.
- [44:03]
David Fuerst
Okay. And talking about food, here's another tip from your list to the Upper east side. An old school establishment, the Lexington Candy Shop.
- [44:12]
Rosalind Colgan
That's right. So Lexington Candy Shop is you're going to find it on Lexington at 83rd on the upper east side. And it's really a time capsule when you step in, it feels like New York from another era. The restaurant itself dates back to 1925, so it's got a birthday this year celebrating a century. Yeah. So very cool. But great diner food. You can get your BLTs, your egg creams, your omelets, what have you. But what you really want to order is Coca Cola. And if you can get a seat at the counter, I would recommend it because you'll get to see the staff make the Coca Cola. So they're not just cracking open a bottle or a can, they are making it. They will put some Coconut Coke syrup in your glass and then they have this old school lever that they pull to put the seltzer in. They have a long spoon and they're stirring it the whole time. It tastes a little different than what you probably are familiar with today, but equally as delicious. It's kind of smoother, slightly less carbonated, in my opinion. It's apparently what the original Coca Cola tasted like. So it's delicious. We're showing you.
- [45:19]
David Fuerst
And decide for yourself.
- [45:20]
Rosalind Colgan
Cooling down with a nice Coca Cola.
- [45:21]
David Fuerst
That's the Lexington Candy Shop on the Upper east side. And let's get to a few more phone calls here. We still have a lot of calls coming through if you want to join. 212-433-9692. We're talking about things to do in Manhattan this summer. Let's hear from Neil in Brooklyn. Welcome.
- [45:42]
Caller
Hi. It is so great to hear about.
- [45:44]
David Fuerst
This and learn about these events.
- [45:45]
Caller
And I myself publish a newsletter about arts and cultural events. I usually recommend events in Brooklyn, though, so I'm learning from you. But here are some Manhattan ideas. The Hudson Classical Theatre Company is another live theater in the park. In this case Riverside Park. They perform right by the Soldiers and Sealers monument on 89th street and Riverside Drive. Right now, they're performing Sense and Sensibility.
- [46:11]
David Fuerst
By Jane Austen through this Sunday.
- [46:14]
Rosalind Colgan
Oh, that sounds like a blast. I've got to go. I love that area of the park.
- [46:19]
David Fuerst
Well, thank you so much for that suggestion. Let's get to a couple of more before we wrap up here. Caroline, also Caroline in Manhattan. Welcome.
- [46:28]
Rosalind Colgan
Hi there.
- [46:29]
Caller
I love going to brunch spots, especially when my family's in town or new friends are in town. And I'd have to say my favorite place, they have a few locations of these, but it's called two Hands. I don't know if you guys have ever been. It's a very. It's a small, like, Australian style menu, and they just had. I'm a big fan of avocado toast everywhere. Every single brunch place I go, it's always avocado toast. And they have the best avocado toast.
- [46:54]
Rosalind Colgan
I've ever had in my life.
- [46:58]
Caller
Oh, my gosh, it's so good. My mom and I recently went. She was visiting in the city, and I took her and, like, she's a picky eater, kind of, so she. She even approved of it. And we got these, like, chili lime fries to share as well. And let me tell you, like, that's.
- [47:11]
Rosalind Colgan
What we started on first.
- [47:12]
Caller
We didn't even go to our, like, main courses. We just, like, devoured those. So good, so flavorful. I'm not a big fan of spices.
- [47:19]
Rosalind Colgan
Really, but these were.
- [47:20]
Caller
This was like, the perfect amount of, like, lime and chili. And then, like, the fries were super crisp and, like, easy to eat, like chips. It was just like a 10 out of 10 restaurant.
- [47:30]
Rosalind Colgan
It's a 10 out of 10.
- [47:31]
David Fuerst
Well, you did a. Oh, my gosh. And a. Let me tell you. So I know that it's serious.
- [47:36]
Rosalind Colgan
It's lunchtime. We're both hungry now.
- [47:38]
David Fuerst
It's called two hands with food.
- [47:41]
Caller
Yeah, Two hands. Yes. Two hands is really good.
- [47:44]
David Fuerst
Okay, thank you very much. Let's hear from Paul in Midtown. Do you have a suggestion for Manhattan in the summer?
- [47:53]
Caller
Yes, thanks for having me. It's Cabrini Shrine up by the cloisters. And it's right on the A train 190. You have to stop. Instead of going right to the cloisters, go left to Cabrini Shrine. And she was the immigrant saint. And her bones are in the altar. You can see the wax effigy of her. And there are about eight of her bones. And the interior of the shrine is absolutely wonderful. It's 1960s Italian mosaic. And they also have concerts on the lawn and wonderful free concerts inside the chapel there. And also a museum. Very fascinating. She was the first American female St. Paul.
- [48:36]
David Fuerst
Thank you so much. I'm going to need the transcript from today's show because there's a lot of really cool things that we're hearing about things to do in Manhattan this summer. Oh, I think we have time for another call or two. Let's hear from Julie in Norwalk. Welcome to all of it.
- [48:52]
Caller
Hi. This isn't an event so much as something to make sure that you notice. A few months ago I took the shuttle from Grand Central over to Times Square and the mosaics on the wall in the Times Square station are absolutely incredible. They look like they're three dimensional. And my friend and I were there and we actually started walking over to them because it was so hard to believe that these things were just flat mosaics. They are definitely worth seeing. It's worth going into the subway just to see the mosaics.
- [49:36]
David Fuerst
That's great. Thank you so much. And we have time for. Oh, let's hear from Toby. Welcome to all of it.
- [49:43]
Caller
Hi. I'm suggesting that people go online and look for walk tours of New York City. There are a lot of good lists. TripAdvisor has a place. Bunch of walking tours. I went recently with a person, he does his own private tours. His name is James Burke. D U R K E We went to Lower Manhattan and gave us the history of Old Dutch New York. A while ago I went to a walking tour of Red Hook and learned about the history and a lot of the buildings there. It's a really fun thing to do. A lot of them are free. You might end up in areas you didn't know existed. And. And you'll hear a lot of interesting history about the city.
- [50:27]
David Fuerst
Toby, thank you so much for that suggestion. And Rosalind, I know you're going to be quick to back up that idea of going for some walking tours.
- [50:34]
Rosalind Colgan
I love walking tours and I'm leading walking tours this summer. Related to my book.
- [50:39]
David Fuerst
Tell us about them.
- [50:39]
Rosalind Colgan
Secrets of Lower Manhattan is the tour that I'm hosting for the summer season. If you're interested in getting tickets, the website is secretnewyorkcitybook.com you can also purchase a copy of the book there if you're interested. I'm doing tours on July 26, August 2, September 6 on Saturday mornings, so we'll see several secrets of Lower Manhattan, take a nice stroll and each ticket for the tour comes with a signed copy of the book as well, so you can explore even after the tour.
- [51:07]
David Fuerst
Very cool. And again, the book is called New York A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. We have been speaking with the author Rosalind Colgan, also write for Time Out New York. And thank you so much for being with us today. And thanks everybody for all of the incredible suggestions about things to do in Manhattan.
- [51:27]
Rosalind Colgan
It has been my pleasure. I'm so excited it's Friday so we can all get out there for the weekend and enjoy some of these ideas.
- [51:32]
David Fuerst
Let's go. I'm Ira Flato, host of Science Friday. For over 30 years, our team has been reporting high quality news about science, technology and medicine. News you won't get anywhere else. And now that political news is 24 7, our audience is turning to us to know about about the really important stuff in their lives. Cancer, Climate change, Genetic engineering, childhood diseases. Our sponsors know the value of science and health news. For more sponsorship information, visit sponsorship. Wnyc. Org.