Top New York travel tips? Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today, or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend. Check out the Spotlight on Orchids show at New York Botanical Garden, take a Winter Sound Walk at Brooklyn’s botanic garden, attend a virtual red carpet at a Golden Globes party or head out for some amazing art around the city. Whatever you do, don’t forget a mask and to socially distance.

While the actors sang with marvelously crisp voices, especially the breathtaking performance by firecracker Eric Huffman (Damien) who displayed his vocal talent with an impressive amount of dancing, Casey Nicholaw took a remarkable route on the choreography. Instead of focusing on the skill and technique of the individual dancer, Nicholaw distorted the entire shape of the stage in a kaleidoscope of arms, pictures, and a clockwork of movement by the ensemble as one unit. Overall, every impression was given through the defining movement by each dancer onstage to craft Mean Girls into the innovative modern theatre it is.

Vaccination availability has been poor so far. Places have no appointments even for seniors as myself. Given this and the aforementioned reluctance of some, we may see another lost summer here with closings, etc. We had hopes things might be under control, but that seems not the case. Dr. Fauci, a leading government expert in the field, mentioned that things might not return to normal until the fall of 2021. Whether new variants arise that will be resistant to the current vaccines is another concern. Read more details on Travel to New York 2021.

An exciting new attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets. This unique linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species. In spring many of these come into bloom. The park is lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city. This oasis on Manhattan’s West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access. Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city’s architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations, benches, and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city. The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it’s still a peaceful retreat.

Since 1987, this diner is home to an incredible waitstaff of singers and dancers. Between tours and musical performances, actors and actresses wait tables at Ellen’s, where they belt out songs as they serve you slightly pricey, very American diner food (think shakes, burgers, and lasagna) in uniforms from the 1950s. It’s incredibly cheesy! Right near City Hall (see the next entry), the Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. You get a lot of wonderful views of downtown as you make your way across (and especially from the park). I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. See even more details at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k13476134-New_York_in_Summer_2021_What_should_I_be_aware_of-New_York_City_New_York.html.